Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Ultrasound has developed significantly over the past decade, becoming a potent imaging modality for the assessment of inflammatory arthritis. Until recently, few published data were available with respect to the use of ultrasound imaging in patients with spondyloarthropathy. This review examines the current state of ultrasound imaging with respect to spondyloarthritis and describes some of the limitations that need to be addressed. RECENT FINDINGS: Ultrasound imaging has been shown to be more sensitive than clinical examination in detecting many features of spondyloarthritis, such as synovitis and enthesitis. The ability to detect subclinical disease and demonstrate a clear response to therapeutic intervention makes this imaging modality a potential tool for both diagnostic and monitoring purposes. Despite this, a number of issues including a lack of standardization of ultrasound assessment of musculoskeletal disorders continue to hamper its progress. New three-dimensional technology is a promising development, which may allow this problem to be addressed. SUMMARY: Improving the ability of the rheumatologist to predict prognosis and guide therapeutic intervention is a long-term goal to which ultrasound may be able to provide a significant contribution. The addition of a novel imaging modality to currently available assessment tools may provide rheumatologists with a more precise working framework, which may be exploited for the benefits of the patients.

Original publication

DOI

10.1097/BOR.0b013e328303e1ad

Type

Journal article

Journal

Curr opin rheumatol

Publication Date

07/2008

Volume

20

Pages

408 - 415

Keywords

Humans, Rheumatic Diseases, Spondylarthropathies, Ultrasonography