J Rheumatol 2017 Dec 01
Short-term Repeat Magnetic Resonance Imaging Scans in Suspected Early Axial Spondyloarthritis Are Clinically Relevant Only in HLA-B27-positive Male Subjects.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE
Our study investigated the natural history of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-determined bone marrow edema over a 12-week period in individuals with suspected axial spondyloarthritis.
METHODS
There were 109 MRI scans performed on 30 patients who fulfilled the Assessment of Spondyloarthritis international Society inflammatory back pain criteria at baseline and at 4, 8, and 12 weeks.
RESULTS
There were 29 patients who completed the study. Only 4 (14%) patients changed from MRI-negative to MRI-positive (all HLA-B27-positive, OR 2.74). Three of 7 (43%) male HLA-B27-positive patients, 1 of 8 (12.5%) HLA-B27-positive female patients, and no HLA-B27-negative patients changed from MRI- negative to -positive.
CONCLUSION
Repeat MRI scans within a 12-week period should be considered in HLA-B27-positive males.
Related Questions
Is an MRI necessary to diagnose non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis?
New answer by at Brookdale University Hospital Medical Center (January 23, 2024)
I would also add that negative MRI results need to be interpreted in the context of current NSAIDs' use as anti-inflammatory meds that can mask sacroiliitis.
Jones et al., Br...