2007年云南省克山病监测报告

Objective To study the current incidence of Keshan disease in Yunnan Province,and provide scientific basis for Keshan disease(KD) prevention and control. Methods Based on the Scheme of KD Surveillance, 16 villages in 11 counties were chosen as surveillance sites by the historical data. An survey was made to the residents in the 16 surveillance sites by filling in the questionnaire, inquiry medical history, clinical examination, electrocardiogram and 2 meters post-anterior chest X-ray for suspected cases. KD cases were diagnosed according to the Diagnostic Criteria for Keshan Disease(GB 17021-1997). The prevalence data of KD in the whole province were collected from the KD case report in 2007 and the trace surveys. Results There were 6877 residents in 16 surveillance sites of 11 surveillance counties and totally 39 KD cases were diagnosed with a detection ratio of 0.57% (39/6877). The detection ratio of latent and chronic KD were 0.41%(28/6877) and 0.16%(11/6877), respectively and no acute or subacute cases were found. The cases aged 5 to 14 years old accounting for 66.67% (26/39). Electrocardiogram examination of 6877 residents were made and 5.25% (361/6877) abnormal electrocardiograms were detected in the 16 surveillance sites. Fifty-five people were checked by chest X-ray and there were 31 cases with heart-chest ratio ≤0.50, 16 cases with heart-chest ratio from 0.51 to 0.55 and 8 cases with heart-chest ratio from 0.56 to 0.60. The prevalence rate and incidence rate of chronic KD were 4.24 per 100 000 and 0.50 per 100 000 in Yunnan. No acute or subacute cases were found and the latent cases were listed. The prevalence rate and incidence rate were 7.76 per 100 000 and 1.18 per 100 000 in the 16 surveillance sites. Conclusions The incidence of KD is low incidence in Yunnan Province. Higher ineidence of chronic KD was detected in the some areas and the corresponding control measures need to be adopted.     

Forward-viewing radial-array echoendoscope for staging of colon cancer beyond the rectum

AIM:To evaluate feasibility of the novel forward-viewing radial-array echoendoscope for staging of colon cancer beyond rectum as the first series.METHODS:A retrospective study with prospectively entered database.From March 2012 to February 2013,a total of 21 patients(11 men)(mean age 64.2 years)with colon cancer beyond the rectum were recruited.The novel forward-viewing radial-array echoendoscope was used for ultrasonographic staging of colon cancer beyond rectum.Ultrasonographic T and N staging were recorded when surgical pathology was used as a gold standard.RESULTS:The mean time to reach the lesion and the mean time to complete the procedure were 3.5 and 7.1min,respectively.The echoendoscope passed through the lesions in 13 patients(61.9%)and reached the cecum in 10 of 13 patients(76.9%).No adverse events were found.The lesions were located in the cecum(n=2),ascending colon(n=1),transverse colon(n=2),descending colon(n=2),and sigmoid colon(n=14).The accuracy rate for T1(n=3),T2(n=4),T3(n=13)and T4(n=1)were 100%,60.0%,84.6%and 100%,respectively.The overall accuracy rates for the T and N staging of colon cancer were 81.0%and52.4%,respectively.The accuracy rates among traversable lesions(n=13)and obstructive lesions(n=8)were 61.5%and 100%,respectively.endoscopic ultrasound and computed tomography had overall accuracy rates of 81.0%and 68.4%,respectively.CONCLUSION:The echoendoscope is a feasible staging tool for colon cancer beyond rectum.However,accuracy of the echoendoscope needs to be verified by larger systematic studies.     

2007年云南省克山病监测报告

Objective To study the current incidence of Keshan disease in Yunnan Province,and provide scientific basis for Keshan disease(KD) prevention and control. Methods Based on the Scheme of KD Surveillance, 16 villages in 11 counties were chosen as surveillance sites by the historical data. An survey was made to the residents in the 16 surveillance sites by filling in the questionnaire, inquiry medical history, clinical examination, electrocardiogram and 2 meters post-anterior chest X-ray for suspected cases. KD cases were diagnosed according to the Diagnostic Criteria for Keshan Disease(GB 17021-1997). The prevalence data of KD in the whole province were collected from the KD case report in 2007 and the trace surveys. Results There were 6877 residents in 16 surveillance sites of 11 surveillance counties and totally 39 KD cases were diagnosed with a detection ratio of 0.57% (39/6877). The detection ratio of latent and chronic KD were 0.41%(28/6877) and 0.16%(11/6877), respectively and no acute or subacute cases were found. The cases aged 5 to 14 years old accounting for 66.67% (26/39). Electrocardiogram examination of 6877 residents were made and 5.25% (361/6877) abnormal electrocardiograms were detected in the 16 surveillance sites. Fifty-five people were checked by chest X-ray and there were 31 cases with heart-chest ratio ≤0.50, 16 cases with heart-chest ratio from 0.51 to 0.55 and 8 cases with heart-chest ratio from 0.56 to 0.60. The prevalence rate and incidence rate of chronic KD were 4.24 per 100 000 and 0.50 per 100 000 in Yunnan. No acute or subacute cases were found and the latent cases were listed. The prevalence rate and incidence rate were 7.76 per 100 000 and 1.18 per 100 000 in the 16 surveillance sites. Conclusions The incidence of KD is low incidence in Yunnan Province. Higher ineidence of chronic KD was detected in the some areas and the corresponding control measures need to be adopted.     

2007年云南省克山病监测报告

Objective To study the current incidence of Keshan disease in Yunnan Province,and provide scientific basis for Keshan disease(KD) prevention and control. Methods Based on the Scheme of KD Surveillance, 16 villages in 11 counties were chosen as surveillance sites by the historical data. An survey was made to the residents in the 16 surveillance sites by filling in the questionnaire, inquiry medical history, clinical examination, electrocardiogram and 2 meters post-anterior chest X-ray for suspected cases. KD cases were diagnosed according to the Diagnostic Criteria for Keshan Disease(GB 17021-1997). The prevalence data of KD in the whole province were collected from the KD case report in 2007 and the trace surveys. Results There were 6877 residents in 16 surveillance sites of 11 surveillance counties and totally 39 KD cases were diagnosed with a detection ratio of 0.57% (39/6877). The detection ratio of latent and chronic KD were 0.41%(28/6877) and 0.16%(11/6877), respectively and no acute or subacute cases were found. The cases aged 5 to 14 years old accounting for 66.67% (26/39). Electrocardiogram examination of 6877 residents were made and 5.25% (361/6877) abnormal electrocardiograms were detected in the 16 surveillance sites. Fifty-five people were checked by chest X-ray and there were 31 cases with heart-chest ratio ≤0.50, 16 cases with heart-chest ratio from 0.51 to 0.55 and 8 cases with heart-chest ratio from 0.56 to 0.60. The prevalence rate and incidence rate of chronic KD were 4.24 per 100 000 and 0.50 per 100 000 in Yunnan. No acute or subacute cases were found and the latent cases were listed. The prevalence rate and incidence rate were 7.76 per 100 000 and 1.18 per 100 000 in the 16 surveillance sites. Conclusions The incidence of KD is low incidence in Yunnan Province. Higher ineidence of chronic KD was detected in the some areas and the corresponding control measures need to be adopted.     

2007年云南省克山病监测报告

Objective To study the current incidence of Keshan disease in Yunnan Province,and provide scientific basis for Keshan disease(KD) prevention and control. Methods Based on the Scheme of KD Surveillance, 16 villages in 11 counties were chosen as surveillance sites by the historical data. An survey was made to the residents in the 16 surveillance sites by filling in the questionnaire, inquiry medical history, clinical examination, electrocardiogram and 2 meters post-anterior chest X-ray for suspected cases. KD cases were diagnosed according to the Diagnostic Criteria for Keshan Disease(GB 17021-1997). The prevalence data of KD in the whole province were collected from the KD case report in 2007 and the trace surveys. Results There were 6877 residents in 16 surveillance sites of 11 surveillance counties and totally 39 KD cases were diagnosed with a detection ratio of 0.57% (39/6877). The detection ratio of latent and chronic KD were 0.41%(28/6877) and 0.16%(11/6877), respectively and no acute or subacute cases were found. The cases aged 5 to 14 years old accounting for 66.67% (26/39). Electrocardiogram examination of 6877 residents were made and 5.25% (361/6877) abnormal electrocardiograms were detected in the 16 surveillance sites. Fifty-five people were checked by chest X-ray and there were 31 cases with heart-chest ratio ≤0.50, 16 cases with heart-chest ratio from 0.51 to 0.55 and 8 cases with heart-chest ratio from 0.56 to 0.60. The prevalence rate and incidence rate of chronic KD were 4.24 per 100 000 and 0.50 per 100 000 in Yunnan. No acute or subacute cases were found and the latent cases were listed. The prevalence rate and incidence rate were 7.76 per 100 000 and 1.18 per 100 000 in the 16 surveillance sites. Conclusions The incidence of KD is low incidence in Yunnan Province. Higher ineidence of chronic KD was detected in the some areas and the corresponding control measures need to be adopted.     

2007年云南省克山病监测报告

Objective To study the current incidence of Keshan disease in Yunnan Province,and provide scientific basis for Keshan disease(KD) prevention and control. Methods Based on the Scheme of KD Surveillance, 16 villages in 11 counties were chosen as surveillance sites by the historical data. An survey was made to the residents in the 16 surveillance sites by filling in the questionnaire, inquiry medical history, clinical examination, electrocardiogram and 2 meters post-anterior chest X-ray for suspected cases. KD cases were diagnosed according to the Diagnostic Criteria for Keshan Disease(GB 17021-1997). The prevalence data of KD in the whole province were collected from the KD case report in 2007 and the trace surveys. Results There were 6877 residents in 16 surveillance sites of 11 surveillance counties and totally 39 KD cases were diagnosed with a detection ratio of 0.57% (39/6877). The detection ratio of latent and chronic KD were 0.41%(28/6877) and 0.16%(11/6877), respectively and no acute or subacute cases were found. The cases aged 5 to 14 years old accounting for 66.67% (26/39). Electrocardiogram examination of 6877 residents were made and 5.25% (361/6877) abnormal electrocardiograms were detected in the 16 surveillance sites. Fifty-five people were checked by chest X-ray and there were 31 cases with heart-chest ratio ≤0.50, 16 cases with heart-chest ratio from 0.51 to 0.55 and 8 cases with heart-chest ratio from 0.56 to 0.60. The prevalence rate and incidence rate of chronic KD were 4.24 per 100 000 and 0.50 per 100 000 in Yunnan. No acute or subacute cases were found and the latent cases were listed. The prevalence rate and incidence rate were 7.76 per 100 000 and 1.18 per 100 000 in the 16 surveillance sites. Conclusions The incidence of KD is low incidence in Yunnan Province. Higher ineidence of chronic KD was detected in the some areas and the corresponding control measures need to be adopted.     

Superparamagnetic iron oxide-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging for focal hepatic lesions: Systematic review and meta-analysis

AIM: To evaluate the performance of superpara-magnetic iron oxide(SPIO)-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) in the detection and characterization of focal hepatic lesions(FHLs).METHODS: This meta-analysis compared relevant studies that were identified by searching Pub Med, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library databases for articles published between January 1988 and September 2014 and that met the following criteria:(1) SPIO-enhanced MRI was conducted to identify FHLs and data were sufficient for pooled analysis using Meta-DiS c 1.4;(2) hepatocellular carcinomas(HCCs) were differentiated from other FHLs;(3) well-differentiated HCCs(WDHCCs) were contradistinguished from dysplastic nodules; and(4) WD-HCCs were compared with moderately and poorly differentiated HCCs(MD- and PDHCCs, respectively).RESULTS: The data obtained from 15 eligible studies yielded a sensitivity of 85% and a specificity of 78% for differentiating between HCCs and other FHLs. The sensitivity was unchanged and the specificity was increased to 87% when non-HCC malignancies were excluded. Comparative analyses between WD-HCCs and MD- and PD-HCCs from seven studies showed a sensitivity of 98% and a specificity of 50% for the diagnosis of MD- and PD-HCCs, and the area under the summary receiver operating characteristics(sR OC) curve was 0.97. A comparison between WD-HCCs and dysplastic nodules revealed a sensitivity of 50% and a specificity of 92% for the diagnosis of WD-HCCs and the area under the sR OC curve was 0.80.CONCLUSION: SPIO-enhanced MRI is useful in differentiating between HCCs and other FHLs.     

Current practice of anticoagulant in the treatment of splanchnic vein thrombosis secondary to acute pancreatitis

Background:Severe acute pancreatitis is a common diagnosis in emergency general surgery and can be a cause of significant morbidity and mortality.A consequence of severe acute pancreatitis is thrombus in the splanchnic veins.These thrombi can potentially lead to bowel ischemia or hepatic failure.However,another complication of severe acute pancreatitis is retroperitoneal bleeding.At this time,it is unclear if treating patients for splanchnic vein thrombosis in the context of severe acute pancreatitis is associated with any outcome benefit.A systematic review might clarify this question.Data sources:A two-fold search strategy(one broad and one precise)looked at all published literature.The review was registered on PROSPERO(ID:CRD42018102705).MEDLINE,EMBASE,PubMed,Cochrane and Web of Science databases were searched and potentially relevant papers were reviewed indepen-dently by two researchers.Any disagreement was reviewed by a third independent researcher.Primary outcome was reestablishment of flow in the thrombosed vein versus bleeding complications.Results:Of 1462 papers assessed,a total of 16 papers were eligible for inclusion.There were no ran-domized controlled trials,2 were case series,5 retrospective single-center studies and 9 case reports.There were a total of 198 patients in these studies of whom 92(46.5%)received anticoagulation therapy.The rates of recanalization of veins in the treated and non-treated groups was 14%and 11%and bleeding complications were 16%and 5%,respectively.However,the included studies were too heterogeneous to undertake a meta-analysis.Conclusions:The systematic review highlights the lack evidence addressing this clinical question.There-fore a randomized controlled trial would be appropriate to undertake.     

两种血吸虫病免疫诊断试剂的比较研究

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of Schistosoma japonicum antibody immunoassay kit (magnetic particle antibody immunoassay, MPAIA) and Schistosoma circulating antigen detection kit (ELISA) for schistosomiasis diagnosis. Methods The serum samples of the patients suffering from schistosomiasis, paragonimosis, hookworm disease, trichinelliasis, cysticercosis, clonorchiasis or hepatitis and healthy people were tested single-blinded and randomly by MPAIA and ELISA respectively to evaluate diagnostic performance by the parameters of sensitivity, specificity, Youden index, coincidence rate, positive likelihood ratio and negative likelihood ratio, etc.. Results For acute schistosomiasis japonica, the sensitivity of MPAIA and ELISA were 100% and 89. 13% , respectively. There was no difference between the performance of two kits (χ2= 1. 125,P>0.05), and the consensus was high (kappa = 0.891). For chronic schistosomiasis japonica, the sensitivity were 100% and 17. 65% .respectively. MPAIA was significantly more sensitive than ELISA(χ2 = 36. 36,P<0.05), and the consensus was very low (kappa =0.194). In non-endemic area, the specificity of the two kits were 100% and 98% respectively when used in healthy people. Except cross-reactivity of 8. 33% with paragonimiasis, MPAIA exhibited no cross-reactivity with other helminthes infection. When MPAIA and ELISA were used to test individuals infected with schistosomiasis japonica and healthy people from non-endemic area, who had been diagnosed using the gold-standard method, the Youden's index were 1 and 0. 5436 while the coincidence ratio were 100% and 76. 19% , positive likelihood ratio were oo and 28. 18, negative likelihood were 0 and 0.44, respectively. Conclusion Both MPAIA and ELISA can be used for on-site screening of schistosomiasis, but MPAIA is superior to ELISA for the detection of chronic schistosomiasis.     

Response of early active rheumatoid arthritis to tumor necrosis factor inhibitors: evaluation by magnetic resonance imaging

Inflammatory changes (synovitis and bone marrow edema) and destructive changes (bone erosion) were evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and their relations with disease activity were assessed during treatment with tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors. Ten patients with early active RA underwent MRI at 0 and 16 weeks of TNF-inhibitor treatment. The carpal bones of the dominant hand were evaluated by the outcome measures in rheumatology clinical trials MRI score for RA. After 16 weeks, the mean disease activity score (DAS 28) decreased significantly from 5.54 to 2.70, while the number of tender joints, number of swollen joints, and inflammatory parameters were also significantly improved. The mean synovitis and marrow edema scores determined by MRI showed a significant decrease from 6.1 to 2.2 and 12.8 to 6.2, respectively, while the annual bone-erosion progression score decreased from 12.6 to 2.0. Although synovitis persisted in some patients, imaging remission was achieved in two patients. In conclusion, TNF-inhibitor therapy achieved an early decrease of disease activity and MRI revealed amelioration of joint destruction. The MRI score for RA is useful for assessing the early response to TNF inhibitors.     

Maximum intensity projection as a tool to diagnose early rheumatoid arthritis

In this study, we investigated the usefulness of contrast-enhanced MRI with maximum intensity projection (MIP) as a convenient tool for detecting early rheumatoid arthritis (RA). A total of 21 patients with undiagnosed arthritis of the hands at the initial visit were enrolled in a prospective study over a 1-year period. The number of swollen joints found during physical examination at this first visit, the results of serological tests and the number of synovitis joints diagnosed on MIP images were compared between the RA group and non-RA group. Of the 21 patients, 17 (81%) from the initial study who were followed up for an additional 1 year entered this study. Of these, 5 met the conditions for diagnosis of RA during follow-up, and 12 did not. MIP images were used to review the arthritis of RA patients, and a significant difference was found in the number of synovitis inflammations detected with MIP images when compared with findings after physical examinations. The two criteria of positive CARF and/or anti-CCP antibody and symmetrical synovitis in bilateral hands on MIP images allowed the prediction of RA with 100% sensitivity and 75% specificity. Thus, MIP is a useful tool for making early diagnosis of RA because it yields clear visualization even with just one image.     

Diagnostic evaluation of classification criteria for rheumatoid arthritis and reactive arthritis in an early synovitis outpatient clinic

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the diagnostic performance of classification criteria for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and reactive arthritis (ReA) in an early synovitis outpatient clinic. METHODS: In a prospective two year survey consecutive patients with early synovitis of less than one year duration were documented using a standardised registry and were classified after an expert diagnosis. Of a total of 320 patients 39 (19%) were diagnosed as having RA, 24 (11%) patients had ReA, 117 (54%) patients did not have an unequivocal diagnosis, and were considered as undifferentiated arthritis. RESULTS: The retrospective application of the revised 1987 ACR criteria for the classification of RA in this data set revealed a sensitivity of 90% and a specificity of 90%. The positive predictive value was 0.67, the negative predictive value 0.98. Similarly, the criteria for ReA of the French Society of Rheumatology (FSR) showed a sensitivity of 80% and a specificity of 90% with a positive predictive value of 0.55 and a negative predictive value of 0.97. Both criteria sets had a satisfying likelihood ratio of 9 and 10, respectively. CONCLUSION: Both the 1987 ACR criteria for RA and the criteria of the FSR for ReA have a reasonable diagnostic validity in patients with early synovitis, including a large portion of undifferentiated arthritis.     

Predictive value of antibodies to cyclic citrullinated peptide in patients with very early inflammatory arthritis

OBJECTIVE: To study the prognostic value of antibodies to cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) and rheumatoid factor (RF), alone and in combination, in patients with very early synovitis. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed in patients with established inflammatory and noninflammatory disease to validate the assay in our unit and confirm previously reported sensitivities and specificities of anti-CCP antibodies. Subsequently, patients with synovitis of 3 months' duration were followed for 72 weeks and the ability of anti-CCP antibodies and RF to predict the development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and persistent inflammatory arthritis was assessed. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-four patients were assessed in the initial cross-sectional study. Anti-CCP antibodies and RF were detected by ELISA in only 4% of patients with non-RA inflammatory disease and in no patient with noninflammatory disease. Ninety-six patients with very early synovitis were assessed longitudinally. In these patients with early arthritis, the combination of anti-CCP antibodies and RF had a specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), sensitivity, and negative predictive value (NPV) for a diagnosis of RA of 100%, 100%, 58%, and 88%, respectively. The specificity, PPV, sensitivity, and NPV of this antibody combination for the development of persistent disease-fulfilling classification criteria for RA were 97%, 86%, 63%, and 91%, respectively. CONCLUSION: In patients with synovitis of 3 months' duration, a combination of anti-CCP antibodies and RF has a high specificity and PPV for the development of persistent RA. This autoantibody combination can be used to identify patients with disease destined to develop RA who may be appropriate for very early intervention.     

Diagnostic value of anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody for rheumatoid arthritis in a Chinese population: a meta-analysis

To use meta-analysis to determine the accuracy of anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP) antibody in diagnosis of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in a Chinese population, we searched MEDLINE and CNKI databases for studies published in English or Chinese between January 2000 and June 2010. Two investigators independently evaluated studies for inclusion, data extraction, and quality assessment. We used a random-effects model to combine estimates of sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (LR+), negative likelihood ratio (LR-), and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR). One hundred and eighteen studies met our inclusion criteria. All studies were of high quality. The summary estimates for anti-CCP antibody in the diagnosis of RA in a Chinese population were as follows: sensitivity 0.65 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.65-0.66), specificity 0.95 (95% CI 0.95-0.96), positive likelihood ratio (LR+) 15.84 (95% CI 13.55-18.54), negative likelihood ratio (LR-) 0.33 (95% CI 0.31-0.35), and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) 51.60 (95% CI 43.64-61.01). With high specificity and moderate sensitivity, anti-CCP antibody tests play an important role in conforming the diagnosis of RA in a Chinese population.     

双重滤过血浆置换联合免疫抑制剂治疗对重度活动性类风湿关节炎患者磁共振成像的影响

目的 探讨双重滤过血浆置换(DFPP)联合免疫抑制剂(来氟米特+甲氨蝶呤)治疗对重度活动性类风湿关节炎(RA)患者磁共振成像(MRI)的影响.方法 纳入58例RA患者,病程6个月至12年,采用计算机自动生成的随机号,将患者随机分为治疗组和对照组.对照组予以来氟米特10 mg,每日2次,甲氨蝶呤15 mg,每周1次;治疗组在对照组治疗的基础上予以DFPP治疗3～4次,每次问隔7～14 d.随访至6个月.通过右腕关节MRI平扫加增强观察基线和治疗1、6个月时滑膜炎、关节腔积液及骨髓水肿的变化,应用RA磁共振评分标准(RAMRIS)判断对MRI滑膜炎的影响.组内比较采用配对t检验,组间比较采用独立样本t检验.结果 治疗组6个月时滑膜、血管翳、骨髓水肿计分分别为(1.4±1.6)、(0.13±0.35)、(5±4),显著低于对照组[分别为(7.9±1.3)、(2.76±0.43)、(16±12),P均<0.01];治疗组30例(100%)关节腔积液均消失,对照组无一例消失(P<0.01).治疗组达到MRI滑膜炎完伞缓解(滑膜、血管翳见强化,关节腔无积液)+疾病活动指数(DAS)28缓解标准的为16例(53%),对照组无一例达到此标准(P<0.01).1个月时治疗组DAS28、健康评估问卷(HAQ)分别由(7.5±1.0)、(2.23±0.58)下降至(3.5±1.2)、(0.50±0.73),差异有统计学意义(P<0.01);MRI影像滑膜、血管翳、关节腔积液、骨髓水肿无明显变化(P>0.05).结论 DFPP联合免疫抑制剂治疗对重度活动性RA MRI滑膜炎症有明显缓解作用.MRI对疾病活动的判断及治疗方案的选择可作为必要的手段之一.     

Role of magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis and prognosis of rheumatoid arthritis

Objective

To systematically evaluate the literature addressing the role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the diagnosis and prognosis of early undifferentiated inflammatory arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

We performed a systematic literature review of the performance characteristics of MRI for diagnosing and prognosticating RA. We searched Ovid, supplementing this with manual searches of bibliographies, journals, meeting proceedings, and the ClinicalTrials.gov web site. To identify diagnostic studies, we included studies of any duration that prospectively examined whether MRI findings predicted RA diagnosis and reported adequate information to calculate sensitivity and specificity. To identify prognostic studies, we included prospective studies with at least a 12‐month followup period that measured both baseline MRI findings and clinical and/or radiographic outcomes.

Results

For diagnostic studies (n = 11), sensitivity and specificity of MRI findings for RA diagnosis ranged from 20–100% and 0–100%, respectively, depending upon the criteria used. Diagnostic performance of MRI improved when lower‐quality studies or studies with longer disease duration were excluded. For prognostic studies (n = 17), MRI findings did not predict clinical remission, and the ability to predict radiographic progression varied significantly (range 18–100% for sensitivity and 5.9–97% for specificity). Restricting the analysis to specific MRI findings or earlier disease improved MRI prognostic performance. The only prognostic study reporting 100% of a priori quality criteria found MRI bone edema to be the strongest predictor of radiographic progression.

Conclusion

Data evaluating MRI for the diagnosis and prognosis of early RA are currently inadequate to justify widespread use of this technology for these purposes, although MRI bone edema may be predictive of progression in certain RA populations.     

Etanercept reduces synovitis as measured by magnetic resonance imaging in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis after only 6 weeks

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the efficacy of etanercept to reduce synovitis as measured by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as early as 6 weeks after starting treatment in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: Twenty-two patients with active RA despite disease modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) treatment were included in this prospective, controlled study. Patients were randomized in 2 groups. In the treatment group, etanercept was added at usual doses during 6 weeks. In the control group, patients continued with prior DMARD therapy. MRI of the dominant wrist and 2nd-5th MCP joints were obtained at baseline and at 6 weeks and evaluated according to OMERACT recommendations. Results of changes in synovitis in the treatment group were compared with changes in the control group. RESULTS: Changes in synovitis measured by MRI of the hand (OMERACT evaluation) in the etanercept group showed a significant reduction after 6 weeks of treatment compared with no changes in the control group. Reduction of synovitis in the treatment group also showed good correlation with decrease of various clinical and laboratory measures. CONCLUSION: In patients with active RA despite DMARD therapy, etanercept, but not placebo, reduced synovitis as measured by MRI after 6 weeks.     

Evidence for a different anatomic basis for joint disease localization in polymyalgia rheumatica in comparison with rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVE: The anatomic basis for joint disease localization in polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is poorly understood. This study used contrast-enhanced and fat suppression magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to evaluate the relationship between synovial and extracapsular inflammation in PMR and early rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: Ten patients with new-onset PMR and 10 patients with early RA underwent dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI and conventional MRI of affected metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints. Synovitis and tenosynovitis were calculated based on the number of enhancing voxels, initial rate of enhancement, and maximal enhancement of gadolinium diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (Gd-DTPA). Periarticular bone erosion and bone edema were scored according to the OMERACT (Outcome Measures in Rheumatology Clinical Trials) scoring system in both groups. The degree of extracapsular Gd-DTPA enhancement was assessed in both conditions using semiquantitative scoring. RESULTS: No significant differences were seen in the volume of synovitis (P = 0.294), degree of flexor tenosynovitis (P = 0.532), periarticular erosions (P = 0.579), or degree of bone edema (P = 0.143) between RA and PMR joints. However, despite comparable degrees of synovitis, the proportion of MCP joints showing extracapsular enhancement was higher in the PMR group (100%) than in the RA group (50%) (P = 0.030). One PMR patient, but none of the RA patients, had bone edema at the capsular insertion. CONCLUSION: Despite degrees of synovitis and tenosynovitis comparable with those in RA, PMR-related hand disease is associated with prominent extracapsular changes, suggesting that inflammation in these tissues is more prominent than joint synovitis, which is common in both conditions. This suggests that the anatomic basis for joint disease localization differs between RA and PMR.     

Atlantoepistrophic magnetic resonance imaging involvement in early rheumatoid arthritis: an aggressive tight control therapy not fully arresting the disease

Objective

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common inflammatory disorder affecting the cervical spine. The purpose of this study was to characterize the atloaxial involvement with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with early RA at the moment of diagnosis and after 18 months of a tight control therapy.

Methods

Twenty consecutive patients with early RA without cervical symptoms and 20 healthy controls were enrolled. The patients underwent unenhanced and enhanced gadolinium MRI study of the upper cervical spine at diagnosis and after 18 months of therapy. The presence of pannus tissue at MRI was considered active synovitis.

Results

Five (25%) of the 20 patients presented craniocervical involvement with active synovitis at MRI. At onset, patients with cervical involvement presented higher levels of erythrocyte sedimentation rate, a higher swollen joint count, and a higher Disease Activity Score in 44 joints level. All 5 patients (100%) with cervical involvement presented already peripheral erosions. After 18 months, 1 of 5 patients with atloepistrophic synovial involvement at baseline presented complete regression of the enhancement of synovial periodontoid process, and 1 presented a decrease of this enhancement. None of the patients developed erosive process at the odontoid. The only patient with complete regression of the enhancement presented a very early disease (<3 months).

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates involvement of the atloaxial junction in 25% of early RA patients, in particular in patients with active and erosive arthritis. An early diagnosis and aggressive treatment with a combination therapy, aiming for remission, does not always reduce atlantoaxial synovitis.