Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Hand in Systemic Sclerosis

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the utility of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in systemic sclerosis (SSc)-associated arthropathy. METHODS: MRI of the hand was performed in patients presenting with joint pain/swelling in order (1) to determine the frequency of inflammation on MRI, and (2) to compare MRI with radiography. RESULTS: Of 17 patients with SSc, 10 (59%) had inflammatory MRI findings with synovitis (n = 8), erosions (n = 7), joint effusion (n = 7), or tenosynovitis (n = 8). Bone edema was present in 9 patients. Of 7 patients with MRI erosions, only 2 had radiographic erosions. CONCLUSION: Our study illustrates the usefulness of MRI in the accurate diagnosis and characterization of SSc-associated arthropathy.