EDITORIAL - Lessons from MRI studies in RA

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Journal of Rheumatology

March 2008

Editorial

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Lessons from Magnetic Resonance Imaging Studies in Rheumatoid Arthritis

MARK QUINN, MD, MRCP, MBChB,

Lead Clinician,

Consultant and Honorary Senior Lecturer in Rheumatology,

York Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust,

and Hull York Medical School,

Wigginton Road, York,

North Yorkshire, UK YO318HE

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In 1969, Dr. Damadian recognized the potential of nuclear

magnetic resonance (NMR) in medical research. NMR is the phenomenon of

atomic nuclei emitting radio waves at predictable frequencies, when

exposed to a powerful magnetic field. The technique had previously

been used in the military to probe the composition of various

substances. Damadian and colleagues invested much time and effort

developing this technology. In 1972, he demonstrated the ability of

NMR to differentiate cancerous and noncancerous tissues in rats1. Five

further years of development led to the first human magnetic resonance

image (MRI) scan on July 3, 1977. Thirty years hence, MRI has firmly

established its place in modern medical practice. In rheumatology it

has revolutionized practice in many disease areas, but what have we

learned from MRI in rheumatoid arthritis (RA)? It is the only imaging

tool that has the ability to assess simultaneously all relevant

structures in inflammatory joint disease, i.e., the synovium,

cartilage, bone, ligaments, tendons, and tendon sheaths and the

presence or absence of synovial fluid. The 3 key lesions to

rheumatologists studying RA are synovitis, bone edema, and erosion,

which are now clearly defined by OMERACT (Outcome Measures in RA

Clinical Trials)2.

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http://www.jrheum.com/subscribers/08/03/372.html

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