Diffusion-weighted imaging versus short tau inversion recovery sequence: Usefulness in detection of active sacroiliitis and early diagnosis of axial spondyloarthritis.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To compare the utility of Diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) with short tau inversion recovery (STIR) sequence in the diagnosis of early axial spondyloarthritis (SpA).

Methods

Three hundred and five patients with chronic back pain were recruited consecutively from 3 rheumatology centers. Clinical, radiological and blood parameters were recorded. Patients with back pain duration no more than 3 years were classified as having early disease. STIR sequence and DWI of the sacroiliac joints were obtained and assessed using the Spondyloarthritis Research Consortium of Canada (SPARCC) method. The Assessment in Spondyloarthritis international Society definition was used to define positive STIR and DWI. Results were compared to expert diagnosed axial SpA.

Results

When c

SUBMITTER: Chan CWS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6080754 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature