title: Diagnosis of periarticular osteoporosis in rheumatoid arthritis using digital X-ray radiogrammetry.
abstract: Osteoporosis can manifest in two ways in rheumatoid arthritis: generalized bone loss, which may result from immobility, the inflammatory process per se and/or treatments such as steroids; and periarticular demineralization, which is probably due to local release of inflammatory agents. Digital X-ray radiogrammetry (DXR) is an effective and sensitive modality for monitoring periarticular osteoporosis, which is among the earliest features of rheumatoid arthritis, preceding bone erosions. DXR is a promising technique, which can provide quantitative data that allow early diagnosis. During the course of rheumatoid arthritis it can be deployed in combination with established X-ray scoring methods to inform decisions regarding the optimal therapy to prevent joint destruction.
authors.forename: Joachim
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Böttcher
authors.forename: Alexander
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Pfeil
mesh_terms: D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000150:complications*; D015519:Bone Density; D003936:Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted; D006801:Humans; D050279:Metacarpal Bones / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology*; D011856:Radiographic Image Enhancement