Doppler ultrasound findings in healthy wrists and finger joints

Periosteal Manifestations of Osteomyelitis and Arthritis on Ultrasound: A Systematic Review

Ultrasound (US) can visualize the periosteal changes in the early stage compared to radiography. In this review, we studied periosteal manifestations on US and assessed their diagnostic utility for osteomyelitis (OM) and arthritis. We included articles that studied ultrasonographic findings of periosteal changes in OM and arthropathies with aims to systematically review periosteal manifestations of each condition and summarize diagnostic values of each finding. A total of 13 articles were included in the systematic review. Of these, 10 articles are on OM, 3 articles are on psoriatic arthritis (PsA), 1 article is on rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and 1 article is on gouty arthritis (GA). In OM, subperiosteal fluid/subperiosteal collection (SF/SC) was detected in 32%-76% within 72 h after presentation. Periosteal reaction (PR) was seen after day 4 and the sensitivity on US ranges from 33% to 100%. In PsA, PR was seen near 16%-59% in active PsA joints. Periosteal changes are rarely detected in RA joints. Small hyperechoic spots were seen in 87.5% of GA. SF/SC may be seen on US as the earliest sign followed by PR for OM. PR is more specific in PsA than RA. Further investigations on periosteal abnormalities on US are warranted to confirm our findings.

The role of ultrasonography in assessing remission in juvenile idiopathic arthritis: a systematic review

Musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS) is an important measurement tool in pediatric rheumatology as it detects subclinical disease activity and enables clinicians to treat patients during "the window of opportunity". However, the role of MSUS in assessing remission in JIA patients is not well-defined. This systematic review aimed to provide the most up-to-date published literature regarding the added value of MSUS in JIA patients in remission. This systematic review followed the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews guidelines. Original articles from PubMed and Scopus, published until February 7th 2022, and tackling the role of MSUS in JIA patients in remission were included. Eight studies met the inclusion criteria. They were published between 2011 and 2019 and included 356 children with JIA. Remission criteria were unanimous and relied on the Wallace criteria. Subclinical synovitis and Power Doppler signal (PD) were found in up to 84% and 33% of patients in remission, respectively. In most of the studies, predictors of future flares were abnormal MSUS findings at baseline particularly the presence of PD signal and patients without medication.  Conclusion: Published data indicate that JIA children in remission may have abnormal MSUS findings including PD signal. The application of a specific scoring system for the pediatric joint may be helpful in homogenizing outcomes in future trials. Further studies on this matter are needed to ascertain the specific implication for each subset for a better holistic approach. What is Known: • In these recent years, significant progress has been made on building the evidence base for MSUS in pediatric rheumatology, particularly in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). • In the frame of the OMERACT ultrasound pediatric subtask force, standardized musculoskeletal US examination for the pediatric population was established. What is New: • Published data indicate that JIA children in remission may have abnormal MSUS findings including PD signal. The role of MSUS in assessing remission in JIA is still not well-defined. • The application of a specific scoring system for the pediatric joint may be helpful in homogenizing outcomes and comparing results.

Higher rates of ultrasound synovial hypertrophy, bone erosion and power doppler signal in asymptomatic Brazilian elderly versus young adults: a cross-sectional study

To evaluate the prevalence of musculoskeletal ultrasonography (MSUS) abnormalities in asymptomatic elderly individuals. A cross-sectional controlled study was conducted and MSUS of 23 joints (wrist, metacarpophalangeal-MCP, proximal interphalangeal-PIP, elbow, glenohumeral, hip, knee, ankle, and metatarsophalangeal-MTP joints) was performed in healthy individuals aged 18-29 (young, n = 32) and 60-80 years-old (elderly, n = 32). Quantitative synovial hypertrophy (SH) was measured in mm and a semiquantitative scoring system (0-3) was used to grade SH, power doppler (PD) and bone erosion (BE). Young and elderly participants were 26.2 ± 3.2 and 65.9 ± 4.4 years-old, respectively. As compared to the young participants, elderly individuals had higher SH values in 35% of the joint surfaces (P < 0.05), higher rates of scores 1-3 for SH at the dorsal surface of the 3rd MCP, palmar surface of the 2nd MCP, 2nd PIP, 3rd MCP and 3rd PIP and subtalar joints (17.2 vs. 1.6%, P = 0.002; 29.7 vs. 6.3%, P = 0.001; 12.5 vs. 1.6%, P = 0.016; 21.9 vs. 6.3%, P = 0.011; 21.9 vs. 7.8%, P = 0.025; and 24.2 vs. 6.3%, P = 0.005, respectively), BE at the radiocarpal, ulnocarpal, dorsal surface of the 2nd MCP and posterior area of the glenohumeral joints (10.9 vs. 1.6%, P = 0.028; 12.5 vs. 0%, P = 0.003; 9.4 vs. 0%, P = 0.012; and 29.7 vs. 10.9%, P = 0.008, respectively) and PD at the dorsal surface of the 2nd and 3rd MCP joints (9.4 vs. 0%; P = 0.012 and 7.8 vs. 0%; P = 0.023, respectively). BE scores ≥ 1 were more frequent in the elderly (P < 0.05) in 22 (88%) of the joint surfaces evaluated. MSUS abnormalities are more frequent in asymptomatic elderly individuals as compared to young subjects.

Vascular supply of the metacarpophalangeal joint

Objective

To describe in detail the arterial vasculature of metacarpophalangeal joints 2–5 on cadaver specimens and to compare it to ultrasound imaging of healthy subjects.

Methods

Eighteen hands of donated human cadavers were arterially injected and investigated with either corrosion casting or cryosectioning. Each layer of cryosectioned specimens was photographed in high-resolution. Images were then segmented for arterial vessels of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints 2–5. The arterial pattern of the joints was reconstructed from the segmented images and from the corrosion cast specimens. Both hands of ten adult healthy volunteers were scanned focusing on the vasculature of the same joints with high-end ultrasound imaging, including color Doppler. Measurements were made on both cryosectioned arteries and Doppler images.

Results

The arterial supply of MCP joints 2–5 divides into a metacarpal and a phalangeal territory, respectively. The metacarpal half receives arteries from the palmar metacarpal arteries or proper palmar digital arteries, while the phalangeal half is supplied by both proper and common palmar digital arteries. Comparing anatomical and ultrasonographic results, we determined the exact anatomic location of normal vessels using Doppler images acquired of healthy joints. All, except three branches, were found with less than 50% frequency using ultrasound. Doppler signals were identified significantly more frequently in MCP joints 2–3 than on 4–5 (p < 0.0001). Similarly, Doppler signals differed in the number of detectable small, intraarticular vessels (p < 0.009), but not that of the large extraarticular ones (p < 0.1373). When comparing measurements acquired by ultrasound and on cadaver vessels, measurements using the former technique were found to be larger in all joints (p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Using morphological and ultrasonographic techniques, our study provides a high-resolution anatomical maps and an essential reference data set on the entire arterial vasculature of healthy human MCP 2–5 joints. We found that Doppler signal could be detected in less than 50% of the vessels of healthy volunteers except three locations. Intraarticular branches were detected with ultrasound imaging significantly more frequently on healthy MCP 2–3 joints, which should be taken into account when inflammatory and normal Doppler signals are evaluated. Our study also provides reference data for future, higher-resolution imaging techniques.

Ultrasonographic and resistance index evaluation of nails in psoriatic arthritis, psoriasis, and control groups: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Nail psoriasis occurs frequently in patients with psoriatic disease, it can lead to functional impairment, pain, discomfort, decreased quality of life and can also be a predictor for the development of arthritis. Early recognition of this condition can provide early and effective treatment and prevent structural impairment. This study aims to identify nail ultrasonographic characteristics in three groups: psoriasis (PsO), psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and controls patients, to determine if the ultrasonography (US) can identify early signs of nail psoriatic impairment or local inflammation. We conducted nail US to determine nail matrix resistance index (NMRI), nail bed resistance index (NBRI), and power Doppler (PD) and grayscale (GS) parameters in these 3 groups.

METHODS

Single-center, cross-sectional study. GS, PD, and spectral doppler images of bilateral 2nd and 3rd fingernails were acquired from 35 PsO, 31 PsA, and 35 controls patients. An US equipment with an 18 MHz linear transducer for GS and 8.0 MHz for PD was used. PD, NMRI, NBRI, nail plate thickness (NPT), nail bed thickness (NBT), nail matrix thickness (NMT), and morphostructural characteristics of the trilaminar structure (TS) were evaluated in saved images, blind.

RESULTS

Mean NMRI and NBRI did not differ between groups. Linear regression analysis detected no relationships between PsO or PsA and NMRI or NBRI. Nail PD grade did not differ between groups. Type I and IV TS changes were more frequent in PsO; types II and III changes were more frequent in PsA (p < 0.001). NPT was greater in PsA and PsO groups than controls: PsA 0.73 ± 0.14 mm, PsO 0.72 ± 0.15 mm, Controls 0.67 ± 0.10 mm (p = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Echographic TS characteristics of the nail plate and NPT evaluated by GS are useful and can distinguish PsO and PsA nails from controls. NMRI, NBRI, and US nail microcirculation parameters could not distinguish psoriatic nails.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

72762317.4.0000.5327 (Certificate of Presentation of Ethical Appreciation - CAAE - Plataforma Brasil) Avaiable in  https://plataformabrasil.saude.gov.br/login.jsf .

Positive rate and prognostic significance of the superb microvascular imaging signal in joints of rheumatoid arthritis patients in remission with normal C-reactive protein levels and erythrocyte sedimentation rates

PURPOSE

This study aimed to evaluate the positive rate and prognostic significance of superb microvascular imaging (SMI) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients in remission with normal C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and erythrocyte sedimentation rates (ESR).

METHODS

The study enrolled 112 RA patients, and ultrasound (US) assessment was performed on 28 joints of each patient.

RESULTS

The SMI signal-positive rates for each joint were: metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints: 20.5%, wrist joints: 43.8%, metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joints: 17.0%, and other foot joints: 25.0%. Investigation of the prognostic significance of the SMI signal in each joint revealed that only in the MTP joints was the total score of the SMI signal in the patients with relapse significantly higher than that in the patients with remission (P = 0.01). Comparison of the receiver operating characteristics curves for predicting relapse showed that the area under the curve (AUC) of the MTP joints was the highest (AUC = 0.66) of the investigated joints. The optimal threshold for the total MTP SMI score was 1 (accuracy = 83.3%). Positive/negative data of the SMI signal in the MTP joints were not significantly associated with the values of conventional disease activity markers.

CONCLUSION

In RA patients in remission with normal CRP and ESR levels, the percentage of positive SMI signal was highest in the wrist joints. However, the accuracy of the SMI signal for predicting relapse was greatest for the MTP joints, suggesting that US assessment of the MTP joints by SMI is useful for predicting relapse in these patients.

Doppler ultrasound predicts successful discontinuation of biological DMARDs in rheumatoid arthritis patients in clinical remission

OBJECTIVE

To assess the ability of ultrasound to predict successful tapering and successful discontinuation of biological disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) at 2-year follow-up in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients in sustained remission.

METHODS

Patients in sustained remission (DAS28-CRP≤2.6) and no radiographic progression the previous year tapered bDMARD according to a standardized regime. One-hundred-and-nineteen of these patients were included in this ultrasound sub-study. At baseline, clinical assessment, MRI, x-ray and ultrasound of 24 joints were performed. Ultrasound-detected synovitis was defined and scored 0-3 using the Outcome in Rheumatology (OMERACT) scoring system at joint level for both greyscale and Doppler activity. Sum scores for each ultrasound modality were calculated for 24 joints at patient level. Final state of treatment was assessed after 2 years. The predictive value of ultrasound measures for successful tapering and discontinuation at 2-year follow-up was assessed via logistic regression analyses.

RESULTS

Negative IgM-RF (OR = 0.29; 95% Confidence Interval (CI)=0.10-0.85; p = 0.024) and lower Doppler sum score of 24 joints (OR(95%CI)=0.44;(0.15-0.87); p = 0.014) were independent predictors for successful discontinuation of bDMARD at 2-year follow-up. The predictive value of Doppler sum score was independent of MRI findings. Previous numbers of bDMARDs were predictive of successful tapering (OR(95% CI)=0.58(0.35-0.91); p = 0.018), whereas ultrasound was not. Clinical parameters were not predictive for successful tapering/discontinuation.

CONCLUSIONS

Doppler sum score was an independent predictor for successful discontinuation of bDMARDs at 2-year follow-up - the odds for achieving successful discontinuation decreased by 56% per one-unit increase in Doppler sum score. Ultrasound could not predict successful tapering.

Thermal characteristics of rheumatoid feet in remission: Baseline data

Objectives

Studies have shown conflicting characteristic thermographic patterns of the feet in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, to date no studies have compared thermographic patterns of patients with RA in remission and healthy controls. Thus this study aimed to investigate whether the thermal characteristics of the feet of RA patients, in clinical and radiological remission differ to those of healthy controls.

Methods

Using convenience sampling, RA patients were recruited upon confirmed absence of synovitis by clinical examination and musculoskeletal ultrasound. Thermal images of the feet were taken. Each foot was subdivided into medial, central, lateral, forefoot and heel regions. Subsequently, temperatures in the different regions were analyzed and compared to a cohort of healthy adults.

Results

Data from 32 RA patients were compared to that of 51 healthy controls. The Independent samples T-Test demonstrated a significant difference in temperatures in all the regions of the forefoot between RA participants versus healthy subjects (Table 1). Using the One-Way ANOVA test, no significant difference was found between all the forefoot regions (p = 0.189) of RA patients. Independent sample T-test found significant differences in all heel regions between the two groups (Table 2). One-Way ANOVA demonstrated no significant differences (p = 0.983) between the different foot regions (n = 192) of RA patients.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that RA patients in clinical and radiological remission exhibit significantly different feet thermographic patterns compared to healthy controls. This data will provide the basis for future studies to assess whether thermographic patterns change with disease activity.

The Role of Ultrasound Across the Inflammatory Arthritis Continuum: Focus on "At-Risk" Individuals

In individuals at-risk of developing inflammatory arthritis, the value of an ultrasound (US) scan assessment to predict progression has been demonstrated repeatedly. However, depending on recruitment criteria, these individuals may be at different stages in the arthritis development continuum, therefore representing a heterogeneous population. As a consequence, the predictive value of ultrasound results may differ between cohorts. As other reviews have focused on the challenges in population recruitment or have combined biomarkers predicting value according to one recruitment pathway, we wanted to focus on the sole use of ultrasound assessment and its variation according to population recruitment criteria. In this review, we discuss the use of ultrasound in the different at-risk populations across the inflammatory arthritis disease continuum. This review demonstrates that although some sub-population data is scarce, ultrasound is best predictive in three at-risk populations: those with a positive ACPA test in the context of non-specific MSK symptoms, those with clinically suspect arthralgia and those with palindromic rheumatism. We consider that ultrasound assessment will be a cornerstone in prediction risk modeling and prevention studies of the preclinical phases of IA in the future.

The role of ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging for treat to target in rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis

The treat-to-target (T2T) approach has revolutionized the way we treat patients with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases. Recent attention has focused on imaging techniques, in particular musculoskeletal ultrasound and MRI as a focus for T2T strategies. Recently, a number of randomized clinical trials have been performed that compared tight clinical control vs control augmented by imaging techniques. While the three published trials have concluded that imaging does not add to tight clinical care, implementing imaging into the T2T strategy has actual advantages, such as the detection of subclinical involvement, and information on joint involvement/pathology and may possess potential advantages as evidenced by certain secondary endpoints. This review examines the findings of these studies and discusses the advantages and disadvantages of incorporating imaging into the T2T strategy.

Future use of musculoskeletal ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging in rheumatoid arthritis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Musculoskeletal ultrasonography (MSUS) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) play important roles in diagnosis, monitoring, and prognostication of rheumatoid arthritis. This review highlights recent literature in this field and aims to provide insight into the future use in clinical practice.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent studies concerning the use of MSUS and MRI in clinical practice show how MSUS and MRI can improve diagnosis and monitoring of rheumatoid arthritis and how they can predict both radiographic progression and clinical outcome (e.g., successful tapering of medical treatment). Moreover, novel technical developments of the two imaging modalities, such as 3D ultrasonography, ultrasound image reading with convolutional neural network, image fusion (MSUS and MRI) and whole-body MRI show promising results. Further validation of these novel techniques is required prior to implementation.

SUMMARY

MSUS and MRI will be important parts of the future management of rheumatoid arthritis patients, mostly because of their ability to detect rheumatoid arthritis changes at a very early stage and to predict the course of disease. However, the exact role in routine clinical practice is still to be defined.

Color fraction as a useful method of imaging synovium vascularization in patients with high activity of rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease with joint inflammation and destruction as the main features that appears with prevalence of 1 to 2% of the general population. Women are three times more likely to suffer from RA than men. Rheumatoid arthritis occurs at any age but commonly over 40-50 years old. In the course of RA each joint may be involved but most frequently the proximal interphalangeal and metacarpophalangeal joints of the hands, wrists, and also small joints of the feet are affected. Symmetrical joint swelling with overgrowth of synovium and hypervascularization confirmed in power Doppler ultrasound imaging are very characteristic for RA. Quantification of vascularization with the color fraction index may be a useful tool to monitor disease activity and in evaluation of inflammation in scientific research. This article aims to present this imaging diagnostic method based on the literature.

A comparison of thermographic characteristics of the hands and wrists of rheumatoid arthritis patients and healthy controls

Thermal imaging has been applied to detect possible temperature variations in various rheumatic disorders. This study sought to determine whether rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients without active synovitis in their hands exhibit different baseline thermographic patterns of the fingers and palms when compared to healthy individuals. Data from 31 RA patients were compared to that of 51 healthy controls. The RA patients were recruited upon confirmed absence of synovitis by clinical examination and musculoskeletal ultrasound. Participants underwent medical infrared imaging of the regions of interest (ROIs). Significant differences were found between the mean temperatures of the palm regions (29.37 °C (SD2.2); n = 306) and fingers (27.16 °C (SD3.2); n = 510) of the healthy participants when compared to the palm regions (31.4(SD1.84)°C; n = 186) and fingers (30.22 °C (SD2.4); n = 299) of their RA counterparts (p = 0.001), with the latter group exhibiting higher temperatures in all ROIs. Logistic regression models confirm that both palm and finger temperature increase significantly in RA without active inflammation. These innovative findings provide evidence that baseline thermal data in RA differs significantly from healthy individuals. Thermal imaging may have the potential to become an adjunct assessment method of disease activity in patients with RA.

The agreement between ultrasound-determined joint inflammation and clinical signs in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Background

Ultrasound (US) is sensitive for detecting joint and tendon inflammation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). So far, which grade of abnormalities on US corresponds to clinical manifestations is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the agreement between US-detected joint inflammation and clinical signs (joint swelling and tenderness).

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, 22 joints of the wrists and hands were, respectively, evaluated by physical examination (PE) and ultrasound in RA patients. Gray scale (GS) and power Doppler (PD) of synovitis, detected by ultrasound, were graded by semi-quantitative scoring systems (0–3). Tenosynovitis and peritendinitis were assessed qualitatively (0/1).

Results

A total of 258 consecutive RA patients were included, with median disease duration of 57 months and mean Disease Activity Score based on 28 joints (DAS28)-ESR/DAS28-CRP of 4.47/3.99. In a total of 5676 joints assessed, the overall concordance rate between positive clinical signs and ultrasound-determined joint inflammation was fair (κ = 0.365, p < 0.01). In wrists, joint tenderness showed higher κ coefficient (κ = 0.329, p < 0.01) with ultrasound-determined joint inflammation than swelling (κ = 0.263, p < 0.01); however, swelling showed higher κ coefficient (κ = 0.156–0.536, p < 0.01) with ultrasound-determined joint inflammation than tenderness (κ = 0.061–0.355, p < 0.01) in metacarpophalangeal (MCP) and proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints. Synovitis had consistently higher agreement with tenderness and swelling than tenosynovitis/peritendinitis. Tenderness and swelling had the highest κ coefficient with GS ≥ 1 synovial hyperplasia in most MCP and PIP joints, while with GS ≥ 2 synovial hyperplasia in wrists. For all 22 joints, PD ≥ 1 synovitis had the highest κ coefficient with clinical tenderness and swelling.

Conclusions

Synovitis had better agreement with clinical signs than tenosynovitis/peritendinitis. Joint swelling showed better agreement with US-determined inflammation than tenderness for MCP and PIP joints, while the opposite for wrists. Both tenderness and swelling are more likely to correspond to GS ≥ 2 for wrists, GS ≥ 1 for MCP and PIP joints, and PD ≥ 1 for any joint.

Flares in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients with Low Disease Activity: Predictability and Association with Worse Clinical Outcomes

OBJECTIVE

To investigate predictors of flare in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients with low disease activity (LDA) and to evaluate the effect of flare on 12-month clinical outcomes.

METHODS

Patients with RA who were taking disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs and had a stable 28-joint count Disease Activity Score (DAS28) < 3.2 were eligible for inclusion. At baseline and every 3 months, clinical (DAS28), functional [Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index (HAQ-DI), EQ-5D, Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy Fatigue scale (FACIT-F), Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 (SF-36)], serum biomarkers [multibiomarker disease activity (MBDA) score, calprotectin, CXCL10], and imaging data were collected. Flare was defined as an increase in DAS28 compared with baseline of > 1.2, or > 0.6 if concurrent DAS28 ≥ 3.2. Cox regression analyses were used to identify baseline predictors of flare. Biomarkers were cross-sectionally correlated at time of flare. Linear regressions were performed to compare clinical outcomes after 1 year.

RESULTS

Of 152 patients, 46 (30%) experienced a flare. Functional disability at baseline was associated with flare: HAQ-DI had an unadjusted HR 1.82 (95% CI 1.20-2.72) and EQ-5D had HR 0.20 (95% CI 0.07-0.57). In multivariate analyses, only HAQ-DI remained a significant independent predictor of flare (HR 1.76, 95% CI 1.05-2.93). At time of flare, DAS28 and its components significantly correlated with MBDA and calprotectin, but correlation coefficients were low at 0.52 and 0.49, respectively. Two-thirds of flares were not associated with a rise in biomarkers. Patients who flared had significantly worse outcomes at 12 months (HAQ-DI, EQ-5D, FACIT-F, SF-36, and radiographic progression).

CONCLUSION

Flares occur frequently in RA patients with LDA and are associated with worse disease activity, quality of life, and radiographic progression. Higher baseline HAQ-DI was modestly predictive of flare, while biomarker correlation at the time of flare suggests a noninflammatory component in a majority of events.

Ultrasound and its clinical use in rheumatoid arthritis: where do we stand?

High-resolution musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS) has been increasingly employed in daily rheumatological practice and in clinical research. In rheumatoid arthritis (RA), MSUS can be now considered a complement to physical examination. This method evaluates synovitis through gray-scale and power Doppler and it is also able to identify bone erosions. The utilization of MSUS as a marker of RA activity has received attention in recent literature. Current data account for good correlation of MSUS with classical measures of clinical activity; in some instances, MSUS appears to perform even better. Diagnosis of subclinical synovitis by MSUS might help the physician in RA management. With some variation, interobserver MSUS agreement seems excellent for erosion and good for synovitis. However, lack of MSUS score standardization is still an unmet need. In this review, we describe several MSUS scores, as well as their correlation with clinical RA activity and response to therapy. Finally, we look at the relationship of MSUS with synovial tissue inflammation and discuss future perspectives for a better interpretation and integration of this imaging method into clinical practice.

Clinical utility of eco-color-power Doppler ultrasonography and contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging for interpretation and quantification of joint synovitis: a review

With the introduction of new biologics such as anti-TNF-alpha antibodies and other therapies in the treatment of inflammatory arthritis, capable of halting joint destruction and functional disability, there are new pressures on diagnostic and prognostic imaging. Early demonstration of pre-erosive inflammatory features and monitoring of the long-term effects of treatment are becoming increasingly important. Early detection of synovitis offers advantages in terms of allowing early instigation of therapy and may allow the identification of those patients displaying more aggressive disease who might benefit from early intervention with expensive DMARD therapy. Advanced imaging techniques such as ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have focussed on the demonstration and quantification of synovitis and allow early diagnosis of inflammatory arthropathies such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Synovitis represents a potential surrogate measure of disease activity that can be monitored using either MRI or US; the techniques have, generally, focused on monitoring synovial volume or quality as assessed by its vascularity. However to achieve these goals, standardisation and validation of US and MRI are required to ensure accurate diagnosis, reproducibility and reliability. Each modality has different strengths and weaknesses and levels of validation. This article aims to increase the awareness of radiologists and rheumatologists about this field and to encourage them to participate and contribute to the ongoing development of these modalities. Without this collaboration, it is unlikely that these modalities will reach their full potential in the field of rheumatological imaging. This review is in two parts. The first part addresses the role of US and colour or power Doppler sonography (PDUS) in the detection and monitoring of synovitis in inflammatory arthropathies. The second part will look at advanced MR imaging and Dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI techniques and in particular how they are applied to the monitoring of the disease process.

Drug-free remission: the goal of the future in management of patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Management of patients with rheumatoid arthritis according to the “treat-to-target” strategy requires achievement of remission or low disease activity when remission cannot be achieved (mostly in patients with advanced disease). The assessment of remission and low disease activity is based on a number of definitions depending on the applied instruments which do not always correspond to one another.

The role of biomarkers and imaging techniques (ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging) in predicting the risk for disease relapse after achieving remission and tapering disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs treatment are presented. The concept of achieving the full control of inflammation including residua synovial inflammation and drug free-remission is discussed.

Subclinical synovitis measured by ultrasound in rheumatoid arthritis patients with clinical remission induced by synthetic and biological modifying disease drugs

BACKGROUND

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients with disease in clinical remission might show subclinical synovitis, which can be related to the progress of structural joint damage.

OBJECTIVE

To determine and compare the degree of synovial inflammation by ultrasound (US) in patients with RA in clinical remission, treated with DMARD or combination therapy with DMARD and anti-TNF.

METHODS

Hospital-based cross-sectional study of 58 patients with RA in sustained remission for at least 6 months by DAS28 <2.6, who attended the Rheumatology Service at the Hospital Universitario de Caracas. Patients underwent clinical, functional, and laboratory assessments. Ultrasound was performed in hands measuring synovial effusion, synovial hypertrophy and power Doppler signal; using a semiquantitative 4-point scale of 0=none to 3=severe. Chi-square and t-test were used to compare the clinical, functional, laboratory and US assessments between the DMARD (N=37) and combination therapy with DMARD and anti-TNF (N=21) groups. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

Out of 58 patients, 25.9% had remission by US and 74.1% had synovial effusion or hypertrophy or positive power Doppler signal. Non-significant differences in US synovitis between the two groups were found.

CONCLUSIONS

Persistent US activity was evident in a high percentage of rheumatoid arthritis patients in clinical remission by DAS28. No differences in subclinical synovitis measured by US were found between patients with DMARD and anti-TNF-induced clinical remission.

Ultrasound of the hand is sufficient to detect subclinical inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis remission: a post hoc longitudinal study

Background

Ultrasound (US) is a sensitive method for detecting joint/tendon inflammation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Subclinical inflammation is often found in patients with RA in composite score remission. The purpose of the present study was to explore whether US of only the hands is sufficient to identify subclinical inflammation in patients with established RA in clinical remission.

Methods

A total of 209 patients with established RA (81% women, mean [SD] age 53.3 (13.2) years, disease duration 10.0 [8.8] years) were examined when initiating biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) and after 6 months (184 patients) and 12 months (152 patients) of follow-up. They were assessed by US (greyscale [GS] and power Doppler [PD] of 36 joints and 4 tendons, scored 0–3) as well as clinical and laboratory examinations, and different disease activity composite scores were calculated. The presence of US synovitis (GS score ≥ 2, PD score ≥ 1 [PD1] and score ≥ 2 [PD2]) in composite score remission was explored.

Results

Remission at 6 and 12 months was achieved in 74 and 59 patients, respectively, for Disease Activity Score based on 28 joints (DAS28); in 37 and 38 patients, respectively, for Clinical Disease Activity Index; in 42 and 42 patients, respectively, for Simplified Disease Activity Index; and in 38 and 35 patients, respectively, for Boolean remission. The percentages of patients in DAS28 remission at 6 months with synovitis in hands/other regions were 73.0%/64.9% for GS, 64.9%/41.9% for PD1 and 32.4%/20.3% for PD2; at 12 months, the corresponding percentages were 61.0%/64.4% for GS, 62.7%/39.0% for PD1 and 44.1%/15.3% for PD2, respectively. PD activity was more often present in the hands (p < 0.001). In patients in various composite scores of remission, US only of the hands identified ≥ 90% of the patients having PD activity in any of the assessed joints/tendons.

Conclusions

A high percentage of patients had US synovitis despite being in clinical remission. US examination performed only of the hands captured ≥ 90% of patients with subclinical inflammation and could be feasible for assessing bDMARD-treated patients with RA in remission.

Trial registration

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, ACTRN12610000284066. Registered on 8 April 2010.

Role of ultrasound imaging in individuals at risk of RA

Early diagnosis and treatment improves outcomes for patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Studies have shown that musculoskeletal ultrasound is more sensitive than clinical examination in identifying synovitis. This review aims to address the role of ultrasound in identifying (1) patients with early inflammatory arthritis (IA) at risk of progression to RA and (2) those without clinical synovitis at risk of progression to early IA and therefore early RA.

Scoring ultrasound synovitis in rheumatoid arthritis: a EULAR-OMERACT ultrasound taskforcePart 1: definition and development of a standardised, consensus-based scoring system

OBJECTIVES

To develop a consensus-based ultrasound (US) definition and quantification system for synovitis in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

METHODS

A multistep, iterative approach was used to: (1) evaluate the baseline agreement on defining and scoring synovitis according to the usual practice of different sonographers, using both grey-scale (GS) (synovial hypertrophy (SH) and effusion) and power Doppler (PD), by reading static images and scanning patients with RA and (2) evaluate the influence of both the definition and acquisition technique on reliability followed by a Delphi exercise to obtain consensus definitions for synovitis, elementary components and scoring system.

RESULTS

Baseline reliability was highly variable but better for static than dynamic images that were directly acquired and immediately scored. Using static images, intrareader and inter-reader reliability for scoring PD were excellent for both binary and semiquantitative (SQ) grading but GS showed greater variability for both scoring systems (κ ranges: -0.05 to 1 and 0.59 to 0.92, respectively). In patient-based exercise, both intraobserver and interobserver reliability were variable and the mean κ coefficients did not reach 0.50 for any of the components. The second step resulted in refinement of the preliminary Outcome Measures in Rheumatology synovitis definition by including the presence of both hypoechoic SH and PD signal and the development of a SQ severity score, depending on both the amount of PD and the volume and appearance of SH.

CONCLUSION

A multistep consensus-based process has produced a standardised US definition and quantification system for RA synovitis including combined and individual SH and PD components. Further evaluation is required to understand its performance before application in clinical trials.

Articular Ultrasound in Asymptomatic Volunteers: Identification of the Worst Measures of Synovial Hypertrophy, Synovial Blood Flow and Joint Damage Among Small-, Medium- and Large-Sized Joints

Articular ultrasound of 6500 joint recesses was performed for the purpose of identifying which joint had the highest measurements among small-sized (SSJ), medium-sized (MSJ) and large-sized (LSJ) joints. Quantitative measurements of synovial hypertrophy (QSR) and semiquantitative measurements of synovial hypertrophy (SSH), power Doppler (SPD) and bone erosion (SBE) (score: 0-3) were made. Higher measurements (p < 0.01) of QSR were obtained in the second metatarsophalangeal joint (MTP), talonavicular joint, and hip. The highest SSH scores (2/3) were obtained in the second MTP, talonavicular joint, hip and knee; the highest SPD scores (1/2/3) in the first MTP, second MTP, dorsal second metacarpophalangeal (MCP) and radiocarpal recesses; and the highest SBE scores (2/3) in the radiocarpal, ulnocarpal and posterior recesses of the glenohumeral joint. In conclusion, higher measurements of synovial hypertrophy were found in the first and second MTPs (SSJ), talonavicular recess (MSJ) and hip (LSJ). Synovial blood flow was frequent in the first MTP and radiocarpal recess. Bone erosion stood out only in the glenohumeral joint.

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis: what is the utility of ultrasound?

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a heterogeneous condition and an important cause of acquired disability in children. Evidence supports early treatment to prevent future complications. This relies on prompt diagnosis, achieved by a high index of clinical suspicion and supportive evidence, including the detection of joint and or tendon inflammation. Ultrasound is a readily accessible, well-tolerated, safe and accurate modality for assessing joints and the surrounding soft tissues. It can also be used to guide therapy into those joints and tendon sheaths resistant to systemic treatments. Ultrasound imaging is highly operator dependent, and the developing skeleton poses unique challenges in interpretation with sonographic findings that can mimic pathology and vice versa. Ultrasound technology has been rapidly improving and is more accessible than ever before. In this article, we review the normal appearances, highlight potential pitfalls and present the key pathological findings commonly seen in JIA.

The OMERACT Ultrasound Group: A Report from the OMERACT 2016 Meeting and Perspectives

Objective.

To provide an update from the Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) Ultrasound Working Group on the progress for defining ultrasound (US) minimal disease activity threshold at joint level in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and for standardization of US application in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).

Methods.

For minimal disease activity, healthy controls (HC) and patients with early arthritis (EA) who were naive to disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs were recruited from 2 centers. US was performed of the hands and feet, and scored semiquantitatively (0–3) for synovial hypertrophy (SH) and power Doppler (PD). Synovial effusion (SE) was scored a binary variable. For JIA, a Delphi approach and subsequent validation in static images and patient-based exercises were used to developed preliminary definitions for synovitis and a scoring system.

Results.

For minimal disease activity, 7% HC had at least 1 joint abnormality versus 30% in the EA group. In HC, the findings of SH and PD were predominantly grade 1 whereas all grades were seen in the EA cohort, but SE was rare. In JIA, synovitis can be diagnosed based on B-mode findings alone because of the presence of physiological vascularization. A semiquantitative scoring system (0–3) for synovitis for both B-mode and Doppler were developed in which the cutoff between Doppler grade 2 and grade 3 was 30%.

Conclusion.

The first step has been taken to define the threshold for minimal disease activity in RA by US and to define and develop a scoring system for synovitis in JIA. Further steps are planned for the continuous validation of US in these areas.

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory joint disease, which can cause cartilage and bone damage as well as disability. Early diagnosis is key to optimal therapeutic success, particularly in patients with well-characterised risk factors for poor outcomes such as high disease activity, presence of autoantibodies, and early joint damage. Treatment algorithms involve measuring disease activity with composite indices, applying a treatment-to-target strategy, and use of conventional, biological, and newz non-biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. After the treatment target of stringent remission (or at least low disease activity) is maintained, dose reduction should be attempted. Although the prospects for most patients are now favourable, many still do not respond to current therapies. Accordingly, new therapies are urgently required. In this Seminar, we describe current insights into genetics and aetiology, pathophysiology, epidemiology, assessment, therapeutic agents, and treatment strategies together with unmet needs of patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Targeting ultrasound remission in early rheumatoid arthritis: the results of the TaSER study, a randomised clinical trial

Objective

To investigate whether an intensive early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treat-to-target (T2T) strategy could be improved through the use of musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS) assessment of disease activity.

Methods

111 newly diagnosed patients with RA or undifferentiated arthritis (symptom duration <1 year) were randomised to strategies that aimed to attain either DAS28-erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)<3.2 (control) or a total power Doppler joint count≤1 during a combined DAS28-ESR/MSUS assessment (intervention). MSUS examination was indicated if: DAS28-ESR<3.2 or DAS28-ESR≥3.2 with two swollen joints. Step-up disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) escalation was standardised: methotrexate monotherapy, triple therapy and then etanercept/triple therapy. American College of Rheumatology (ACR) core-set variables were assessed 3 monthly by a metrologist blinded to group allocation. MRI of dominant hand and wrist, and plain radiographs of hands and feet were undertaken at baseline and 18 months for grading by two readers using the Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) Rheumatoid Arthritis MRI Scoring System (RAMRIS) and van der Heijde/Sharp Score, respectively. The coprimary outcomes were mean change from baseline of DAS44 and RAMRIS erosion score.

Results

Groups were matched for baseline clinical, demographic and radiographic features. The intervention group received more intensive DMARD therapy. Both groups demonstrated significant improvements in DAS44 (mean change: control −2.58, intervention −2.69; 95% CI difference between groups −0.70 to 0.48; p=0.72). There were no significant between-group differences for any ACR core-set variables, except DAS44 remission after 18 months (control 43%, intervention 66%; p=0.03). There was minimal progression of MRI and radiographic erosions and no difference in imaging outcomes or serious adverse event rates.

Conclusions

In early RA, a MSUS-driven T2T strategy led to more intensive treatment, but was not associated with significantly better clinical or imaging outcomes than a DAS28-driven strategy.

Trial registration number

NCT00920478.

Three-dimensional Doppler ultrasound findings in healthy wrist and finger tendon sheaths - can feeding vessels lead to misinterpretation in Doppler-detected tenosynovitis?

Background

The aim was to investigate the presence of feeding vessels in or in close proximity to extensor and flexor tendon sheaths at the wrists level and in finger flexor tendon sheaths in healthy controls, using 3D ultrasound (US), which may cause pitfalls, in order to ensure correct interpretation of Doppler signals when diagnosing tenosynovitis.

Method

Forty healthy participants (20 women and 20 men age 23-67 years) without prior history of arthritis, tendon diseases or present pain in their hands were included. Twenty participants had 3D Doppler US of the second and third finger and twenty of the right wrist. US was carried out using a GE Logiq E9 unit with a 3D US probe. The colour Doppler settings were to published recommendation.

Results

The feeding vessels in or in close proximity to the tendon sheaths were found in the flexor and extensor tendons sheaths at least once in each participant. No significant difference in feeding vessels was seen between the radial and carpal level in the wrist (p = 0.06) or between the second and third flexor tendon sheath (p = 0.84).

Conclusion

Doppler findings in or in close proximity to the tendon sheaths were common in wrists and fingers in healthy participants. These feeding vessels can be a source of error, not only due to their presence but also because they may be interpreted as being inside the tendon sheath due to blooming and reverberations artefacts. These vessels should be taken into consideration when diagnosing Doppler tenosynovitis.

Consensus-based identification of factors related to false-positives in ultrasound scanning of synovitis and tenosynovitis

INTRODUCTION

We aimed to identify causes of false-positives in ultrasound scanning of synovial/tenosynovial/bursal inflammation and provide corresponding imaging examples.

METHODS

We first performed systematic literature review to identify previously reported causes of false-positives. We next determined causes of false-positives and corresponding example images for educational material through Delphi exercises and discussion by 15 experts who were an instructor and/or a lecturer in the 2013 advanced course for musculoskeletal ultrasound organized by Japan College of Rheumatology Committee for the Standardization of Musculoskeletal Ultrasonography.

RESULTS

Systematic literature review identified 11 articles relevant to sonographic false-positives of synovial/tenosynovial inflammation. Based on these studies, 21 candidate causes of false-positives were identified in the consensus meeting. Of these items, 11 achieved a predefined consensus (≥ 80%) in Delphi exercise and were classified as follows: (I) Gray-scale assessment [(A) non-specific synovial findings and (B) normal anatomical structures which can mimic synovial lesions due to either their low echogenicity or anisotropy]; (II) Doppler assessment [(A) Intra-articular normal vessels and (B) reverberation)]. Twenty-four corresponding examples with 49 still and 23 video images also achieved consensus.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study provides a set of representative images that can help sonographers to understand false-positives in ultrasound scanning of synovitis and tenosynovitis.

Does combined clinical and ultrasound assessment allow selection of individuals with rheumatoid arthritis for sustained reduction of anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy?

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether a strategy combining clinical and ultrasound (US) assessment can select individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) for sustained dose reduction of anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) therapies.

METHODS

As part of a real-world approach, patients with RA receiving anti-TNF therapies were reviewed in a dedicated biologic therapy clinic. Patients not taking oral corticosteroids with both Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (DAS28) remission (≤2.6) and absent synovitis on power Doppler US (PDUS 0) for >6 months were invited to reduce their anti-TNF therapy dose by one-third.

RESULTS

Between January 2012 and February 2014, a total of 70 patients underwent anti-TNF dose reduction. Combined DAS28 and PDUS remission was maintained by 96% of patients at 3 months followup, 63% at 6 months, 37% at 9 months, and 34% at 18 months followup. However, 88% of patients maintained at least low disease activity (LDA) with DAS28 <3.2 and PDUS ≤1 at 6 months. The addition of PDUS identified 8 patients (25% of those that flared) in DAS28 remission, with subclinically active disease. Those who maintained dose reduction were more likely to be rheumatoid factor (RF) negative (46% versus 17%; P = 0.03) and have lower DAS28 scores at biologic therapy initiation (5.58 versus 5.96; P = 0.038).

CONCLUSION

Combined clinical and US assessment identifies individuals in remission who may be suitable for anti-TNF dose reduction and enhances safe monitoring for subclinical disease flares. Despite longstanding severe RA, a subset of our cohort sustained prolonged DAS28 and PDUS remission. LDA at biologic therapy initiation and RF status appeared predictive of sustained remission.

Ultrasound of the hand and wrist

There have been immense technical innovations and broadened clinical applications of ultrasound in the musculoskeletal system over the past 20 years. Specifically with regard to the hand and wrist, the advent of higher resolution transducers and postprocessing software applications have resulted in overall enhanced visualization of soft tissue structures (tendons/ligaments) as well as surface osseous lesions such as subclinical erosions in rheumatoid arthritis. Quantitative ultrasound, using either power Doppler or contrast-enhanced imaging, has become a central outcomes measure used to evaluate and document patient response to treatment in inflammatory arthropathies such as rheumatoid arthritis. This review will summarize the current state of clinical applications of ultrasound in the evaluation of the hand and wrist, with a summary of technical advances and specific applications in rheumatologic conditions.This review was exempt from institutional review board approval.

The Role of Power Doppler Ultrasonography as Disease Activity Marker in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Structural damage in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) occurs early if inflammation is not treated promptly. Treatment targeted to reduce inflammation, in particular, that of synovial inflammation in the joints (synovitis), has been recommended as standard treat-to-target recommendations by rheumatologists. The goal is to achieve disease remission (i.e., no disease activity). Several accepted remission criteria have not always equated to the complete absence of true inflammation. Over the last decade, musculoskeletal ultrasonography has been demonstrated to detect subclinical synovitis not appreciated by routine clinical or laboratory assessments, with the Power Doppler modality allowing clinicians to more readily appreciate true inflammation. Thus, targeting therapy to Power Doppler activity may provide superior outcomes compared with treating to clinical targets alone, making it an attractive marker of disease activity in RA. However, more validation on its true benefits such as its benefits to patients in regard to patient related outcomes and issues with standardized training in acquisition and interpretation of power Doppler findings are required.

[Differences of spectral Doppler in psoriatic arthritis and onychomycosis]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the use of the spectral Doppler (SDoppler) to quantify inflammatory activity and to detect nail echotextural differences in patients with psoriatic arthritis and onychomycosis.

METHODS

Two patients, one with psoriatic arthritis but with no joint pain nor nail clinical change and the other with onychomycosis and rheumatoid arthritis were included. The gray scale ultrasound study, showed changes in the regular presence of echotexture at the nail insertion, thickening of the nail bed and loss of trilaminar nail pattern. The spectral Dopplerresistance index (RI), detects the inflammatory process in nail entheses.

RESULTS

Seven distal interphalangeal (DIP) joints in both patients were evaluated in two planes, getting nine RI. In the patient with psoriatic arthritis the author found: loss of normal trilaminar nail plate aspect, and nail beds and DIP joint capsules preserved. The spectral Doppler showed RI<1, with mean±SD=0.50±0.75 in the microcirculation at nail entheses, with characterization of a bone erosion in the third left DIP joint, with RI=0.38 and 0.63 in transverse and longitudinal planes, respectively. The patient with onychomycosis showed the following changes: hypoechogenicity at nail insertion; loss of nail shape, and spectral Doppler in nail entheses with RI>1, with mean±SD=1.71±0.98.

CONCLUSION

The use of ultrasound can detect changes in the nail beds in these diseases. Future studies will further characterize these changes.

Sonographic assessment of healthy peripheral joints: evaluation according to demographic parameters

OBJECTIVES

To describe quantitative and semiquantitative sonographic joint measurements in healthy adults and compare them with demographic parameters.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted. Bilateral sonographic measurements of small, medium, and large joints were performed in 130 healthy volunteers, stratified into 5 age groups (A, 18-29; B, 30-39; C, 40-49; D, 50-59; and E, 60-80 years). Quantitative synovial hypertrophy measurements and semiquantitative synovial hypertrophy, power Doppler, bone erosion (score 0-3), and articular cartilage (score 0-4) measurements were performed by a blinded radiologist using a 6-18-MHz linear array transducer. The sonographic measurements were correlated with demographic parameters. The significant P value was set at .05.

RESULTS

A total of 6500 joint recesses were studied; the mean age ± SD of the participants was 44.8 ± 14.6 years, and 76.9% were women. The highest quantitative synovial hypertrophy values were found in the hip (6.4 mm) and talonavicular joint (2.6 mm). The joint recesses with a greater frequency of hypothetical pathologic semiquantitative scores were second metatarsophalangeal (78.8%) and first metatarsophalangeal (69.3%) for synovial hypertrophy, radiocarpal (17.7%) and first metatarsophalangeal (15.8%) for power Doppler, and posterior glenohumeral (23.1%) and ulnocarpal (4.2%) for bone erosion. The highest quantitative synovial hypertrophy values and the lowest semiquantitative synovial hypertrophy, power Doppler, bone erosion, and articular cartilage scores were observed in age group E (P < .046). There were positive correlations between the sonographic measurements and height, age, weight, and body mass index in 30.4%, 34.8%, 43.5%, and 47.8%, respectively, of all the joint recesses studied.

CONCLUSIONS

Sonographic changes in healthy peripheral joints were observed predominantly in the oldest group.

Greyscale and power Doppler ultrasonographic evaluation of normal synovial joints: correlation with pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and angiogenic factors

OBJECTIVE

US is a promising tool in evaluating RA synovitis, but abnormal US findings have been reported in small subsets of normal joints in healthy subjects. This study aimed to systematically assess greyscale US (GSUS) and power Doppler US (PDUS) findings in 40 peripheral joints-the 28-joint DAS (DAS28) set, ankles and MTP joints-in healthy subjects. A composite score of abnormal US findings in 40 joints was compared with serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines.

METHODS

US of 60 standard views in 40 joints was performed in 30 healthy subjects (total 3600 images). GSUS and PDUS were scored semi-quantitatively (0-3). Serum samples were obtained at the time of US and analysed for IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, VEGF, TNF-α and IFN-γ using biochip array technology.

RESULTS

GSUS abnormalities were more frequent than PDUS abnormalities [mean total GSUS score = 20.07 (range 6-45; maximum potential score = 180), mean total PDUS score = 4.8 (range 0-13)]. GSUS score increased with increasing age (Spearman's ρ = 0.383, P = 0.037). A PDUS signal >1 was observed only in the wrist (8%) and MTP1 (3%). GSUS scores did not correlate with any pro-inflammatory cytokine level. The total PDUS score correlated significantly with serum VEGF (r = 0.395, P = 0.046).

CONCLUSION

PDUS signals >1 are rarely seen in normal synovial joints. GSUS synovitis, but not PDUS, may reflect age-related joint changes. PDUS correlated with VEGF, providing further evidence of a central role for VEGF in synovial neo-angiogenesis.

Serum YKL-40 in psoriasis with and without arthritis; correlation with disease activity and high-resolution power Doppler ultrasonographic joint findings

BACKGROUND

YKL-40 may be involved in angiogenesis in psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). High-resolution power Doppler ultrasound (PDUS) can detect angiogenesis of synovium in PsA.

AIM

To assess serum YKL-40 in psoriasis patients with or without PsA, and to correlate its levels with disease activity and high-resolution PDUS findings.

METHODS

In this case-control study, 48 patients with psoriasis (26 of them also had PsA) and 30 controls were assessed by high-resolution PDUS, and assayed for serum levels of YKL-40 by ELISA. Patients were clinically assessed using Composite Psoriatic Disease Activity Index (CPDAI). Total joint score (TJS) was used to assess joint involvement in PsA.

RESULTS

A statistically significant elevation was found in YKL-40 levels in psoriatics with or without PsA compared with controls (P < 0.001), as well as in PsA (group II) compared to patients without arthritis (group I) (P = 0.002). CPDAI, synovial thickness score and colour Doppler ultrasound (CDUS) score were highly significantly higher in group II vs. group I (P < 0.001). In all patients, CPDAI, synovial thickness and CDUS score were positively correlated to each other, and each of them was positively correlated to serum YKL-40 levels (P < 0.05). In either group I or II, serum YKL-40 levels correlated positively with CPDAI (P < 0.05). In group II, TJS, synovial thickness and CDUS score were positively correlated to each other (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Serum YKL-40 can be used as a new biological marker for angiogenesis and disease activity in psoriasis with or without PsA. High-resolution PDUS is a non-invasive tool for the evaluation of angiogenesis in PsA patients as well as for the detection of early synovial changes in psoriasis patients without arthritis.

Tightening up? Impact of musculoskeletal ultrasound disease activity assessment on early rheumatoid arthritis patients treated using a treat to target strategy

OBJECTIVE

To determine the level of agreement and potential impact on disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) escalation decisions and of adding musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS) assessment of disease activity to the Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (DAS28) in early rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

METHODS

Data were gathered from 53 early RA patients randomized to the MSUS assessment group of the Targeting Synovitis in Early Rheumatoid Arthritis study. DAS28 scores were calculated every month. MSUS was performed on patients with low disease activity (DAS28 <3.2) and on those with moderate disease activity (3.2 ≤ DAS28 <5.1) without clinically swollen joints (swollen joint count [SJC] ≤1). Fourteen joints (bilateral proximal interphalangeal joints 2 and 3, metacarpophalangeal [MCP] joints 2 and 3, the radiocarpal, and metatarsophalangeal joints 2 and 5) were examined. Active disease was defined as ≥2 joints demonstrating any power Doppler (PD) signal. Data from 414 paired DAS28 and MSUS assessments were pooled to determine the level of agreement between each method.

RESULTS

A total of 369 MSUS assessments were conducted on patients with DAS28 <3.2; 92 (25%) of these assessments identified active disease. A total of 271 MSUS assessments were performed on those with DAS28 <2.6; 66 (24%) of these identified active disease. Forty-five MSUS assessments were conducted on patients with 3.2 ≤ DAS28 <5.1 and SJC ≤1; 15 (33%) of these assessments confirmed active disease. On 120 occasions (29%), MSUS findings contradicted the DAS28 and led to modified treatment decisions. The joints that most frequently exhibited PD signal were radiocarpal and index and middle MCP joints.

CONCLUSION

Compared to the DAS28, global RA disease activity assessment using a limited MSUS joint set provided additional disease activity information and led to altered treatment decisions in a significant minority of occasions. This may allow further tailoring of DMARD therapy by supporting DMARD escalation in patients with continuing subclinical synovitis and preventing escalation in symptomatic patients with minimal clinical and/or ultrasonographic synovitis.

Assessing rheumatoid arthritis disease activity with ultrasound

In practice, composite indices are used for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) disease activity evaluation. Despite valid and widely used, not rarely composite indices miss accuracy. Ultrasound (US) is more precise than clinical examination in synovitis appraisal. US-based disease activity estimation depends on the detection of synovitis. The most common synovitis abnormalities are proliferation, effusion, and neoangiogenesis. Gray scale ultrasound identifies synovial hypertrophy and effusion with its good soft tissue contrast. Additionally, power Doppler ultrasound depicts neoangiogenesis within synovia, remarking local inflammation. Several studies have combined local US findings to develop a patient level disease activity index. Most of them summed selected joint scores in an overall score of disease activity and evaluated its correlation with clinical composite indexes. To be incorporated into clinical practice, an overall US score must have some fundamental characteristics such as reproducibility, viability, and sensitivity to change over time. In global US score development, finding the joints that truly estimate individual disease activity is highly challenging. This article presents an up-to-date literature review on assessing RA disease activity with US and depicts the challenges in finding the perfect global US score.

Psoriatic arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic inflammatory joint disease which develops in patients with psoriasis. It is characteristic that the rheumatoid factor in serum is absent. Etiology of the disease is still unclear but a number of genetic associations have been identified. Inheritance of the disease is multilevel and the role of environmental factors is emphasized. Immunology of PsA is also complex. Inflammation is caused by immunological reactions leading to release of kinins. Destructive changes in bones usually appear after a few months from the onset of clinical symptoms. Typically PsA involves joints of the axial skeleton with an asymmetrical pattern. The spectrum of symptoms include inflammatory changes in attachments of articular capsules, tendons, and ligaments to bone surface. The disease can have divers clinical course but usually manifests as oligoarthritis. Imaging plays an important role in the diagnosis of PsA. Classical radiography has been used for this purpose for over a hundred years. It allows to identify late stages of the disease, when bone tissue is affected. In the last 20 years many new imaging modalities, such as ultrasonography (US), computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR), have been developed and became important diagnostic tools for evaluation of rheumatoid diseases. They enable the assessment and monitoring of early inflammatory changes. As a result, patients have earlier access to modern treatment and thus formation of destructive changes in joints can be markedly delayed or even avoided.

The discriminatory capacity of ultrasound in rheumatoid arthritis: active vs inactive, early vs advanced, and more

This review presents data about the discriminatory role of US in differentiating findings between healthy people and patients with RA and arthritides, comparisons between active and inactive changes in RA, as well as between early and advanced changes in RA as visualized with US. The theoretical basis of discriminatory capacity is sketchy and the few studies that provide evidence of its use when assessing RA patients with US are discussed. We also suggest directions for potential research areas.