Does the presence of magnetic resonance imaging-detected osteitis at diagnosis with rheumatoid arthritis lower the risk for achieving disease-modifying antirheumatic drug-free sustained remission: Results of a longitudinal study

Background: Although infrequent, some rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients achieve disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD)-free sustained remission. The absence of RA-specific autoantibodies, such as anticitrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA), is known to be associated with this outcome but further mechanisms underlying the chronic nature of RA are largely unknown. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-detected bone marrow edema (BME), or osteitis, strongly predicts erosive progression and is associated with ACPA positivity. Therefore, we hypothesized that the presence of MRI-detected osteitis is also predictive of not achieving DMARD-free sustained remission and that the presence of osteitis mediates the association between ACPA and DMARD-free sustained remission. Methods: A 1.5 T unilateral hand and foot MRI was performed at disease presentation in 238 RA patients, evaluating BME, synovitis, and tenosynovitis (summed as MRI inflammation score). DMARD-free sustained remission, defined as the absence of clinical synovitis after DMARD cessation that persisted during the total follow-up, was assessed (median follow-up 3.8 years). Associations between the different MRI-detected inflammatory features and this outcome were studied. A mediation analysis was performed to study whether the presence of BME mediated the association between ACPA and DMARD-free sustained remission. Finally, patterns of MRI-detected inflammation with regard to DMARD-free sustained remission were studied using partial least squares (PLS) regression. Results: Forty-six (19.3%) patients achieved DMARD-free sustained remission. ACPA positivity associated independently with remission (hazard ratio (HR) 0.16, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.06-0.39). In contrast, no associations were observed between MRI-detected BME (HR 0.99, 95% CI 0.94-1.03), or other MRI inflammatory features, and achieving DMARD-free sustained remission. Thus, the presence of BME did not mediate the association between ACPA and DMARD-free sustained rem

The value of computed tomography in detecting distal radioulnar joint instability after a distal radius fracture

This study evaluated the value of computed tomography scans for the diagnosis of distal radioulnar joint instability. A total of 46 patients, conservatively treated for a unilateral distal radius fracture, were evaluated. Clinical instability was tested using the stress test and clunk test. A computed tomography scan of both wrists was performed in pronation and supination. Two independent observers reviewed the computed tomography scans using: the radioulnar line, subluxation ratio, epicentre and radioulnar ratio methods. Radiological distal radioulnar joint instability was assessed by comparing the measurements of the injured wrist with those of the contralateral uninjured wrists. A

Body mass index and extent of MRI-detected inflammation: opposite effects in rheumatoid arthritis versus other arthritides and asymptomatic persons

Imaging- and therapeutic targets in neoplastic and musculoskeletal inflammatory diseas

Increased frequency of intermetatarsal and submetatarsal bursitis in early rheumatoid arthritis: a large case-controlled MRI study

Background: The forefoot is a preferential location for joint and tendon sheath inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It also contains bursae, of which the intermetatarsal bursae have a synovial lining. Some small imaging studies suggested that intermetatarsal bursitis (IMB) and submetatarsal bursitis (SMB) are involved in RA, but their association has not been thoroughly explored. Healthy control studies suggested that lesion size might be relevant. We studied the relation between IMB and SMB in early RA, compared to other arthritides and healthy controls, and the relevance of lesion sizes. Methods: Six hundred and thirty-four participants were studied: 157 consecutive patients presenting with early RA, 284 other arthritides, and 193 healthy controls. All underwent unilateral contrast-enhanced MRI of the forefoot at presentation. Two readers independently scored IMB and SMB and measured transverse and dorsoplantar diameters, blinded to clinical data. Subsequently, consensus was reached. Intra-reader ICC was 0.89. Logistic regression models were used, and test characteristics were calculated. Results: IMB and SMB associated with RA independent of each other (P < 0.001) and independent of age, gender, BMI, RA-MRI inflammation, and anti-CCP-antibodies (P = 0.041). Sensitivity for RA of IMB was 69%, and for SMB 25%. Specificity for IMB was 70% compared to other arthritides, and 84% compared to healthy controls. For SMB, this was 94% and 97% respectively. Regarding lesion size, the groups had considerable overlap: no cut-off size for RA could be distinguished with high sensitivity and specificity. Conclusion: Intermetatarsal and submetatarsal bursitis associated with early rheumatoid arthritis, contributing to the emerging evidence that inflammation of juxta-articular soft tissues is an early feature of RA

Do fatty lesions explain the effect of inflammation on new syndesmophytes in patients with radiographic axial spondyloarthritis? Results from the SIAS cohort and ASSERT trial

OBJECTIVES: To determine how much of the effect of vertebral corner inflammation on development of syndesmophytes is explained by vertebral corner fat deposition. METHODS: Patients with radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (r-axSpA) from the SIAS (Sensitive Imaging in Ankylosing Spondylitis) cohort and ASSERT (Ankylosing Spondylitis Study for the Evaluation of Recombinant Infliximab Therapy) trial were assessed at T0, T1 (SIAS: 1 year; ASSERT: 24 weeks) and T2 (2 years). Syndesmophytes assessed in each vertebral corner by whole spine low-dose CT (SIAS) or spinal radiographs (ASSERT) at T0 and T2 were considered present if seen by two of two readers. Inflammation (T0) and fat deposition (T0 and T1) on MRI were present if seen by ≥2 of 3 readers (SIAS) or 2 of 2 readers (ASSERT). Vertebral corners showing fat deposition or a syndesmophyte at baseline were ignored. Mediation analysis was applied to determine what proportion of the total effect of inflammation on syndesmophyte formation could be explained via the path of intermediate fat deposition. RESULTS: Forty-nine SIAS patients (with 2667 vertebral corners) and 168 ASSERT patients (with 2918 vertebral corners) were analysed. The presence of inflammation at T0 increased the probability of a new syndesmophyte in the same vertebral corner at T2 by 9.3%. Of this total effect, 0.2% (2% (0.2 of 9.3) of the total effect) went via intermediate new fat deposition. In ASSERT, the total effect was 7.3%, of which 0.8% (10% of the total effect) went via new fat deposition. CONCLUSION: In r-axSpA, vertebral corner inflammation may lead to syndesmophyte formation but in a minority of cases via visible fat deposition

Efficacy of MRI in primary care for patients with knee complaints due to trauma: Protocol of a randomised controlled non-inferiority trial (TACKLE trial)

Background: Patients with traumatic knee complaints regularly consult their general practitioner (GP). MRI might be a valuable diagnostic tool to assist GPs in making appropriate treatment decisions and reducing costs. Therefore, this study will assess the cost-effectiveness of referral to MRI by GPs compared with usual care, in patients with persistent traumatic knee complaints. Design and methods. This is a multi-centre, open-labelled randomised controlled non-inferiority trial in combination with a concurrent observational cohort study. Eligible patients (aged 18-45 years) have knee complaints due to trauma (or sudden onset) occurring in the preceding 6 months and consulting their GP. Participants are randomised to: 1) an MRI group, i.e. GP referral to MRI, or 2) a usual care group, i.e. no MRI. Primary outcomes are knee-related daily function, medical costs (healthcare use and productivity loss), and quality of life. Secondary outcomes are disability due to knee complaints, severity of knee pain, and patients' perceived recovery and satisfaction. Outcomes are measured at baseline and at 1.5, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months follow-up. Also collected are data on patient demographics, GPs' initial working diagnosis, GPs' preferred management at baseline, and MRI findings. Discussion. In the Netherlands, the additional diagnostic value and cost-effectiveness of direct access to knee MRI for patients presenting with traumatic knee complaints in general practice is unknown. Although GPs increasingly refer patients to MRI, the Dutch clinical guideline 'Traumatic knee complaints' for GPs does not recommend referral to MRI, mainly because the cost-effectiveness is still unknown. Trial registration. Dutch Trial Registration: NTR3689

Computed tomography for the detection of distal radioulnar joint instability: normal variation and reliability of four CT scoring systems in 46 patients

Objectives: The diagnosis of distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) instability is clinically challenging. Computed tomography (CT) may aid in the diagnosis, but the reliability and normal variation for DRUJ translation on CT have not been established in detail. The aim of this study was to evaluate inter- and intraobserver agreement and normal ranges of CT scoring methods for determination of DRUJ translation in both posttraumatic and uninjured wrists. Materials and methods: Patients with a conservatively treated, unilateral distal radius fracture were included. CT scans of both wrists were evaluated independently, by two readers using the radioulnar line method, subluxation ratio method, epicenter method and radioulnar ratio method. The inter- and intraobserver agreement was assessed and normal values were determined based on the uninjured wrists. Results: Ninety-two wrist CTs (mean age: 56.5 years, SD: 17.0, mean follow-up 4.2 years, SD: 0.5) were evaluated. Interobserver agreement was best for the epicenter method [ICC = 0.73, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.65–0.79]. Intraobserver agreement was almost perfect for the radioulnar line method (ICC = 0.82, 95 % CI 0.77–0.87). Each method showed a wide normal range for normal DRUJ translation. Normal range for the epicenter method is −0.35 to −0.06 in pronation and −0.11 to 0.19 in supination. Conclusion: DRUJ translation on CT in pro- and supination can be reliably evaluated in both normal and posttraumatic wrists, however with large normal variation. The epicenter method seems the most reliable. Scanning of both wrists mig

Two‐year changes in MRI‐features and pain in thumb base osteoarthritis

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the two‐year course of pain and osteoarthritic features on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the thumb base. METHODS: Patients in the Hand Osteoarthritis in Secondary Care (HOSTAS) cohort who had received radiographic examination, MRI, and clinical examination of the right thumb base at baseline and who had a 2‐year follow‐up period were studied. Pain on palpation of the thumb base was assessed on a 0–3 scale. MRIs were analyzed with the Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) thumb base osteoarthritis MRI scoring system for synovitis, bone marrow lesions (BMLs), subchondral bone defects, cartilage space loss, osteophytes, and subluxation. Radiographs were assessed for osteophytes and joint space narrowing. We studied the associations of changes in synovitis and BMLs with changes in pain using a logistic regression model adjusted for radiographic damage, with values expressed as odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). RESULTS: Of 165 patients, 83% were women and the mean age was 60.7 years. At baseline, 65 patients had thumb base pain. At 2‐year follow‐up, pain had decreased in 32 patients and increased in 33 patients. MRI features remained stable in most patients. Structural MRI features generally deteriorated, while synovitis and BMLs improved in some individuals and deteriorated in others. Change in radiographic osteophytes rarely occurred (n = 10). Increased synovitis (odds ratio [OR] 3.4 [95% CI 1.3–9.3]) and increased BMLs (OR 5.1 [95% CI 2.1–12.6]) were associated with increased pain. Decreased BMLs appeared to be associated with decreased pain (OR 2.7 [95% CI 0.8–8.9]), and reductions in synovitis occurred too infrequently to calculate associations. CONCLUSION: Over 2 years, thumb base pain fluctuated, while MRI features changed in a minority of patients with hand osteoarthritis. Changes in synovitis and BMLs were associated with changes in pain on palpation, even after adjustment for radiographic damage

Aidilfitri Hari Kesyukuran

This study evaluated the value of computed tomography scans for the diagnosis of distal radioulnar joint instability. A total of 46 patients, conservatively treated for a unilateral distal radius fracture, were evaluated. Clinical instability was tested using the stress test and clunk test. A computed tomography scan of both wrists was performed in pronation and supination. Two independent observers reviewed the computed tomography scans using: the radioulnar line, subluxation ratio, epicentre and radioulnar ratio methods. Radiological distal radioulnar joint instability was assessed by comparing the measurements of the injured wrist with those of the contralateral uninjured wrists. A