diagnostic imaging

• What laboratory test detects antibodies against citrullinated proteins and is both diagnostic and prognostic for RA?

• 
  👉 Anti-CCP (Anti-Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide) antibody test

• Which autoantibody is present in about 80% of RA patients but has limited diagnostic specificity?

• 
  👉 Rheumatoid Factor (RF)

• What is the most common and accessible imaging method to detect joint damage in RA?

• 
  👉 Radiography (X-ray)

• What is the most common and accessible imaging method to detect joint damage in RA?

• 
  👉 Radiography (X-ray)

• Which imaging technique detects early soft-tissue inflammation and bone erosions more sensitively than X-ray?

• 
  👉 Ultrasonography (US)

• What ultrasonography feature helps distinguish active from inactive inflammation?

• 
  👉 Color and Power Doppler US

• Which radiographic scoring system is most recommended for clinical use in RA?

• 
  👉 Simple Erosion Narrowing Score (SENS)

• Which imaging tool provides detailed 3D visualization of joints and is considered the most sensitive for RA?

• 
  👉 Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

• Which imaging method provides high-resolution 3D visualization of calcified tissues but is rarely used due to radiation?

• 
  👉 Computed Tomography (CT)

• What diagnostic procedure involves aspirating joint fluid using a needle to analyze for infection or crystals?

• 
  👉 Arthrocentesis (Synovial Fluid Analysis)

• What classification system is used to identify patients with early-phase arthritis likely to develop erosive RA?

• 
  👉 2010 ACR/EULAR Classification Criteria

• Which test is more predictive of severe radiographic damage in RA patients than RF?

• 
  👉 Anti-CCP antibody

• Which rheumatoid factor subtype predominates after RA onset?

• 
  👉 IgM-RF

• Which antibody test helps diagnose RA even in RF-negative patients?

• 
  👉 Anti-CCP antibody test

• Which imaging test can show bone edema, synovitis, and soft tissue inflammation, but is costly and not widely available?

• 
  👉 MRI

• Which imaging tool is more sensitive than MRI in detecting very small fluid accumulations in PIP joints?

👉 Ultrasonography (US)