Ultrasonographic evaluation of tenosynovitis Of wrist, mcp joint’s in rheumatoid arthritis With clinical and serological correlation- a one Year hospital based observational study

Abstract

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that damages bone, cartilage, ligaments, and tendons, primarily through the inflammation of the synovium. The wrist and hand joints, particularly the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints, are among the most affected in early RA. Ultrasound (US) has emerged as a valuable tool for tracking RA disease activity and joint destruction. Grayscale US and Power Doppler (PD) US are more sensitive than clinical examinations in detecting synovitis, tenosynovitis, and the degree of inflammation in RA. US can visualize soft tissues, detect blood flow signals in thickened synovium, and identify bone and cartilage erosions. This study aims to evaluate tenosynovitis of the wrist and MCP joints in RA, correlating clinical and serological data. The main objective of the study is to develop and validate ultrasound (USG) as a diagnostic tool for RA.