In-office magnetic resonance imaging to monitor responses to therapy in rheumatoid arthritis.
Low-field extremity magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been developed as an alternative method for detecting inflammatory changes and structural damage associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Studies have shown that extremity MRI is able to predict future joint damage in patients with early RA and is more sensitive than conventional radiography at detecting joint erosions. This report uses four different cases to illustrate how extremity MRI can be used to monitor disease activity and inform treatment decisions during the management of RA in the routine clinical practice setting.
Gaylis
Norman B
NB
Department of Rheumatology, Arthritis and Rheumatic Disease Specialties, 21097 NE 27th, Court Suite 200, Aventura, FL 31180, USA. ngaylis@aol.com
Needell
Steven D
SD
D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D058846:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D000069285:Infliximab; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008727:Methotrexate / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008875:Middle Aged; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic / Q000379:methods*; D011241:Prednisone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000069283:Rituximab; D013585:Synovitis / Q000473:pathology
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D058846:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents; D000069283:Rituximab; D000069285:Infliximab; D011241:Prednisone; D008727:Methotrexate