Researchers discover new diagnostic tool for arthritis patients

A new form of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may help improve the diagnosis of arthritic conditions.

According to a study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology, contrast-enhanced MRI scans could help experts differentiate between rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis.

Lead author of the report Dr Nina Schwenzer explained that it can be difficult to distinguish between the two forms of arthritis for accurate diagnosis as symptoms are often similar.

She said: "In the past, the treatment strategy for patients with psoriatic arthritis was based on that for patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

"Recent research indicates that the therapeutic management, including medication and therapy monitoring, has to be adapted for each type of arthritis."

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease that involves inflammation of the joints, while the psoriatic variety is associated with psoriasis of the skin and most commonly affects knees and ankles.

The Arthritis Research Campaign reports that approximately 20,000 new cases of rheumatoid arthritis are diagnosed in the UK every year.

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