Optimization of ultrasonographic examination for the diagnosis of erosive Rheumatoid Arthritis in comparison to erosive hand Osteoarthritis.

Objective: to determine thresholds and better scenario for the diagnosis of erosive rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by ultrasonography (US) in RA in comparison to osteoarthritic (OA) patients.

Methods: Patients, prospectively included, fulfilling ACR 1987; ACR/EULAR 2010 criteria for RA or hand OA criteria. Radiographic assessment (RX): Sharp erosion score, evaluated by two blinded readers and one adjudicator for discordant cases (number of eroded joints ≤ three).

Ultrasonographic criteria for the diagnosis of erosive rheumatoid arthritis using osteoarthritic patients as controls compared to validated radiographic criteria.

Objectives: The aims of this study were to compare characteristics of radiography (RX) and ultrasound (US) erosive lesions in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA) patients (prevalence, topography and severity), to determine thresholds for the diagnosis of erosive RA based on US and to evaluate the performance of US and RX to establish a diagnosis of erosive RA differentiated from hand OA.

Methods: Patients fulfilling ACR 1987 and/or ACR/EULAR 2010 criteria for RA or ACR hand OA criteria were prospectively included. A modified Sharp erosion score was assessed by two blinded readers and one adjudicator for discordant cases (number of eroded joints ≤ three).