[Magnetic resonance imaging differential diagnosis of psoriatic polyarthropathy with gouty polyarthropathy and rheumatoid polyarthritis].

The objective of the investigation was to improve radiodiagnosis of psoriatic polyarthropathy. One hundred and twenty patients aged 18 to 58 years with psoriatic and gouty polyarthritides and rheumatoid arthritis were examined. All the patients underwent X-ray study of affected joints and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). X-ray study generally revealed changes involving the bony structures of the joints. Articular syndrome and extraarticular manifestations of the inflammatory process were identified by MRI earlier than subchondrial erosions were detected by X-ray study in patients with psoriatic polyarthropathy. MRI also ascertained bone marrow edema syndrome in patients with gout and rheumatoid arthritis. Tophus formation was found in gout. Analysis of the findings indicated that MRI could enhance the informative value of clinical and radiographic examination of patients with psoriatic polyarthropathy.