title: [Imaging of inflammatory back pain].
abstract: We recommend magnetic resonance imaging of the sacroiliac joints as the first line imaging method in suspected inflammatory back disorder. Plain X-ray can be taken from those over 35 years of age. A nonconclusive finding in plain X-ray should be verified by MR imaging. For the present, diagnostic criteria for spondylarthritis do not take into account spinal changes. Typical spinal findings can, however, be helpful in making treatment decisions. In case the spinal region MR imaging should be utilized if possible, because radiography is particularly insensitive for thoracic spine. After a confirmed diagnosis, the inflammatory nature of the condition can usually be assessed clinically.
authors.affiliation: TAYS, kuvantamiskeskus, radiologian osasto.
authors.forename: Petra
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Elo
authors.forename: Leena
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Laasonen
authors.forename: Irma
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Soini
authors.forename: Riitta
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Luosujärvi
authors.forename: Martina
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lohman
authors.forename: Leena
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Paimela
authors.forename: Raija
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Mikkonen
authors.forename: Eeva
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Alasaarela
authors.forename: Ilkka
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Hannila
authors.forename: Krista-Liisa
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Vidqvist
authors.forename: Markku
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kauppi
authors.forename: Dan
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Nordstöm
mesh_terms: D001416:Back Pain / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D012446:Sacroiliac Joint / Q000473:pathology; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D025241:Spondylarthritis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology