High-frequency ultrasonographic study of finger joints synovial lesions in rheumatoid arthritis

Objective To study the synovial lesions of finger joint of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with high frequency ultrasound ( HFUS). Methods HFUS examination of finger joints of both hands were performed in 42 patients with RA and 30 healthy volunteers. The ultrasound findings of the finger joints in RA patients included intra-articular fluid,the thickness of synovial membrane,vascular proliferation. and the blood flow characteristics. Results The intra-articular fluid was found in 256 joints and the detection rate was 42. 38% (256/840). Synovial membrane hyperplasia was found in 223 joints with the detection rate of 26.55% (223/840). The detection rate of HFUS for vascular proliferation was 6.07% (51/840). Conclusions HFUS is an easy, safe and effective method for the diagnosis of RA thus providing useful evidences for clinical diagnosis. Key words: Ultrasonography;  Arthritis,rhumatoid; Finger joint; Synovial membrane