MAGNETIC-RESONANCE-IMAGING OF RHEUMATOID-ARTHRITIS

MR imaging is able to demonstrate both the structural changes that occ ur in rheumatoid arthritis and the inflammatory changes, including syn ovial proliferation and joint effusion. MR imaging can demonstrate ero sion before it is visible on radiographs. Although MR imaging appears to be very helpful in assessing the severity of rheumatoid arthritis a nd its response to therapy, the optimal technique for this assessment and the ultimate clinical value of MR imaging have yet to be determine d.