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Abstract
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is essential in the process of diagnosis of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) in clinical practice, as described in recent EULAR recommendations (1). However, several important differential diagnoses need to be considered. MRI is also key in the Assessment in SpondyloArthritis
International Society (ASAS) classification criteria for axSpA (2), for which a consensus definition of a positive MRI was made in 2009 (3). The ASAS MRI working group has recently provided an updated definition of what is needed to fulfill the MRI-criterion in the ASAS criteria (4), based on a consensus excercise.
This talk will describe the evidence behind the use of MRI for diagnosis of axSpA, describe the current ASAS consensus on how to use MRI for classification of axSpA, and examples of the most important differential diagnoses will be shown. The presentation will include patient cases for audience review.
References
Mandl P, Navarro-Compan V, Terslev L et al. EULAR recommendations for the use of imaging in the diagnosis and management of spondyloarthritis in clinical practice. Ann Rheum Dis (Published online) 2015.
Rudwaleit M, Landewe R, van der Heijde D et al. The development of Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society classification criteria for axial spondyloarthritis (part I): classification of paper patients by expert opinion including uncertainty appraisal. Ann Rheum Dis 2009; 68(6):770–776.
Rudwaleit M, Jurik AG, Hermann KG, et al. Defining active sacroiliitis on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for classification of axial spondyloarthritis: a consensual approach by the ASAS/OMERACT MRI group. Ann Rheum Dis 2009; 68(10):1520–1527.
Lambert RG, Bakker PA, van der Heijde D et al. Defining active sacroiliitis on MRI for classification of axial spondyloarthritis: update by the ASAS MRI working group. Ann Rheum Dis (Published online) 2016.
References
Disclosure of Interest None declared