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Diagnostic Utility of MRI in Early Spondyloarthritis

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Abstract

The introduction of MRI in spondyloarthritis (SpA) constitutes a major advance and is increasingly being implemented in clinical practice in cases in which clinical suspicion of SpA is high yet pelvic radiography is equivocal. Recent studies and development of consensus by international experts support the routine use of specific MRI sequences and scanning protocols for the evaluation of the sacroiliac joints in diagnostic work-up. There is also agreement that the finding of bone marrow edema in the sacroiliac joints carries a high probability of SpA, and emerging data indicate that the finding of erosion may also be diagnostically helpful, even in preradiographic SpA. Recent studies suggest that the diagnostic role of MRI may be further enhanced through the study of additional MRI sequences and prospective studies using systematic methodologies aimed at further scrutiny of structural lesions and the contribution of spinal imaging. Interest in MRI for SpA is poised for substantial growth.

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Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance •• Of major importance

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Acknowledgment

Dr. Maksymowych is a scientist of the Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research.

Disclosure

Dr. Weber has received support from the Walter L. and Johanna Wolf Foundation and the Foundation for Scientific Research at the University of Zurich. He also received payment for contribution to the imaging section of a comprehensive educational slide kit on all clinical aspects of spondyloarthritis (SPARKLE initiative) sponsored by Abbott Laboratories International.

Dr. Maksymowych reported no potential conflicts of interest relevant to this article.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, 562 Heritage Medical Research Building, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2S2, Canada

    Walter P. Maksymowych & Ulrich Weber

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  1. Walter P. Maksymowych
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  2. Ulrich Weber
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Correspondence to Walter P. Maksymowych.

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Maksymowych, W.P., Weber, U. Diagnostic Utility of MRI in Early Spondyloarthritis. Curr Rheumatol Rep 13, 402–408 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11926-011-0190-x

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