Multivariate
analysis suggested the use of anti-citrullinated protein antibodies, disease
activity and erosive disease to predict atlantoaxial involvement in early RA
arthritis.
The craniovertebral junction showed significant involvement in the individuals with early rheumatoid arthritis (ERA), as per recent research conducted at the VRAI - Marche Polytechnic University, Italy. Rheumatoid arthritis shows a considerable association with spine issues. The main spine indications of RA involve; subaxial subluxation, basilar invagination, and atlantoaxial instability.
The analysis involved a total of 50 consecutive ERA patients with mean age of 58.2 years. All patients went through X-ray and MRI of feet, hands, cervical spine and wrists. The MRI characteristics were associated with biochemical, radiological and clinical variables.
A total of 24% of
patients were found to have involvement of craniovertebral junction. A
significant higher Simple Erosion Narrowing Score (SENS), higher
anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA) titer, a worse Health Assessment
Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ-DI) and worse Disease Activity Score 44
joints (DAS44) were noticed among patients with atlantoaxial synovitis.
Atlantoaxial synovitis showed a significant association with DAS44, the
presence of erosive disease, and ACPA.
Skeletal Radiology
Magnetic resonance imaging of the craniovertebral junction in early rheumatoid arthritis.
Marina Carotti et al.
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