MRI is the most sensitive and specific imaging method for detecting enthesitis, dactylitis, synovitis, erosions, and bone marrow edema. Because of its cost and limited availability, MRI is mostly used in cases where inflammation is suspected and when plain radiographs are not helpful in determining treatment modifications.
Whole-body MRI is emerging as a promising alternative for the comprehensive study of patients with psoriatic arthritis. It can also be useful for distinguishing psoriatic arthritis from rheumatoid arthritis.
In a study of whole-body MRI in patients with psoriatic arthritis, some areas, such as the hips, knees, spine, and sacroiliac joints, were almost always successfully visualized, whereas other areas were more problematic, such as the elbows and distal joints of the hands and feet. Improvements in technology and technique are emerging.
Learn more about the emerging role of MRI in psoriatic arthritis.
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Any views expressed above are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect the views of WebMD or Medscape.
Cite this: Herbert S. Diamond. Fast Five Quiz: Psoriatic Arthritis Imaging - Medscape - Feb 27, 2020.
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