What is the prevalence of MRI-detected inflammation and XXXX in small joints in the general population? A collation and analysis of published data.

@entity1 @entity627 @entity2681 @entity603 @entity2720 @entity236 @entity309
INTRODUCTION: MRI sensitively depicts @entity2681 , @entity236 ( @entity236 ) and @entity603 in @entity309 ( @entity309 ). Recently developed European League Against @entity627 (EULAR) recommendations stated that MRI is valuable to improve the certainty of a considered diagnosis and to detect structural damage at an early time point. However, these recommendations were mainly based on the data of @entity1 with @entity309 ; prevalences of MRI features in the general population were not extensively explored. We reviewed the literature on MRI studies including symptom-free @entity1 to assess the occurrence of MRI features. METHODS: Medical literature databases up to September 2013 were systematically reviewed for symptom-free @entity1 with MRI data on metacarpophalangeal, wrist and @entity2720 . Data were extracted and summarised. When allowed because of comparable scanning and scoring protocols, a mean frequency of features was calculated. RESULTS: Of the 338 articles screened, 31 studies evaluated MRI findings in symptom-free @entity1 (n=516 in total). Both the imaging techniques (<1/>= 1   T, with/without contrast enhancement) and the scoring methods (non-validated or @entity309 MRI score (RAMRIS)) varied widely, prohibiting direct comparisons of the results of many studies. 15 studies scored data according to RAMRIS; combining data of similar joint regions showed that @entity2681 (RAMRIS >= 1) were present in 33-52% of symptom-free @entity1 . Similarly, @entity603 was present in 27% and @entity236 in 0-16% of symptom-free @entity1 . The prevalence of MRI-detected @entity2681 increased with age. CONCLUSIONS: MRI features, @entity2681 in particular, occur frequently in symptom-free @entity1 . Before MRI can be implemented in the diagnostic process, larger studies should be conducted determining the degree and combination of MRI features that are disease specific.
