Magnetic resonance imaging of the wrist in early rheumatoid arthritis: A pictorial essay

Authors: Stewart N.R.; McQueen F.M.; Crabbe J.P.

Source: Australasian Radiology, Volume 45, Number 3, August 2001 , pp. 268-273(6)

Publisher: Blackwell Publishing

Key:

- Free Content

- New Content

- Subscribed Content

- Free Trial Content

Abstract:

SUMMARY

This pictorial essay describes the changes seen in the wrist in early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) on MRI. Magnetic resonance imaging can demonstrate bone erosions, bone marrow signal changes, synovitis and tenosynovitis in early rheumatoid arthritis. Magnetic resonance imaging of the wrist can identify erosions in RA earlier than plain radiographs and can detect more erosions. Common sites include the capitate, lunate and scaphoid. Bone marrow signal changes occur frequently and are most common in the capitate, lunate and triquetrum. Synovial thickening and enhancement are clearly demonstrated with MRI and are most commonly seen in the radiocarpal joint (RCJ). Tenosynovitis can be seen in the wrist in more than half of patients presenting with RA. This most commonly involves the extensor carpi ulnaris tendon and is seen as sheath fluid, thickening and enhancement.

Keywords: magnetic resonance imaging; rheumatoid arthritis; wrist

Language: English

Document Type: Research article

The full text article is temporarily unavailable.

We apologise for the inconvenience. Please try again later.