Radiographic evaluation of arthritis: inflammatory conditions.

Department of Radiology, University of Michigan Medical Center, 1500 E Medical Center Dr, TC-2910L, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0326, USA. jjacobsn@umich.edu

In the presence of joint space narrowing, it is important to differentiate inflammatory from degenerative conditions. Joint inflammation is characterized by bone erosions, osteopenia, soft-tissue swelling, and uniform joint space loss. Inflammation of a single joint should raise concern for infection. Multiple joint inflammation in a proximal distribution in the hands or feet without bone proliferation suggests rheumatoid arthritis. Multiple joint inflammation in a distal distribution in the hands or feet with bone proliferation suggests a seronegative spondyloarthropathy, such as psoriatic arthritis, reactive arthritis, or ankylosing spondylitis.

PMID: 18641245 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]