Comparing the effectiveness of MRI and ultrasound in the diagnosis of early-stage rheumatoid arthritis: a literature review

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune and inflammatory condition that damages the lining of synovial joints and subchondral bone marrow. RA progressively causes functional decline, which can lead to permanent pathological deformity and premature mortality due to cardiovascular co-morbidities. RA typically affects the smaller joints of the hands and feet; however, larger joints can also be affected and in many cases multiple joints are involved. RA’s prevalence increases with age and is two to three times more probable in women. Additionally, diagnosis has proven to be difficult, especially in the early stages of RA due to the subtle presentation of synovitis, tenosynovitis and osteitis, and the condition’s gradual development over time.

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