MR Imaging Approach to Arthritides and Spondyloarthropathies

MR imaging is a valuable imaging tool in the assessment of spinal arthritides, allowing the radiologist to formulate a rational differential diagnosis and construct a meaningful radiologic report. Of this, spondyloarthritis has garnered the most attention over the years given its debilitating symptoms and disabling effect. MR imaging depicts both inflammatory and structural lesions in the spine and SI joints and a systematic anatomic approach in appraising these lesions can aid in proper diagnosis. Combined with careful correlation with clinical findings and biomarkers, MR imaging is an instrumental tool in the diagnosis and treatment planning of spinal arthritides, particularly spondyloarthritis.