[MR imaging of the hands in rheumatoid arthritis].

MRI of the hands in patients with rheumatoid arthritis is becoming routine. It is therefore necessary to develop simple standardized protocols providing fast imaging. It is best to image both hands simultaneously, from distal radioulnar to proximal interphalangeal joints, using a surface coil. Three imaging features are evaluated: synovitis, marrow edema and erosions. These can be quantified with the 'RAMRIS' score based on T1-weighted, fat-suppressed T2-weighted and fat-suppressed contrast material enhanced T1-weighted sequences in 2 planes (coronal and axial). Dynamic imaging provides improved evaluation of synovial inflammation.