Bone marrow lesions in knee osteoarthritis assessed by dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI with histopathological correlations

BACKGROUND

Bone marrow lesions (BMLs) in knee osteoarthritis (OA) have been assessed histopathologically and by dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI); however, a direct comparison of the results has not been reported.

PURPOSE

To evaluate and compare the findings by DCE-MRI and histopathology of subchondral BMLs in knee OA.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In total, 19 patients with medial tibiofemoral knee OA undergoing total knee arthroplasty were analyzed. Preoperative MRI, including a DCE sequence, was performed, and bone biopsies were obtained from the resected specimens corresponding to BML areas. The contrast enhancement by DCE-MRI was analyzed using semi-quantitative (area under the curve [AUC]), peak enhancement [PE]), and quantitative (Ktrans, Kep) methods. Enhancement in the medial OA compartment was compared with similar areas in a normal lateral compartment, and the DCE characteristics of BMLs were correlated with semi-quantitatively graded histopathological features.

RESULTS

AUC and PE were significantly higher in medial tibial and femoral BMLs compared with the values in the lateral condyles; Ktrans and Kep were only significantly higher in the tibial plateau. In the tibia, AUC and PE were significantly correlated with the grade of vascular proliferation, and PE also with the degree of marrow fibrosis. There was no significant correlation between AUC/PE and histopathological findings in the femur and no correlation between quantitative DCE parameters and histopathological findings.

CONCLUSION

BML characteristics by semi-quantitative DCE in the form of AUC and PE may be used as parameters for the degree of histopathological vascularization in the bone marrow whereas quantitative DCE data were less conclusive.

The sacroiliac joint across ages - what is normal?

The anatomy of the sacroiliac joint (SIJ) is complex with wide variations inter-individually as well as intra-individually (right versus left) and a frequent occurrence of anatomical variants. Besides, the joints are subject to strain, which may elicit non-inflammatory subchondral changes such as bone marrow edema (BME), sclerosis, and fat deposition simulating inflammatory SIJ changes. Furthermore, normal physiological changes during skeletal maturation can make interpretation of SIJ magnetic resonance imaging in children challenging. Knowledge about the wide range of normal findings is therefore important to avoid misinterpretation of findings as pathological. This review describes the current knowledge about normal SIJ findings across all ages.

Long-term efficacy of a 2-year MRI treat-to-target strategy on disease activity and radiographic progression in patients with rheumatoid arthritis in clinical remission: 5-year follow-up of the IMAGINE-RA randomised trial

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether a 2-year MRI treat-to-target strategy targeting the absence of osteitis combined with clinical remission, compared with a conventional treat-to-target strategy targeting clinical remission only (IMAGINE-rheumatoid arthritis (RA) trial) improves clinical and radiographic outcomes over 5 years in patients with RA in clinical remission.

METHODS

IMAGINE-more was an observational extension study of the original 2-year IMAGINE-RA randomised trial (NCT01656278). Clinical examinations and radiographs (hands and feet) were obtained yearly. Prespecified coprimary outcomes at year 5 were Disease Activity Score in 28 joints C reactive protein (DAS28-CRP) remission rate (DAS28-CRP<2.6) and no radiographic progression (van der Heijde-modified Sharp score (vdHSS) ≤0) from baseline. Secondary outcomes included 5-year changes in radiographic, MRI and clinical measures of disease activity and physical function.

RESULTS

In total 131 patients, 86 women (67%), mean age 61.2, disease duration 9.5 years, median baseline DAS28-CRP 1.9 (IQR 1.6-2.2) and vdHSS 16.0 (IQR 7.0-36.0) were included in the study; 59 (59%) patients from the original MRI treat-to-target group and 72 (72%) from the conventional group. At year 5, 47 patients (80%) in the MRI treat-to-target group vs 54 patients (75%) in the conventional treat-to-target group were in DAS28-CRP remission (OR 2.00 (95% CI 0.76 to 5.28); p=0.16) while 14 patients (24%) vs 19 patients (26%) had no radiographic progression (OR 0.70, (95% CI 0.28 to 1.71); p=0.43).

CONCLUSION

A 2-year combined MRI and clinical treat-to-target strategy, compared with a conventional clinical treat-to-target strategy alone, had no effect on the long-term probability of achieving DAS28-CRP remission and of avoiding radiographic progression.

Prognostic value of the clinical and imaging arm of the ASAS criteria for progression of structural sacroiliac joint lesions

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the prognostic value of the two arms of the Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society (ASAS) criteria regarding the progression of structural lesions in the sacroiliac joints (SIJs).

METHODS

Information on baseline fulfilment of the ASAS criteria and baseline and follow-up magnetic resonance imaging of the SIJ in 603 patients aged 18-40 years referred with low back pain to an outpatient spine were collected. Magnetic resonance imaging positivity was defined as bone marrow oedema (BMO) in two or more consecutive slices or two or more lesions in one slice, as described in the ASAS definition of sacroiliitis.

RESULTS

Of 71 participants fulfilling the ASAS criteria at baseline, 66 (93%) fulfilled the 'imaging arm' and 14 (20%) fulfilled the 'clinical arm'. The 'clinical arm' predicted the progression of erosions with an odds ratio of 55 (compared with not fulfilling the ASAS criteria), while the 'imaging arm' predicted the progression of erosions with an odds ratio of 8. Moreover, in 24% of the patients in the 'imaging arm', all having BMO at the SIJ at baseline, the BMO disappeared without neither erosions nor ankylosis emerging.

CONCLUSION

We found that the 'clinical arm' was a strong predictor for the progression of SIJ erosion, while the 'imaging arm' had a more modest prognostic value for structural progression.

Current Role of Conventional Radiography of Sacroiliac Joints in Adults and Juveniles with Suspected Axial Spondyloarthritis: Opinion from the ESSR Arthritis and Pediatric Subcommittees

This opinion article by the European Society of Musculoskeletal Radiology Arthritis and Pediatric Subcommittees discusses the current use of conventional radiography (CR) of the sacroiliac joints in adults and juveniles with suspected axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). The strengths and limitations of CR compared with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) are presented.Based on the current literature and expert opinions, the subcommittees recognize the superior sensitivity of MRI to detect early sacroiliitis. In adults, supplementary pelvic radiography, low-dose CT, or synthetic CT may be needed to evaluate differential diagnoses. CR remains the method of choice to detect structural changes in patients with suspected late-stage axSpA or established disease and in patients with suspected concomitant hip or pubic symphysis involvement. In children, MRI is the imaging modality of choice because it can detect active as well as structural changes and is radiation free.

Complement Proteins L-Ficolin and M-Ficolin Are Increased in Patients With Axial Spondyloarthritis and Decrease After Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitor Treatment

OBJECTIVE

We have previously reported elevated levels of the complement lectin pathway proteins L-ficolin and H-ficolin in patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) compared with healthy controls. The aim of the present study was to investigate these biomarkers in a cross-sectional cohort of patients suffering from low back pain (LBP). Further, we aimed to investigate changes in lectin pathway protein levels after initiation of adalimumab (ADA; a tumor necrosis factor inhibitor) in a longitudinal cohort of patients with axSpA.

METHODS

Lectin pathway protein levels (mannan-binding lectin [MBL], collectin liver 1, H-ficolin, L-ficolin, M-ficolin, MBL-associated serine protease [MASP]-1, MASP-2, MASP-3, MBL-associated protein 19 [MAp19], and MAp44) in EDTA plasma were determined in 2 well-characterized cohorts: (1) a clinical cross-sectional cohort of patients with LBP, including patients with axSpA (n = 23), patients with unspecific LBP (uLBP) with ≥ 1 SpA features (n = 55), and patients with uLBP without SpA features or magnetic resonance imaging findings suggestive of axSpA (n = 64); and (2) a randomized double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial cohort of patients with axSpA (n = 49) initiating ADA therapy. Lectin pathway protein levels were determined using immunoassays.

RESULTS

Plasma levels of L-ficolin and M-ficolin were significantly increased in the cross-sectional cohort of newly diagnosed patients with axSpA compared with clinically relevant controls with uLBP (all P < 0.05). Both L-ficolin and M-ficolin decreased significantly after ADA therapy (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

L-ficolin and M-ficolin levels are elevated in newly diagnosed patients with axSpA compared with clinically relevant controls. Both L-ficolin and M-ficolin levels decrease significantly after initiating ADA therapy. These findings provide new insights into the inflammatory processes in axSpA and support the involvement of complement in axSpA pathogenesis.

Diagnostics of Sacroiliac Joint Differentials to Axial Spondyloarthritis Changes by Magnetic Resonance Imaging

The diagnosis of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is usually based on a pattern of imaging and clinical findings due to the lack of diagnostic criteria. The increasing use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the sacroiliac joints (SIJ) to establish the diagnosis early in the pre-radiographic phase has resulted in a shift in the paradigm with an increasing frequency of axSpA diagnoses and a changed sex distribution. Non-radiographic axSpA affects males and females nearly equally, whereas ankylosing spondylitis predominantly occurs in males. The MRI-based increasing frequency of axSpA in women is mainly due to the presence of subchondral bone marrow edema (BME) on fluid-sensitive MR sequences, which may be a non-specific finding in both women and men. Due to the somewhat different pelvic tilt and SIJ anatomy, women are more prone than men to develop strain-related MRI changes and may have pregnancy-related changes. Awareness of non-specific subchondral BME at the SIJ is important as it can imply a risk for an incorrect SpA diagnosis, especially as the clinical manifestations of axSpA may also be non-specific. Knowledge of relevant MRI and clinical features of differential diagnoses is needed in the diagnostic workout of patients with suspected axSpA considering that non-SpA-related SIJ conditions are more common in patients with low back or buttock pain than axSpA sacroiliitis. The purpose of this review was to present current knowledge of the most frequent differential diagnoses to axSpA sacroiliitis by MRI taking the clinical characteristics into account.

Evolution of MRI lesions at the sacroiliac joints during and after pregnancy by serial MRI from gestational week 20 to 12 months postpartum

OBJECTIVE

Sacroiliac joint (SIJ) MRI findings simulating sacroiliitis related to axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) may occur in women before and after birth. The goal was to explore prevalence, evolution, and topography of SIJ MRI lesions in pregnant and postpartum women.

METHODS

A prospective cohort study including 103 first-time mothers who underwent up to 5 serial SIJ MRI between gestational week 20 and 12 months postpartum. After calibration, 3 assessors independently evaluated bone marrow edema (BME), including sacroiliitis according to the Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society (ASAS) and structural lesions, using the Spondyloarthritis Research Consortium of Canada (SPARCC) and a novel two-plane assessment method.

RESULTS

BME was frequent both during pregnancy and postpartum, peaking at 3 months postpartum with a prevalence of 69% (SPARCC)/80% (two-plane), but still present in 54% (SPARCC)/58% (two-plane) at 12 months postpartum. At 12 months postpartum, sacroiliitis according to the current ASAS definition was met in 41%, while 21%/14% of women fulfilled the newly proposed ASAS MRI thresholds for active/structural SIJ lesions. BME clustered in the anterior middle joint portions at all timepoints, and ligamentous BME was rare. At 12 months postpartum, SPARCC erosion scores ≥3 (ASAS threshold) were observed in only 2.8% of women.

CONCLUSION

At 12 months postpartum 41% of women met the current ASAS sacroiliitis definition, which may result in false positive assignments of axSpA in postpartum women with back pain. The topographical BME distribution and virtually absent erosions (ASAS threshold) at 12 months postpartum may help discriminate postpartum strain-related conditions from axSpA-related sacroiliitis.

Pregnancy-related sacroiliac joint findings in females with low back pain: a four-year magnetic resonance imaging follow-up study

BACKGROUND

Pregnancy-related pain may be associated with sacroiliac joint (SIJ) changes, detectable by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

PURPOSE

To analyze the prevalence and course of SIJ MRI and clinical findings in women referred with low back pain and relate these to pregnancy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A retrospective follow-up study from a longitudinally collected cohort comprising 328 women.

RESULTS

Women reporting debut of pain in relation to a pregnancy (PP group) tended to have a higher baseline prevalence of all investigated MRI findings, cumulated positive SIJ tests, and a potential fulfilment of the spondyloarthritis diagnosis compared to remainders. The prevalence of subchondral bone marrow edema (BME), any SIJ MRI finding, and potential fulfilment of the spondyloarthritis diagnosis were significantly higher in the PP group compared to women who had not been pregnant. In the total study group, the prevalence of ≥1 MRI finding increased over the four-year study period from 34% to 47% (P<0.001), driven by increasing prevalence of BME (25% to 32%; P=0.008) and fatty marrow deposition (FMD) (20% to 25%; P=0.020). In addition, the BME volume score increased. Over time, the PP group had persisting high prevalence of buttock pain and total MRI findings and their FMD volume score increased, but there were no between-group differences in MRI variables at follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Overall, the prevalence of MRI findings increased over time. Although the PP group had different clinical and SIJ MRI characteristics cross-sectional at baseline compared to remainders, longitudinal analyses revealed that these diminished over time.

Differences in topographical location of sacroiliac joint MRI lesions in patients with early axial spondyloarthritis and mechanical back pain

Background

Early diagnostics of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) remains a challenge. Traditional imaging one-plane sacroiliac joint (SIJ) MRI assessment is used. By introducing a two-plane assessment system, the objective was to analyse the differences in SIJ MRI changes in early axSpA compared with changes in patients with mechanical back pain (MBP) by exploring the differences in volume and location.

Methods

MRIs in the early diagnostic state of 25 axSpA patients (mean age 31.3 years) and 59 MBP patients (mean age 32.3 years) were included. The MRIs were assessed by two readers regarding the distribution of bone marrow edema (BME) in 14 joint portions and structural changes in six joint portions in addition to SIJ anatomical variations and lumbar spine disc degeneration.

Results

AxSpA patients had a significantly higher overall BME sumscore (volume) of 25.1 compared to MBP patients 6.8, p < 0.005. The MBP group had the highest prevalence (66%) and sumscore (5.7) in the middle anterior sacrum. The axSpA group had significantly higher prevalence and sumscores in all joint portions except the three cartilaginous anterior sacral joint portions, including the ligamentous compartments (prevalence 40–60% compared to 8–15%, p both < 0.005). The axSpA group had also a significantly higher prevalence of erosions and fatty marrow disposition, but there were no differences in the prevalence of anatomical variations except the bipartite iliac bony plate.

Conclusions

AxSpA patients demonstrated a widespread distribution of both inflammatory and structural changes, including high BME occurrence in the ligamentous joint portions whereas patients with MBP had the highest occurrence of BME in the middle anterior sacrum. These findings may help differentiate axSpA patients from other back pain conditions in the early diagnostic phase.

Anatomical variation at the sacroiliac joints in young adults: estimated prevalence by CT and concomitant diagnostics by MRI

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the prevalence of atypical anatomical morphologies at the sacroiliac joints (SIJ) in young adults by CT and analyze the diagnostic ability of MRI to detect the variations in addition to concomitant MRI findings that could be misdiagnosed as inflammatory changes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study sample constituted CT examinations of 155 individuals aged 18-40 years and prospectively collected comparative SIJ MRI examinations of 49, who also filled out a questionnaire on back and buttock pain. The CT and MRIs were analyzed by two musculoskeletal radiologists regarding seven SIJ variations and additional subchondral bone marrow edema (BME) by MRI.

RESULTS

CT and MRI interobserver agreements were good or very good for most variations. Mean age of the 155 individuals was 28 years, 99 (64%) were males; 88 (57%) had at least one SIJ variation, and most frequent were dysmorphic cartilaginous joint facets (n = 33, 21%), bipartite iliac bony plate (n = 27, 17%), accessory SIJ (n = 24, 16%), and iliosacral complex (n = 18, 12%), with a female predominance of all variations. The ability of MRI to detect the frequent variations was satisfying. Dysmorphic cartilaginous joint facets, accessory SIJ, and iliosacral complex were frequently observed in individuals reporting symptoms and were accompanied by BME, often located anteriorly in sacrum/inferiorly in ilium.

CONCLUSION

Atypical SIJ morphology is frequent in young adults, especially females, demanding further research into the anatomical natural variation. Most of the variations were detectable by MRI and three variations warrant further exploration as they often were accompanied by symptoms and/or BME.

Effect of initiating biologics compared to intensifying conventional DMARDs on clinical and MRI outcomes in established rheumatoid arthritis patients in clinical remission: Secondary analyses of the IMAGINE-RA trial

Objectives: To compare the effect of treat-to-target-based escalations in conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (csDMARDs) and biologics on clinical disease activity and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) inflammation in a rheumatoid arthritis (RA) cohort in clinical remission.Method: One-hundred patients with established RA, Disease Activity Score based on 28-joint count-C-reactive protein (DAS28-CRP) < 3.2, and no swollen joints (hereafter referred to as 'in clinical remission') who received csDMARDs underwent clinical evaluation and MRI of the wrist and second to fifth metacarpophalangeal joints every 4 months. They followed a 2 year MRI treatment strategy targeting DAS28-CRP ≤ 3.2, no swollen joints, and absence of MRI osteitis, with predefined algorithmic treatment escalation: first: increase in csDMARDs; second: adding a biologic; third: switch biologic. MRI osteitis and Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) (co-primary outcomes) and MRI combined inflammation and Simplified Disease Activity Index (SDAI) (key secondary outcomes) were assessed 4 months after treatment change and expressed as estimates of group differences. Statistical analyses were based on the intention-to-treat population analysed using repeated-measures mixed models.Escalation to first biologic compared to csDMARD escalation more effectively reduced MRI osteitis (difference between least squares means 1.8, 95% confidence interval 1.0-2.6), HAQ score (0.08, 0.03-0.1), MRI combined inflammation (2.5, 0.9-4.1), and SDAI scores (2.7, 1.9-3.5).Treat-to-target-based treatment escalations to biologics compared to escalation in csDMARDs more effectively improved MRI inflammation, physical function, and clinical disease activity in patients with established RA in clinical remission. Treatment escalation in RA patients in clinical remission reduces clinical and MRI-assessed disease activity.Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT01656278.

Complement C3d is not associated with axial spondyloarthritis and magnetic resonance imaging changes at the sacroiliac joint

Objective: To investigate the associations between complement C3d and inflammatory and structural changes by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at the sacroiliac joints (SIJ) suggestive of axial spondyloarthritis, according to the Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society (ASAS) criteria, in patients with low back pain.Method: This was a cross-sectional study of patients referred to the Spine Centre of Southern Denmark owing to unspecified low back pain (Spines of Southern Denmark cohort). The patients were divided into three groups: group 1: patients fulfilling the ASAS criteria for axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA, n = 96); group 2: patients with either a positive MRI of the SIJ and no spondyloarthritis features, or a negative MRI of the SIJ but positive human leucocyte antigen-B27 and one spondyloarthritis feature (non-axSpA, n = 38); group 3: patients with unspecified low back pain for > 3 months (control group, n = 82). Complement C3d was measured with double-decker rocket immunoelectrophoresis and evaluated in relation to the group division and baseline findings by SIJ MRI.Results: In total, 184 C3d analyses were performed. The mean ± sd level of C3d was 33.8 ± 8.1 AU/mL. There were no differences in C3d levels between the three patient groups, mean values being: axSpA = 34.3 ± 7.9 AU/mL, non-axSpA = 33.5 ± 6.9 AU/mL, and controls = 33.4 ± 9.2 AU/mL. The level of C3d was not related to MRI findings.Conclusions: In these patients, complement C3d was not associated with active or structural SIJ changes on MRI suggestive of axial spondyloarthritis.

Diagnosing axial spondyloarthritis by multidiciplinary team conference at 3.5 years' follow-up in a cohort of patients with disease features according to the ASAS criteria

OBJECTIVES

During the past two decades, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has increasingly been used diagnostically in axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), and in 2009 MRI was introduced in the Assessment of SpondyloArthritis Society (ASAS) classification criteria. In clinical practice, there is a risk of overdiagnosis if MRI findings are not related to clinical and biochemical findings. The aim of this study was to provide an estimate of the prevalence of axSpA in a cohort of clinical patients with low back pain and findings suggestive of axSpA according to ASAS through consensus diagnosis at a multi-disciplinary team (MDT) conference, and to describe the performance of the features included in the ASAS criteria.

METHOD

Consensus diagnoses of axSpA at MDT conferences were retrospectively established at 3.5 years' follow-up in a cohort of 84 patients, initially referred with disease features according to the ASAS criteria. Patients were examined clinically regarding spondyloarthritis features, and biochemical tests and MRI of the sacroiliac joints and entire spine were performed at baseline and after a mean of 3.5 years.

RESULTS

According to the MDT consensus, 25 patients (30%) of the total cohort had axSpA at follow-up; 40% of individuals who fulfilled the ASAS criteria at baseline had axSpA, and 37% at follow-up; 96% of axSpA patients according to the MDT consensus met the ASAS criteria at baseline and 92% at follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Approximately one-third of the included patients had axSpA when evaluated at the MDT conference. The ASAS criteria had low predictive value, but high sensitivity at both baseline and follow-up.

Pelvic capacity in pregnant women, identified using magnetic resonance imaging

INTRODUCTION

Maternal pelvic capacity plays a major role during childbirth because the passage of the fetus through the bony birth canal enables vaginal birth. Maternal birthing position may influence pelvic capacity because upright positions optimize capacity, possibly due to free movement of the pelvic joints. Herein, pelvic capacity was assessed by comparing changes in pelvic dimensions across pregnancy and in three birthing positions.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This diagnostic imaging study of 50 pregnant women was conducted at Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark. Pelvic measurements were obtained with 1.5 T magnetic resonance pelvimetry during gestational weeks 20 and 32, in three birthing positions: kneeling squat, semi-lithotomy and supine. Pelvic capacity was compared between gestational weeks and positions.

RESULTS

In all three positions there is an overall increase in pelvic capacity from gestational week 20-32 at both the pelvic inlet and outlet. Comparing pelvic capacity at gestational week 32 between the semi-lithotomy and supine positions revealed that the pelvic inlet was larger in the supine position, whereas the mean pelvic outlet was 0.2 cm (p < 0.001) larger in the semi-lithotomy position. Likewise, the pelvic inlet was larger in the supine than in the kneeling squat position. Shifting from supine to kneeling squat position increased the midplane and pelvic outlet dimensions by up to 1 cm (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The finding herein of an increased pelvic capacity as the pregnancy progresses is novel. Further, the results indicate that the supine position is optimal for increasing pelvic inlet size, whereas the semi-lithotomy and kneeling squat positions are optimal for increasing mid- and outlet-pelvic capacities.

Predictors of joint damage progression and stringent remission in patients with established rheumatoid arthritis in clinical remission

OBJECTIVES

To study if clinical, radiographic and MRI markers can predict MRI and radiographic damage progression and achievement of stringent remission in patients with established RA in clinical remission followed by a targeted treatment strategy.

METHODS

RA patients (DAS28-CRP <3.2, no swollen joints) receiving conventional synthetic DMARDs were randomized to conventional or MRI-targeted treat-to-target strategies with predefined algorithmic treatment escalations. Potentially predictive baseline variables were tested in multivariate logistic regression analyses.

RESULTS

In the 171 patients included, baseline MRI osteitis independently predicted progression in MRI erosion [odds ratio (OR) 1.13 (95% CI 1.06, 1.22)], joint space narrowing [OR 1.15 (95% CI 1.07, 1.24)] and combined damage [OR 1.23 (95% CI 1.13, 1.37)], while tenosynovitis independently predicted MRI erosion progression [OR 1.13 (95% CI 1.03, 1.25)]. A predictor of radiographic erosion progression was age, while gender predicted progression in joint space narrowing. Following an MRI treat-to-target strategy predicted stringent remission across all remission definitions: Clinical Disease Activity Index remission OR 2.94 (95% CI 1.25, 7.52), Simplified Disease Activity Index remission OR 2.50 (95% CI 1.01, 6.66), ACR/EULAR Boolean remission OR 5.47 (95% CI 2.33, 14.13). Similarly, low tender joint count and low patient visual analogue scale pain and global independently predicted achievement of more stringent remission.

CONCLUSION

Baseline MRI osteitis and tenosynovitis were independent predictors of 2 year MRI damage progression in RA patients in clinical remission, while independent predictors of radiographic damage progression were age and gender. Following an MRI treat-to-target strategy, low scores of patient-reported outcomes and low tender joint count predicted achievement of stringent remission.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov (https://clinicaltrials.gov), NCT01656278.

Measurement of tibial tuberosity-trochlear groove distance by MRI: assessment and correction of knee positioning errors

OBJECTIVE

The tibial tuberosity-trochlear groove (TTTG) distance varies with the position of the knee in the MR or CT scanner. We present and assess a simple method for adjustment of adduction or abduction of the knee.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

MRI of the knee encompassing a three-dimensional (3D) sagittal sequence including ≥ 8 cm of the proximal tibia was analyzed (29 females, 17 males; median age 45 years). Using 3D visualization software, the central longitudinal axis of the proximal tibia (TA) was constructed, and the TTTG distance was measured before and after alignment of the TA. Observer reliability was assessed with inter- and intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) and Bland-Altman plots.

RESULTS

Adduction of the knee occurred in 26 examinations, mean 2.7° (range 0.0° to 9.4°), and abduction in 20 examinations, mean 2.6° (range 0.0° to 7.2°). Following adjustment, the mean TTTG distance increased 2.4 mm (range 0.0 to 6.7 mm) in the knees positioned in adduction and decreased 2.3 mm when in abduction (range 0.0 to 5.5 mm). The correlation coefficient (r²) between the deviation in adduction and abduction and the difference between TTTG unadjusted and adjusted was r² = 0.96. ICCs were excellent, but limits of agreement were close to ± 3 mm.

CONCLUSION

Measurement of the TTTG distance by MRI is influenced by a systematic technique-dependent error caused by knee positioning in adduction or abduction. We suggest a simple method for adjusting the positioning.

Solitary enchondromas-diagnosis and surveillance : Danish guidelines

Enchondromas (EC) are frequent incidental findings on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) performed for the diagnosis of joint pathology, especially observed on MRI examinations of the knee and shoulder. Enchondroma has potential for malignant transformation to chondrosarcoma (CS), and it may be difficult to distinguish EC from low-malignant CS on the basis of imaging or histopathology studies. Therefore, EC is mostly followed up to monitor any growth and/or changes indicating aggressive tumor.There is no consensual evidence on when and how to follow up patients with EC with regard to potential malignant transformation. Therefore, the Danish Multidisciplinary Cancer Groups initiated and supported the elaboration of Danish guidelines in 2020 based on a literature review. The guidelines are presented here, in addition to a summary of the background literature.

Whole-body magnetic resonance imaging in inflammatory diseases: Where are we now? Results of an International Survey by the European Society of Musculoskeletal Radiology

PURPOSE

To investigate the current role of WB-MRI for rheumatic inflammatory diseases in clinical practice using a survey addressed to musculoskeletal radiologists.

METHODS

A survey composed of 61 questions, subdivided in three sections, demographics (five questions), application of WB-MRI for inflammatory musculoskeletal diseases in adults and children (28 questions: 7 open and 21 multiple choice for each subgroup) was distributed via the European Society of Musculoskeletal Radiology (ESSR) from July 2 to December 31, 2018 to radiologists working in academic, private, and public workplaces. Comparisons among the different workplaces were performed using the Chi-squared and the Kruskal-Wallis test for nominal and ordinal data, respectively (p < 0.05).

RESULTS

Seventy-two participants out of the 1779 (4%) members of the ESSR with 10.4 ± 7.9 years of experience in musculoskeletal imaging, replied to at least one question. 30.6% and 12.3% of the respondents performed at least 50 WB-MRI examinations per year in adults and children, respectively. The most frequent indications were myositis in adults and chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis (CRMO) in children, the latter mostly in academic centers (p = 0.013). The ESSR Arthrits Subcommitte's protocol was applied by half of the participants and especially radiologists working in private practice used it for adults (p = 0.025). Contrast medium was rarely used for adults particularly by academics (p = 0.04). Diffusion Weighted Imaging was applied for children mostly in private practice (p = 0.01) although, overall, it plays a marginal role. Scoring systems were rarely used. Ongoing research is limited.

CONCLUSION

WB-MRI is not routinely applied for musculoskeletal inflammatory diseases. The most frequent indications are myositis and CRMO.

Ten years of experience with MRI follow-up of testicular cancer stage I: a retrospective study and an MRI protocol with DWI

INTRODUCTION

Patients with testicular cancer (TC) are mainly young and survival rates are high. MRI has several times been proposed to replace CT in follow-up of this patient group to reduce image-related radiation exposure. However, current evidence is scarce for the use of MRI in this context.

AIMS

First, to retrospectively evaluate the ability of MRI of the retroperitoneum and pelvis to detect relapse in patients with TC stage I. Second, to present a relevant MRI protocol of the retroperitoneum and pelvis with diffusion weighted imaging (DWI).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A retrospective analysis of written radiology reports compared to clinical data from clinical practice from 2010 to 2018. The cohort consists of 2487 MRIs of the retroperitoneum and pelvis in 759 patients with TC stage I (524 seminoma (69.0%), 235 non-seminoma (31.0%)), including 102 patients (13.4%) with confirmed relapse. Confirmed relapse was defined when treatment was initiated for metastatic TC.

RESULTS

Ninety-five patients had a relapse in the MRI scan field during follow-up. MRI of the retroperitoneum and pelvis showed a high sensitivity of 93.8% and a high specificity of 97.4% for detecting TC relapse. The sensitivity for detecting relapse ≥10 mm in short axis lymph node diameter was 100%. The negative predictive value was 99.7%, the positive predictive value was 59.9% and the accuracy was 97.3%.

CONCLUSIONS

MRI of the retroperitoneum and pelvis constitutes a safe alternative to CT in follow-up of patients with TC stage I with both a high sensitivity and a high specificity. We present a robust MRI protocol with DWI and estimate that MRI follow-up of TC stage I can be easily implemented in most modern radiology departments. Registration: Conducted with permission from the Danish Data Protection Agency (1-16-02-323-16) and the Danish Health Authority.

Imaging assessment of children presenting with suspected or known juvenile idiopathic arthritis: ESSR-ESPR points to consider

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common paediatric rheumatic disease. It represents a group of heterogenous inflammatory disorders with unknown origin and is a diagnosis of exclusion in which imaging plays an important role. JIA is defined as arthritis of one or more joints that begins before the age of 16 years, persists for more than 6 weeks and is of unknown aetiology and pathophysiology. The clinical goal is early suppression of inflammation to prevent irreversible joint damage which has shifted the emphasis from detecting established joint damage to proactively detecting inflammatory change. This drives the need for imaging techniques that are more sensitive than conventional radiography in the evaluation of inflammatory processes as well as early osteochondral change. Physical examination has limited reliability, even if performed by an experienced clinician, emphasising the importance of imaging to aid in clinical decision-making. On behalf of the European Society of Musculoskeletal Radiology (ESSR) arthritis subcommittee and the European Society of Paediatric Radiology (ESPR) musculoskeletal imaging taskforce, based on literature review and/or expert opinion, we discuss paediatric-specific imaging characteristics of the most commonly involved, in literature best documented and clinically important joints in JIA, namely the temporomandibular joints (TMJs), spine, sacroiliac (SI) joints, wrists, hips and knees, followed by a clinically applicable point to consider for each joint. We will also touch upon controversies in the current literature that remain to be resolved with ongoing research. KEY POINTS: • Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common chronic paediatric rheumatic disease and, in JIA imaging, is increasingly important to aid in clinical decision-making. • Conventional radiographs have a lower sensitivity and specificity for detection of disease activity and early destructive change, as compared to MRI or ultrasound. Nonetheless, radiography remains important, particularly in narrowing the differential diagnosis and evaluating growth disturbances. • Mainly in peripheral joints, ultrasound can be helpful for assessment of inflammation and guiding joint injections. In JIA, MRI is the most validated technique. MRI should be considered as the modality of choice to assess the axial skeleton or where the clinical presentation overlaps with JIA.

Clinical relevance of 18F-FDG-PET/CT incidental findings

INTRODUCTION

The use of positron emission tomography with 2-deoxy-2-18F-fluoro-D-glucose integrated with CT (18F-FDG-PET/CT) in oncology is common. Unexpected incidental findings are occasionally recognised and can represent clinically relevant lesions or conditions. This study aims to assess the occurrence, clinical significance and economic impact of incidental 18F-FDG-PET/CT findings.

METHODS

PET/CT of 670 cancer patients was evaluated in consensus by two experienced specialists within nuclear medicine and radiology. Foci with an abnormally increased 18F-FDG uptake and/or CT changes not related to the patients` disease were reported. Thirty-five foci in 29 patients were assessed and their cost and impact on patient management were analysed with up to 32 months of follow-up. A supplementary literature review was conducted using PubMed, Embase and Web of Science and the results were compared with ours.

RESULTS

A total of 28 foci (80%) were clinically relevant and elicited management or follow-up including four malignancies and 18 premalignant and six benign lesions. Seven foci were without pathology. The estimated additional cost was 1,984 US$ per focus. In the literature review, 642 of 1,090 foci (59%) were relevant, distributed as 270 malignancies, 166 premalignant and 206 benign lesions, whereas 448 foci were without pathology.

CONCLUSIONS

Incidental 18F-FDG-PET/CT findings should be investigated despite the occurrence of false-positive findings, additional time consumption and cost as they may represent obscure malignancies and premalignant or benign conditions needing treatment.

FUNDING

none.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

not relevant.

MRI of the sacroiliac joints in athletes: recognition of non-specific bone marrow oedema by semi-axial added to standard semi-coronal scans

OBJECTIVE

Assessment of combined semi-axial and semi-coronal SI joint MRI in two cohorts of young athletes to explore frequency and topography of non-specific bone marrow oedema (BMO), its association with four constitutional SI joint features, and potential restriction of false-positive assignments of Assessment of SpondyloArthritis International Society-defined sacroiliitis on standard semi-coronal scans alone.

METHODS

Combined semi-axial and semi-coronal SI joint MRI scans of 20 recreational runners before/after running and 22 elite ice-hockey players were evaluated by three blinded readers for BMO and its association with four constitutional SI joint features: vascular partial volume effect, deep iliac ligament insertion, fluid-filled bone cyst and lumbosacral transitional anomaly. Scans of TNF-treated spondyloarthritis patients served to mask readers. We analysed distribution and topography of BMO and SI joint features across eight anatomical SI joint regions (upper/lower ilium/sacrum, subdivided in anterior/posterior slices) descriptively, as concordantly recorded by ⩾2/3 readers on both MRI planes. BMO confirmed on both scans was compared with previous evaluation of semi-coronal MRI alone, which met the Assessment of SpondyloArthritis International Society definition for active sacroiliitis.

RESULTS

Perpendicular semi-axial and semi-coronal MRI scans confirmed BMO in the SI joint of every fourth young athlete, preferentially in the anterior upper sacrum. BMO associated with four constitutional SI joint features was observed in 20-36% of athletes, clustering in the posterior lower ilium. The proportion of Assessment of SpondyloArthritis International Society-positive sacroiliitis recorded on the semi-coronal plane alone decreased by 33-56% upon amending semi-axial scans.

CONCLUSION

Semi-axial combined with standard semi-coronal scans in MRI protocols for sacroiliitis facilitated recognition of non-specific BMO, which clustered in posterior lower ilium/anterior upper sacrum.

Pamidronate in chronic non-bacterial osteomyelitis: a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled pilot trial

OBJECTIVE

This is the first randomized double-blinded, placebo-controlled pilot trial to investigate the efficacy of pamidronate in reducing radiological and clinical disease activity in chronic non-bacterial osteomyelitis (CNO).

METHOD

Patients received pamidronate or placebo at baseline and weeks 12 and 24. Whole-body magnetic resonance imaging was performed at baseline and weeks 12 and 36, and computed tomography of the anterior chest wall (ACW) at baseline and week 36. Radiological disease activity was systematically scored in the ACW and spine. Patient-reported outcomes [visual analogue scale (VAS) pain, VAS global health, Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), EuroQol-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D), and 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36)] and biomarkers of bone turnover and inflammation were assessed at baseline and weeks 1, 4, 12, 24, and 36. Data are expressed as median [interquartile range].

RESULTS

Fourteen patients were randomized and 12 were analysed. From baseline to week 36, the radiological disease activity score in the ACW decreased from 5 [4-7] to 2.5 [1-3] in the pamidronate group, but did not change in the placebo group (p = 0.04). From baseline to week 36, VAS pain and VAS global health tended to decrease more in the pamidronate than in the placebo group (p = 0.11, p = 0.08). Physical functioning (HAQ) and health-related quality of life (EQ-5D, SF-36) did not change. Biomarkers of bone turnover decreased only in the pamidronate group (p ≤ 0.02).

CONCLUSION

Pamidronate may improve radiological and clinical disease activity in CNO. Methods to score radiological disease activity in adult CNO were suggested. Clinical Trials: NCT02594878.

Multiple hereditary exostoses and enchondromatosis

Multiple hereditary exostoses (MHE) and enchondromatosis are rare multifocal benign disorders usually causing skeletal deformities appearing already in childhood. MHE is a dominant autosomal inherited disorder characterized by multiple osteochondromas (exostoses) growing outward from the metaphyses of long bones as well as from flat bones. They may cause reduced joint motion and pain due to tendon, muscle, and nerve compression. Enchondromatosis (or Ollier's disease) is a noninherited disorder characterized by the presence of multiple intraosseous enchondromas located asymmetrically in the skeleton and with a wide variation regarding location, size, and number ranging from the involvement of a single hand to the involvement of the entire skeleton. It can occur together with soft-tissue hemangiomas in Maffucci's syndrome. Clinical problems caused by the enchondromas are mainly related to skeletal deformities causing malalignment and restricted motion of joint. In both disorders, there is a risk of malignant transformation as well as secondary degenerative joint changes.

Whole-body MRI in assessing malignant transformation in multiple hereditary exostoses and enchondromatosis: audit results and literature review

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the results of annual screening using whole-body magnetic resonance imaging (WBMRI) in patients with multiple hereditary exostoses (MHE) and enchondromatosis (EC), and estimate the risk for transformation to chondrosarcoma (CS) in these disorders.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 62 patients (57 with MHE and five with EC) screened during a mean follow-up period of 4.6 years (range, 1-10 years) using 253 WBMRIs (median four WBMRIs per patient, range, 1-10) were analyzed retrospectively. The time of WBMRIs was compared with dates for diagnosed CSs. A supplementary literature review was performed focusing on the risk of malignant transformation.

RESULTS

Ten patients had CS before being enrolled in the screening program, nine with MHE and one with EC. Three asymptomatic CSs were detected by screening; one in a patient with EC and two in patients with MHE, one of whom had CS previously. During the screening period, there was no occurrence of CS not detected by WBMRI in the study group. Histopathologically, the CSs were predominantly grade 1 and were, except for in two patients, located at the truncus, proximal femur, and shoulder girdle. Based on the current material and literature review, the risk of CS seems to be in the range of 2-3.7% for MHE and up to 50% for EC patients.

CONCLUSIONS

MRI may be used as a screening method detecting malignant transformation in MHE and EC patients, but the efficacy has to be confirmed in long-term follow-up studies including cost analysis.

The incidence of bone marrow oedema at the sacroiliac joints in a non-rheumatological population - a retrospective cohort study

Background

The purpose of this study is to determine the incidence of bone marrow oedema (BME) at magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the sacroiliac joints (SIJ) in a non- rheumatological population, and to explore whether patient-reported outcome measures are suitable for predicting BME at the SIJ at referral. Furthermore, to investigate the final clinical diagnoses three months after initial SIJ MRI.

Methods

This study was a retrospective cohort study consisting of patients 18–45 years of age that were referred for a SIJ MRI between 1 July 2016 to 30 June 2017 at the Department of Radiology in Lillebaelt Hospital, Denmark. The SIJ MRI radiological reports were evaluated for signs of BME. Principal and secondary diagnoses according to the 10th version of International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10)—three months after the initial MRI—were identified in the electronic patient record system. For a subgroup of patients, patient- reported outcome measures, such as the 23-item Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire, quality of life and pain intensity in the back and leg were included from the local SpineData database.

Results

In total, 333 patients were included, and 187 (56.2%) of those patients received a final diagnosis within three months after the SIJ MRI. BME was detected in 63 (18.9%) patients; 17 (9.1%) patients had both BME at SIJ MRI and were diagnosed with spondyloarthritis (M45/M46). There was no statistically significant difference between patients with and without BME regarding demographics, quality of life, pain descriptions or function.

Conclusions

The incidence of BME in the cohort correlates well to previous studies regarding the incidence of SIJ MRI changes in non-rheumatological populations in Denmark. Patient-reported outcome measures do not seem to contribute to identifying patients with early-phase BME in a non-rheumatological population.

Anti-tumor necrosis factor treatment increases both the Th17 and Th22 T helper subsets in spondyloarthritis

The aim was to examine anti-tumor necrosis factor α (anti-TNFα) therapy influence changes on Th17 and Th22 cells in patients with spondyloarthritis (SpA), and its correlation with changes in clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) activity and chronicity scores. The Th17 and Th22 cells were assessed at baseline, after 12 and 52 weeks of anti-TNFα therapy by flow cytometry (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT4682724). The percentages of both Th17 and Th22 cells were increased by 70% at baseline compared with healthy controls (both p < 0.01). During treatment, these two subsets increased further to be 170% (Th17) and 123% (Th22) above levels in healthy controls (both p < 0.01). The same subsets decrease their expression of IL-23R significantly during the observation period (p < 0.05). High levels of Th17 and Th22 cells at baseline were associated with the degree of chronic changes in the sacroiliac joints on MRI and a good clinical response to anti-TNFα treatment after one year. Plasma levels were not associated with clinical changes. Th17 cells, and Th22 subsets, increased during one year of anti-TNF-α therapy in SpA, regardless of their clinical improvement. This supports that both the Th17 and Th22 subsets could be involved in the progression in SpA.

A placebo-controlled randomized study with testosterone in Klinefelter syndrome: beneficial effects on body composition

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE

Males with Klinefelter syndrome (KS) are typically hypogonadal with a high incidence of metabolic disease, increased body fat and mortality. Testosterone treatment of hypogonadal patients decrease fat mass, increase lean body mass and improve insulin sensitivity, but whether this extends to patients with KS is presently unknown.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, BMI-matched cross-over study, 13 males with KS (age: 34.8 years; BMI: 26.7 kg/m2) received testosterone (Andriol®) 160 mg per day (testosterone) or placebo treatment for 6 months. Thirteen age- and BMI-matched healthy controls were recruited. DEXA scan, abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan and a hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp, muscle strength and maximal oxygen uptake measurement were performed.

RESULTS

Total lean body mass and body fat mass were comparable between testosterone-naïve KS and controls using DEXA, whereas visceral fat mass, total abdominal and intra-abdominal fat by CT was increased (P < 0.05). Testosterone decreased total body fat (P = 0.01) and abdominal fat by CT (P = 0.04). Glucose disposal was similar between testosterone-naïve KS and controls (P = 0.3) and unchanged during testosterone (P = 0.8). Free fatty acid suppression during the clamp was impaired in KS and maximal oxygen uptake was markedly lower in KS, but both were unaffected by treatment. Testosterone increased hemoglobin and IGF-I.

CONCLUSION

Testosterone treatment in adult males with KS for 6 months leads to favorable changes in body composition with reductions in fat mass, including abdominal fat mass, but does not change measures of glucose homeostasis.

MRI lesions in the sacroiliac joints of patients with spondyloarthritis: an update of definitions and validation by the ASAS MRI working group

OBJECTIVES

The Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society (ASAS) MRI working group (WG) was convened to generate a consensus update on standardised definitions for MRI lesions in the sacroiliac joint (SIJ) of patients with spondyloarthritis (SpA), and to conduct preliminary validation.

METHODS

The literature pertaining to these MRI lesion definitions was discussed at three meetings of the group. 25 investigators (20 rheumatologists, 5 radiologists) determined which definitions should be retained or required revision, and which required a new definition. Lesion definitions were assessed in a multi-reader validation exercise using 278 MRI scans from the ASAS classification cohort by global assessment (lesion present/absent) and detailed scoring (inflammation and structural). Reliability of detection of lesions was analysed using kappa statistics and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC).

RESULTS

No revisions were made to the current ASAS definition of a positive SIJ MRI or definitions for subchondral inflammation and sclerosis. The following definitions were revised: capsulitis, enthesitis, fat lesion and erosion. New definitions were developed for joint space enhancement, joint space fluid, fat metaplasia in an erosion cavity, ankylosis and bone bud. The most frequently detected structural lesion, erosion, was detected almost as reliably as subchondral inflammation (κappa/ICC:0.61/0.54 and 0.60/0.83) . Fat metaplasia in an erosion cavity and ankylosis were also reliably detected despite their low frequency (κappa/ICC:0.50/0.37 and 0.58/0.97).

CONCLUSION

The ASAS-MRI WG concluded that several definitions required revision and some new definitions were necessary. Multi-reader validation demonstrated substantial reliability for the most frequently detected lesions and comparable reliability between active and structural lesions.

[Perfusion magnetic resonance imaging in the treatment of Perthes disease]

In this review about perfusion magnetic resonance imaging (pMRI), we consider it to give detailed insight into the distribution of the infarction in the femoral head in the early phase of Perthes disease. The degree of head involvement is closely related to the long-term prognosis, and as early surgical treatment of children with severe head involvement may be beneficial, pMRI is suggested as an examination in older children with early stages of Perthes disease. The use of gadolinium as contrast medium in otherwise healthy children seems safe, but long-term effects are unknown.

Response to Early-onset Pamidronate Treatment in Chronic Nonbacterial Osteomyelitis: A Retrospective Single-center Study

OBJECTIVES

Chronic nonbacterial osteomyelitis (CNO) is a sterile inflammatory bone disorder with an unpredictable disease course. The objective was to assess clinical and radiological disease activity in children with CNO including response to early-onset pamidronate treatment.

METHODS

A single-center retrospective study was conducted of children fulfilling the Bristol Criteria for CNO. At the time of diagnosis, whole-body magnetic resonance imaging (WB-MRI) or local MRI was performed to assess radiological disease activity. Children with multifocal or spinal bone inflammation and clinical disease activity not responding to nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs were categorized as having extended CNO. Clinical disease activity was assessed annually.

RESULTS

Fifty-one children were included. Median followup time was 4 years (interquartile range 3-7). Children categorized with extended CNO (n = 32) were treated in an early-onset 2-year pamidronate regimen. In extended CNO, WB-MRI was performed at time of diagnosis, and at years 1 and 2 in 88%, 84%, and 91% of cases, respectively. During the first year, the total number of radiologically active lesions and number of spinal lesions per patient declined (p = 0.01). Clinically inactive disease was recorded in 12/32 children (38%). However, 8/12 children (67%) experienced clinical relapse. In limited CNO (n = 19), 10/19 children (53%) presented with clinically inactive disease after 1 year and did not experience clinical relapse.

CONCLUSION

Pamidronate might contribute to improvement in clinical and radiological disease activity in extended CNO, especially after 1 year of treatment. However, children with continuously active disease after 2 years of pamidronate treatment were seen.

Effect of Magnetic Resonance Imaging vs Conventional Treat-to-Target Strategies on Disease Activity Remission and Radiographic Progression in Rheumatoid Arthritis: The IMAGINE-RA Randomized Clinical Trial

IMPORTANCE

Whether using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to guide treatment in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) improves disease activity and slows joint damage progression is unknown.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether an MRI-guided treat-to-target strategy vs a conventional clinical treat-to-target strategy improves outcomes in patients with RA in clinical remission.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Two-year, randomized, multicenter trial conducted at 9 hospitals in Denmark. Two hundred patients with RA in clinical remission (disease activity score in 28 joints-C-reactive protein [DAS28-CRP] <3.2 and no swollen joints) were enrolled between April 2012 and June 2015. The final follow-up visit was April 2017.

INTERVENTIONS

Patients were randomly allocated (1:1) to an MRI-guided vs a conventional treat-to-target strategy. In the MRI-guided group, the treatment goal was absence of MRI bone marrow edema combined with clinical remission, defined as DAS28-CRP of 3.2 or less and no swollen joints. In the conventional group, the treatment goal was clinical remission.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Co-primary outcomes were proportions of patients achieving DAS28-CRP remission (DAS28-CRP <2.6) and with no radiographic progression (no increase in total van der Heijde-modified Sharp score) at 24 months. Significance testing for the primary outcome was based on 1-sided testing. Secondary outcomes were clinical and MRI measures of disease activity, physical function, and quality of life.

RESULTS

Of 200 patients randomized (133 women [67%]; mean [SD] age, 61.6 [10.5] years; median baseline DAS28-CRP, 1.9 [interquartile range, 1.7-2.2]; van der Heijde-modified Sharp score, 18.0 [interquartile range, 7.0-42.5]), 76 patients (76%) in the MRI-guided group and 95 (95%) in the conventional group completed the study. Of these, 64 (85%) vs 83 (88%), respectively, reached the primary clinical end point (risk difference, -4.8% [1-sided 95% CI, -13.6% to + ∞; 1-sided P = .19]) and 49 (66%) vs 58 (62%), respectively, reached the primary radiographic end point (risk difference, 4.7% [1-sided 95% CI, -7.0% to + ∞; 1-sided P = .25). Of 10 key secondary end points, 8 were null and 2 showed statistically significant benefit for the MRI treat-to-target group. Seventeen patients (17%) in the MRI-guided treat-to-target group and 6 patients (6%) in the conventional treat-to-target group experienced serious adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Among patients with RA in clinical remission, an MRI-guided treat-to-target strategy compared with a conventional treat-to-target strategy did not result in improved disease activity remission rates or reduce radiographic progression. These findings do not support the use of an MRI-guided strategy for treating patients with RA.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01656278.

Structural progression rate decreases over time on serial radiography and magnetic resonance imaging of sacroiliac joints and spine in a five-year follow-up study of patients with ankylosing spondylitis treated with tumour necrosis factor inhibitor

OBJECTIVE

To investigate temporal changes in structural progression assessed by serial conventional radiography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the sacroiliac joints (SIJs) and spine in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) treated with tumour necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitor for 5 years.

METHOD

Forty-two patients were included and 33 patients were followed for 5 years in a prospective investigator-initiated study. Conventional radiographs were required four times and MRI seven times. The modified Stoke Ankylosing Spondylitis Spinal Score (mSASSS); Spondyloarthritis Research Consortium of Canada (SPARCC) MRI SIJ and Spine Inflammation, and SPARCC MRI SIJ Structural Score (SSS) for Fat, Erosion, Backfill, and Ankylosis; and the Canada-Denmark MRI scores for Spine Inflammation, Fat, Erosion, and New Bone Formation (NBF) were applied.

RESULTS

Compared with baseline, MRI Inflammation had decreased significantly at week 22 (spine)/week 46 (SIJ) and thereafter. MRI SIJ Fat (from week 22), SIJ Ankylosis, Spine NBF, and mSASSS had increased significantly at week 46 and thereafter. SIJ Erosion had decreased from year 2. The annual progression rate in mSASSS was significantly higher during weeks 0-46 compared to week 46 to year 3. In multivariate regression analyses, baseline SIJ Inflammation and Backfill were independent predictors of 5 year progression in SIJ Ankylosis. Spine Erosion predicted progression in Spine NBF. Longitudinally, Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index, MRI Spine Inflammation, Fat, and Erosion scores were significantly associated with mSASSS. SIJ Inflammation, Fat, Erosion, and Backfill scores were longitudinally associated with SIJ Ankylosis. Structural progression was not associated with body mass index, smoking, or Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug Index.

CONCLUSION

In a 5 year follow-up study of patients with AS treated with TNF inhibitor, structural progression decreased over time.

The effect of intra-articular glucocorticosteroids and exercise on symptoms and bone marrow lesions in knee osteoarthritis: a secondary analysis of results from a randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate if the relative volume of bone marrow lesions (BMLs) changed in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) during a therapeutic study.

DESIGN

This study is a sub-study to a larger clinical trial which compared the clinical effects of intra-articular corticosteroid injection in knee OA to placebo injection, both given prior to exercise therapy. Clinical assessment using the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations with BML assessments were performed at baseline and follow-up after 14 weeks and 26 weeks, respectively. The BML volume was determined using a computer assisted method focusing on participants with valid baseline and follow-up MRI examinations. Any changes in BML and KOOS were analyzed and investigated for associations.

RESULTS

Fifty participants received steroid and placebo injection, respectively, of which 41 and 45 had complete MRI examinations at week 14, and 36 and 33 at week 26, respectively. All participants received 12 weeks of exercise. A significant change in relative BML volume was observed between the corticosteroid group and the placebo group after 14 weeks [-1.1% vs 2.7%; between-group difference, 3.8% (95% CI 0.5-7.0)] but not after 26 weeks [0.8% vs 1.6%; between-group difference, 0.8% (95% CI -2.8 to 4.4)]. No significant association was found between changes in relative BML volume and KOOS.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the statistically significant difference in BML volume at 14 weeks after corticosteroid injection and 12 weeks exercise therapy compared to placebo injection and exercise, there is very little evidence on a relationship between corticosteroids and BML volume.

EU CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTER

EudraCT number: 2012-002607-18.

Anterior Chest Wall in Axial Spondyloarthritis: Imaging, Interpretation, and Differential Diagnosis

Anterior chest wall (ACW) inflammation is not an uncommon finding in patients with axial spondyloarthritis (ax-SpA) and reportedly occurs in 26% of these patients. Radiologists may only be familiar with spinal and peripheral joint imaging, possibly due to the inherent challenges of ACW imaging on some cross-sectional imaging modalities. Knowledge of relevant joint anatomy and the location of sites of inflammation allows the interpreting radiologist to better plan appropriate imaging tests and imaging planes. Accurate assessment of disease burden, sometimes in the absence of clinical findings, may alert the treating rheumatologist, allowing a better estimation of disease burden, increased accuracy of potential imaging scoring systems, and optimize assessment and response to treatment. This article reviews salient anatomy and various imaging modalities to optimize diagnosis, important differential diagnoses, and the interpretation of ACW imaging findings in ax-SpA.

SAPHO and CRMO: The Value of Imaging

The syndromes synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis, and osteitis (SAPHO) and chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis (CRMO) constitute a group of chronic relapsing inflammatory osteoarticular disorders with frequently associated skin eruptions such as palmoplantar pustulosis and acne conglobata and rather characteristic imaging features in the form of osteitis and/or hyperostosis. CRMO predominantly occurs in children/adolescents and SAPHO in adults. Any skeletal site can be involved, and the imaging appearances vary, depending on the patient's age and the stage/age of the lesion. The diagnosis may be difficult if there is no skin disease, but attention to characteristic imaging appearances may help avoid misdiagnosis (e.g., infection and tumor) and thereby unnecessary invasive procedures as well as facilitating early diagnosis and appropriate treatment. This article provides an overview of the radiologic appearances of SAPHO/CRMO and relevant pathogenetic, clinical, and pathologic features to facilitate the diagnosis that often requires an interdisciplinary approach including radiologists.

Sacroiliitis in Axial Spondyloarthritis: Assessing Morphology and Activity

OBJECTIVE

 To review the strengths, limitations, and new insights in the anatomy and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of active and structural lesions of sacroiliitis in spondyloarthritis.

DISCUSSION

 MRI plays a key role in the diagnosis and follow-up of sacroiliitis in spondyloarthritis. MRI of the sacroiliac joints in affected patients may show active lesions such as bone marrow edema, capsulitis, enthesitis, or synovitis as well as structural changes such as erosion, fat infiltration, sclerosis, backfill, and ankylosis. Active lesions of sacroiliitis on MRI are particularly important for the diagnosis and assessment of ongoing active inflammation. Structural lesions increasingly gain importance for diagnosis and follow-up.

CONCLUSION

 Active lesions remain the hallmark for assessment of inflammation in sacroiliitis. Structural lesions increasingly play a role in the diagnosis of spondyloarthritis.

Frequency and Anatomic Distribution of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Features in the Sacroiliac Joints of Young Athletes: Exploring "Background Noise" Toward a Data-Driven Definition of Sacroiliitis in Early Spondyloarthritis

OBJECTIVE

Low-grade bone marrow edema (BME) has been reported in the sacroiliac (SI) joints of 25% of healthy individuals and patients with nonspecific mechanical back pain, thus challenging the specificity and predictive value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the discrimination of early spondyloarthritis (SpA). It is unknown whether stress injury in competition sports may trigger BME. This study sought to explore the frequency and anatomic distribution of SI joint MRI lesions in recreational and elite athletes.

METHODS

After pretest calibration, semicoronal MRI scans of the SI joints of 20 recreational runners before and after running and 22 elite ice hockey players were assessed for BME and structural lesions. Three readers assessed the MRI scans in a blinded manner, using an SI joint quadrant-based module; scans from tumor necrosis factor inhibitor-treated patients with SpA served for masking. The readers recorded subjects who met the Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society (ASAS) definition of active sacroiliitis. For descriptive analysis, the frequency of SI joint quadrants exhibiting BME and structural lesions, as concordantly recorded by ≥2 of 3 readers, and their distribution in 8 anatomic SI joint regions (the upper and lower ilium and sacrum, subdivided in anterior and posterior slices) were determined.

RESULTS

The proportions of recreational runners and elite ice hockey players fulfilling the ASAS definition of active sacroiliitis, as recorded concordantly by ≥2 of 3 readers, were 30-35% and 41%, respectively. In recreational runners before and after running, the mean ± SD number of SI joint quadrants showing BME was 3.1 ± 4.2 and 3.1 ± 4.5, respectively, while in elite ice hockey players, it was 3.6 ± 3.0. The posterior lower ilium was the single most affected SI joint region, followed by the anterior upper sacrum. Erosion was virtually absent.

CONCLUSION

In recreational and elite athletes, MRI revealed BME in an average of 3-4 SI joint quadrants, meeting the ASAS definition of active sacroiliitis in 30-41% of subjects. The posterior lower ilium was the single most affected SI joint region. These findings in athletes could help refine data-driven thresholds for defining sacroiliitis in early SpA.

Circulating serum interleukin-6, serum chitinase-3-like protein-1, and plasma vascular endothelial growth factor are not predictive for remission and radiographic progression in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis: post-hoc explorative and validation studies based on the CIMESTRA and OPERA trials

OBJECTIVE

To investigate serum interleukin-6 (IL-6), serum chitinase-3-like protein-1 (YKL-40), and plasma vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) as measures of disease activity and predictors of clinical remission and radiographic progression in two early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

METHOD

Treatment-naïve patients with early RA (< 6 months' duration) and active disease, participating in two investigator-initiated RCTs, were treated according to a predefined treat-to-target algorithm aiming at inflammatory control, using methotrexate (MTX) + cyclosporine versus MTX + placebo (CIMESTRA study, n = 150, 5 year follow-up) or MTX + adalimumab versus MTX + placebo (OPERA study, n = 180, 2 year follow-up). The 28-joint Disease Activity Score (DAS28) and conventional radiography [bilateral hands and feet at baseline, 2 years and 5 years (only CIMESTRA)] were obtained at baseline and during follow-up. Serum IL-6, serum YKL-40, and plasma VEGF were measured in baseline blood samples and during follow-up. Hypotheses regarding the biomarkers' relation with DAS28 and ability to predict clinical remission (DAS28 < 2.6) and radiographic progression (change in total Sharp van der Heijde score ≥ 2) were generated in CIMESTRA and validated in OPERA, by Spearman's correlation and logistic regression analyses.

RESULTS

Baseline IL-6, YKL-40, and VEGF correlated significantly with DAS28 in CIMESTRA (r = 0.50, r = 0.36, r = 0.36, respectively, all p < 0.01) and these results were confirmed in OPERA patients (r = 0.52, p < 0.01; r = 0.18, p = 0.01; r = 0.23, p = 0.002, respectively). None of the biomarkers (absolute values or change) was predictive of clinical remission or radiographic progression at 2 or 5 years in either study.

CONCLUSION

Serum IL-6, serum YKL-40, and plasma VEGF were significantly correlated with DAS28 at baseline, but did not have consistent predictive value for clinical remission or radiographic progression in two early RA RCTs.

Risk factors for joint replacement in knee osteoarthritis; a 15-year follow-up study

BACKGROUND

To evaluate whether clinical, radiographic or MRI findings are associated with long term risk for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in persons with knee osteoarthritis.

METHODS

We performed a follow-up analysis of 100 persons with knee osteoarthritis who participated in a clinical trial between 2000 and 2002. Clinical data as well as radiography and MRI of the inclusion knee were obtained in all participants. Data on TKA procedures were extracted from The Danish National Patient Register. Clinical, radiographic and MRI findings were analyzed for associations with subsequent TKA.

RESULTS

During a mean follow-up period of 15 years, 66% received a TKA in the included knee (target knee); 37% also received a TKA in the other knee. The degree of joint space narrowing was highly associated with subsequent TKA (adjusted odds ratio (OR) 5.0 (95% confidence interval (95% CI) 2.6 - 9.9)) as was a radiological sum score comprising joint space narrowing, osteophytes, subchondral sclerosis and cysts (adjusted OR 1.7 (95% CI 1.3 - 2.1)). MRI detected bone marrow lesions, synovitis and effusion were similarly associated with subsequent TKA with an adjusted OR of 2.3 (95% CI 1.3 - 4.0), 2.8 (95% CI 1.5 - 5.2) and 1.9 (95% CI 1.2 - 3.1), respectively. Increased body mass index (BMI) was not associated with subsequent TKA in the target knee but was associated with TKA in the other knee (OR 2.3 (95% CI 1.2 - 4.3).

CONCLUSIONS

Radiographic findings including joint space narrowing and MRI detected bone marrow lesions, synovitis and effusion were all significantly associated with the long term risk of TKA in persons with knee osteoarthritis.

Anatomy of the sacroiliac joints in children and adolescents by computed tomography

BACKGROUND

Diagnosing sacroiliitis by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in children/adolescents can be difficult due to the growth-related changes. This study analyzed the normal osseous anatomy of the sacroiliac joints (SIJ) in a juvenile population using computed tomography (CT).

METHODS

The anatomy of the SIJ was retrospectively analyzed in 124 trauma patients aged 9 months - <18 years by CT, based on 2 mm slices in axial, semi-axial and semi-coronal planes. The following anatomical features were recorded: intersegmental fusion of the sacral vertebral segments 1-3 (S1-S3), ossified nuclei (antero-superior at S1, lateral to the intervertebral spaces and lateral to S1 and S2) and joint facet defects larger than 3 mm.

RESULTS

Fusion of S1/S2 started at the age of 6 years and was complete after the age of 13 years in most girls and after the age of 14 years in most boys. Fusion of S2/S3 started at the age of 9 years, but could remain incomplete up to 18 years in both genders. Ossified nuclei antero-lateral at S1 and/or in the joint space were observed until the age of 18 years and occurred in 77% of individuals ≥13 years with intraarticular localization in 64% of girls and 60% of boys. Joint facet defects >3 mm occurred in 21 children/adolescents (17%) located to both the iliac and sacral joint facets.

CONCLUSIONS

Normal osseous SIJ structures in children and adolescents vary considerably. Attention to these normal anatomical structures during growth may help to avoid false positive findings by MRI.

Development and Validation of MRI Sacroiliac Joint Scoring Methods for the Semiaxial Scan Plane Corresponding to the Berlin and SPARCC MRI Scoring Methods, and of a New Global MRI Sacroiliac Joint Method

OBJECTIVE

To develop semiaxial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scoring methods for assessment of sacroiliac joint (SIJ) bone marrow edema (BME) in patients with axial spondyloarthritis, and to compare the reliability with equivalent semicoronal scoring methods.

METHODS

Two semiaxial SIJ MRI scoring methods were developed based on the principles of the semicoronal Berlin and Spondyloarthritis Research Consortium of Canada (SPARCC) methods. A global quadrant-based method was also developed. Baseline and 12-week MRI of the SIJ from 51 patients participating in a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial of adalimumab 40 mg every other week versus placebo were scored by the semiaxial and the corresponding semicoronal methods. Results were compared by linear regression analysis. The reproducibility and sensitivity were evaluated by intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and smallest detectable change [SDC, absolute values and percentage of the highest observed score (SDC-HOS)].

RESULTS

Interreader and intrareader ICC were moderate to very high for semiaxial scoring methods (baseline 0.83-0.88 and 0.85-0.97; change 0.33-0.78), while high to very high for semicoronal scoring methods (baseline 0.90-0.92 and 0.93-0.97; change 0.77-0.89). Association between semiaxial and semicoronal scores were high for both the Berlin and SPARCC method (baseline: R² = 0.93 and 0.88; change: R² = 0.82 and 0.87, respectively), while lower for the global method (baseline: R² = 0.79; change: R² = 0.54). The SDC-HOS were 9.8-18.6% and 5.9-10.7% for the semiaxial and semicoronal methods, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Detection of SIJ BME in the semiaxial scan plane is feasible and reproducible. However, a slightly lower reliability of all 3 semiaxial methods supports the general practice of using the coronal scan-plane in therapeutic studies.

Measuring VLDL1-Triglyceride and VLDL2-Triglyceride Kinetics in Men: Effects of Dietary Control on Day-to-Day Variability

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of dietary control on VLDL₁- and VLDL₂-TG kinetics and associated metabolic parameters. Twelve overweight/obese men were randomized to a provided 3 day isocaloric diet with fixed macronutrient composition (diet group, n=6) or to their regular unrestricted diet (non-diet group, n=6). VLDL₁- and VLDL₂-TG turnovers were measured twice 2-4 weeks apart, using primed-constant infusion of ex vivo labeled [1-¹⁴C]VLDL₁-TG and [9,10-³H]VLDL₂-TG. Isocaloric diet intervention lowered the difference in the mean of both VLDL₂-TG secretion and clearance rate (p<0.01), and the coefficient of variation (CV) of VLDL₂-TG clearance rate (p<0.05). The difference in mean and CV of the other kinetic estimates (VLDL₁-TG secretion, clearance and oxidation rate) were lowered, but not significantly. The CV's of total triglyceride, VLDL₁-TG, and VLDL₂-TG concentrations were significantly lowered by diet intervention compared to regular diet; total triglyceride (31%-5%, p<0.01), VLDL₁-TG (42%-9%, p<0.01), and VLDL₂-TG (36%-10%, p<0.01). In conclusion, VLDL₁- and VLDL₂-TG kinetics show great day-to-day variability, which may be diminished by diet intervention. Therefore, standardized macronutrient intake prior to study days improves the probability of demonstrating significant outcomes of cross-sectional and intervention studies of VLDL₁-TG and VLDL₂-TG kinetics and metabolism.