The role of musculoskeletal ultrasound in predicting treatment plan in rheumatoid arthritis patients

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a progressive autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the synovial tissue of joints, as well as in both bones and cartilage. Prolonged synovitis leads to joint destruction and deformity. RA is characterized by destructive polyarthritis, extra-articular involvement and autoantibody production, particularly, anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (Anti CCP) and rheumatoid factor (RF). Musculoskeletal ultrasonography (MSUS) is a more accurate and precise method compared to clinical evaluation for identifying subclinical synovial inflammation. Both at disease onset and throughout the course of the disease to evaluate disease activity. Also, they can detect erosions of smaller joints at an early stage of the illness before the erosion is visible on conventional radiographs which help in earlier diagnosis, treatment and prevention of joint deformities.