Semin Musculoskelet Radiol 2005; 09(3): 199-209
DOI: 10.1055/s-2005-921940
Copyright © 2005 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

MR Imaging Appearance of Rheumatoid Arthritis in the Foot

Nathalie Boutry1 , 3 , René-Marc Flipo2 , 3 , Anne Cotten1 , 3
  • 1Department of Musculoskeletal Radiology, Hôpital Roger Salengro, CHRU de Lille, Lille, France
  • 2Department of Rheumatology, Hôpital Roger Salengro, CHRU de Lille, Lille, France
  • 3Unité de Recherche de l'Appareil Locomoteur (U.R.A.L.), Lille, France
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
25 October 2005 (online)

ABSTRACT

Although conventional radiographs remain the initial mainstay for imaging of the foot in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), magnetic resonance (MR) imaging has afforded the ability to detect early signs of the disease (i.e., synovitis, tenosynovitis, bone lesions, and bursitis), especially at the forefoot. In addition, the relatively symmetric distribution of the imaging abnormalities depicted in the metatarsophalangeal joints and the frequent involvement of the retrocalcaneal bursitis are almost specific for RA. In more advanced stages of the disease, MR imaging is well suited to evaluation of the hindfoot joints and tendons as well as the musculoskeletal complications of RA (e.g., tendon disruption, rheumatoid nodules, sinus tarsi syndrome).

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Nathalie BoutryM.D. 

Department of Musculoskeletal Radiology, Hôpital Roger Salengro, Boulevard du Professeur J Leclercq, CHRU de Lille

59037 Lille Cedex, France

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