Interobserver agreement in ultrasonography of the finger and toe joints in rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract

An experienced radiologist and a rheumatologist with limited ultrasound training achieved high interobserver agreement rates for the identification of synovitis and bone erosions, using an introduced semiquantitative scoring system for ultrasonography of finger and toe joints in RA. Signs of inflammation were more frequently detected with ultrasound than with clinical examination. Ultrasonography may improve the assessment of RA patients by radiologists and rheumatologists.