Magnetic Resonance Imaging role in assessment of axial spondylarthritis Disease activity and Severity

Abstract

Background: Imaging has a central role in the diagnosis, management, and follow-up of patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). For the early diagnosis of axSpA, magnetic resonance imaging is of utmost relevance. While no novel imaging techniques were developed during the past decade, improvements to the existing modalities have been introduced. When it comes to axial spondyloarthritis (SpA), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is one of the most sensitive imaging modalities for detecting early inflammatory changes. It has been more than ten years since the ASAS classification criteria for axial SpA, which were last updated in 2009, included magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evaluation. Within that time, a mountain of evidence and clinical experience with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in axial SpA has quickly been built up. Early diagnosis, assessment of disease activity, and tracking of therapy response in axial SpA have all been improved by this improved understanding of the clinical value of MRI. Innovations in technology have also allowed for the creation of new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences that can optimize images and quantify inflammation.