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Few studies compared low-field MRI with ultrasound in rheumatology
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While researchers determined that low-field MRI appeared to be more sensitive than ultrasound in detecting erosions, the limited studies comparing their diagnostic and prognostic value in rheumatology did not allow for any firm conclusions on preferred technique, according to systematic review results.
In the Italian study, a single reviewer conducted a search of PubMed from January 1998 to September 2013 of relevant published articles on the diagnostic accuracy of low-field MRI compared with ultrasound (US) in rheumatic diseases. Search terms included “arthritis, osteoarthritis” and “rheumatic” in combination with “magnetic resonance” and “US.” The researchers defined low-field MRI as “MRI obtained with a machine with a magnetic field strength of ≤ 0.6 Tesla.”
Of 1,055 articles reviewed by title or abstract, 23 met inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. Eight studies (n=241 patients, nine controls) compared accuracy of US and dedicated MRI in detection of erosions.
“Our results show that low-field MRI is probably more sensitive than US in the detection of erosions, due to its higher multiplanar capacity,” the researchers reported.
Three studies (n=145 patients, 16 controls) analyzed osteoarthritis (OA) imaging in US and low-field MRI. Measurements for cartilage thickness and effusion in the superior and lateral recesses had a good correlation between US and MRI for OA.
“There are still few studies comparing US and low-field MRI for their diagnostic and prognostic value in rheumatology and it is currently difficult to draw any firm conclusions on the preferred imaging technique to answer specific clinical questions,” the researchers concluded. “In particular, most of the existing studies have been performed in rheumatoid arthritis and information on other forms of arthritis, such as psoriatic arthritis or gout, are lacking. In addition, only very few healthy controls were included … .
“Further comparative studies are needed to understand the relative efficiency of these techniques in a larger spectrum of rheumatic conditions.”
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.
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