Utilizing MRI for Earlier Diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis

MRI has been shown to be helpful in identifying patients who present with undifferentiated inflammatory arthritis who will develop RA within a one year follow up period. The absence of other clinically apparent symptoms often causes delays in diagnosis of RA. The use of the MRI in conjunction with the physical examination has the potential to reduce diagnostic delay. Earlier diagnosis would allow for earlier treatment implementation for better patient outcomes.

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Key information

Conditions

Rheumatoid Arthritis Arthritis Arthritis, Rheumatoid Autoimmune Diseases Connective Tissue Diseases Immune System Diseases Joint Diseases Musculoskeletal Diseases Rheumatic Diseases Skin and Connective Tissue Diseases

Age range

18 year and older

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Observational

Primary location

Mayo Clinic

Rochester, Minnesota, 55905, United States

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

≥ 18 years old

Undifferentiated inflammatory arthritis suspected to be early RA (≥1 joint with synovitis and ≥1 other tender joint)

Symptom duration ≤1 year

Exclusion criteria

Unwillingness or inability to return to Mayo Clinic Rochester for research follow-up visits

Current or previous use of DMARDS

Taking ≥10 mg of prednisone a day

Contraindications to contract enhanced MRI

History of another definite autoimmune or inflammatory rheumatic disease

History of psoriasis

History of inflammatory bowel disease

Unsuitably as deemed by the principal investigator

Treatment and study plan

MRI

Diagnostic Test

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) produces detailed images of the body's internal structures without relying on radiation. It is used to diagnose and also gauge efficacy of treatment.

Primary outcomes

Earlier Diagnosis of RA if MRI is utilized

Time frame: 1 year

To determine if MRI is predictive of later development of RA in patients with undifferentiated inflammatory arthritis; patients with inflammatory arthritis who receive an MRI will have earlier initiation of treatment

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Mayo Clinic

Other

Registry information

Important dates

Study start: 2019
Primary completion: 2023
Study completion: 2025
First posted: Feb 15, 2019
Registry last updated: Apr 13, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

Published trials that share one or more normalized conditions with this study.

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