Diagnostic Radiology of the Rheumatic Diseases

Book excerpt: This book provides an introduction to the role of medical imaging in the diagnosis and management of rheumatologic diseases. It reviews basic radiographic findings of common and rare arthropathies while offering a focused and practical discussion of advanced imaging modalities such as CT, ultrasonography, and MRI. The book begins with a discussion on soft tissue changes, bone and bone density, articular surface changes, and bone alignment. Following this is an examination of the use of advanced imaging modalities including CT, ultrasound, and MRI as well as different disease categories such as inflammatory arthritis, degenerative arthritis, infectious arthritis, and crystalline arthropathy. Subsequent chapters include exercises and case examples for imaging hands and wrists, knees, hips, foot and ankle, shoulder, and the spine. Diagnostic Radiology of Rheumatic Diseases is an essential and practical resource for senior medical students, residents, fellows, and physicians in rheumatology, imaging and radiology, immunology, and internal medicine.