Low-field 0.2-T MRI is capable of quantifying the PsAMRIS-H with good intra-reader reproducibility. However, low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), low spatial resolution, and system artefacts limit the application of the PsAMRIS-H, leading to low inter- and intra-reader agreement for individual features.
Collagen based vascular diseases with pulmonary involvement comprise rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, progressive systemic sclerosis, dermatomyositis and polymyositis, ankylosing spondylitis, Sjögren's syndrome, and mixed connective tissue diseases. The different characteristics of pulmonary involvement are described. In such circumstances, early recognition of lung involvement is of considerable significance and the relationship to the corresponding disease has to be made. Frequently unrecognised pulmonary involvement ends up as fibrosis with irreversible deficits in respiratory function.
The FFT, MCP joints and ECU tendons are particularly important in systematic US screening of the hand for the purpose of establishing reliable evidence of inflammatory changes. Different stages of RA can be identified on the basis of the characteristic types of synovitis and the number of joints and tendons affected.
Bone marrow edema, which is only detectable with MRI, represents an early sign of inflammation. Therapy with TNF-alpha antagonists is based on clinical and laboratory criteria, and signs of inflammation in MRI. MRI is useful for assessment of the effectiveness of anti-inflammatory therapy.
Vasculitis of small and medium sized vessels mostly affects several organ systems and causes unspecific symptoms. The trunk, lungs, heart and the gastrointestinal and urogenital tracts are most frequently involved. Due to an unclear clinical picture imaging is part and parcel of diagnostics. The knowledge of typical and rare imaging patterns as well as knowledge of the correct imaging method is crucial for classification. Projection radiography is still the gold standard for imaging of the lungs. Using computed tomography discrete ground-glass pattern opacities, nodules and consolidations can be depicted. In the abdomen computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging can depict swelling of the intestinal wall. Digital subtraction angiography may contribute to further differentiation and reveal microaneurysms in cases of polyarteriitis nodosa.
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