High-resolution ultrasonography for synovitis of knee, elbow, wrist joints in rheumatoid arthritis

Objective In order to confirm the value of high resolution ultrasound and Doppler techniques in rheumatoid arthritis, the ultrasonography characteristics and blood flow situations in the joints, including knee, elbow, wrist joints were checked by ultrasonography and Doppler ultrasound. Methods Two hundred and fourty limb joints of rheumatoid arthritis patients and 120 limb joints of healthy volunteers were studied. These joints included knee, elbow and wrist. The examination were performed on the right and the left side and the two sides were compared in every case. The instrument used is the GE medicine system LogiQ-9 unit with computed color-coded Doppler sonography system 10.0 MHz high frequency linear-array transducer. Sonographic examination were performed with the method of directly contact and indirectly contact at the surface of the body. Results The synovitis characteristics of ultrasonography in joints of rheumatoid arthritis patients included joint effusion, synovial thickening, elevated signal of vascularization. Joint effusion was found in 191 joint spaces and the positive rate of effusion was about 79.5% (191/240). There were synovial thickening in 174 joints and positive rate was about 72.5% (174/240). In 165 joints (68.7%; 165/240). Power Doppler ultrasonography and color Doppler identified hyperemia as blood signal with spot, cudgel or streak and pannus formation. Conclusion Ultrasonography and Doppler technique is an easy, safe and effective methods for diagnosing the damage of joints and evaluation of inflammatory activity of rheumatoid arthritis.