Towards a simplified fluid-sensitive MRI protocol in small joints of the hand in early arthritis patients: reliability between modified Dixon and regular Gadolinium enhanced TSE fat saturated MRI-sequences.

OBJECTIVE: MRI of small joints plays an important role in the early detection and early treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Despite its sensitivity to demonstrate inflammation, clinical use is hampered by accessibility, long scan time, intravenous contrast, and consequent high costs. To improve the feasibility of MRI implementation in clinical practice, we introduce a modified Dixon sequence, which does not require contrast and reduces total acquisition time to 6 min. Because the reliability in relation to conventional MRI sequences is unknown, we determined this. METHODS: In 29 consecutive early arthritis patients, coronal and axial T2-weighted modified Dixon acquisitions on 3.0 T MRI scanner were acquired from metacarpophalangeal 2-5 to the wrist, followed by the standard contrast-enhanced protocol on 1.5 T extremity MRI. Two readers scored osteitis, synovitis and tenosynovitis (summed as total MRI-inflammation), and erosions (all summed as total Rheumatoid Arthritis MRI Score (RAMRIS)). Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) between readers, and comparing the two sequences, were studied. Spearman correlations were determined. RESULTS: Performance between readers was good/excellent. Comparing modified Dixon and conventional sequences revealed good/excellent reliability: ICC for total MRI-inflammation score was 0.84 (95% CI:0.70-0.92), for erosions 0.90 (95% CI:0.79-0.96), and for the total RAMRIS score 0.88 (95% CI:0.77-0.94). The scores of total MRI-inflammation, total erosions, and total RAMRIS were highly correlated (ρ = 0.80, ρ = 0.81, ρ = 0.82, respectively). CONCLUSION: The modified Dixon protocol is reliable compared to the conventional MRI protocol, suggesting it is accurate to detect MRI inflammation. The good correlation may be the first step towards a patient-friendly, short and affordable MRI protocol, which can facilitate the implementation of MRI for early detection of inflammation in rheumatology practice.

Differentiating rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis: a systematic analysis of high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging features-preliminary findings.

BACKGROUND: Because of overlapping phenotypical presentations, the diagnostic differentiation of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) remains challenging. Thus, this study aimed to examine the diagnostic value of distinct imaging features obtained by high-resolution 3-T MRI for the diagnostic differentiation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventeen patients with PsA and 28 patients with RA were imaged at high resolution using 3-T MRI scanners and a dedicated 16-channel hand coil. All images were analyzed according to the outcome measures in rheumatology clinical trials' (OMERACT) RAMRIS (Rheumatoid Arthritis Magnetic Resonance Imaging Score) and PsAMRIS (Psoriatic Arthritis Magnetic Resonance Imaging Score) for the presence and intensity of synovitis, flexor tenosynovitis, bone edema, bone erosion, periarticular inflammation, bone proliferation, and joint space narrowing. Next, odds ratios (OR) were calculated to determine the strength of the associations between these imaging features, demographic characteristics, and the outcome RA vs. PsA. RESULTS: PsA could be differentiated from RA by extracapsular inflammatory changes (PsAMRIS sub-score "periarticular inflammation"), with low odds for the presence of RA (OR of 0.06, p < 0.01) at all metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints. A prediction model informed by the items that were strongest associated with the presence of RA or PsA demonstrated excellent differentiating capability with an area under the curve of 98.1%. CONCLUSION: High-resolution imaging is beneficial for the identification of relevant imaging features that may assist the clinical differentiation of inflammatory conditions of the hand. At the MCP level, extracapsular inflammatory changes were strongly associated with PsA and may consequently allow the imaging differentiation of PsA and RA.

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.

Silent progression in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: is DAS28 remission an insufficient goal in RA? Results from the German Remission-plus cohort.

BACKGROUND: Remission is arguably the ultimate therapeutic goal in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Applying modern strategies, clinical remission can be achieved in a substantial number of patients with early RA (ERA). Even in those patients, the number and scope of erosions can increase. We, therefore, investigated the value of MRI for the detection of radiological progression in patients with DAS28 improvement and/or clinical remission of the German Remission-plus cohort. METHODS: Data-sets of 80 RA patients (according to 2010 ACR/EULAR criteria) from the Remission-plus study cohort, who fulfilled the following criteria, were retrospectively analysed: availability of two consecutive MRI scans (low-field MRI, follow-up interval 1 year) of the clinically dominant hand and wrist, and the presence of DAS28 (CRP) scores at both time points, which was used to assess disease activity. RESULTS: Seventy-one of the 80 investigated patients presented a numerical improvement of the DAS28 (CRP) after 12 months (DAS28(CRP) T0 average (Ø) 4.96, SD 1.2; DAS28 T4 (12 month) Ø 2.6, SD 1.0), 73% of them also improved in the RAMRIS-Score, while 24% demonstrated an increase despite DAS28 improvement and 3% showed equal values. 48% of patients who improved in the DAS28 reached EULAR remission. 41% of these patients had an increase in the RAMRIS Erosion-subscore after 12 months. When considering EULAR response criteria (non-response (n = 7), moderate response (n = 19), good response (n = 45)), an increase of erosions was found in 71.4% of non-responders, 52.6% of moderate responders, and 31.1% of good responders after 12 months, all compared to baseline. CONCLUSION: Up to 40% of patients in this study demonstrated a progressive erosive disease detected by MRI despite DAS28 improvement or EULAR remission. Future studies are needed to determine the prognostic clinical impact of disease progression in MRI despite clinical remission, and to investigate if DAS28 remission may be an insufficient therapeutic goal and should be accompanied by MRI remission criteria.

Anatomical location of erosions at the metatarsophalangeal joints in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to identify the anatomical location of erosions at the MTP joints in patients with RA using high-resolution 3T MRI. METHODS: In 24 patients with RA, the more symptomatic forefoot was imaged using 3T MRI. T1-weighted, intermediate-weighted and T2-weighted fat-suppressed sequences were acquired through the MTP joints, together with three-dimensional volumetric interpolated breath-hold examination (3D VIBE) and T1-weighted fat-suppressed post-gadolinium contrast sequences. Images were scored for bone erosion in the distal and proximal part of the MTP joints using the RA MRI scoring (RAMRIS) system. The base of the proximal phalanx and the head of the metatarsal were divided into quadrants to determine the location of erosions (octants) in the dorsal-medial, dorsal-lateral, plantar-medial and plantar-lateral regions. RESULTS: Seventeen females and seven males with a mean age of 55.5 years and disease duration of 10.6 years (range 0.6-36) were included. Eighteen patients were RF positive, the mean 44-joint DAS for CRP and ESR (DAS44CRP and DAS44ESR) were 2.5 (s.d. 0.8) and 2.6 (s.d. 0.9), respectively. In this cohort of patients with RA, irrespective of MTP joint location, octants located in the proximal part (metatarsal) of the joint and the plantar aspect of the joint were more eroded. CONCLUSION: This is the first study to report the anatomical location of erosions at the MTP joints in patients with RA. We noted that erosions were more commonly seen on the plantar aspect of the metatarsal head in RA, supporting the hypothesis of a relationship between biomechanical demands and bone changes in the forefoot.

Bone marrow oedema assessment by magnetic resonance imaging in rheumatoid arthritis wrist and metacarpophalangeal joints: the importance of field strength, coil type and image resolution.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine the influence of different MRI unit field strengths, coil types and image resolutions on the OMERACT RA MRI scoring system (RAMRIS) of bone marrow oedema (BME) and image quality. METHODS: Forty-one patients and 12 healthy controls participated in this cross-sectional study. Coronal short tau inversion recovery (STIR) and T1-weighted sequences were obtained at 0.23, 0.6, 1.5 and 3T using flex coils (Flex). Additional STIR sequences were obtained with phased array extremity coils (Extr) (at 0.6 and 1.5T) and higher resolution (at 1.5T). In otal, 338 STIR image sets were anonymized and scored according to RAMRIS and parameters of image quality were measured. RESULTS: The BME sum scores were similar overall when comparing the different MRI units, coil types and voxel sizes, yet significantly higher at the higher resolution of 1.5T Extr compared with 0.23T Flex (P = 0.004), 0.6T Flex (P = 0.03), 1.5T Flex (P = 0.05) and 3T Flex (P = 0.001). Mean differences were relatively minor (0-3.5). Intrareader reliability of BME scores was high [intraclass correlation coefficient ≥ 0.90 for all except 0.23T (0.81) and percentage exact agreement 81-88%]. The smallest detectable difference was better at 0.6, 1.5 and 3T (9-29% of maximum value) than at 0.23T (40%). Image quality was lowest at 0.23T. CONCLUSION: No major, consistent differences were found between BME scores using STIR sequences obtained at different field strengths, coil types and image resolutions, suggesting that these are equally suited for assessment of BME in RA. However, parameters of image quality and intrareader reliability (favouring 0.6, 1.5 and 3T) should be considered when selecting the MRI acquisition strategy.

Correlation between manual 0.2T MRI assessment of synovitis and EULAR-OMERACT scores of the wrist in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

PURPOSE: To test the correlation between manually assessed volumes of magnetic resonance (MR) signal-enhancing regions in postcontrast images and MRI-based rheumatoid arthritis scoring system (RAMRIS) synovitis scores in 0.2T MR data. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The low-field (0.2T) extremity MRI scans were acquired in 32 patients (37 study cases) as a part of the rheumatoid arthritis diagnostic procedure in accordance with Outcome Measures in Rheumatology Clinical Trials MRI working group (OMERACT) recommendations. The synovitis in joint regions was assessed based on RAMRIS. Regions of enhanced signals in postcontrast MR images were outlined manually. RESULTS: Spearman's rank-order correlations between RAMRIS scores and both absolute and relative volumes of signal-enhancing regions were equal to 0.68, 0.78 (moderately positive) and 0.84 (strongly positive) for distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ), intercarpal-carpometacarpal joints (ICCMJ), and radiocarpal joint (RCJ), respectively. Absolute and relative volumes of signal-enhancing regions grow significantly with RAMRIS scores. CONCLUSION: Development of algorithms for automated detection of signal-enhancing regions in 0.2T MR images is a reasonable direction of forthcoming studies on computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) systems supporting low-field extremity MR-based diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis by identifying its symptoms.

Value of Magnetic Resonance T1 Mapping in Evaluating the Early Response to Treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis.

BACKGROUND: Rheumatoid Arthritis Magnetic Resonance Imaging Score (RAMRIS) is usually used for the semi-quantitative evaluation of joint changes in Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). However, this method cannot evaluate early changes in bone marrow edema (BME). OBJECTIVE: To determine whether T1 mapping of wrist BME predicts early treatment response in RA. METHODS: This study prospectively enrolled 48 RA patients administered oral anti-rheumatic drugs. MRI of the most severely affected wrist was performed before and after 4 (48 patients) and 8 weeks of treatment (38 patients). Mean T1 values of BME in the lunate, triangular, and capitate bones; RAMRIS for each wrist; Erythrocyte-Sedimentation Rate (ESR); and 28-joint Disease Activity Score (DAS28)-ESR score were analyzed. Patients were divided into responders (4 weeks, 30 patients; 8 weeks, 32 patients) and non-responders (4 weeks, 18 patients; 8 weeks, 6 patients), according to EULAR response criteria. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to evaluate the efficacy of T1 values. RESULTS: ESR and DAS28-ESR were not correlated with T1 value and RAMRIS at each examination (P > 0.05). Changes in T1 value and DAS28-ESR relative to the baseline were moderately positively correlated with each other at 4 and 8 weeks (r = 0.555 and 0.527, respectively; P < 0.05). At 4 weeks, the change and rate of change in T1 value significantly differed between responders and non-responders (-85.63 vs. -19.92 ms; -12.89% vs. -2.81%; P < 0.05). The optimal threshold of the rate of change in T1 value at 4 weeks for predicting treatment response was -5.32% (area under the ROC curve, 0.833; sensitivity, 0.900; specificity, 0.667). CONCLUSION: T1 mapping provides a new imaging method for monitoring RA lesions; changes in wrist BME T1 values reflect early treatment response.

Magnetic resonance imaging RAMRIS-SAFE score-A low-risk effective measure of rapid response to therapy in rheumatoid arthritis clinical trials.

AIM: To assess the rapidity of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measured synovitis (as measured by synovial thickening using the RAMRIS-SAFE score) and bone edema in active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) subjects treated with golimumab. Secondary aims: to correlate MRI measures with disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH), physician global (PhysG) and patient global (PatG) assessments. METHODS: Patients with active RA and inadequate response to methotrexate were recruited. Active RA was defined as RA with a Disease Activity Score of 28 joints - C-reactive protein ≥4.2 at screening AND active disease (synovitis and edema) of the chosen hand or wrist on MRI at screening, as determined by the central blinded MRI reader (PB). Outcomes measures were assessed at baseline, 2, 6, and 12 weeks. MRI results were interpreted by one experienced observer (PB), blinded to clinical measures. Pearson's correlation co-efficient (SPSS) was used to express the relationship between DASH, PhysG, PatG and MRI measures. RESULTS: Eighteen patients were included in the study. All subjects completed follow-up visits and MRI assessment. Mean age was 60.6 years (range 22-72), and 10 were female, 8 male, and disease duration was mean 4.72 years (range 1-28); all patients were taking background methotrexate. The changes in MRI synovial volume were evident by visit 2. The strongest correlations with the DASH for MRI parameters were total synovial thickening (0.923) and edema (0.921). CONCLUSION: Golimumab was associated with rapid improvement in clinical measures and patient-reported outcome measures. Mean synovial thickening demonstrated early rapid improvement. MRI synovial thickening demonstrated a strong correlation with DASH, PatG and PhysG.

Ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging of hands in systemic sclerosis: A cross-sectional analytical study of prevalence of inflammatory changes in patients with subclinical arthropathy.

Objectives: Prevalence of synovitis, tenosynovitis, erosions, acro-osteolysis and bone marrow edema in systemic sclerosis is not extensively reported. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of changes in individual joints of hands in systemic sclerosis patients. Method: A cross-sectional analytical study consisting of 34 adults (females, n = 32) with systemic sclerosis. Patients with clinical synovitis were excluded. All patients underwent ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance imaging of bilateral hands. Results: On US, synovitis, tenosynovitis, erosions, and acro-osteolysis were detected in 97%, 94%, 97%, and 29% patients. Grade I synovitis observed in 67% joints-first carpometacarpal joint (55%), first metacarpophalangeal joint (54%), distal radioulnar joint (50%), and intercarpal joints (47%) were commonly affected. Erosions were common in distal phalanges (first DP72% to fifth DP39%). On magnetic resonance imaging, synovitis, tenosynovitis, erosions, and bone edema were observed in 91%, 85%, 97%, and 85% patients. Grade I synovitis was seen in 70% joints, affecting intercarpal joint (70.6%) and third metacarpophalangeal joint (52.9%) commonly. Grade I erosions were seen in 61%, affecting distal phalanges (55.8%), capitate (60.3%), and lunate (55.8%). Grade I edema was commonly affecting lunate (39%) and capitate (26%). On magnetic resonance imaging, acro-osteolysis was present in 28% (97/340) distal phalanges. Fair agreement (0.21-0.40) was noted between US and magnetic resonance imaging for synovitis and erosions. Conclusion: High prevalence of low-grade inflammation is found in systemic sclerosis patients on US and magnetic resonance imaging. Distal joint assessment in addition to proximal joints improves accurate estimation of prevalence of early arthropathy.

Comparison between 2D FSE T2-weighted Dixon MRI and contrast-enhanced 2D FSE and 3D FSPGR T1-weighted Dixon MRI to quantify inflammation in hands of patients with early rheumatoid arthritis.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare two-dimensional (2D) T2-weighted, contrast-enhanced 2D T1-weighted and contrast-enhanced three-dimensional (3D) T1-weighted Dixon MRI sequences to assess disease activity using the RAMRIS scoring system in hands of patients with early rheumatoid arthritis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-five patients (19 women, 6 men; mean age 51.4 years ± 12.7 years [SD], age range: 28-70 years) with rheumatoid arthritis prospectively underwent MRI examination of both hands at 1.5 T using 2D fast spin-echo (FSE) T2-weighted, contrast-enhanced 2D FSE T1-weighted and contrast-enhanced 3D fast spoiled gradient echo (FSPGR) T1-weighted Dixon sequences. Three radiologists independently assessed disease activity according to RAMRIS using Dixon water-only and fat-only images. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were calculated to assess inter-technique and interobserver agreements. RESULTS: Agreement to assess total RAMRIS score was very good between the MRI protocols (mean ICC ranging from 0.81 to 0.93) and between readers (mean ICC ranging from 0.91 to 0.94). Mean total RAMRIS scores of the three readers were significantly greater with contrast-enhanced 3D FSPGR T1-weighted (42.73 ± 29.39) than with contrast-enhanced 2D FSE T1-weighted (35.81 ± 25.48) and 2D FSE T2-weighted (32.20 ± 25.06) Dixon sequences. CONCLUSION: 2D FSE T2-weighted, contrast-enhanced 2D FSE T1-weighted Dixon and contrast-enhanced 3D FSPGR T1-weighted Dixon protocols are reproducible alternatives for the RAMRIS scoring in hands of patients with early rheumatoid arthritis. Coupling contrast-enhanced 3D FSPGR T1-weighted and 2D FSE T2-weighted sequences might be the most efficient option to completely assess the rheumatoid arthritis -related synovial and bone changes with the Dixon method.

To Contrast or Not to Contrast? On the Role of Contrast Enhancement in Hand MRI Studies of Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Currently, clinical indications for the application of gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCA) in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are increasingly being questioned. Consequently, this study aimed to evaluate the additional diagnostic value of contrast enhancement in MRI of the hand in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Thirty-one patients with RA (mean age, 50 ± 14 years (range, 18-72 years)) underwent morphologic MRI scans on a clinical 3 T scanner. MRI studies were analyzed based on (1) the Rheumatoid Arthritis Magnetic Resonance Imaging Score (RAMRIS) and (2) the GBCA-free RAMRIS version, termed RAMRIS Sine-Gadolinium-For-Experts (RAMRIS-SAFE), in which synovitis and tenosynovitis were assessed using the short-tau inversion-recovery sequence instead of the post-contrast T1-weighted sequence. The synovitis subscores in terms of Spearman's ρ, as based on RAMRIS and RAMRIS-SAFE, were almost perfect (ρ = 0.937; p < 0.001), while the tenosynovitis subscores were less strongly correlated (ρ = 0.380 p = 0.035). Correlation between the total RAMRIS and RAMRIS-SAFE was also almost perfect (ρ = 0.976; p < 0.001). Inter-rater reliability in terms of Cohen's κ was high (0.963 ≤ κ ≤ 0.925). In conclusion, RAMRIS-SAFE as the GBCA-free version of the well-established RAMRIS is a patient-friendly and resource-efficient alternative for assessing disease-related joint changes in RA. As patients with RA are subject to repetitive GBCA applications, non-contrast imaging protocols should be considered.

Reliability of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Scoring of the Metatarsophalangeal Joints of the Foot according to the Rheumatoid Arthritis MRI Score.

OBJECTIVE: The Rheumatoid Arthritis Magnetic Resonance Imaging Score (RAMRIS) is validated for hand MRI. Its reliability applied to metatarsophalangeal (MTP 1-5) joints is unknown and was studied in early arthritis and clinically suspect arthralgia. METHODS: Patients underwent 1.5 Tesla MRI of MTP, metacarpophalangeal (MCP 2-5), and wrist joints. Two paired readers scored bone marrow edema (BME), synovitis, tenosynovitis, and erosions. Interreader reliability was assessed of 441 consecutive early arthritis patients at baseline, 215 by 2 readers, and the remaining 226 by 2 different readers. Two readers scored baseline MRI of 82 consecutive patients with clinically suspect arthralgia, and 40 randomly selected patients by 9 readers. Intrareader reliability was determined on a random set of 15 early arthritis patients, scored twice by 2 readers. For change scores, 30 early arthritis patients with baseline and 1-year followup MRI were scored by 2 readers. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), Bland-Altman (BA) plots, and smallest detectable change (SDC) were determined. MRI data of MTP joints were compared to wrist and MCP joints. RESULTS: Interreader ICC and mean scores in early arthritis were BME ICC 0.91-0.92 (mean 1.5 ± SD 2.6), synovitis 0.90-0.92 (1.3 ± 1.7), tenosynovitis 0.80-0.85 (1.1 ± 1.8), and erosions 0.88-0.89 (0.7 ± 1.0). In patients with clinically suspect arthralgia, ICC were comparable. Intrareader ICC for inflammatory MRI features were 0.84-0.98, for erosions 0.71 (reader 1), and 0.92 (reader 2). Change score ICC were ≥ 0.90, except erosions (0.77). SDC were ≤ 1.0. BA plots showed no systematic bias. Reliability scores of MTP joints were similar to MCP and wrist joints. CONCLUSION: Status and change MRI scores of BME, synovitis, tenosynovitis, and erosions of MTP joints can be assessed reliably by RAMRIS.

The value of the simplified RAMRIS-5 in early RA patients under methotrexate therapy using high-field MRI.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to evaluate a simplified version of the Rheumatoid Arthritis Magnetic Resonance Imaging Score (RAMRIS) for five joints of the hand (RAMRIS-5) in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) before and after the initiation of methotrexate (MTX) therapy using high-resolution, 3-T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). METHODS: Twenty-eight patients with a seropositive, early RA (disease duration of less than 6 months (range 2-23 weeks)) according to 2010 American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism (ACR/EULAR) criteria (mean age 56.8 years, range 39-74) were prospectively assessed with a baseline investigation including clinical assessment (disease activity score of 28 joints (DAS-28) and C-reactive protein (CRP)) and 3-T MRI of the clinically dominant hand. Follow-up visits were performed 3 and 6 months after initiation of a MTX therapy at baseline. MRI scans were analyzed in accordance with RAMRIS and the simplified RAMRIS-5. RESULTS: DAS-28 and CRP decreased significantly after initiation of MTX therapy. Even though erosion scores increased over time, RAMRIS and RAMRIS-5 also decreased significantly after the start of therapy. There was a strong correlation between the total RAMRIS-5 and RAMRIS at baseline (r = 0.838; P <0.001) and follow-up (3 months: r = 0.876; P <0.001; 6 months: r = 0.897; P <0.001). In the short term (3-month follow-up), RAMRIS and RAMRIS-5 demonstrated similar ability to detect changes for all subgroups (bone edema, erosion, and synovitis). In the long-term comparison (6-month follow-up), RAMRIS-5 also showed similar effectiveness when detecting changes in bone edema and erosion compared with RAMRIS. Deviations occurred regarding only synovitis, where change was slightly higher in RAMRIS-5: SRM (RAMRIS) = 0.07 ± 0.14; SRM (RAMRIS-5) = 0.34 ± 0.06. CONCLUSIONS: Three-Tesla MRI-based RAMRIS-5 is a simplified and resource-saving RAMRIS score which compares favorably with the RAMRIS when detecting changes in early RA. Even though there is a slight abbreviation between RAMRIS-5 and the original score regarding the change of synovitis, it may be used for diagnosis and therapy monitoring in follow-up evaluations.

Six-month prospective trial in early and long-standing rheumatoid arthritis: evaluating disease activity in the wrist through sequential synovial histopathological analysis, RAMRIS magnetic resonance score and EULAR-OMERACT ultrasound score.

Introduction: Standardised scoring systems for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) joint disease activity include Larsen score for radiographs, rheumatoid arthritis magnetic resonance imaging score (RAMRIS) for MRI and using the European League Against Rheumatisms-Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (EULAR-OMERACT) score for ultrasound (US) images. The aim of this prospective study was to investigate the relationship between histological synovitis and radiological synovitis, assessed by conventional X-ray, US and MRI of the wrist radiocarpal joint. Methods: 20 patients with treatment naive early RA (ERA) and 20 with long-standing RA (LRA) were enrolled in a 6-month prospective study. Patients with RA underwent US-guided synovial biopsy, X-ray and US of the wrist at enrolment and 6 months. MRI at baseline and also at 6 months for the ERA group, and scored with the RAMRIS system. X-ray was scored by Larsen score and US by the EULAR-OMERACT system. Synovial biopsy inflammation was determined by the Krenn score. Results: In the ERA group at baseline, Krenn score was correlated strongly with both US combined score (r = 0.77 p < 0.001) and MRI synovitis score (r = 0.85 p < 0.001), while uncorrelated at 6 months. In the LRA group at baseline, these scores correlated strongly (r = 0.83, p < 0.001) to moderately (r = 0.61, p = 0.002), and persisted at 6 months for US score (r = 0.81 p < 0.001). For all patients with RA, change in Krenn score between baseline and 6 months was correlated with both change in US combined score (r = 0.65, p < 0.001) and change in MRI synovitis score (r = 0.50, p = 0.03). Conclusion: The MRI RAMRIS synovitis score and EULAR-OMERACT US scoring system are sensitive measures of histological synovitis in LRA and ERA. After 6 months, this correlation persists in the established RA group, but not in the ERA group. Overall, decreases in MRI/US synovitis are associated with reductions in histological synovitis. The study validates the use of MRI RAMRIS and EULAR-OMERACT US scores as surrogate markers of histological synovitis in established RA and early untreated RA.

The value of MRI examination on bilateral hands including proximal interphalangeal joints for disease assessment in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis: a cross-sectional cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Bilateral hands including proximal interphalangeal joints (PIPJs) are recommended on physical, X-ray radiographic, or ultrasonographic examination by clinical guidelines of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but MRI still tends to examine unilateral wrists and/or MCPJs. We aimed to demonstrate the advantages of MRI examination on bilateral hands including PIPJs for disease assessment in early RA patients. METHODS: Active early RA patients received 3.0T whole-body MRI examination with contrast-enhanced imaging on bilateral wrists, MCPJs, and PIPJs. MRI features were scored referring to the updated RAMRIS. Clinical assessments were conducted on the day of MRI examination. RESULTS: The mean time of MRI examination was 24 ± 3 min. MRI bone erosion in MCPJs would be missed-diagnosed in 23% of patients if non-dominant MCPJs were scanned unilaterally, while osteitis in MCPJs would be missed-diagnosed in 16% of patients if dominant MCPJs were scanned unilaterally. MRI synovitis severity was also asymmetric: 21% of patients showing severe synovitis unilaterally in non-dominant MCPJs/PIPJs and other 20% showing severe synovitis unilaterally in dominant MCPJs/PIPJs. Among these early RA patients, MRI tenosynovitis occurred the most frequently in wrist extensor compartment I, while MRI examination on bilateral hands demonstrated no overuse influence present. However, overuse should be considered in dominant PIPJ2, PIPJ4, and IPJ of thumb of which MRI tenosynovitis prevalence was respectively 18%, 17%, or 16% higher than the non-dominant counterparts. Early MRI abnormality of nervus medianus secondary to severe tenosynovitis occurred either in dominant or non-dominant wrists; MRI of unilateral hands would take a risk of missed-diagnosis. Common MRI findings in PIPJs were synovitis and tenosynovitis, respectively in 87% and 69% of patients. MRI tenosynovitis prevalence in IPJ of thumb or PIPJ5 was much higher than the continued wrist flexor compartments. MRI synovitis or tenosynovitis in PIPJs independently increased more than twice probability of joint tenderness (OR = 2.09 or 2.83, both p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In consideration of asymmetric MRI features in early RA, potential overuse influence for certain tenosynovitis in dominant hands, and high prevalence of MRI findings in PIPJs, MRI examination on bilateral hands including PIPJs is deserved for disease assessment in early RA patients.

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 .

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.

Automated assessment of synovitis in 0.2T magnetic resonance images of the wrist.

According to the current recommendations in diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Magnetic Resonance (MR) images of wrist joints are used to evaluate three main types of lesions: synovitis, bone edema and bone erosions. In the clinical practice, the RA-related lesions seen in MR images are assessed manually with the semi-quantitative RAMRIS scoring system. In this paper we present an automated method for inflamed synovial membrane volume determination, based on the analysis of pre- and post-contrast MR images and segmentation of wrist bones seen in MR images. We found that the correlation between the automatically quantified volume of synovitis and RAMRIS scores was in the range from 0.76 to 0.87 for the total RAMRIS synovitis score. This can be compared with the correlation between the manually quantified volume of synovitis and RAMRIS scores which was in the range from 0.75 to 0.81 for the total synovitis score. The results of the study demonstrate that computer assisted methods for assessment of synovitis have great potential for clinical applications.

Validation of the OMERACT Magnetic Resonance Imaging Joint Space Narrowing Score for the Wrist in a Multireader Longitudinal Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the intrareader and interreader agreement and sensitivity to change of the Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) Rheumatoid Arthritis Magnetic Resonance Imaging Joint Space Narrowing (RAMRIS-JSN) score in the rheumatoid arthritis (RA) wrist in a longitudinal multireader exercise. METHODS: Coronal T1-weighted MR image sets of 1 wrist from 20 patients with early RA were assessed twice for JSN at 17 sites at baseline and after 36 or 60 months by 4 readers blinded to patient data but not time order. The joints were scored 0-4 according to the OMERACT RAMRIS-JSN score. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), smallest detectable change (SDC), percentage exact/close agreement (PEA/PCA), and standardized response mean (SRM) were calculated. RESULTS: Median baseline and change score was 10.3 and 1.9, respectively. Intrareader ICC for baseline and change scores was good (≥ 0.50) to very good (≥ 0.80) for all and 3 of 4 readers, respectively. Interreader ICC was very good for change (0.93), while poor for baseline score if all 4 readers were included (0.36), but very good if 1 reader was excluded (0.87). Intrareader and interreader SDC was low (2.34-3.18), except for the intrareader SDC for 1 reader (6.75). The mean PEA/PCA was high for baseline and change scores both within and between the readers (51.5-99.2), except for interreader baseline PEA (14.4). SRM was moderate for all readers (0.55-0.77). CONCLUSION: The OMERACT RAMRIS-JSN score showed high overall intrareader and interreader reliability, and moderate sensitivity to change, supporting inclusion of the measure as part of the OMERACT RAMRIS system.