FUNCTIONAL MAGNETIC-RESONANCE-IMAGING SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE EVALUATION OF THE CERVICAL-SPINE IN PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID-ARTHRITIS

Objective. To determine the value of functional (flexion) magnetic res onance imaging (MRI) studies in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA ) suspected of having cervical (C)-spine involvement. Methods. Four pa tients with RA suspected of having C spine involvement, with neurologi cal symptoms and/or signs, and who had normal MRI in neutral position, underwent functional MRI. Results. In all 4 patients functional MRI p rovided additional information. Cord compression (3 patients) and angu lation of the cord (1 patient) were evident only in this view. Conclus ion. Functional MRI provided additional information in these patients and may be indicated in patients with RA suspected of having C spine i nvolvement who have a normal MRI study in a neutral position.