First in man study of [F]fluoro-PEG-folate PET: a novel macrophage imaging technique to visualize rheumatoid arthritis.

Non-invasive imaging of arthritis activity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients using macrophage PET holds promise for early diagnosis and therapeutic response monitoring. Previously obtained results with macrophage tracer (R)-[C]PK11195 were encouraging, but the imaging signal could be further improved by reduction of background uptake. Recently, the novel macrophage tracer [F]fluoro-PEG-folate was developed.

Presence of active MRI lesions in patients suspected of non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis with high disease activity and chance at conversion after a 6-month follow-up period.

Objectives: The primary aim is to evaluate signs of inflammation on MRI of sacroiliac joints (SIJ)/spine in inflammatory back pain (IBP) patients suspected of nr-axSpA with high disease activity. Secondary aims are to describe the onset of new inflammatory lesions at MRI after 6 months and to evaluate gender differences in the presence of inflammation.

Method: Consecutively, patients with IBP with at least two spondyloarthritis features, high disease activity (BASDAI ≥ 4), and who were TNFi naïve, had a MRI of SIJ and spine.

Effect of rituximab treatment on T and B cell subsets in lymph node biopsies of patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Objectives: The exact underlying mechanism of rituximab treatment in patients with RA is poorly defined and knowledge about the effect of B cell depletion on immune cells in secondary lymphoid organs is lacking. We analysed lymphoid tissue responses to rituximab in RA patients.

Methods: Fourteen RA patients received 2 × 1000 mg rituximab intravenously, and lymph node (LN) biopsies were obtained before and 4 weeks after the first infusion.

F8-IL10: A New Potential Antirheumatic Drug Evaluated by a PET-Guided Translational Approach.

Antibody fragment F8-mediated interleukin 10 (IL10) delivery is a novel treatment for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). F8 binds to the extra-domain-A of fibronectin (ED-A). In this study, in vivo biodistribution and arthritis targeting of radiolabeled F8-IL10 were investigated in RA patients, followed by further animal studies.

Bone formation in ankylosing spondylitis during anti-tumour necrosis factor therapy imaged by 18F-fluoride positron emission tomography.

Objectives: Excessive bone formation is an important hallmark of AS. Recently it has been demonstrated that axial bony lesions in AS patients can be visualized using 18F-fluoride PET-CT. The aim of this study was to assess whether 18F-fluoride uptake in clinically active AS patients is related to focal bone formation in spine biopsies and is sensitive to change during anti-TNF treatment.

Bone formation rather than inflammation reflects ankylosing spondylitis activity on PET-CT: a pilot study.

Introduction: Positron Emission Tomography - Computer Tomography (PET-CT) is an interesting imaging technique to visualize Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) activity using specific PET tracers. Previous studies have shown that the PET tracers [18F]FDG and [11C](R)PK11195 can target inflammation (synovitis) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and may therefore be useful in AS. Another interesting tracer for AS is [18F]Fluoride, which targets bone formation.