Comparison of ultrasonographic assessment of synovitis and joint vascularity with radiographic evaluation in a randomized, placebo‐controlled study of infliximab therapy in early rheumatoid arthritis

• Published in: Arthritis and rheumatism 2004-04, Vol.50 (4), p.1107-1116
• Main Authors: Taylor, P. C., Steuer, A., Gruber, J., Cosgrove, D. O., Blomley, M. J. K., Marsters, P. A., Wagner, C. L., McClinton, C., Maini, R. N.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Antibodies, Monoclonal - administration & dosage; Antirheumatic Agents - administration & dosage; Arthritis, Rheumatoid - diagnostic imaging; Arthritis, Rheumatoid - drug therapy; Arthrography; Biological and medical sciences; C-Reactive Protein - metabolism; Diseases of the osteoarticular system; Double-Blind Method; Drug Therapy, Combination; Humans; Inflammatory joint diseases; Infliximab; Joints - blood supply; Joints - diagnostic imaging; Medical sciences; Methotrexate - administration & dosage; Synovitis - diagnostic imaging; Synovitis - drug therapy; Treatment Outcome; Ultrasonography
• ISSN: 0004-3591; 1529-0131
• DOI: 10.1002/art.20123

Objective To investigate sensitive ultrasonographic imaging methods for detection of synovial thickness and vascularity to discriminate between patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) receiving infliximab + methotrexate (MTX) versus placebo + MTX over 18 weeks, and to compare the relationship between synovial thickening and vascularity at baseline and radiologic damage to joints of the hands and feet at 54 weeks. Methods Patients with early RA (duration