Value of T2mapping sequence in the evaluation on the efficacy of etanercept on ankylosing spondylitis

Abstract

Objective To investigate the value of T2mapping in evaluating the efficacy of etanercept on ankylosing spondylitis (AS) through measuring bone marrow T2 in the bilateral sacroiliac joints by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods Fifty patients who were diagnosed with AS and received etanercept treatment were selected as group A, and none of them used biological agent before treatment; normal people determined by physical examination were selected as group B (n=20). T2mapping values of group B were measured; and the bath ankylosings pondylitis disease activity index (BASDAI), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP) and T2mapping value of group A before and after treatment were measured. Results T2mapping sequence value of group A before treatment was significantly higher than that of group B (P<0.05), and it had correlation with BASDAI (5.37±1.73), ESR[(38.56±25.14)mm/h], CRP[(24.60±25.12)mg/L], r=0.738, 0.765, 0.615, all P=0.000. T2mapping sequence value, BASDAI, ESR, and CRP of group A after treatment were significantly lower than those before treatment (P=0.021, 0.015, 0.000, 0.000). Conclusions T2mapping sequence value in patient with AS is significantly higher than that in normal people, and is correlated with BASDAI, ESR and CRP. T2mapping can be used as an objective index to evaluate the activity and the prognosis of AS. Key words: Ankylosing spondylitis; Etanercept; Magnetic resonance imaging