EVALUATION OF MAGNETIC-RESONANCE-IMAGING FOR THE DETECTION OF SACROILIITIS IN PATIENTS WITH EARLY SERONEGATIVE SPONDYLARTHROPATHY

A prospective study was conducted in 23 patients to evaluate magnetic resonance imaging versus computed tomography and plain film radiograph y for the early detection of sacroiliitis in patients with spondylarth ropathy and an Amor score of less than 6. Computed tomography was sign ificantly better than the other two techniques despite some false-posi tive results, particularly in patients older than 40 years, Magnetic r esonance imaging lacked sensitivity for detecting elementary lesions, particularly of the cartilage, but demonstrated clearly that the earli est abnormality was edema of the subchondral bone.