[Imaging approach for the evaluation of the bone and joint destruction in rheumatoid arthritis]

This review summarizes the clinical significance of imaging studies, conventional radiography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) imaging, in the evaluation of bone and joint destruction in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) . Conventional radiography is a standard technique for the diagnosis and evaluation of RA, which can demonstrate characteristic features of bone erosion and joint space narrowing in RA. A number of reports have described the efficacy of MRI in demonstrating synovitis and bone changes with a greater sensitivity than conventional radiography. MRI is helpful in diagnosis of early RA, evaluation of treatment effect and prediction of clinical outcome at its early stage. However, the benefits of MRI for the diagnosis and management of rheumatoid arthritis are still being elucidated.