Ultrasound versus high field magnetic resonance imaging in rheumatoid arthritis

Over the past decade there have been significant advances in the field of musculoskeletal imaging, especially in the application of ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to the management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Both modalities offer significant advantages over the previous standards of clinical examination and radiography, and allow direct visualisation of both joint inflammation and structural damage. Although measuring similar pathology, each of these imaging tools has its own benefits and limitations; understanding these will help researchers and clinicians to determine the appropriate role for these tools in RA joint assessment. This review article seeks to compare the usefulness of US and MRI in RA diagnosis, prognosis and outcome assessment.