Imaging of Rheumatological Disorders

Abstract

Early diagnosis and treatment of many rheumatological conditions has become crucial in order that drug therapies can be started before irreversible structural damage occurs. Both MR imaging and ultrasound play a valid role in the pathway of many of these conditions. The imaging findings as well as relative merits are described in this article as well as limitations that must be kept in mind when interpreting the imaging. Both conventional radiography and computed tomography also add important information in certain cases and should not be forgotten.

Keywords: MR imaging; Rheumatoid arthritis; Rheumatology; Ultrasound; Whole-body MR imaging.