Whole-body Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Inflammatory Spine and Joint Disease

Whole-body magnetic resonance imaging (WB-MRI) can effectively diagnose rheumatologic diseases with systemic and multifocal characteristics, such as spondyloarthritis, chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis, and synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis, and osteitis (SAPHO) syndrome, among others. Advances in rheumatic disease treatments have emphasized the importance of early diagnosis for effective management, function preservation, and improved quality of life. WB-MRI offers comprehensive imaging of the musculoskeletal system, detecting early and subtle disease changes that traditional methods might overlook. Initially used for spondyloarthritis, the technique has recently expanded to other rheumatic diseases and is becoming the gold standard for diagnosing and monitoring chronic nonbacterial osteomyelitis in pediatric patients. This review article presents the current status of WB-MRI in rheumatologic conditions.