Recognition of spondyloarthritis lesions on magnetic resonance imaging: Results of an educational intervention

BACKGROUND: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a fundamental diagnostic tool in axial spondyloarthritis (SpA), allowing us an earlier diagnosis of the disease compared to radiography. OBJECTIVE: To compare the performance of a recognition test on SpA MRI lesions and theoretical knowledge, before and after carrying out an educational intervention (hands-on workshop). We also evaluated whether the successes in the tests were associated with the individual characteristics of the participants. METHODS: A test was carried out involving 10 questions (seven for image recognition and three for theoretical knowledge) before and after the attendance to an MRI workshop in SpA performed in different cities in Argentina. The number of correct answers was assessed before and after the workshop; good performance was defined as the achievement of 6 correct answers on average between the pre- and post-test. Participants' characteristics were collected. RESULTS: A total of 106 participants were evaluated. Average of correct answers before and after the workshop were 5.3 and 6.8, respectively (P = .0001); 65% of participants achieved good performance. Performance is not associated with the characteristics of trained physicians. CONCLUSION: MRI training workshops in SpA allow rheumatologists to improve recognition of acute inflammatory and structural lesions. The long-term effects of such training need further evaluation.