Arthritis: roles of radiography and other imaging techniques in evaluation

Article Abstract:

X-rays and other imaging techniques have played an important role in the detection and treatment of arthritis and are even more important today as advances in reconstructive procedures have occurred. This study examines the uses of imaging techniques in the diagnosis and treatment of arthritis. Joint space as seen on an X-ray is a major diagnostic indicator of arthritis. X-rays are also important in grouping the various types of arthritis by differences in how the joint spaces narrow. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging may be of particular use where X-rays do not show joint space narrowing because MR detects other early indicators of arthritis. Imaging plays a lesser role in determining disease activity. X-rays can show swelling in the joints and MR is being used to examine joint effusion. However, prohibitive costs make physical examination findings the predominant method for assessing disease activity. X-rays are useful in evaluating how far the disease has progressed and in evaluating the effectiveness of drug treatments, although problems are encountered in measuring small changes. X-rays and computed tomography (CT) are used for the selection of patients to undergo surgery and to choose the best treatment. CT is particularly useful in designing prostheses used to replace diseased joints. Imaging techniques are important in recognizing complications that result from the disease or from surgery. Fractures are often a result of arthritic disease, and X-rays are important for the detection of such fractures. Ultrasound (US) is useful in detecting synovial cysts that are a complication of arthritis. US and MR can also detect ruptures and tears in ligaments and tendons. All the imaging techniques are useful in detecting complications arising after surgery. X-rays can detect loose or dislocated joints or prosthetic devices. Bone scans can detect post-operative infections. US is useful in detecting deep venous blood clots, a common complication of joint replacement. No one imaging technique should be used solely to diagnose arthritis or related conditions. Treatment of arthritis should include all relevant data from imaging, history, physical examinations, and laboratory findings. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Care and treatment, Ultrasound imaging, CT imaging, CAT scans, Identification and classification, Arthritis, Magnetic resonance imaging, editorial

---

Detection of gastric erosions: comparison of biphasic radiography with fiberoptic endoscopy

Article Abstract:

Biphasic radiography (X-rays) and fiber optic endoscopy are techniques that can be used to detect cancers and ulcers of the stomach. While they are both equally useful, no previous research has compared their abilities to detect gastric erosions. In this study, 374 patients with dyspepsia (painful digestion) were examined for gastric erosions using both techniques. Examinations were for both flat and varioliform (irregular and raised) erosions. Erosions were found in 54 of the 374 patients examined, 42 being flat erosions and 12 being varioliform erosions. The flat erosions were only discovered using endoscopy. The varioliform erosions were discovered using either technique. Biopsy examination of 29 flat erosions found a nonspecific inflammation in 22. This discrepancy puts into question the value of endoscopy as far as discovering lesions related to disease. Similar results were found in biopsies of varioliform lesions. Although both techniques can be useful in detecting gastric lesions, the lack of correlation between these lesions and disease in the patient raises questions about their clinical usefulness. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Medical examination, Stomach cancer, Stomach, Endoscopy, Radiography

---

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Magnetic resonance imaging in the evaluation of spinal tumors. Right atrial extension of adrenocortical carcinoma: surgical management using hypothermia and cardiopulmonary bypass
• Abstracts: Improvement of depression and triggering of mania by sleep deprivation. Depression as a risk for cancer morbidity and mortality in a nationally representative sample
• Abstracts: Energy expenditure and everyday eating behavior in healthy young women. Reassessing intensive care for patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
• Abstracts: Interaction of niacin and zinc metabolism in patients with alcoholic pellagra. Long-term nutritional status of an enterally nourished institutionalized population
• Abstracts: A positive association between maternal serum zinc concentration and birth weight. Vitamin E status of northern Canadian newborns: relation of vitamin E to blood lipids

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.