1
|
de Pablo P, Dinnes J, Berhane S, Osman A, Lim Z, Coombe A, Raza K, Filer A, Deeks JJ. Systematic review of imaging tests to predict the development of rheumatoid arthritis in people with unclassified arthritis. Semin Arthritis Rheum 2021; 52:151919. [PMID: 34782180 DOI: 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2021.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To estimate and compare the diagnostic accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound, for the prediction of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in unclassified arthritis (UA). METHODS MEDLINE, Embase and BIOSIS were searched from 1987 to May 2019. Studies evaluating any imaging test in participants with UA were eligible. Reference standards were RA classification criteria or methotrexate initiation. Two authors independently extracted data and assessed validity using QUADAS-2. Sensitivities and specificities were calculated for each imaging characteristic and joint area. Summary estimates with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated where possible. RESULTS Nineteen studies were included; 13 evaluated MRI (n=1,143; 454 with RA) and 6 evaluated ultrasound (n=531; 205 with RA). Studies were limited by unclear recruitment procedures, inclusion of patients with RA at baseline, differential verification, lack of blinding and consensus grading. Study heterogeneity largely precluded meta-analysis, however summary sensitivity and specificity for MRI synovitis in at least one joint were 93% (95% CI 88%, 96%) and 25% (95% CI 13%, 41%) (3 studies). Specificities may be higher for other MRI characteristics but data are limited. Ultrasound results were difficult to synthesise due to different diagnostic thresholds and reference standards. CONCLUSION The evidence for MRI or ultrasound as single tests for predicting RA in people with UA is heterogeneous and of variable methodological quality. Larger studies using consensus grading and consistently defined RA diagnosis are needed to identify whether combinations of imaging characteristics, either alone or in combination with other clinical findings, can better predict RA in this population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paola de Pablo
- Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, College of Medical & Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK; Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust, Birmingham, UK; NIHR Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust and University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Jacqueline Dinnes
- NIHR Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust and University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK; Test Evaluation Research Group, Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.
| | - Sarah Berhane
- NIHR Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust and University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK; Test Evaluation Research Group, Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Aya Osman
- Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, College of Medical & Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Zhia Lim
- Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, College of Medical & Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - April Coombe
- Test Evaluation Research Group, Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Karim Raza
- Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, College of Medical & Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK; Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust, Birmingham, UK; NIHR Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust and University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Andrew Filer
- Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, College of Medical & Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK; NIHR Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust and University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Jonathan J Deeks
- NIHR Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust and University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK; Test Evaluation Research Group, Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| |
Collapse
|