Are Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients Discernible from Other Early Arthritis Patients Using 1.5T Extremity Magnetic Resonance Imaging? A Large Cross-sectional Study

Intermetatarsal Bursitis, a Novel Feature of Juxtaarticular Inflammation in Early Rheumatoid Arthritis Related to Clinical Signs: Results of a Longitudinal Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study

OBJECTIVE

Intermetatarsal bursae in the forefeet possess a synovial lining similar to joints and tendon sheaths. Inflammation of these bursae (intermetatarsal bursitis [IMB]) was recently identified as specific for early rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The present study was undertaken to determine if IMB is indeed an RA feature by assessing the following: 1) the association with other local inflammatory measures (synovitis, tenosynovitis, and osteitis), 2) the association with clinical signs, and 3) whether it responds to disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) therapy similarly to other local inflammatory measures.

METHODS

One hundred fifty-seven consecutive early RA patients underwent unilateral contrast-enhanced 1.5T forefoot magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at diagnosis. MRIs were evaluated for IMB presence and for synovitis, tenosynovitis, and osteitis in line with the RA MRI Scoring (RAMRIS) system (summed as RAMRIS inflammation). MRIs at 4, 12, and 24 months were evaluated for IMB presence and size in patients who had IMB at baseline and received early DMARD therapy. Logistic regression and generalized estimating equations were used. Anti-citrullinated protein antibody (ACPA) stratification was performed.

RESULTS

Sixty-nine percent of RA patients had ≥1 IMB. In multivariable analysis on bursa level, presence of IMB was independently associated with local presence of synovitis and tenosynovitis, with odds ratios (OR) of 1.69 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.12, 2.57) and 2.83 (95% CI 1.80, 4.44), respectively, but not osteitis. On the patient level, IMB presence was most strongly associated with tenosynovitis (OR 2.92 [95% CI 1.62, 5.24]). IMB presence was associated with local joint swelling (OR 2.7 [95% CI 1.3, 5.3]) and tenderness (OR 1.7 [95% CI 1.04, 2.9]) independent of RAMRIS inflammation. During treatment, IMB size decreased between 0 and 12 months. This decrease associated with decrease in RAMRIS inflammation, which was driven by synovitis decrease. Within ACPA-positive and ACPA-negative RA, similar results were obtained.

CONCLUSION

IMB particularly accompanies inflammation of the synovial lining of joints and tendon sheaths, showed a similar treatment response after DMARD initiation, and associates with typical clinical signs. These findings suggest that IMB represents a frequently present novel RA feature of juxtaarticular synovial inflammation.

Tenosynovitis has a high sensitivity for early ACPA-positive and ACPA-negative RA: a large cross-sectional MRI study

OBJECTIVES

Clinically evident tenosynovitis can be seen in established rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Imaging research has recently shown that tenosynovitis at small joints occurs in early RA, contributes to typical RA symptoms (including joint swelling) and is infrequent in healthy controls. Imaging-detectable tenosynovitis is often not recognisable at joint examination, hence its prevalence can therefore be underestimated. We hypothesised that if MRI-detectable tenosynovitis is a true RA feature, the sensitivity for RA is high, in both anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA)-positive and ACPA-negative RA, and lower in other diseases that are associated with enthesitis (such as spondyloarthritis (SpA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA)). So far, no large MRI study addressed these questions.

METHODS

Consecutive patients with early arthritis (n=1211) from one healthcare region underwent contrast-enhanced 1.5T MRI of hand and foot at diagnosis. MRIs were scored for synovitis and tenosynovitis by two readers blinded for clinical data. All included patients with ACPA-positive RA (n=250), ACPA-negative RA (n=282), PsA (n=88), peripheral SpA (n=24), reactive arthritis (n=30) and self-limiting undifferentiated arthritis (UA; n=76) were studied. Sensitivity was calculated.

RESULTS

The sensitivity of tenosynovitis in RA was 85%; 88% for ACPA-positive RA and 82% for and ACPA-negative RA (p=0.19). The sensitivity for RA was significantly higher than for PsA (65%; p=0.001), SpA (53%; p<0.001), reactive arthritis (36%; p<0.001) and self-limiting UA (42%; p<0.001). The observed sensitivity of MRI synovitis was 91% in RA and ranged from 83% to 54% in other groups.

CONCLUSIONS

MRI-detected tenosynovitis has a high sensitivity for early ACPA-positive and ACPA-negative RA. This supports that both juxta-articular (tenosynovitis) and intra-articular synovial involvement is characteristic of RA.

Contemporary imaging of rheumatoid arthritis: Clinical role of ultrasound and MRI

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS) are sensitive imaging modalities used by clinicians to assist in decision-making in the management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This review will examine the utility of MRI and MSUS in diagnosing RA, predicting RA flares, tapering therapy, assessing remission, and examining difficult periarticular features. We will also outline the strengths and weaknesses of utilizing MRI and MSUS as outcome measures in the management of RA.

Detection of inflammation from finger temperature profile in rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory tissue disease that leads to cartilage, bone, and periarticular tissue damage. This study aimed to investigate whether the use of infrared thermography and measurement of temperature profiles along the hand fingers could detect the inflammation and improve the diagnostic accuracy of the cold provocation test (0 °C for 5 s) and rewarming test (23 °C for180 s) in RA patients. Thirty RA patients (mean age = 49.5 years, standard deviation = 13.0 years) and 22 controls (mean age = 49.8 years, standard deviation = 7.5 years) were studied. Outcomes were the minimal and maximal: baseline temperature (T1), the temperature post-cooling (T2), the temperature post-rewarming (T3), and the Tmax-Tmin along the axis of each finger. The statistical significance was observed for the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and ring finger post-cooling and post-rewarming. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis to distinguish between the two groups revealed that for the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and ring finger, the area under the ROC curve was statistically significantly (p < 0.05) post-cooling. The cold provocation test used in this study discriminates between RA patients and controls and detects an inflammation in RA patients by the measurement of temperature profiles along the fingers using an infrared camera. Graphical abstract.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Bilateral Hands Is More Optimal Than MRI of Unilateral Hands for Rheumatoid Arthritis

OBJECTIVE

To explore the advantages of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of bilateral hands in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

METHODS

Consecutive patients with active RA were recruited for clinical assessments, radiographs, and MRI of bilateral hands. Bilateral hands were scanned simultaneously on 3.0 T whole-body MRI system and were scored on synovitis, osteitis, and bone erosion according to the RA MRI scoring (RAMRIS) system.

RESULTS

Among 120 patients included, wrist bones and metacarpophalangeal joint (MCPJ) 2 proximal showed bone erosion in early RA. The second to fifth metacarpal bases and the second to fourth MCPJ distal showed more bone erosion in mid-stage or late-stage RA. When MRI of dominant unilateral hand was analyzed, MRI synovitis and osteitis in 5% of wrists and 3 MRI features in 5-14% of MCPJ were misdiagnosed (McNemar test, all p < 0.05). There were 46% wrist synovitis, 29-52% MCPJ2-5 synovitis, 45% wrist osteitis, and 20%-34% MCPJ2-5 osteitis not detected by joint tenderness and/or swelling. When the clinically more severe hand was selected for MRI of unilateral hand according to physical examination, MRI synovitis in 5% of wrists and 3 MRI features in 7-15% of MCPJ were misdiagnosed (all p < 0.05). Scatter plots and linear regression analyses were used to illustrate RAMRIS between dominant or selected hand (Y values) and nondominant or nonselected hand (X values). All linear models were markedly different from a Y = X linear model, indicating the dominant or clinically more severe hand could not represent the contralateral hand to evaluate RAMRIS.

CONCLUSION

MRI of bilateral hands is more optimal than MRI of the unilateral hand in RA.

Clinical utility of eco-color-power Doppler ultrasonography and contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging for interpretation and quantification of joint synovitis: a review

With the introduction of new biologics such as anti-TNF-alpha antibodies and other therapies in the treatment of inflammatory arthritis, capable of halting joint destruction and functional disability, there are new pressures on diagnostic and prognostic imaging. Early demonstration of pre-erosive inflammatory features and monitoring of the long-term effects of treatment are becoming increasingly important. Early detection of synovitis offers advantages in terms of allowing early instigation of therapy and may allow the identification of those patients displaying more aggressive disease who might benefit from early intervention with expensive DMARD therapy. Advanced imaging techniques such as ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have focussed on the demonstration and quantification of synovitis and allow early diagnosis of inflammatory arthropathies such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Synovitis represents a potential surrogate measure of disease activity that can be monitored using either MRI or US; the techniques have, generally, focused on monitoring synovial volume or quality as assessed by its vascularity. However to achieve these goals, standardisation and validation of US and MRI are required to ensure accurate diagnosis, reproducibility and reliability. Each modality has different strengths and weaknesses and levels of validation. This article aims to increase the awareness of radiologists and rheumatologists about this field and to encourage them to participate and contribute to the ongoing development of these modalities. Without this collaboration, it is unlikely that these modalities will reach their full potential in the field of rheumatological imaging. This review is in two parts. The first part addresses the role of US and colour or power Doppler sonography (PDUS) in the detection and monitoring of synovitis in inflammatory arthropathies. The second part will look at advanced MR imaging and Dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI techniques and in particular how they are applied to the monitoring of the disease process.

Magnetic resonance imaging in individuals at risk of rheumatoid arthritis

Individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) benefit from early diagnosis and initiation of therapy. There can be delays in both due to diagnostic uncertainties. Imaging modalities, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), can detect inflammation earlier than clinical examination alone in early RA patients. Furthermore, the predictive role of MRI for the future development of RA has recently been explored in 'at-risk' individuals. This review details the use of MRI in early and undifferentiated arthritis and summarises the studies to date in individuals at risk of RA.

Evaluation of the diagnostic accuracy of hand and foot MRI for early Rheumatoid Arthritis

Objectives

To assess the diagnostic value of MRI for early RA. In some RA patients, a classifiable diagnosis cannot be made at first presentation; these patients present with unclassified arthritis (UA). The use of MRI for early diagnosis of RA is recommended, yet the evidence for its reliability is limited.

Methods

MRI of hand and foot was performed in 589 early arthritis patients included in the Leiden Early Arthritis Clinic (229 presented with RA, 159 with other arthritides and 201 with UA). Symptom-free controls provided a reference for defining an abnormal MRI. In preliminary investigations, MRI of patients who presented with RA was compared with MRI of symptom-free controls and of patients with other arthritides. Thereafter, the value of MRI in early RA diagnosis was determined in UA patients using the 1-year follow-up on fulfilling the 1987 RA criteria and start of disease-modifying drugs as outcomes.

Results

Preliminary investigations were promising. Of the UA patients, 14% developed RA and 37% started disease-modifying treatment. MRI-detected tenosynovitis was associated with RA development independent of other types of MRI-detected inflammation [odds ratio (OR) = 7.5, 95% CI: 2.4, 23] and also independent of age and other inflammatory measures (swollen joints, CRP) (OR = 4.2, 95% CI: 1.4, 12.9). Within UA patients, the negative predictive value of abnormal tenosynovitis was 95% (95% CI: 89%, 98%) and the positive predictive value 25% (95% CI: 17%, 35%). The performance was best in the subgroup of UA patients presenting with oligoarthritis (18% developed RA): the positive predictive value was 36% (95% CI: 23%, 52%), the negative predictive value was 98% (95% CI: 88%, 100%), the sensitivity was 93% (95% CI: 70%, 99%) and the specificity was 63% (95% CI: 51%, 74%).

Conclusion

MRI contributes to the identification of UA patients who will develop RA, mostly in UA patients presenting with oligoarthritis.

Conventional Radiology in Rheumatoid Arthritis

In clinical practice, the conventional radiography is still the radiologic method for the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Moreover, it provides a quick overview of the symptomatic joints to narrow the differential diagnosis and to evaluate progression. RA is a polyarticular disease with bilateral and symmetric involvement of the peripheral joints, especially small joints, and less frequently, the cervical spine. The radiologic features are soft tissue swelling, periarticular osteoporosis, erosions, loss of joint space, and in advanced disease, osteolysis and typical subluxations or deformities, such as ulnar deviation.

Diagnostic value of a 3-day course of prednisolone in patients with possible rheumatoid arthritis - the TryCort study

Background

In patients with tender and swollen finger joints, the differential diagnosis between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA) of the hands can be initially difficult. This prospective study (the TryCort study) was performed to study the diagnostic value of prednisolone in differentiating between RA and hand OA. We present the results of this potentially diagnostic test in patients with possible RA in daily clinical practice by demonstrating the results of a pilot and a validation part of this ‘prednisolone test’ (pred-test).

Methods

We investigated the response to a 3-day course of 20 mg of prednisolone in patients with suspicion of RA. All patients received 1 g of paracetamol per day for 5 days for pain relief. On days 3–5, a morning dose of 20 mg of prednisolone was added. Hand pain was quantified on a 0–10 Numerical Rating Scale, and the subjective percentage of improvement (0–100%) was recorded. Thresholds for response to prednisolone were investigated in a pilot phase with differentiation in response between patients with RA and patients with OA of the hands, both with pain in the hands ≥4. In a validation phase, the best differentiating cut-off of the pilot phase was applied to discriminate responders from non-responders in consecutive patients with hand pain ≥4 referred because of suspected RA. Final diagnoses were made by the expert upon re-examination at week 12. Primary outcomes were the sensitivity and specificity of a positive test in relation to the diagnosis.

Results

A percentage of 40% subjective improvement of pain in the hands on day 3 discriminated best between RA and OA in the pilot phase. Among 95 patients with complete data in the validation phase, RA was diagnosed in about 50%. Patients with RA had more swollen joints, higher C-reactive protein levels and slightly higher Health Assessment Questionnaire scores. The pred-test was positive in 42.1% of all patients (40 of 95). The median percentage of improvement on day 5 was higher in RA than in non-RA: 50% (IQR 30–60%) vs. 20% (IQR 10–30%) (p < 0.001). The sensitivity and specificity of the pred-test were 0.6 (95% CI 0.5–0.8) and 0.8 (95% CI 0.7–0.9), respectively, and the positive and negative predictive values were 0.77 and 0.70, respectively.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this is the first evaluation of the widely used pred-test that has ever been performed. The pred-test had a moderate sensitivity and a good specificity. We conclude that rheumatologists may use this test in unclear clinical situations to better differentiate between inflammatory and other conditions.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01395251. Registered on 14 Jul 2011.

EudraCT number: 2011-002633-19. Registered on 21 Dec 2011.

Rheumatoid arthritis: what do MRI and ultrasound show

Rheumatoid arthritis is the most common inflammatory arthritis, affecting approximately 1% of the world’s population. Its pathogenesis has not been completely understood. However, there is evidence that the disease may involve synovial joints, subchondral bone marrow as well as intra- and extraarticular fat tissue, and may lead to progressive joint destruction and disability. Over the last two decades, significant improvement in its prognosis has been achieved owing to new strategies for disease management, the emergence of new biologic therapies and better utilization of conventional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. Prompt diagnosis and appropriate therapy have been recognized as essential for improving clinical outcomes in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis. Despite the potential of ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging to visualize all tissues typically involved in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis, the diagnosis of early disease remains difficult due to limited specificity of findings. This paper summarizes the pathogenesis phenomena of rheumatoid arthritis and describes rheumatoid arthritis-related features of the disease within the synovium, subchondral bone marrow and articular fat tissue on MRI and ultrasound. Moreover, the paper aims to illustrate the significance of MRI and ultrasound findings in rheumatoid arthritis in the diagnosis of subclinical and early inflammation, and the importance of MRI and US in the follow-up and establishing remission. Finally, we also discuss MRI of the spine in rheumatoid arthritis, which may help assess the presence of active inflammation and complications.

Recommendations for the use of ultrasound and magnetic resonance in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVE

To develop evidence-based recommendations on the use of ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

METHODS

Recommendations were generated following a nominal group technique. A panel of experts, consisting of 15 rheumatologists and 3 radiologists, was established in the first panel meeting to define the scope and purpose of the consensus document, as well as chapters, potential recommendations and systematic literature reviews (we used and updated those from previous EULAR documents). A first draft of recommendations and text was generated. Then, an electronic Delphi process (2 rounds) was carried out. Recommendations were voted from 1 (total disagreement) to 10 (total agreement). We defined agreement if at least 70% of experts voted ≥7. The level of evidence and grade or recommendation was assessed using the Oxford Centre for Evidence-based Medicine Levels of Evidence. The full text was circulated and reviewed by the panel. The consensus was coordinated by an expert methodologist.

RESULTS

A total of 20 recommendations were proposed. They include the validity of US and MRI regarding inflammation and damage detection, diagnosis, prediction (structural damage progression, flare, treatment response, etc.), monitoring and the use of US guided injections/biopsies.

CONCLUSIONS

These recommendations will help clinicians use US and MRI in RA patients.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Detected Features of Inflammation and Erosions in Symptom-Free Persons From the General Population

OBJECTIVE

The use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-detected inflammation and joint damage in the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis is recommended by a European League Against Rheumatism imaging task force. This recommendation is based on the sensitivity of MRI and not on specificity. Knowledge of the prevalence of MRI-detected features in symptom-free persons, however, is pivotal when considering MRI for diagnostic purposes.

METHODS

From November 2013 to December 2014, 196 symptom-free persons of different ages were recruited from the general population. Inclusion criteria were no history of inflammatory arthritis, no joint symptoms during the previous month, and no clinically detectable arthritis on physical examination. Contrast-enhanced MRIs of the dominant metacarpophalangeal (MCP), wrist, and metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joints were obtained using a 1.5T scanner and scored by 2 readers for synovitis, bone marrow edema, tenosynovitis, and erosions. For analyses at the joint level, MRI-detected inflammation was considered present if both readers scored the image as positive.

RESULTS

Of 193 persons scanned (ages 19-89 years), only 28% had no single inflammatory feature and 22% had no erosions. Primarily low-grade features were observed. All MRI features were positively correlated with age (P < 0.001). Preferential locations for synovitis were MCP2, MCP3, the wrists, and MTP1. Bone marrow edema was frequently present in MCP3, the scaphoid, and MTP1. Tenosynovitis was infrequent, except for in the extensor carpi ulnaris. Preferential locations for erosions were MCP2, MCP3, MCP5, the distal ulna, MTP1, and MTP5. Tables with age-, location-, and inflammation type-dependent frequencies were constructed. Simultaneous colocalized presence of synovitis, bone marrow edema, tenosynovitis, or erosions occurred.

CONCLUSION

MRI-detected inflammation and erosions are prevalent in symptom-free persons from the general population, especially at older ages and at preferential locations.

MRI-detected osteitis is not associated with the presence or level of ACPA alone, but with the combined presence of ACPA and RF

Background

In rheumatoid arthritis (RA) bone marrow edema (BME, osteitis) and anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA) are associated with radiographic progression. ACPA have been associated with BME, but it is unknown if this association is confined to ACPA and BME. We performed cross-sectional analysis of the association of ACPA, rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-carbamylated protein (anti-CarP) antibodies with BME and other types of inflammation (synovitis, tenosynovitis) detected by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Methods

Disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD)-naïve patients with early arthritis (n = 589), included in the Leiden Early Arthritis Clinic cohort, underwent contrast-enhanced 1.5 T MRI of unilateral wrist, metacarpophalangeal and metatarsophalangeal-joints at baseline. BME, synovitis and tenosynovitis were scored by two readers. ACPA, rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-CarP were determined at baseline.

Results

In univariable analyses ACPA-positive patients had higher BME scores than ACPA-negative patients (median 4.5 vs. 2.0, p < 0.001), but not more synovitis and tenosynovitis. Also RF (median 3.75 vs. 2.0, p < 0.001) and anti-CarP antibodies (median 3.5 vs. 2.5, p = 0.012) were associated with higher BME scores. Because the autoantibodies were concomitantly present, analyses were stratified for the presence of different autoantibody combinations. ACPA-positive (ACPA+), RF-negative (RF-), anti-CarP-negative (anti-CarP-) patients did not have higher BME-scores than ACPA-negative (ACPA-), RF-, anti-CarP- patients. However ACPA+, RF-positive (RF+), anti-CarP- patients and ACPA+, RF+, anti-CarP-positive (anti-CarP+) patients had higher BME scores than ACPA-, RF-, anti-CarP- patients (median 5.0 and 4.5 vs. 2.0, p < 0.001 and p < 0.001). ACPA levels were not associated with BME scores. Analyses within RA- and UA-patients revealed similar results.

Conclusions

The presence of ACPA alone or ACPA level was not statistically significantly associated with BME scores, but the combined presence of ACPA and RF was associated with more BME. This suggests an additive role of RF to ACPA in mediating osteitis.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13075-016-1076-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Proceedings from The 8th Annual International Society for Musculoskeletal Imaging in Rheumatology (ISEMIR) Conference

The International Society for Musculoskeletal Imaging in Rheumatology (ISEMIR) was founded in 2005 with the goal of discussing matters related to imaging in rheumatology, particularly, validation, education, and use in both clinical practice and research. The field of musculoskeletal (MSK) imaging is continuously evolving; therefore, education for healthcare providers in this field is of paramount importance. ISEMIR's international faculty and world-renowned experts presented the newest information as it relates to the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound (US) at the 8th annual ISEMIR meeting that took place on April 17-18 in Santa Monica, California. Presentations from the meeting can be viewed at www.isemir.org.

Aiming for a simpler early arthritis MRI protocol: can Gd contrast administration be eliminated?

PURPOSE

To evaluate whether intravenous gadolinium (Gd) contrast administration can be eliminated when evaluating synovitis and tenosynovitis in early arthritis patients, thereby decreasing imaging time, cost, and invasiveness.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Wrist MRIs of 93 early arthritis patients were evaluated by two readers for synovitis of the radioulnar, radiocarpal, and intercarpal joints, according to the Rheumatoid Arthritis MRI Scoring method (RAMRIS), and for tenosynovitis in ten compartments. Scores of MRI images without Gd contrast enhancement were compared to scores obtained when evaluating all, including contrast-enhanced, MRI images as reference. Subsequently, a literature review and pooled analysis of data from the present and two previous studies were performed.

RESULTS

At the individual joint/tendon level, sensitivity to detect synovitis without Gd contrast was 91 % and 72 % for the two readers, respectively, with a specificity of 51 % and 81 %. For tenosynovitis, the sensitivity was 67 % and 54 %, respectively, with a specificity of 87 % and 91 %. Pooled data analysis revealed an overall sensitivity of 81 % and specificity of 50 % for evaluation of synovitis. Variations in tenosynovitis scoring systems hindered pooled analyses.

CONCLUSION

Eliminating Gd contrast administration resulted in low specificity for synovitis and low sensitivity for tenosynovitis, indicating that Gd contrast administration remains essential for an optimal assessment.

KEY POINTS

• Eliminating gadolinium contrast administration results in low specificity for synovitis • For tenosynovitis, sensitivity is low without gadolinium contrast administration • Gadolinium contrast administration remains essential for evaluating synovitis and tenosynovitis in early arthritis.