Imaging in juvenile arthritis

Abstract

Purpose of review: The purpose of this review is to highlight recent developments in imaging in juvenile arthritis.

Recent findings: The developments in imaging in juvenile arthritis are primarily focused on evaluation of destructive changes and inflammatory changes in joints. Plain radiography can demonstrate destructive changes in juvenile arthritis. The most validated instrument for assessing destructive changes juvenile arthritis is the Poznanski index, and this index is being used more in studies to understand the natural history and clinical correlates of destructive disease. Magnetic resonance imaging has been shown to be superior to plain radiography in demonstrating destructive changes. Further work is proceeding to detect earlier, biochemical changes in articular cartilage prior to the development of thinning or erosion. Magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound can demonstrate both inflammatory and destructive changes. Utilization of these techniques to show inflammatory changes can provide information about joints that can supplement physical examination, particularly in difficult joints to examine, such as the hips, temporomandibular joints, small joints of the feet, and tenosynovial locations. This information may help to guide therapy.

Summary: Imaging provides useful information to supplement clinical and laboratory examination in the optimal treatment of patients with juvenile arthritis.