Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Hand and Wrist: Comparison of Three Imaging Techniques

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Abstract
OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to compare the relative results from conventional high-field-strength 1.5-T MRI, 0.2-T low-field-strength dedicated extremity MRI, and radiography to detect and grade bone erosions, joint-space narrowing, and synovitis in the hands and wrists of patients with rheumatoid arthritis.SUBJECTS AND METHODS. Eighteen patients with rheumatoid arthritis underwent conventional high-field-strength MRI, low-field-strength dedicated extremity MRI, and conventional radiography of both hands and wrists. Two independent reviewers searched for the presence and extent of bone erosions, joint-space narrowing, and synovitis. Bone erosions (E scores) and joint-space narrowing (J scores) were evaluated at 14 and 13 sites, respectively, on conventional high-field-strength MRI, low-field-strength dedicated extremity MRI, and radiography, using the Sharp-Genant scoring system. Synovitis (S scores) were evaluated at 13 sites on conventional high-field-strength MRI and low-field-strength ded...