Imaging of seronegative spondyloarthritis.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasonography (US) are useful adjuncts in the diagnosis of seronegative spondyloarthritides (SpA); a group of diseases that present early at a stage when radiographic assessment is invariably normal. This chapter will review how MRI and US can be used in the evaluation of early SpA. The diffuse osteitis/enthesitis on MRI may serve as a diagnostic hallmark for SpA spinal disease, but needs confirmatory studies for comparison with other spinal pathologies. MRI is the modality of choice for monitoring axial disease in anti-tumour necrosis factor (TNF) therapy responses in the research environment, but it is not yet certain whether this will be relevant in clinical practice. Anti-TNF therapy may be associated with regression of MRI-determined osteitis, but retardation of associated bony fusion is debatable. MRI and US are still undergoing evaluation for the diagnosis of enthesitis of the appendicular skeleton; US, in particular, shows promise at these sites.
Tan
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Academic Unit of Musculoskeletal Disease, University of Leeds and Chapel Allerton Hospital, Leeds, UK.
McGonagle
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D
D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000276:immunology; D042241:Early Diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D025241:Spondylarthritis / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis*; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000379:methods*
D001323:Autoantibodies