High frequency ultrasonography of the hand versus anti-RA33 evaluation in early rheumatoid arthritis - a pilot study.

Aim: Accurate diagnosis and early treatment in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can lead to a good outcome and a correct management of the disease. We aimed toinvestigate the prognostic value of anti-RA33 antibodies, by evaluating the relationship with ultrasonographic (US) findings in patients with early RA.

Material And Methods: We performed a prospective study which included 29 patients, diagnosed with early RA according to the ACR/EULAR 2010 criteria and 21 sex and age-matched control subjects.