Are bone erosions detected by magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasonography true erosions? A comparison with computed tomography in rheumatoid arthritis metacarpophalangeal joints

• DOI: 10.1186/ar1995
• Publication Date: 2006-07-18T19:30:00Z
• Authors: Uffe Møller Døhn; Bo J Ejbjerg; Michel Court-Payen; Maria Hasselquist; Eva Narvestad; Marcin Szkudlarek; Jakob M Møller; Henrik S Thomsen; Mikkel Østergaard
• Keywords: Metacarpophalangeal joint

Abstract The objective of the study was, with multidetector computed tomography (CT) as reference method, to determine whether bone erosions in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints detected magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasonography (US), but not radiography, represent true erosive changes. We included 17 RA patients at least one, previously detected, radiographically invisible MCP joint MRI erosion, four healthy control individuals. They all underwent CT, MRI, US radiography 2nd 5th one hand on same day. Each modality was evaluated for presence each quadrant. In total, 336 quadrants were examined. sensitivity, specificity accuracy, respectively, detecting (with CT method) 19%, 100% 81% radiography; 68%, 96% 89% MRI; 42%, 91% 80% US. When 16 radiographic excluded from analysis, similar values (65%, 90%) (30%, 92% 80%) obtained. erosion none 15 patients, however, erosion-like changes seen Nine had no radiography. conclusion, exhibited high specificities (96% 91%, respectively) joints, even non-erosive 92%). moderate sensitivities indicate that more than are and, particularly, present. Radiography (100%) low sensitivity (19%). present strongly indicates erosions, a loss calcified tissue cortical destruction, therefore can be considered erosions.