Abstract
Background: Establishing an early diagnosis of rheumatoid disease is useful in preventing the progression of irreversible damage to the bones and joints. Many radiological investigations have been developed that have helped in diagnosis in the early stage and determining the severity and progression of the disease, in addition to determining the patients’ response to treatment. These methods include simple images, ultrasound, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging.
Methods and Materials: A retrospective study, through which patient records at Al-Mowasat University Hospital were reviewed, and the number of patients confirmed to have a rheumatic or palindromic Arthritis from the year March 2021 until March 2024 was (572) male and female patients.
Results: The percentage of males was 25%, while the percentage of females was 75%. The percentage of those aged less than 50 years was 35%, while the percentage of those aged more than 50 years was 65%. The most common joints affected by rheumatoid arthritis are the joints of the feet and hands, with a percentage of 45%. The most common clinical symptoms are stiffness. Morning and muscle pain, 75% and 60%, respectively. The most common radiological method for diagnosis is the plain image, 100%, followed by magnetic resonance imaging, 74%. Most imaging positions were anteroposterior, 97%, and lateral, 75%. The most common radiological sign on the plain image is joint injury. Metacarpophalangeal, bone hypocalcification by 45%, joint pinches were seen by 45%, the most common sign in echography is thickening of the synovial membrane 77%.
Conclusion: It is necessary to adequately raise awareness and educate patients and medical personnel about the seriousness of this disease, Early detection of rheumatoid arthritis, and the negativity of laboratory tests and x-rays can be followed up by ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging is useful and is considered the gold standard in early detection of rheumatoid arthritis.