[When to suspect seronegative spondyloarthropathy on MRI?]

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Rheumatology
• Gastroenterology

Context:

• Seronegative spondyloarthropathy (SNS) encompasses a group of inflammatory diseases affecting the spine.
• Spinal involvement is a significant manifestation of conditions such as Crohn's disease, ankylosing spondylitis, and psoriasis.
• Accurate diagnosis and monitoring of spinal disease progression in SNS are clinically important.

Purpose:

• To detail the characteristic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of spinal involvement in seronegative spondyloarthropathy (SNS).
• To discuss the utility and indications of spinal MRI for the diagnosis and follow-up of patients with SNS.
• To illustrate early and later pathological changes in the spine associated with various SNS conditions.

Summary:

• Spinal MRI findings in SNS are diverse, depending on the specific disease type and stage.
• Osteitis of the anterior vertebral bodies represents a very early indicator of spinal disease in SNS.
• Later findings include inflammatory involvement of the discovertebral complex and adjacent vertebral bodies.
• MRI enables the detection of incipient disease signs specific to SNS, aiding diagnosis.

Impact:

• Spinal MRI is an invaluable tool for the early diagnosis of seronegative spondyloarthropathy.
• Improved diagnostic capabilities can lead to timely treatment and better patient outcomes.
• This study enhances understanding of the radiological manifestations of spinal SNS.