[Role of ultrasonography in rheumatoid arthritis]

Ultrasound imaging may have an impact in management patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Through technological improvements, ultrasonography, has become an established imaging technique for the diagnosis and the follow up of this inflammatory chronic disease. In fact, ultrasounds, allow follow up during treatment by evaluating synovitis count and assessment of synovial vascularization by Power Doppler. Besides, erosions are found sooner and more frequently by ultrasonography than with conventional radiography. Rheumatologist training in sonography is essential, this technique has become indispensable in the management of inflammatory rheumatism, to avoid more invasive or more expensive imaging procedures.