Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 19, 2026

Automated Joint Space Detection Improves Bone Segmentation Accuracy
Published on: November 28, 2025
Color Doppler ultrasound of the hand: observations on clinical utility in rheumatoid arthritis
Constantine Saadeh1, Patrick Gaylor, Doohi Lee
1From the *Amarillo Center for Clinical Research, Ltd., Amarillo, Texas; †Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona; and the §Department of Radiology, Gainesville Memorial Hospital, Gainesville, Texas.
Abstract:
The use of ultrasound with color Doppler in the evaluation of rheumatoid arthritis was followed in 25 patients with joint complaints. Small joint ultrasound of the metacarpophalangeal joints (MCPs) as well as the wrists was performed with supplementation by color Doppler. In addition, 6 patients were followed for at least 3 months after start of treatment of rheumatoid arthritis using the same technique. In patients with what appeared to be definite rheumatoid arthritis, ultrasound supported this diagnosis as evidenced by the finding of cortical defects, extensor tendon sheath thickening, and synovial proliferation. Increased activity by color Doppler ultrasonography was the most common finding. Significant decrease in color Doppler activity was noted in the 6 patients who were followed up after 3 months of therapy with disease-modifying agents. Therefore, the use of ultrasound with color Doppler could aid in the diagnosis and follow up of patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Related Concept Videos
Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Assessing Blood pressure using a doppler ultrasound
Pre-Procedural Guidelines for Doppler Ultrasound Blood Pressure Assessment:
Preparation of Equipment:
Assessment of apical radial pulse
The A-R pulse assessment involves simultaneous evaluation of the apical and radial pulses. When the apical and radial pulse rates vary, this assessment helps identify a pulse deficit.
Pre-Procedural Preparation
Assessment of radial pulse
The radial pulse, located at the wrist, is often the preferred site for assessing peripheral pulse because of its accessibility and dependability. The process of determining the radial pulse involves several steps:
Peripheral Arterial Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Evaluation
Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction
