Imaging in vasculitis.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Systemic vasculitides are characterized by inflammation of blood vessels. Their classification is based on the size of the blood vessels involved - large, medium, or small. Vasculitis early diagnosis and reliable monitoring are crucial to establish a treatment plan and prevent serious complications. Based on these considerations and depending on the location of the affected vessels, the importance of imaging modalities including ultrasonography (US), magnetic resonance Imaging (MRI), magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), computed tomography (CT), computed tomography angiography (CTA), and [18F]-fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) has progressively increased. In addition to physical exam and laboratory data, these imaging tools offer complementary information about vascular changes occurring in vasculitis.This review summarizes the different imaging modalities being utilized to diagnose and monitor vasculitis. RECENT FINDINGS: The most recent update for the use of imaging in vasculitis is referenced in the 2023 European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) recommendations and the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) guidelines in 2021. Recent advances in PET imaging in large vessel vasculitis include improved technological imaging acquisition and the use of novel radiotracers for cellular and immune targets. FDG-PET has now been demonstrated to have high sensitivity and specificity to detect temporal arteritis. SUMMARY: Imaging plays a significant role in the evaluation of vasculitis and continues to gain importance in the diagnosis and monitoring of disease activity. Differences exist between the ACR guidelines, which advocates for temporal artery biopsy, and the EULAR guidelines, which favors imaging modalities for the initial evaluation and diagnosis of large vessel vasculitis (LVV). Prerequisites for appropriate clinical management utilizing imaging in patients with vasculitis are the availability and access to skilled clinicians to interpret the images and the cost of these techniques not being prohibitive.

Very early MRI responses to therapy as a predictor of later radiographic progression in early rheumatoid arthritis.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to evaluate early changes in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and clinical disease activity measures as predictors of later structural progression in early rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: This was a post hoc analysis of data pooled across treatments from a three-arm (tofacitinib monotherapy, tofacitinib with methotrexate [MTX], or MTX monotherapy) trial of MTX-naïve patients with early, active RA. Synovitis, osteitis and erosions were assessed with the Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) RA MRI scoring system (RAMRIS) and RAMRIQ (automated quantitative RA MRI assessment system; automated RAMRIS) at months 0, 1, 3, 6 and 12. Radiographs were assessed at months 0, 6 and 12, and clinical endpoints were assessed at all timepoints. Univariate and multivariate analyses explored the predictive value of early changes in RAMRIS/RAMRIQ parameters and disease activity measures, with respect to subsequent radiographic progression. RESULTS: Data from 109 patients with a mean RA duration of 0.7 years were included. In univariate analyses, changes in RAMRIS erosions at months 1 and 3 significantly predicted radiographic progression at month 12 (both p <  0.01); changes in RAMRIQ synovitis and osteitis at months 1 and 3 were significant predictors of RAMRIS erosions and radiographic progression at month 12 (all p <  0.01). In subsequent multivariate analyses, RAMRIS erosion change at month 1 (p <  0.05) and RAMRIQ osteitis changes at months 1 and 3 (both p <  0.01) were significant independent predictors of radiographic progression at month 12. Univariate analyses demonstrated that changes in Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI) and Disease Activity Score in 28 joints, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (DAS28-4[ESR]) at months 1 and 3 were not predictive of month 12 radiographic progression. CONCLUSIONS: MRI changes seen as early as 1 month after RA treatment initiation have the potential to better predict long-term radiographic progression than changes in disease activity measures. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01164579 .

Characterization of patients with chronic refractory gout who do and do not have clinically apparent tophi and their response to pegloticase.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the characteristics and response to pegloticase of patients with chronic refractory gout with and without clinically apparent tophi. METHODS: Results from two randomized controlled trials of pegloticase in patients with chronic refractory gout with clinically apparent tophi or without tophi were used to assess baseline and on-treatment between-group differences. RESULTS: Patients with tophi were significantly older than those without tophi, had a significantly longer duration of disease, higher numbers of tender and swollen joints, higher Patient Global Assessment scores and Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index scores, and lower Arthritis-Specific Health Index scores. Patients with tophaceous gout also had significantly lower scores for physical functioning, role physical, social functioning, and the physical component summary scores of the Short Form 36 vs patients without tophi. In addition, subjects with clinically apparent tophi had a significantly lower mean estimated glomerular filtration rate. Pegloticase treatment of tophaceous patients caused significant reductions in serum urate, flares, Patient Global Assessment, tender joints, swollen joints, Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index, visual analogue scale pain and Short Form 36 Bodily Pain, whereas patients without tophi had significant improvement in serum urate, flares, Patient Global Assessment, tender joints, and Short Form 36 Bodily Pain, but not swollen joints, Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index functional score or pain visual analogue scale. Treatment with pegloticase had no effect on estimated glomerular filtration rate despite significant lowering of the urinary uric acid: creatinine ratio. CONCLUSION: Patients with chronic refractory gout and clinically apparent tophi have more severe disease as well as reduced renal function. Both groups experienced significant clinical benefit with pegloticase treatment, although no change in renal function was noted.

Examining the validity of the rheumatoid arthritis magnetic resonance imaging score according to the OMERACT filter-a systematic literature review.

Objective: To examine whether the RA MRI score (RAMRIS) for RA of the wrist/hand meets the OMERACT filter criteria-truth (validity), discrimination and feasibility. Methods: We conducted a systematic literature review in PubMed and Scopus, from 1970 through June 2014, focused on MRI measures of synovitis, osteitis/bone marrow oedema, erosions and/or joint space narrowing in RA randomized controlled trials and observational studies with cohort size ⩾10. Strength of evidence was assessed using the Cochrane Handbook criteria. Results: Of 634 MRI titles/abstracts, 202 met the review criteria, with 92 providing at least 1 type of validity. Four articles provided criterion validity, and 26 articles utilized RAMRIS to assess 1.5 T MRI images. Histopathology data showed inflammation corresponding to MRI of synovitis and osteitis. MRI erosions corresponded to those identified with CT. Content and construct validity for RAMRIS synovitis, osteitis and erosions were documented by correlations with clinical, laboratory and/or radiographic data. Each measure was sensitive to change and responsive to therapy. RAMRIS synovitis and osteitis were able to discriminate between the efficacy of treatments vs placebo in 12-week studies, whereas RAMRIS erosions required studies of ⩾24 weeks. Conclusion: RAMRIS synovitis, osteitis and erosions imaged with 1.5 T MRI are valid and useful for evaluating joint inflammation and damage for RA of the wrist/hand, according to the OMERACT filter.

Short-term changes on MRI predict long-term changes on radiography in rheumatoid arthritis: an analysis by an OMERACT Task Force of pooled data from four randomised controlled trials.

OBJECTIVE: In rheumatoid arthritis (RA), MRI provides earlier detection of structural damage than radiography (X-ray) and more sensitive detection of intra-articular inflammation than clinical examination. This analysis was designed to evaluate the ability of early MRI findings to predict subsequent structural damage by X-ray. METHODS: Pooled data from four randomised controlled trials (RCTs) involving 1022 RA hands and wrists in early and established RA were analysed. X-rays were scored using van der Heijde-modified or Genant-modified Sharp methods. MRIs were scored using Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) RA MRI Score (RAMRIS). Data were analysed at the patient level using multivariable logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic curve analyses. RESULTS: Progression of MRI erosion scores at Weeks 12 and 24 predicted progression of X-ray erosions at Weeks 24 and 52, with areas under the curve (AUCs) of 0.64 and 0.74, respectively. 12-week and 24-week changes in MRI osteitis scores were similarly predictive of 24-week and 52-week X-ray erosion progressions; pooled AUCs were 0.78 and 0.77, respectively. MRI changes in synovitis at Weeks 12 and 24 also predicted progression of X-ray joint damage (erosion and joint-space narrowing) at Weeks 24 and 52 (AUCs=0.72 and 0.65, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Early changes in joint damage and inflammation detected with MRI predict changes in joint damage evident on subsequent X-rays. These findings support the use of MRI as a valid method for monitoring structural damage in short-duration RCTs.

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.

Proceedings from the 7th 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 clinical practice and research. Because the field of musculoskeletal (MSK) imaging is rapidly evolving, continuous education in the field is imperative. 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 7th annual ISEMIR meeting which took place on April 12-14, 2014 in Santa Monica, California. Presentations from the meeting can be viewed at www.isemir.org.

Clinical and radiographic outcomes at 2†years and the effect of tocilizumab discontinuation following sustained remission in the second and third year of the ACT-RAY study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy and safety of tocilizumab (TCZ) plus methotrexate/placebo (MTX/PBO) over 2 years and the course of disease activity in patients who discontinued TCZ due to sustained remission. METHODS: ACT-RAY was a double-blind 3-year trial. Patients with active rheumatoid arthritis despite MTX were randomised to add TCZ to ongoing MTX (add-on strategy) or switch to TCZ plus PBO (switch strategy). Using a treat-to-target approach, open-label conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (csDMARDs), other than MTX, were added from week 24 if Disease Activity Score in 28 joints based on erythrocyte sedimentation rate (DAS28-ESR) >3.2. Between weeks 52 and 104, patients in sustained clinical remission (DAS28-ESR <2.6 at two consecutive visits 12 weeks apart) discontinued TCZ and were assessed every 4 weeks for 1 year. If sustained remission was maintained, added csDMARDs, then MTX/PBO, were discontinued. RESULTS: Of the 556 randomised patients, 76% completed year 2. Of patients entering year 2, 50.4% discontinued TCZ after achieving sustained remission and 5.9% achieved drug-free remission. Most patients who discontinued TCZ (84.0%) had a subsequent flare, but responded well to TCZ reintroduction. Despite many patients temporarily stopping TCZ, radiographic progression was minimal, with differences favouring add-on treatment. Rates of serious adverse events and serious infections per 100 patient-years were 12.2 and 4.4 in add-on and 15.0 and 3.7 in switch patients. In patients with normal baseline values, alanine aminotransferase elevations >3×upper limit of normal were more frequent in add-on (14.3%) versus switch patients (5.4%). CONCLUSIONS: Treat-to-target strategies could be successfully implemented with TCZ to achieve sustained remission, after which TCZ was stopped. Biologic-free remission was maintained for about 3 months, but most patients eventually flared. TCZ restart led to rapid improvement. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT00810199.

The effects of tocilizumab on osteitis, synovitis and erosion progression in rheumatoid arthritis: results from the ACT-RAY MRI substudy.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the imaging-detected mechanism of reduction of structural joint damage progression by tocilizumab (TCZ) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) using MRI. METHODS: In a substudy of a randomised, double-blind, phase 3b study (ACT-RAY) of biologic-naïve patients with RA who were methotrexate (MTX)-inadequate responders, 63 patients were randomised to continue MTX or receive placebo (PBO), both in combination with TCZ 8 mg/kg every 4 weeks, with optional additional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs at week 24 if Disease Activity Score of 28 joints < 3.2. The most symptomatic hand was imaged with 0.2 Tesla extremity MRI at weeks 0, 2, 12 and 52. MR images were scored using Outcome Measures in Rheumatology-Rheumatoid Arthritis Magnetic Resonance Imaging Score. Predictors of week 52 erosion progression were determined by logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: TCZ + PBO (n=32) demonstrated mean improvements in synovitis from baseline to weeks 2 (-0.92; p=0.0011), 12 (-1.86; p<0.0001) and 52 (-3.35; p<0.0001), while TCZ + MTX (n=31) had mean improvements in synovitis at week 12 (-0.88; p=0.0074), but not week 52 (-1.00; p=0.0711). TCZ+PBO demonstrated mean reductions in osteitis at weeks 12 (-5.10; p=0.0022) and 52 (-8.56; p=0.0006), while TCZ+MTX had mean reductions at weeks 2 (-0.21; p<0.05) and 12 (-3.63; p=0.0008), but not week 52 (-2.31; p=0.9749). Mean erosion scores did not worsen in either group. MRI erosion scores at weeks 12 and 52 correlated strongly with radiography erosion scores at week 52 (r>0.80). Baseline synovitis and worsening of osteitis predicted erosion progression. CONCLUSIONS: Rapid suppression of synovitis and osteitis with reduction in structural joint damage progression occurred with TCZ, as monotherapy or in combination with MTX, through week 52.

Clinical, radiographic and immunogenic effects after 1 year of tocilizumab-based treatment strategies in rheumatoid arthritis: the ACT-RAY study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the 1-year efficacy and safety of a regimen of tocilizumab plus methotrexate or placebo, which was augmented by a treat-to-target strategy from week 24. METHODS: ACT-RAY was a double-blind, 3-year trial. Adults with active rheumatoid arthritis despite methotrexate were randomised to add tocilizumab to ongoing methotrexate (add-on strategy) or to switch to tocilizumab plus placebo (switch strategy). Tocilizumab 8 mg/kg was administered every 4 weeks. Conventional open-label disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) other than methotrexate were added at week 24 or later in patients with DAS28>3.2. RESULTS: 556 patients were randomised; 85% completed 52 weeks. The proportion of patients receiving open-label DMARDs was comparable in the add-on (29%) and switch (33%) arms. Overall, week 24 results were maintained or further improved at week 52 in both arms. Some endpoints favoured the add-on strategy. Mean changes in Genant-modified Sharp scores were small; more add-on (92.8%) than switch patients (86.1%) had no radiographic progression. At week 52, comparable numbers of patients had antidrug antibodies (ADAs; 1.5% and 2.2% of add-on and switch patients, respectively) and neutralising ADAs (0.7% and 1.8%). Rates of serious adverse events and serious infections per 100 patient-year (PY) were 11.3 and 4.5 in add-on and 16.8 and 5.5 in switch patients. In patients with normal baseline values, alanine aminotransferase elevations >3× upper limit of normal were observed in 11% of add-on and 3% of switch patients. CONCLUSIONS: Despite a trend favouring the add-on strategy, these data suggest that both tocilizumab add-on and switch strategies led to meaningful clinical and radiographic responses.

Rheumatoid arthritis disease activity and disability affect the risk of serious infection events in RADIUS 1.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether disease activity and disability independently correlate with serious infection event (SIE) risk in a large rheumatoid arthritis (RA) cohort. METHODS: The associations between SIE and Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI) and Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index (HAQ-DI) in the Rheumatoid Arthritis Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drug Intervention and Utilization Study (RADIUS 1) cohort were evaluated using the Andersen-Gill model (a proportional HR model allowing > 1 event per patient). RESULTS: Of 4084 patients with 347 SIE, 271 patients experienced ≥ 1 SIE. A 5-unit CDAI increase and 0.4-unit HAQ-DI increase corresponded to an increase in SIE risk with and without covariate adjustments. A 5-unit CDAI increase corresponded with a 7.7% increased SIE risk (adjusted HR 1.077, 95% CI 1.044-1.112, p < 0.0001) and a 0.4-unit HAQ-DI increase with a 30.1% increased risk (adjusted HR 1.301, 95% CI 1.225-1.381, p < 0.0001). Categorical analysis showed that more severe RA activity (even after controlling for disability) and disability were associated with an increased SIE risk. CONCLUSION: Increased RA disease activity and disability were each associated with a significantly increased SIE risk in the RADIUS 1 cohort, which could not be completely accounted for by disability.

Proceedings of the 2013 Rheumatology Winter Clinical Symposia.

Advances in rheumatology occur at a rapid pace and staying abreast of important changes is a challenge for all. Both novel drug development and enhanced understanding of conventional or historic therapies have molded current day rheumatologic practice. Rheumatology has led the way in the use of outcome measures and imaging modalities in common disorders like rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and gout. The expertise of the rheumatologist has widened such that knowledge of economics, legal issues, related disorders and extraarticular disease is essential. In February 2013, the 6th annual Rheumatology Winter Clinical Symposium was held. At this meeting, faculty and participants held discussions and exchanged knowledge about new scientific data and how it may impact the care of rheumatology patients. Excerpts from some of the lectures from the Rheumatology Winter Clinical Symposium 2013 are included in this review. These and other presentations can be viewed in their entirety at http://www.r-w-c-s.com.

Proceedings from the 5th Annual International Society for Musculoskeletal Imaging in Rheumatology Annual Conference.

Since its inception, ISEMIR has held an annual education meeting highlighting the changes in the utilization of imaging tools for the management of rheumatic diseases. ISEMIR's international faculty and world-renowned experts have discussed these topics at a very high scientific level. The evolution of the content demonstrates the rapidly changing environment in the field of rheumatology. Advances in treatment have led to the increased use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound (US). This publication is based upon the proceedings from the 2012 ISEMIR educational meeting that took place on April 26th in Chicago, Illinois. Presentations from the live proceedings can be viewed at www.isemir.org.

Magnetic resonance imaging applications in early rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis and management.

Early diagnosis and treatment have been recognized as essential for improving clinical outcomes in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a sensitive modality that can assess both inflammatory and structural lesions. MRI can assist in following the disease course in patients treated with traditional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs and biological therapies both in the clinic and in research trials. Therefore, it is anticipated that MRI becomes the diagnostic imaging modality of choice in RA clinical trials while remaining a useful tool for clinicians evaluating patients with RA.

Proceedings of the 2012 Rheumatology Winter Clinical Symposia.

Recent years have witnessed important developments in rheumatology. Novel diagnostic methods, stratification approaches, and treatment paradigms have been brought into the clinic for a number of rheumatologic and autoimmune diseases. In addition, there have been developments in related medical disciplines that are relevant to the care of patients with rheumatic diseases. Keeping pace with these many developments is a challenge, and clinical rheumatologists have used various methods to educate themselves about these advances. In January 2012, the 5th annual Rheumatology Winter Clinical Symposium was held. At this meeting, faculty and participants held discussions and exchanged knowledge about new scientific data and how it may impact the care of rheumatology patients. Excerpts from some of the lectures from the Rheumatology Winter Clinical Symposium 2012 are included in this review. These and other presentations can be viewed in their entirety at http://www.r-w-c-s.com.

Open-label, pilot protocol of patients with rheumatoid arthritis who switch to infliximab after an incomplete response to etanercept: the opposite study.

OBJECTIVE: To incorporate a new trial design to examine clinical response, cytokine expression and joint imaging in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) switching from etanercept to infliximab treatment. METHODS: A randomised, open-label, clinical trial of 28 patients with an inadequate response to etanercept was conducted. Eligible patients received background methotrexate and were randomised 1:1 to discontinue etanercept and receive infliximab 3 mg/kg at weeks 0, 2, 6, 14 and 22, or to continue etanercept 25 mg twice weekly. Data were analysed for clinical response, serum biomarker levels, radiographic progression, MRI and adverse events. RESULTS: At week 16, 62% of infliximab-treated patients achieved American College of Rheumatology 20% criteria for improvement in RA (ACR20) responses compared with 29% of etanercept-treated patients. A 30.8% decrease from baseline in Disease Activity Score 28 was observed in patients receiving infliximab, compared with a 16.0% decrease in patients receiving etanercept. ACR20 and American College of Rheumatology 50% criteria for improvement in RA responses correlated at least minimally with intracellular adhesion molecule-1 and interleukin 8 in patients receiving infliximab. 38% of patients who were switched to infliximab showed reductions in Health Assessment Questionnaire scores (>0.4), compared with 0% of patients receiving etanercept. MRI analyses were inconclusive. Both drugs were well tolerated; 54% of infliximab-treated patients and 50% of etanercept-treated patients reported adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: In this exploratory, open-label trial (with single-blind evaluator), patients were randomised to continue with etanercept or switch to infliximab. The small sample size of this hypothesis-generating study was underpowered to show statistical differences between groups. There was a numerical trend favouring patients who switched to infliximab, therefore warranting further study with a more rigorous design.

Magnetic resonance imaging is more sensitive than radiographs in detecting change in size of erosions in rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the technological performance of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with respect to projection radiography by determining the incidence of changes in the size of individual bone lesions in inflammatory arthritis, using serial high-resolution in-office MRI over short time intervals (8 months average followup), and by comparing the sensitivity of 3-view projection radiography with in-office MRI for detecting changes in size and number of individual erosions. METHODS: MR examinations of the wrists and second and third metacarpophalangeal joints were performed using a portable in-office MR system in a total of 405 patients with inflammatory arthritis, from one rheumatologist's practice, who were undergoing aggressive disease modifying antirheumatic drug therapy. Of the patients, 156 were imaged at least twice, allowing evaluation of 246 followup examinations (mean followup interval of 8 months over a 2-year period). Baseline and followup plain radiographs were obtained in 165 patient intervals. Patients refused radiographic examination on 81 followup visits. RESULTS: MRI demonstrated no detectable changes in 124 of the 246 (50%) followup MRI examinations. An increase in the size or number of erosions was demonstrated in 74 (30%) examinations, a decrease in the size or number of erosions in 36 (15%), and both increases and decreases in erosions were seen in 11 (4%). In the 165 studies with followup radiographic comparisons, only one examination (0.8%) showed an erosion not seen on the prior examination and one (0.8%) showed an increase in a previously noted erosion. CONCLUSION: We showed that high-resolution in-office MRI with an average followup of 8 months detects changes in bony disease in 50% of compliant patients during aggressive treatment for inflammatory arthritis in a single rheumatologist's office practice. Plain radiography is insensitive for detecting changes in bone erosions for this patient population in this time frame.

Identification of wrist and metacarpophalangeal joint erosions using a portable magnetic resonance imaging system compared to conventional radiographs.

OBJECTIVE: To compare magnetic resonance (MR) images obtained using a portable MR system to radiographs for identifying bone erosions in the wrists and metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints of patients with inflammatory arthropathy. METHODS: MR imaging and radiographs were performed in wrists (n = 227) and 2nd and 3rd MCP (n = 188) of 132 patients with inflammatory arthritis to identify erosions. MR imaging was performed using a portable MR system. Findings per body location and per patient were calculated and compared. Additionally, intraobserver and interobserver reliabilities were calculated. RESULTS: MR imaging identified bony erosions in 125 (95%) patients and in 315 (78%) body locations. By comparison, radiographs identified erosions in 78 (59%; p < 0.05) patients and in 156 (39%; p < 0.05) body locations. Intraobserver reliability (K = 0.564) and interobserver reliability (K = 0.429) exhibited moderate agreement, with reader agreement in 80% of the joints scored. CONCLUSION: There was superior sensitivity to bone damage using the portable MR system compared to radiographs of the wrists and MCP joints, suggesting that this scanner is extremely promising for assessment of inflammatory arthritis.

The young adult with hip pain: diagnosis and medical treatment, circa 2004.

Hip pain in young adults (18-35 years old) often is characterized by nonspecific symptoms, normal imaging studies, and vague findings from the history and physical examination. In younger patients, pain is more likely to be caused by congenital hip dysplasia, athletic injuries, trauma, spondyloarthropathy, and by conditions that first appear during this stage of life, such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, intravenous drug use, alcoholism, or corticosteroid use. The history and physical examination may narrow the diagnosis to intraarticular, extraarticular, or referred sources of pain. Plain radiography and magnetic resonance imaging are the preferred initial imaging procedures. Analyses of the blood, urine, and synovial fluid can be helpful in diagnosing inflammation, infection, and systematic rheumatic disease. Fractures, infection, and ischemic necrosis should be ruled out early because they require immediate treatment to prevent damage to the joint. Hip trauma at a young age increases the risk of osteoarthritis with advancing age, and, unlike most older adults, young adults receiving total hip replacement can expect revision surgery. Medical treatment often involves patient education, physical therapy, and pharmacotherapy. Acetaminophen, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and opioids for pain and antibiotics for infection are the most often prescribed drugs for this population.