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Proximal interphalangeal arthroscintigraphy in rheumatoid arthritis
Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases
|October 1, 1978
Summary
Quantitative scintigraphy using 99m-Technetium revealed increased variation in proximal interphalangeal joint uptake in rheumatoid arthritis patients compared to controls. However, mean uptake did not differ significantly, even with clinical inflammation signs.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Nuclear Medicine
- Radiology
Background:
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder.
- Accurate assessment of joint involvement in RA is crucial for management.
- Quantitative scintigraphy offers a potential method for evaluating joint inflammation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the utility of quantitative scintigraphy with 99m-Technetium for evaluating proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints in rheumatoid arthritis.
- To compare PIP joint uptake in RA patients versus healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- Reproducible quantitative scintigraphy using 99m-Technetium was performed.
- The study included 40 normal controls and 20 patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
- PIP joint uptake was measured and compared between groups.
Main Results:
- Mean 99m-Technetium uptake in PIP joints did not significantly differ between RA patients and controls.
- PIP joint uptake variation was significantly greater in rheumatoid hands compared to normal hands.
- No clear correlation was found between technetium uptake and clinical signs of inflammation.
Conclusions:
- Quantitative scintigraphy shows increased variability in PIP joint uptake in RA patients.
- While mean uptake is not significantly different, the increased variation may indicate subclinical changes.
- Further research is needed to establish the role of this technique in RA assessment.