Diagnosing RA with an MRI

[Guest guest]

Does anyone know how likely it is that an MRI will diagnose early RA? I've only

had symptoms for a couple of months so I doubt the MRI would show anything, but

my rheumy set up an appointment for me. Just not sure if it's worth going at

this juncture...?

Soni

[Guest guest]

Soni, this is a very good idea.

MRI is quite expensive, but it provides a lot of information. Because

early detection and treatment of RA is crucial, MRI is a very valuable

tool. It can show some abnormalities that x-rays cannot, and MRI can

detect certain changes due to RA years before x-rays can. MRI can help

make the diagnosis.

***********************************************************

AJR 2007; 189:1502-1509

Pictorial Essay

Early Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Review of MRI and Sonographic Findings

http://www.ajronline.org/cgi/content/full/189/6/1502

Not an MD

On Thu, May 27, 2010 at 11:53 PM, Tali <s@...> wrote:

> Does anyone know how likely it is that an MRI will diagnose early RA? I've

only had symptoms for a couple of months so I doubt the MRI would show anything,

but my rheumy set up an appointment for me. Just not sure if it's worth going at

this juncture...?

>

> Soni

[Guest guest]

Thanks - interesting link, and I will be going ahead with the MRI.

Soni

>

> Soni, this is a very good idea.

>

> MRI is quite expensive, but it provides a lot of information. Because

> early detection and treatment of RA is crucial, MRI is a very valuable

> tool. It can show some abnormalities that x-rays cannot, and MRI can

> detect certain changes due to RA years before x-rays can. MRI can help

> make the diagnosis.

>