Advanced Imaging Tools in Rheumatology

Dear Colleagues,

Imaging plays a fundamental role in the diagnosis, monitoring, and prognosis of rheumatic diseases. Progress in the clinical practice of rheumatology is primarily fueled by hi-tech innovations. Although conventional radiography exists as the primary widely used imaging modality by rheumatologists, musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS), computerized tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have provided a non-invasive modality with a promising interventional role. Nailfold capillaroscopy (NFC) has developed into an indispensable tool for rheumatologists in the evaluation of rheumatic diseases. It offers various advantages, including being rapid, noninvasive, and inexpensive. With NFC, we can visualize the microcirculatory changes in the nail beds. Microvascular ultrasonographic imaging is the most recent and unique Doppler ultrasound technique. It uses an advanced clutter filter that can remove clutter artifacts and preserve the low-velocity microvascular flow signal. Assuming the central contribution of imaging in the appraisal of therapy, in certain situations, more than one modality may be required. Alongside with CT, MRI allows differentiation of doubtful sacroiliitis and degeneration of the spine, and positron emission tomography (PET) was chiefly requested to settle a diagnosis of large-vessels vasculitis.

Therefore, this Special Issue seeks original articles and reviews that focus on how different imaging modalities could be used in diagnosis, follow-up, and therapy response in different rheumatic diseases. 

Prof. Dr. Mislav Radić
Guest Editor

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