Clinical implications of understanding radiographic findings in relation to clinical outcomes in rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract

The clinical progression of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and longterm response to therapy is generally assessed by quantifying changes in joint space narrowing and erosions visible on serial plain radiographs. In patients treated with classic disease modifying antirheumatic drugs, the joint damage seen on radiographic images is usually directly associated with longterm functional disability. However, this relationship is not as clearly defined in patients treated with biologic agents. The apparent dissociation between clinical and radiologic outcomes in patients with RA who are treated with biologic therapies needs to be taken into consideration when evaluating the efficacy of treatment.