Imaging tests as predictors of progression to rheumatoid arthritis in clinically suspect arthralgia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors' conclusion
Evidence for MRI or US in predicting RA/IA in people with CSA is heterogeneous and of variable quality.
Study context
- Population
- People with inflammatory joint pain or clinically suspect arthralgia (CSA) without clinical synovitis39 studies · 42 cohorts
- Participants
- 2,782 / 6,805 / 3,362
- Comparison
- Imaging tests for predicting progression to RA/inflammatory arthritis (IA)
- MRIn = 2,782
- Ultrasound (US)n = 6,805
- Other imaging testsn = 3,362
- Outcome
- Diagnostic accuracy (sensitivity and specificity) of imaging tests for predicting RA/IA; reference standards RA classification criteria, MTX initiation or development of IA
Methodological detailsbivariate and hierarchical SROC models, QUADAS-2 validity assessment
- Bivariate and hierarchical SROC models
- QUADAS-2 validity assessment
Pooled result
As reported in the abstract
Prediction of RA/IA
| Group | Sensitivity, Power Doppler ≥1 in ≥1 joint (95% CI 18%-60%; seven studies) | Sensitivity, synovitis in ≥1 joint (95% CI 29%-62%; four studies) | Specificity, Power Doppler ≥1 in ≥1 joint (95% CI 82%-94%; seven studies) | Specificity, synovitis in ≥1 joint (95% CI 66%-94%; four studies) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US | 37% | — not stated in the abstract | 90% | — not stated in the abstract |
| MRI | — not stated in the abstract | 45% | — not stated in the abstract | 84% |
Sensitivity, Power Doppler ≥1 in ≥1 joint (95% CI 18%-60%; seven studies)
US37%
MRI— not stated in the abstract
Sensitivity, synovitis in ≥1 joint (95% CI 29%-62%; four studies)
US— not stated in the abstract
MRI45%
Specificity, Power Doppler ≥1 in ≥1 joint (95% CI 82%-94%; seven studies)
US90%
MRI— not stated in the abstract
Specificity, synovitis in ≥1 joint (95% CI 66%-94%; four studies)
US— not stated in the abstract
MRI84%
— not stated in the abstract
Original publication
Imaging tests as predictors of progression to rheumatoid arthritis in clinically suspect arthralgia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Rheumatology (Oxford). Published 25 January 2025. doi:10.
Composed by AI from the published abstract and checked against it. How Briefs are made →