Prevalence of MRI-Detected Inflammation and Small-Joint Damage in the General Population

Synovitis, bone marrow edema, and erosions were common magnetic resonance imaging findings in symptom-free adults.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sometimes is used to assess the severity of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in a clinical setting and increasingly is being used as an endpoint in clinical trials for RA. Although the sensitivity of MRI findings appears to be high, their specificity has not been determined. In fact, literature reviews have suggested that asymptomatic erosions, synovitis, and bone marrow edema occur frequently in the general population. In this study from the Netherlands, 193 symptom-free adults (age range, 18–89) with normal joint exams and no histories of RA or other inflammatory rheumatic diseases underwent contrast-enhanced MRIs of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP), wrist, and metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joints.

Synovitis and bone mar…

Reviewing Author

Jonathan S. Coblyn, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory BoardCVS Health

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Jonathan S. Coblyn, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory BoardCVS Health

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Prevalence of MRI-Detected Inflammation and Small-Joint Damage in the General Population

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Reviewing Author