To assess the value of radiographs of the feet of patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in the evaluation of RA classification and outcome.
Within a multicenter therapeutic trial, baseline and 12 month radiographs of the hands, wrists, and feet of 284 patients with early RA (< or = 4 years; mean 1.4; median 0.6) were scored according to a modified Larsen-Dale method by an independent radiological reading committee, blinded to the treatment, clinical, and laboratory data.
Thirty-two patients (11%) had only foot erosions at baseline. Twelve month progression in the eroded joint count was more frequent in the patients with foot erosions than in those without (63% CI 55 divided by 71 vs 42% CI 35 divided by 50).
Foot radiographs facilitate the identification of patients with early erosive RA. Foot involvement is indicative of more aggressive disease. Assessment of foot radiographs allows the most adequate therapeutic strategy to be adopted.