Abstract:

Objective: To confirm the value of early diagnosis in the rheumatoid arthritis using high resolution frguency
ultrasonography and Doppler ultrasound. Methods: 7- 18 MHz high resolution ultrasound probe was used in 20 patients with
rheumatoid arthritis. The joints of wrist, metacarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joints were detected, and the
ultrasonographic characteristics and blood flows in the joints were checked with HFUS. Results: 489 articular cavity fluid were
detected, and total rate was 81.5%, 398 were detected thickening of the synovialmembrane, total detection rate was 66.3%, detected 87 joints within thevascular overgrowth, with a total detection rate of 14.5%. Conclusion: High-resolution ultrasound is an easy, safe and effective method for early diagnosis of synovitis in small hand joint in rheumatoid arthritis.

Key words: rheumatoid arthritis, synovitis, ultrasonography, small joints in hand