And even with headphones, the jack-hammer noise the machine makes may be more than you can handle. If you’re claustrophobic, you may not be able to tolerate being enclosed in the narrow MRI chamber. MRI is performed in a hospital or imaging center, so you may need to wait days or weeks for an appointment and test results. MRI costs twice as much as ultrasound and is many times more expensive than X-rays. But MRI has several major drawbacks compared with other imaging tests: It can also assess all the joints in your body at once. Like MSUS, MRI is better at detecting inflammation than X-rays or a physical exam and can help support an RA diagnosis. MSUS is also painless, non-invasive and costs considerably less than MRI, though it’s more expensive than X-rays. One of the benefits of MSUS is that it’s convenient most rheumatology offices have an ultrasound machine so the test can be performed and the results interpreted at the time of your physical exam. It was particularly useful for spotting early signs of RA in people who were seronegative, meaning their blood tests lack antibodies that help confirm the disease. So the clinical history and physical examination are still important, with careful evaluation of the pattern of joint involvement and some blood tests to make the diagnosis,” she says.Ī 2016 review found that in 13 out of 15 studies, MSUS improved diagnosis of early RA when added to lab tests and a physical exam. “You can see the same bone erosion and synovial lining changes in other rheumatic diseases, such as lupus and psoriatic arthritis (and also in asymptomatic volunteers). Imaging tests aren’t diagnostic themselves but can support other findings, explains rheumatologist Flavia Soares Machado, MD, of the Universidade Federal de São Paulo school of medicine in Brazil. RA is diagnosed based on a physical exam, medical history and certain lab results. This is especially important because early diagnosis and treatment can help forestall future joint damage. Both can pick up inflammation and bone erosion not visible on X-rays. Newer imaging techniques like musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have changed the picture. In the early stages of RA, however, X-rays may appear normal although the disease is active, making the films useful as a baseline but not much help in getting a timely diagnosis and treatment. For additional information visit Linking to and Using Content from MedlinePlus.For decades, X-rays were used to help detect rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and monitor for worsening bone damage. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited without authorization. ![]() Links to other sites are provided for information only - they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. ![]() The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy editorial process and privacy policy. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. is accredited by URAC, for Health Content Provider (URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M.
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