Figure 2.

Signs of destruction and inflammation on ultrasonography and MRI in second metacarpophalangeal joint: established RA. Thin arrows indicate an erosive change; thick arrows indicate synovitis. Ultrasonography in the (a) longitudinal and (b) the transverse planes shows both signs of destruction (grade 2) and inflammation (grade 3). Axial T1-weighted magnetic resonance images were obtained (c) before and (d) after contrast administration (grade 3 synovitis). Additionally, a coronal T1-weighted magnetic resonance image (e) before contrast administration visualizes the same bone erosion as shown in panels c and d. The coronal magnetic resonance image of the second metacarpophalangeal joint (panel e) is additionally covered by a grid illustrating division of the assessed joints into quadrants: proximal radial, proximal ulnar, distal radial and distal ulnar. MRI, magnetic resonance imaging; RA, rheumatoid arthritis.