The value of joint ultrasonography in predicting arthritis in seropositive patients with arthralgia: a prospective cohort study.

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND:The value of joint ultrasonography (US) in the prediction of clinical arthritis in individuals at risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is still a point of debate, due to varying scanning protocols and different populations. We investigated whether US abnormalities assessed with a standard joint protocol can predict development of arthritis in seropositive patients with arthralgia. METHODS:Anti-citrullinated protein antibodies and/or rheumatoid factor positive patients with arthralgia, but without clinical arthritis were included. US was performed at baseline in 16 joints: bilateral metacarpophalangeal 2-3, proximal interphalangeal 2-3, wrist and metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joints 2-3 and 5. Images were scored semi-quantitatively for synovial thickening and for positive sig

SUBMITTER: van Beers-Tas MH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6300036 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature