Objective:

To evaluate the value of Color Doppler ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in diagnosis of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) activity.

Methods:

A total of 146 knees or ankles in 65 JIA patients were examined by Color Doppler ultrasound

and 56 joints were examined by MRI at the same time. The ultrasonic and MRI characteristics of different disease activity were analyzed.

Results:

Hydrarthrosis

synovial membrane thickening

tendinopathies and bone erosions were common findings in ultrasound of JIA. Hydrarthrosis was found in 61.1%

90.7% and 90.3

% of joints in JIA with low

moderate and high disease activity. Synovial membrane thickening was seen in 18.1%

74.4% and 80.6% in JIA with low

moderate and high disease activity. The higher disease activity had more synovial blood flow signals. MRI findings in JIA were nearly agreed with ultrasound. Hydrarthrosis was found in 50.0%

93.8% and 100% of joints in JIA with low

moderate and high disease activity and synovial membrane thickening was found in 46.4%

87.5% and 91.7% of joints

respectively.

Conclusion:

Color Doppler ultrasound and MRI could provide imaging evidence in assessment and monitoring of JIA activity.