[Early diagnostic imaging of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) (author's transl)]

The respective diagnostic value each of diagnostic radiology and nuclear medicine in the detection of early rheumatoid arthritis is being demonstrated--with close correlation to its clinical presentation and course. Diagnostic radiology is found to be specific and nuclear medicine to be highly sensitive, with the latter giving better diagnostic information at an earlier time about the activity of the disease than the former--including soft tissue technique. Nuclear medicine further--more will be helpful for appropriate timing of diagnostic radiology evaluations of this disease.