New imaging test may allow earlier detection of arthritis

March 23, 2011 - PRLog -- A new study, presented at the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) meeting (Ann Rheum Dis 2010;69[suppl 3]:120), found that a new fluorescent imaging system called Xiralite provides rapid and consistent confirmation of inflammatory disease in wrists and the digits of patients afflicted with early arthritis.  

The investigators predict that this imaging technique will help detect early subclinical activity in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis.  Early detection would allow for a more aggressive and early treatment approach.  

Dr. Stephanie Werner, from the Department of Rheumatology, Clinical Immunology and Osteology, at the Protestant Hospital in Düsseldorf, Germany, noted that Xiralite was able to detect the major difference between healthy people and those with longstanding rheumatoid arthritis and early rheumatoid arthritis.  Dr. Warner also noted a significant distinction in detection of psoriatic arthritis.  Dr. Warner commented that larger trials of the Xiralite will be needed to more accurately determine what the ultimate role of Xiralite will be in the treatment of arthritis.  

Dr. Dennis Lox, a physical medicine rehabilitation specialist practicing in the Tampa Bay area of Florida, has noted in his practice that, oftentimes, early arthritis or complaints of diffuse or nonspecific pain in the wrist or hand are often misdiagnosed as tendonitis when typical radiographic studies are unremarkable.  Dr. Lox feels that it would be of great benefit to have additional imaging studies that would assist in the early diagnosis of rheumatic conditions in patients with nonspecific complaints and lack of traditionally verifiable diagnostic testing.


http://www.DrLox.com

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Dennis M. Lox, M.D. is board certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Since 1990, he has used sports medicine techiques and cutting-edge technology to help heal musculoskeletal injuries and relieve pain.