Radiographic imaging: the 'gold standard' for assessment of disease progression in rheumatoid arthritis

摘要: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is characterized by a chronic inflammation of the joints, which leads to destruction articular cartilage and bone. The degree joint damage assessed radiographic imaging represents key outcome in RA. There are several methods for scoring associated with most widely used Sharp Larsen systems, as well more recent modifications each method. Radiographic has advantages compared other measures RA, specifically: X-rays reflect history pathology, provide permanent record serial evaluation, can be randomized blinded objective scoring. Several these have been proposed employed investigation disease progression. A review progression RA presented, simplified system useful evaluation clinical setting.