Ultrasound imaging for the rheumatologist XX. Sonographic assessment of hand and wrist joint involvement in rheumatoid arthritis: comparison between two- and three-dimensional ultrasonography

In the rheumatology literature, most of the available evidence on three-dimensional ultrasound (3D US) is related to the acquisition process and high-lights the virtual operator independence and shortening of the US examination tune. The main aim of this study was to compare, 3D US using a high-frequency volumetric probe and conventional 2D US at the wrist and hand in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The 3D US examinations were performed using a Logiq 9 (General Electrics Medical Systems, Milwaukee, Wl) with a high frequency (8-15 MHz) volumetric probe. Overall, there is good-to-excellent agreement between the two modalities relating to both joint inflammation and bone erosion. This study is an initial step towards establishing a methodology necessary for developing multi-centre US studies which are aimed at assessing hand involvement in patients with RA.