Abstract
The objective of our study was to standardize magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) assessment of spine and sacroiliac joints in patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) and/or inflammatory spinal pain, by creating checklists and templates based on the opinions of rheumatologists and radiologists. A scientific committee developed a series of questionnaires with multiple items regarding MRI in patients with axial inflammatory pain and/or axSpA. Then an expert panel of rheumatologists and radiologists rated all items in a 9-point Likert scale. Finally, the scientific committee and the expert panel met to create the definitive documents. Several definitive checklists and templates were generated for rheumatologist-requested MRI and for radiologist-requested MRI reports of sacroiliac joint and spinal examinations. A technical requirement protocol was also agreed on. Our results could be useful in increasing understanding between rheumatologists and radiologists regarding MRI in axSpA diagnosis and follow-up.
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All authors, particularly RA, AB and PZ, contributed to the study conception and design as well as to material preparation, data collection, and analysis. RA, AB, and PZ wrote the first draft of the manuscript; then, all authors commented on previous versions of the manuscript, revising it critically for important intellectual content. All authors read and approved the final manuscript. All authors agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work in ensuring that questions related to the accuracy or integrity of any part of the work have been appropriately investigated and resolved.
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Almodóvar, R., Bueno, Á., Batlle, E. et al. Magnetic resonance imaging assessment in patients with axial spondyloarthritis: development of checklists for use in clinical practice. Rheumatol Int 39, 2119–2127 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00296-019-04441-2
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00296-019-04441-2
Keywords
- Ankylosing spondylitis
- Magnetic resonance imaging
- Rheumatologists
- Radiologists
- Surveys and questionnaires