Early detection of spondyloarthropathy in patients with psoriasis by using the ultrasonography and magnetic resonance image

Objective: To assess the validity of ultrasound (US) in the early detection of arthritis and enthesitis, with assessment of the validity of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the early detection of sacroiliitis and spondylitis in patients with psoriasis and to compare the findings of clinical examination and conventional radiography.

Material and Methods: The study included 50 patients with psoriasis and 20 healthy controls. All patients and controls underwent US and power Doppler analyses for the joints of both hands and feet and the entheseal sites. MRI of the lumbosacral spine and sacroiliac joints was performed.

Results: Abnormal US findings of arthritis were present in 18% patients, whereas only 6% patients had X-ray abnormalities, the enthesopathy represent 74%, at a higher percentage than clinical and radiological assessment (46, 26% respectively). MRI and radiological study demonstrated evidence of inflammation in the spine in 44% and 16% patients, respectively, and evidence of sacroiliitis in 10% and 6% patients, respectively.

Conclusion: Use of newer imaging modalities allows early diagnosis and early initiation of therapy.