Assessing Associations of Synovial Perfusion, Cartilage Quality, and Outcome in Rheumatoid Arthritis Using Dynamic Contrast-enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging

OBJECTIVE: To assess associations of synovial perfusion, cartilage quality, and outcome in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: Synovial perfusion and cartilage quality were assessed by dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging in metacarpophalangeal joints of 28 treatment-naive patients with RA at baseline and at 3 and 6 months after methotrexate. Analysis was by linear mixed modeling. RESULTS: Synovial perfusion variables were associated with remission (p < 0.05) and cartilage quality (p < 0.004). Maximum synovial enhancement was associated to European League Against Rheumatism response (p < 0.05). Synovial perfusion improved in nonresponders over time (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Synovial perfusion relates to remission, response, and cartilage quality in a cohort of therapy-naive patients with early RA.