To identify the optimal combination for detecting erosions in early rheumatoid arthritis using extremity magnetic resonance imaging (eMRI).
In 44 patients, eMRI of 1 hand identified 77% who were erosive, 2 hands 89%, and 2 hands and feet 91%.
eMRI identified 4 times as many erosions as radiography. At 6 months, eMRI of 1 hand identified an increase in erosions in 50% subjects, 2 hands in 55%, and 2 hands and feet in 55%. When only subjects with a change in erosion score above the smallest detectable difference were considered, these numbers were 30%, 25%, and 20%, respectively.
eMRI provides superior erosion identification compared to radiography. Imaging 2 hands can be used as a screening tool and 1 hand to monitor erosions over time.