[Sacroiliitis in seronegative arthritis. The anatomicopathological aspects and imaging methods compared]

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Radiology
• Immunology

Background:

• Sacroiliitis is the primary manifestation of seronegative spondyloarthropathies.
• Early-stage sacroiliitis is difficult to diagnose using imaging due to subtle or absent symptoms.
• Delayed diagnosis often leads to advanced, irreversible joint damage.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate diagnostic imaging techniques for sacroiliac joint impairment in seronegative arthritis.
• To differentiate imaging findings across various seronegative spondyloarthropathies.
• To assess the capabilities of different imaging modalities in diagnosing early sacroiliitis.

Main Methods:

• Review of imaging findings in ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, Reiter's disease, reactive arthritis, and enteritis-associated sacroiliitis.
• Analysis of conventional radiology, CT, bone scan, and MRI capabilities.
• Focus on modern imaging techniques, particularly MRI, for early detection.

Main Results:

• Conventional radiography remains the primary diagnostic tool for definitive cases.
• MRI shows promise for early inflammatory sacroiliitis but is still experimental.
• Distinct imaging features differentiate various types of seronegative spondyloarthropathies.

Conclusions:

• Understanding specific morphologic features is crucial for early diagnosis.
• Combining clinical and radiographic findings aids timely diagnosis and treatment.
• Early diagnosis can prevent severe, disabling sequelae of seronegative spondyloarthropathies.