The OMERACT Rheumatoid Arthritis Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Scoring System: Updated Recommendations by the...

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Medical Imaging
• Clinical Trials

Background:

• The Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scoring system (RAMRIS) has been the standard for objectively quantifying RA inflammation and damage since 2002.
• It evaluates bone erosion, bone marrow edema/osteitis, and synovitis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify advances in RA MRI since 2002.
• To provide updated recommendations for the RAMRIS scoring system based on these advances.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of MRI studies and technical/scientific advancements relevant to RAMRIS by the OMERACT MRI in Arthritis Working Group.
• Development of updated considerations for image acquisition, RAMRIS definitions, and scoring systems for existing and new RA pathologies.
• Outlining a research agenda.

Main Results:

• RAMRIS variables demonstrate face, construct, and criterion validity, high reliability, and sensitivity to change.
• RAMRIS enables demonstration of inhibited structural damage progression more efficiently than conventional radiography.
• Technical improvements facilitate validation of scoring methods for new pathologies like joint space narrowing and tenosynovitis, which can be added to RAMRIS.
• Combined scores may enhance sensitivity to change and discriminative power, requiring further research.

Conclusions:

• Updated 2016 RAMRIS recommendations were developed.
• A research agenda for future RA MRI studies was outlined.