SONOGRAPHIC PATTERNS OF FINGER TENDONS INVOLVEMENT IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Abstract

Finger tendon involvement is a common feature of both the early and late stages ofRA. The true frequency of such involvement is difficult to assess because of the lack of standarized diagnostic criteria (Grassi et al., 1995).

Ultrasound examination is non-invasive, highly accurate, not expensive and allow longitudinal follow up. It has been the subject of many studies, but little has been reported about its role in assessing tendon involvement in RA, and its potential value in rheumatologic practice is still l argely understimated (Fonage, 1989).

This study designed to eval uate the ultrasonographic pattern of finger tendon involvement in RA by use of a high frequency. 10 MHz, sector transducer, 20 rheumatoid patients diagnosed according to the criteria of the American College Association and 15 healthy person as a control group, all members of the 2 groups are subm itted to ultrasonographic examination of the tendons of the band. The results of our investigation demonstrate that both extensor and flexor tendons of the fingers were clearly depicted in RA patients and in healthy controls. Although there is no agreed-upon system for evaluating or grading ultrasound features of finger tendon involvement in RA, our fmdings provide convincing evidence of potential value of ultrasonography.

In we also found increased incidence of synovial sheeth widening, tendon margin irregularity and loss of normal fibrillar echotexture and longer disease duration and presence of erosive changes in x-ray hand and increase duration of morning stiffuess.