Diagnosis of wrist joint lesions by arthrosonography in early rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract

Aim. To assess joint and extraarticular wrist lesions in RA patients with arthrosonography in the disease duration up to 6 months. Material and methods. 38 RA patients aged 40 ± 10.5 years (25 females and 13 males) entered the study. These patients and 20 controls without musculoskeletal pathology matched by age and sex have undergone sonographic examination of the wrists and extrajoint structures. Results. The following ultrasonographic signs of intra- and extra-articular inflammation were determined: joint cavity expansion, the presence of anechoic/hypoechoic synovial fluid, effusions, synovial thickening, digital flexor and extensor tenosynovitis, incongruous articular surfaces, bone erosions. Conclusion. Wrist arthrosonography is an informative diagnostic method in early RA as it detects bone erosions, alterations in the cartilages, muscles, tendons and ligaments.

Keywords

• early rheumatoid arthritis
• arthrosonography
• wrist joints