Development and Preliminary Validation of a Magnetic Resonance Imaging Joint Space Narrowing Score for Use in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Potential Adjunct to the OMERACT RA MRI Scoring System

Mikkel Ostergaard*, Pernille Boyesen, Iris Eshed, Frederique Gandjbakhch, Siri Lillegraven, Paul Bird, Violaine Foltz, Annelies Boonen, Marissa Lassere, Kay-Geert A. Hermann, Allen Anandarajah, Uffe Moller Dohn, Jane Freeston, Charles G. Peterfy, Harry K. Genant, Espen A. Haavardsholm, Fiona M. McQueen, Philip G. Conaghan

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Objective. To develop and validate a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) method of assessment of joint space narrowing (JSN) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods. Phase A: JSN was scored 0-4 on MR images of 5 RA patients and 3 controls at 15 wrist sites and 2nd-5th metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints by 8 readers (7 once, one twice), using a preliminary scoring system. Phase B: Image review, discussion, and consensus on JSN definition, and revised scoring system. Phase C: MR images of 15 RA patients and 4 controls were scored using revised system by 5 readers (4 once, one twice), and results compared with radiographs [Sharp-van der Heijde (SvdH) method]. Results. Phase A: Intraobserver agreement: intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) = 0.99; smallest detectable difference (SDD, for mean of readings) = 2.8 JSN units (4.9% of observed maximal score). Interobserver agreement: ICC = 0.93; SDD = 6.4 JSN units (9.9%). Phase B: Agreement was reached on JSN definition (reduced joint space width compared to normal, as assessed in a slice perpendicular to the joint surface), and revised scoring system (0-4 at 17 wrist sites and 2nd-5th MCP; 0: none; 1: 1-33%, 2: 34-66%; 3: 67-99%; 4: ankylosis). Phase C: Intraobserver agreement: ICC = 0.90; SDD = 6.8 JSN units (11.0%). lnterobserver agreement: ICC = 0.92 and SDD = 6.2 JSN units (8.7%). The correlation (ICC) with the SvdH radiographic JSN score of the wrist/hand was 0.77. Simplified approaches evaluating fewer joint spaces demonstrated similar reliability and correlation with radiographic scores. Conclusion. An MRI scoring system of JSN in RA wrist and MCP joints was developed and showed construct validity and good intra- and interreader agreements. The system may, after further validation in longitudinal data sets, be useful as an outcome measure in RA. (J Rheumatol 2011;38:2045-50; doi:10.3899/jrheum.110422)
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2045-2050
JournalJournal of Rheumatology
Volume38
Issue number9
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Sept 2011

Keywords

  • RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS
  • JOINT SPACE NARROWING
  • MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING
  • OUTCOME MEASURE
  • CARTILAGE
  • RADIOGRAPHY

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