Ultrasound versus low-field magnetic resonance imaging in rheumatic diseases: a systematic literature review.

OBJECTIVES

US and MRI play a significant role in the diagnosis of rheumatic diseases and in monitoring treatment response. This systematic review summarises and evaluates available evidence on the value of low-field MRI compared to US in rheumatic diseases.

METHODS

A computerised literature search was conducted by a single reviewer to identify relevant published articles on the diagnostic accuracy of low-field MRI compared to US in rheumatic diseases. The literature search comprised the period from January 1998 to September 2013.

RESULTS

The search yielded a total of 1055 articles that were reviewed by title or abstract; finally, 23 articles fulfilling all inclusion criteria were included in the analysis. Our results show that low-field MRI is probably more sensitive than US in the detection of erosions, due to its higher multiplanar capacity. In OA there was a good correlation between US and MRI measurements for cartilage thickness and for effusion in the superior and in the lateral recesses.

CONCLUSIONS

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.