ABSTRACT
To investigate the role of MRI and inflammatory markers [serum C reactive protein [CRP] as a marker of erosive osteoarthritis [EOA] of the hand. Thirty three patients, 22 with EOA and 11 with non-EOA of the hand, were included in the study and analysed for radiographic score [RS], number of erosions, and joint count [JC] at clinical observation and at MRI CRP was assayed in a serum sample by a highly sensitive immunonephelometric method. The median [interquartile range] CRP level was 5.2[2.7-7.2] mg/l in the EOA and 2.8 [0.7-5.2] mg/I in the non-EOA group [p = 0.001]. In all patients, CRP correlated with RS [p<0.001], and mainly with JC at clinical observation [p<0.001] and MRI [p<0.001]. The correlation of CRP with RS and JC was confirmed at clinical observation and at MRI in the EOA subgroup, but only with JC at clinical observation in the non-EOA subgroup. CRP levels are higher in EOA than in non-EoA patients. These levels probably reflect the disease activity of EOA, as suggested by correlations between CRP and JC at clinical observation and MRI. BMI, body mass index; CRP, C reactive protein; EOA, erosive osteoarthritis; ESR, erythrocyte sedimentation rate; hsCRP, high sensitivity CRP; MRI, Magnetic Resonance Imaging; IL, interleukin; JC, joint count; OA, osteoarthritis; RS, radiographic score