Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Medicine - Department of Radio-Diagnosis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the development of synovitis, which damages cartilage, bone, ligaments, and tendons. It preferentially affects the small joints of the hands and feet leading to synovial inflammation and various degrees of destruction of periarticular tissues. Synovial inflammation is accompanied by hyperemia, and during disease progression, angiogenesis in a hypervascularized pannus appears to be a prerequisite for damage to cartilage and bone.The assessment of perfusion of synovial pannus proved to be an important objective in evaluating synovial activity. Accurate assessment of disease activity and joint damage in rheumatoid arthritis is important for monitoring treatment efficiency and for predicting the outcome of the disease. This requires sensitive imaging methods for detection and monitoring of the disease process

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