Sheng-Guang Li1, Xiangyuan Liu2, Huiqiong Zhou3, Qing Zhang3. 1. 1 Department of Rheumatology and Immunology , Peking University International Hospital, Life Science Park of Zhong Guancun , Beijing, China. 2. 2 Department of Rheumatology and Immunology , Peking University Third Hospital , Beijing, China. 3. 3 Department of Rheumatology , The First Affiliated Hospital of Chinese PLA General Hospital , Beijing, China.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Sacroiliitis, a prerequisite to the diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis, can be ascertained by CT when MRI is not available. Oblique coronal CT is an increasingly popular approach when examining sacroiliitis. The goal of this study was to understand how oblique coronal CT compared with axial CT scanning in terms of raters' concordance when diagnosing sacroiliitis. METHODS: 52 subjects < 45 years of age at onset of their chronic lower back pain were sequentially scanned by X-ray, axial CT and oblique coronal CT. The acquired images were graded by two experienced, double-blinded physicians. RESULTS: Sacroiliitis in the oblique coronal view was sensitive enough for grading disease severity and/or detecting improvement. Interrater reliability for CT (axial + oblique coronal) was higher than X-ray. The diagnosis based upon oblique coronal CT was consistent, while the radiation dose delivered to the gonads was significantly reduced, compared with axial CT. CONCLUSION: When MRI is not available, oblique coronal CT should replace axial CT when diagnosing sacroiliitis. Advances in knowledge: When evaluating sacroiliitis, oblique coronal CT is as accurate as conventional axial CT, yet more advantageous owing to reduced radiation dosage.
OBJECTIVE:Sacroiliitis, a prerequisite to the diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis, can be ascertained by CT when MRI is not available. Oblique coronal CT is an increasingly popular approach when examining sacroiliitis. The goal of this study was to understand how oblique coronal CT compared with axial CT scanning in terms of raters' concordance when diagnosing sacroiliitis. METHODS: 52 subjects < 45 years of age at onset of their chronic lower back pain were sequentially scanned by X-ray, axial CT and oblique coronal CT. The acquired images were graded by two experienced, double-blinded physicians. RESULTS:Sacroiliitis in the oblique coronal view was sensitive enough for grading disease severity and/or detecting improvement. Interrater reliability for CT (axial + oblique coronal) was higher than X-ray. The diagnosis based upon oblique coronal CT was consistent, while the radiation dose delivered to the gonads was significantly reduced, compared with axial CT. CONCLUSION: When MRI is not available, oblique coronal CT should replace axial CT when diagnosing sacroiliitis. Advances in knowledge: When evaluating sacroiliitis, oblique coronal CT is as accurate as conventional axial CT, yet more advantageous owing to reduced radiation dosage.
Authors: M Rudwaleit; R Landewé; D van der Heijde; J Listing; J Brandt; J Braun; R Burgos-Vargas; E Collantes-Estevez; J Davis; B Dijkmans; M Dougados; P Emery; I E van der Horst-Bruinsma; R Inman; M A Khan; M Leirisalo-Repo; S van der Linden; W P Maksymowych; H Mielants; I Olivieri; R Sturrock; K de Vlam; J Sieper Journal: Ann Rheum Dis Date: 2009-03-17 Impact factor: 19.103
Authors: M Rudwaleit; D van der Heijde; R Landewé; J Listing; N Akkoc; J Brandt; J Braun; C T Chou; E Collantes-Estevez; M Dougados; F Huang; J Gu; M A Khan; Y Kirazli; W P Maksymowych; H Mielants; I J Sørensen; S Ozgocmen; E Roussou; R Valle-Oñate; U Weber; J Wei; J Sieper Journal: Ann Rheum Dis Date: 2009-03-17 Impact factor: 19.103