Are all MR lesions erosions? A study of the wrist in 13 rheumatoid arthritis patient using MR and plain radiographs

Abstract

Purpose: To determine whether erosions detected at magnetic resonance imaging (MR) subsequently become manifest on radiographs and to determine whether there is a difference in distribution of erosions between MR and plain radiographs. Methods: Baseline radiographs and MR and delayed radiographs were obtained in 13 patients presenting with rheumatoid arthritis. A second MR was obtained in 7 patients. MR erosions and non-enhancing lesions (NELs) were counted and compared for each modality and each site. Results: There were 6 erosions in 2 patients on baseline radiographs and 65 erosions in 9 patients on delayed radiographs. All 13 patients showed MR erosions, 130 at baseline MR. Fifty-six ero..