Active Synovitis Research Articles

Ultrasound-detected bone erosion is a relapse risk factor after discontinuation of biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs in patients with rheumatoid arthritis whose ultrasound power Doppler synovitis activity and clinical disease activity are well controlled

BackgroundIn the present study, we explored the risk factors for relapse after discontinuation of biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (bDMARD) therapy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) whose ultrasound power Doppler (PD) synovitis activity and clinical disease activity were well controlled.MethodsIn this observational study in clinical practice, the inclusion criteria were based on ultrasound disease activity and clinical disease activity, set as low or remission (Disease Activity Score in 28 joints based on erythrocyte sedimentation rate <3.2). Ultrasound was performed in 22 joints of bilateral hands at discontinuation for evaluating synovitis severity and presence of bone erosion. Patients with a maximum PD score ≤1 in each joint were enrolled. Forty patients with RA were consecutively recruited (November 2010–March 2015) and discontinued bDMARD therapy. Variables at the initiation and discontinuation of bDMARD therapy that were predictive of relapse during the 12 months after discontinuation were assessed.ResultsThe median patient age was 54.5 years, and the median disease duration was 3.5 years. Nineteen (47.5%) patients relapsed during the 12 months after the discontinuation of bDMARD therapy. Logistic regression analysis revealed that only the presence of bone erosion detected by ultrasound at discontinuation was predictive of relapse (OR 8.35, 95% CI 1.78–53.2, p = 0.006). No clinical characteristics or serologic biomarkers were significantly different between the relapse and nonrelapse patients. The ultrasound synovitis scores did not differ significantly between the groups.ConclusionsOur findings are the first evidence that ultrasound bone erosion may be a relapse risk factor after the discontinuation of bDMARD therapy in patients with RA whose PD synovitis activity and clinical disease activity are well controlled.

Clinical and sonographic biomarkers of structural damage progression in RA patients in clinical remission: A prospective study with 12 months follow-up.

To determine clinical and sonographic biomarkers predicting structural damage progression at 12 months of follow-up as measured by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients in clinical remission. We included patients with RA in clinical remission, defined as 28-joint disease activity score (DAS28)-erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) <2.6 for >6 months. Ultrasound scans of both hands and knees and MRI of the dominant hand were performed at baseline and at 12 months. Out of 55 patients, 42 completed the follow-up. Among them, 78% were female, aged (median) 54 years; disease duration was 93 months. In total, 12 (28%) patients were taking oral prednisone, 34 (81%) conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (csDMARDs), and 20 (47%) biological therapies. At baseline, 45% fulfilled criteria previously defined for ultrasound-defined active synovitis (UdAS) [PD (power Doppler) signal + synovial hyperplasia ≥2]. Multivariate analysis showed significant associations between baseline MRI erosion score, body mass index (BMI), disease duration, prednisone treatment, absence of biologic and csDMARDs, UdAS, and MRI erosion score progression after 12 months. In an exploratory analysis, serum levels of calprotectin correlated significantly with bone edema progression. We identified clinical and sonographic markers of structural damage progression after 12 months follow-up in patients with RA in clinical remission. Meeting the criteria of ultrasound active synovitis, defined as simultaneous relevant synovial hyperplasia and PD, was associated with erosion progression after 12 months. Calprotectin was associated with bone edema, in an exploratory analysis.

High frequency ultrasonography of the hand versus anti-RA33 evaluation in early rheumatoid arthritis - a pilot study

Accurate diagnosis and early treatment in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can lead to a good outcome and a correct managementof the disease. We aimed toinvestigate the prognostic value of anti-RA33 antibodies, by evaluating the relationshipwith ultrasonographic (US) findings in patients with early RA. We performed a prospective studywhich included 29 patients, diagnosed with early RA according to the ACR/EULAR 2010 criteria and 21 sex and age-matchedcontrol subjects. All patients underwent clinical and biological assessment, followed by US examination in grayscale (GS) andpower Doppler (PD) at baseline and after 12 months [from the second to the fifth metacarpophalangeal (MCP) and proximalinterphalangeal (PIP) joints and wrists (RCC), in dorsal aspect]. The second and fifth MCP joints were scanned also in lateralaspects. The initial GS evaluation revealed the presence of synovitis in all 29 patients; PD found at least one jointwith a PD grade higher than 1 in 23 patients, higher than 2 in 20 patients, and grade 3 in 6 patients; at 12 months, we revealedthe presence of GSUS synovitis in 25 patients and PDUS examination found active synovitis in 12 subjects. In those patients,the anti-RA33 titre was significantly lower compared to those without PDUS active synovitis (p=0.031), with a moderatelynegative correlation (r=-0.519, p=0.0039). The current study shows that anti-RA33 antibodies might constitutean additional tool for diagnosing early RA patients and can help identify patients with mild disease and a low level of activesynovitis.

Does rheumatoid synovitis activity vary during the day? Evaluation with color doppler sonography

BackgroundClinical symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) improve in the course of the day, as can synovitis activity, reported via doppler ultrasound (US). The aim of the study was to establish whether the Color Doppler (CD) scores of synovitis in RA changes throughout the day.MethodsIn total, 27 patients with active RA, including 14 patients receiving corticosteroids were studied. US evaluation was performed twice in each patient, at 9 a.m. (T0) and after 4 p.m. (T1) on the same day by a single radiologist and using the same instrument. Overall, 30 joints were assessed, including grey scale and CD (S0 = no flow [no detectable CD)]; S1 = mild [CD <1/3 of the synovium]; S2 = moderate [CD <2/3]; S3 = pronounced [CD >2/3]).ResultsIn the total population, synovitis was detected more often in the evening than in the morning (39% vs. 33%, p = 0.02). The difference remained significant only in patients without corticosteroid administration (44% vs. 37%, p = 0.04). Moreover, a greater number of CD-positive joints were likewise found (S0 vs. S1 + S2 + S3) in the evening (57% vs. 51%, p = 0.04) in patients not receiving corticosteroids (67% vs. 41%, p = 0.002). More moderate (S2) and pronounced (S3) than mild (S1) synovitis was observed at T1 vs. T0 (39% vs. 24%, p = 0.03) in patients not receiving corticosteroids. More synovitis (40% vs 36% p = 0.02) in the dominant hand were found in the evening than in the morning.ConclusionSynovitis and CD activity increase during the day in RA patients, especially in joints of the dominant hands and in patients without corticosteroids.

MR Imaging of the Temporomandibular Joint in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: Technique and Findings.

The term juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) encompasses a group of arthritides of unknown cause that begin before 16 years of age and last for at least 6 weeks. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) involvement has been described in up to 87% of children with JIA and has been associated with all JIA subtypes. TMJ involvement is difficult to detect clinically. In one study, 71% of JIA patients with active TMJ synovitis were asymptomatic and 63% had normal physical examination results. Moreover, the main growth center of the mandible is located in the condyle, separated from the joint space by only a thin layer of fibrocartilage. This makes mandibular growth vulnerable to arthritic changes, eventually resulting in facial asymmetry and retrognathia. Therefore, early detection and treatment of TMJ arthritis are paramount to preserving motility and preventing deformity. As clinical symptoms and physical examination results are not good markers of TMJ involvement, imaging plays a key role in diagnosis and treatment monitoring. Magnetic resonance imaging is the technique of choice for the study of TMJ arthritis. It has the advantages of displaying both soft tissue and bone, is the most sensitive technique for detecting acute synovitis, and is the only one able to demonstrate bone marrow edema. In addition, it allows the assessment of changes to the joint over time and evaluation of the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions. ©RSNA, 2017.

Ultrasound-detectable grey scale synovitis predicts future fulfilment of the 2010 ACR/EULAR RA classification criteria in patients with new-onset undifferentiated arthritis

ObjectiveTo determine the clinical outcomes for patients with new-onset undifferentiated arthritis (UA), not fulfilling the 2010 American College of Rheumatology (ACR)/European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) rheumatoid arthritis (RA) classification criteria,...

Active synovitis in the presence of osteitis predicts residual synovitis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis with a clinical response to treatment.

To clarify the relationship between active synovitis/osteitis and subsequent residual synovitis (R-synovitis) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Three hundred and twenty finger joints of 16 patients with active RA at baseline (Disease Activity Score with 28 joints - erythrocyte sedimentation rate > 3.2) who subsequently achieved clinical low disease activity or remission afterwards were analyzed. Synovial vascularity (SV) was assessed according to a semi-quantitative ultrasound score (grades 0-3). Active synovitis was defined by SV positivity at baseline. R-synovitis was defined by the presence of grade > 2 SV at the 24th week. Osteitis was detected by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at baseline as trabecular bone lesions with water content and indistinct margins. Ultrasonography detected active synovitis in 116 joints at baseline. Forty-seven joints had R-synovitis at the 24th week. MRI detected osteitis in 12 joints at baseline. The presence of active synovitis with osteitis at baseline was significantly correlated with R-synovitis at the 24th week. Active synovitis in the presence of osteitis predicted R-synovitis regardless of whether there was a clinical improvement in RA.

Ultrasound Is a Better Target Than Clinical Disease Activity Scores in Rheumatoid Arthritis

The assessment of joint inflammation is essential for diagnosing and monitoring response to therapies in patients affected by inflammatory arthropathies like rheumatoid arthritis (RA). For this, the use of musculoskeletal ultrasonography (US) with the power Doppler (PD) method has increased in the past decade. Also, US is known to detect B-mode synovitis and synovial Doppler activity in RA patients treated with either synthetic or biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs. The US-detected synovitis has a predictive value in relation to radiographic damage progression and disease flare-up or relapse. Assessment by US ranges from wrist and hand joints to a comprehensive examination of 44 joints. Ultrasonographic (US) assessment has been shown to be useful in the management of RA and for monitoring the disease course. The application of US is helpful in such evaluations and is a complementary tool for classic methods used to detect RA, such as clinical evaluation and radiography, particularly when the MCP, PIP, and MTP joints are considered. Evidence has confirmed that GS and PD evaluation demonstrates a correlation between disease activity and degree of inflammation of synovial tissue. Moreover, US can be used for evaluating response to biological drugs. Naredo et al. have found a significant improvement in US parameters in RA patients undergoing therapy with a TNF blocking agent. Thus, US evaluation may be a valid method for monitoring response to biological therapy in RA patients. Finally, sonographic synovitis predicts erosion better than swollen joint count, C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate, US should be considered a promising treatment target in RA patients.

Assessment of synovitis in rheumatoid arthritis by enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (OMERACT RAMRIS score) and power Doppler ultrasound: a comparative study

Background and objectives Disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) joints is conventionally assessed clinically in combination with the measurement of levels of biochemical surrogate markers. Plain radiography shows only late signs of preceding disease activity. Newer imaging modalities such as contrast-enhanced MRI and power Doppler ultrasonography (PDUS) may offer improved monitoring. The aim of the study was to compare the role of PDUS with enhanced MRI in the assessment and scoring of synovitis of the wrist and hand joints in RA patients. Patients and methods Fifty patients (39 female patients and 11 male patients) with RA were subjected to a PDUS study and enhanced MRI examination of the clinically dominant wrist and hand joints. The mean age of the patients was 45.3 years and mean disease duration was 6.2 years. Power Doppler score of synovitis was correlated and compared with MRI OMERACT score. Results PDUS detected increased vascularity within 30 (60%) wrist joints denoting active synovitis and MRI detected synovial enhancement within 38 (76%) wrist joints denoting active synovitis; both scoring systems agreed in the assessment of synovitis degree in 20 wrist joints. PDUS missed detection of synovitis in nine joints detected by MRI, seven of them estimated by MRI to be of mild activity (grade 1). PDUS detected synovial activity (increased vascularity) in metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints of 21 patients, whereas MRI detected synovial activity (synovial enhancement) in MCP joints of nine patients. Both modalities agreed in eight patients as regards the total synovial activity score. Statistical analysis of these results showed a statistically significant correlation (P Conclusion Our results showed that both modalities are comparable and closely related in the assessment of synovial inflammatory process of the hand and wrist joints in RA patients.

Successful ledipasvir + sofosbuvir treatment of active synovitis in a rheumatoid arthritis patient with hepatitis C virus-related mixed cryoglobulinemia

Sir,Hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related arthritis is one of the most common extrahepatic manifestations of HCV infection. Like rheumatoid arthritis (RA), HCV infection also causes various immune disord...

Severity and Diurnal Improvement of Morning Stiffness Independently Associate with Tenosynovitis in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Background and objectivesAlthough morning stiffness has long been recognized as a characteristic feature of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), it is no more included in the 2010 ACR/EULAR Classification Criteria or in the current major instruments for evaluating disease activity of RA. In this cross-sectional study, we aimed to determine the independent value and the optimal measurement of morning stiffness by clarifying the associations between morning stiffness and synovial inflammation.Patients and methodsWe enrolled 76 consecutive RA patients who underwent musculoskeletal ultrasound examination and agreed to participate in the study. In addition to asking the duration of morning stiffness, we asked patients to complete a diagram which represents the time course of their morning stiffness in the dominant hand. Based on this diagram, we calculated the severity and the diurnal improvement of morning stiffness. We also determined the activity of intra-articular synovitis in 11 joints and tenosynovitis in 8 tendons/tendon compartments in the same hand by using power Doppler (PD) ultrasound with a semiquantitative score (0–3).ResultsFor intra-articular synovitis, swollen/tender joint counts more strongly correlated with total PD scores (ρ = 0.379–0.561, p ≤ 0.001) than did any parameters of morning stiffness (ρ = 0.217–0.314, p = 0.006–0.021). For tenosynovitis, however, the severity on awakening and the improvement of morning stiffness more strongly correlated with total PD scores (ρ = 0.503–0.561, p < 0.001) than did swollen/tender joint counts (ρ = 0.276–0.388, p = 0.001–0.016). Multivariate analyses identified the severity on awakening and the improvement but not the duration of morning stiffness as factors that independently associate with the total tenosynovial PD score.ConclusionsOur data demonstrate a pathophysiological link between morning stiffness and tenosynovitis and also give an insight into the optimal measurement of morning stiffness. Our data support an independent value of evaluating morning stiffness in the management of RA.

Automated assessment of joint synovitis activity from medical ultrasound and power doppler examinations using image processing and machine learning methods.

ObjectivesRheumatoid arthritis is the most common rheumatic disease with arthritis, and causes substantial functional disability in approximately 50% patients after 10 years. Accurate measurement of the disease activity is crucial to provide an adequate treatment and care to the patients.The aim of this study is focused on a computer aided diagnostic system that supports an assessment of synovitis severity.Material and methodsThis paper focus on a computer aided diagnostic system that was developed within joint Polish–Norwegian research project related to the automated assessment of the severity of synovitis. Semiquantitative ultrasound with power Doppler is a reliable and widely used method of assessing synovitis. Synovitis is estimated by ultrasound examiner using the scoring system graded from 0 to 3. Activity score is estimated on the basis of the examiner’s experience or standardized ultrasound atlases. The method needs trained medical personnel and the result can be affected by a human error.ResultsThe porotype of a computer-aided diagnostic system and algorithms essential for an analysis of ultrasonic images of finger joints are main scientific output of the MEDUSA project. Medusa Evaluation System prototype uses bone, skin, joint and synovitis area detectors for mutual structural model based evaluation of synovitis. Finally, several algorithms that support the semi-automatic or automatic detection of the bone region were prepared as well as a system that uses the statistical data processing approach in order to automatically localize the regions of interest.ConclusionsSemiquantitative ultrasound with power Doppler is a reliable and widely used method of assessing synovitis. Activity score is estimated on the basis of the examiner’s experience and the result can be affected by a human error. In this paper we presented the MEDUSA project which is focused on a computer aided diagnostic system that supports an assessment of synovitis severity.

Active Foot Synovitis in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis: Unstable Remission Status, Radiographic Progression, and Worse Functional Outcomes in Patients With Foot Synovitis in Apparent Remission.

To determine whether foot synovitis is associated with adverse radiographic and functional outcomes after 3 years in an inception rheumatoid arthritis (RA) cohort receiving treat-to-target combination disease-modifying antirheumatic drug therapy. Disease activity was assessed in early RA patients (n = 266) using the Disease Activity Score in 28 joints, Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI), and Simplified Disease Activity Index (SDAI). Radiographic outcomes were assessed with annual hand and feet radiographs and quality of life with the Short Form 36 (SF-36). The prevalence of remission and foot synovitis was calculated using marginal binomial generalized estimating equations, transition between remission and nonremission states by a multistate Markov model, and changes in radiographic scores by a negative binomial mixed regression log-link model. Population-matched SF-36 data were analyzed by mixed-effects linear regression. Disease activity scores that omit foot joints were modest in their ability to capture foot synovitis. Despite the relative stringency of the SDAI and CDAI for remission, 25-36% of patients in remission had foot synovitis. In patients in remission, foot synovitis predicted transition from remission into relapse by up to 2-fold. The sustainability of remission markedly influenced the progression of erosion scores (P = 0.006). After adjusting for disease activity, foot synovitis was associated with worse SF-36 physical functioning scores (P = 0.025). Disease activity measures that omit foot joints capture foot synovitis poorly. When it is used to define remission, foot synovitis is found in a substantial proportion of patients, which predicts relapse and worse physical function. Foot synovitis influences the sustainability of remission, which in turn markedly influences radiographic progression. Regardless of remission status, persistent foot synovitis should prompt therapy escalation in order to improve long-term outcomes.

Power Doppler ultrasonographic assessment of the joint-draining lymph node complex in rheumatoid arthritis: a prospective, proof-of-concept study on treatment with tumor necrosis factor inhibitors.

BackgroundEmerging research on the mechanisms of disease chronicity in experimental arthritis has included a new focus on the draining lymph node (LN). Here, we combined clinical-serological analyses and power Doppler ultrasound (PDUS) imaging to delineate noninvasively the reciprocal relationship in vivo between the joint and the draining LN in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).MethodsForty consecutive patients refractory to conventional synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs were examined through parallel PDUS of the hand–wrist joints and axillary LNs and compared with 20 healthy subjects. A semiquantitative score for LN gray-scale (GS) parameters (nodal hypertrophy and cortical structure) and LN PD signal was developed. A 6-month follow-up study with serial sonographic assessments was then performed on initiation of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors.ResultsPDUS analysis of RA axillary LNs revealed the existence of marked inter-individual heterogeneity and of quantitative differences compared with healthy individuals in both GS and PD characteristics. RA LN changes were plastic, responsive to anti-TNF treatment, and displayed a degree of concordance with synovitis activity in peripheral joints. However, low LN PD signal at baseline despite active arthritis was strongly associated with a poor clinical response to TNF blockade.ConclusionsPDUS analysis of the draining LN in RA allows capture of measurable inter-individual differences and dynamic changes linked to the underlying pathologic process. LN and joint sonographic assessments are nonredundant approaches that may provide independent perspectives on peripheral disease and its evolution over time.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13075-016-1142-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Histiocytosis with Pulmonary Involvement Mimicking Rheumatoid Arthritis

In Langerhans cell histiocytosis pulmonary involvement is often isolated. It is rarely a part of a multifocal form. Tenosynovitis is exceptional. Hand bones involvement is atypical. We report the case of a 75-year-old, non-smoker man, without medical history, who presented with arthritis and fever. Examination found arthritis affecting large and small joints. In biology, there was an inflammatory syndrome. Radiographs of the hands showed erosions of the carpal bones. Doppler ultrasonography of the hands showed active synovitis. Tc99 bone scintigraphy highlighted joint uptake in the hands, knees, spine and right upper jaw. Blood cultures and infectious investigations were negative. Anti-nuclear antibodies and rheumatoid factor were negatives. CT scan showed cystic lung lesions and nodular aspect. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid revealed positivity of anti-CD1a at 6%. A surgical biopsy showed an infiltrate of eosinophilic cells, positive for CD1a in immunohistochemistry studies. The diagnosis of Langerhans cell histiocytosis was retained.

Anti-CCP status determines the power Doppler oscillation pattern in rheumatoid arthritis: a prospective study.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease leading to joint destruction. Serologically, it can be differentiated according to rheumatoid factor (RF), anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies (anti-CCP), or both. This differentiation is prognostically and therapeutically relevant. No method has been described to separate the two forms phenotypically. We hypothesize that a differentiation is possible by evaluating oscillation patterns in power Doppler sonography (PDS). In a prospective study, 20 patients with anti-CCP-positive RA and 20 patients with anti-CCP-negative RA with active wrist synovitis were examined. A PDS scan was performed, and perfusion maxima (P max) and minima (P min) as well as the amplitude (ΔP) were determined by a blinded study member. The amplitude was standardized (sΔP) by dividing by P max, and the anti-CCP-positive and anti-CCP-negative patients as well as the RF-positive and RF-negative were compared to each other. In the ultrasonographic evaluation, we found a highly significant difference in sΔP between CCPp and CCPn patients (median 19.0 vs. 42.9%, p<0.0001). sΔP is independent of disease activity. The absolute amplitude ΔP did not differ between the groups. Also, in anti-CCP-positive patients there was a completely linear correlation between P max and P min, and this was far less marked in anti-CCP-negative patients. Anti-CCP-positive and anti-CCP-negative RA display different PDS oscillation patterns. This constitutes a nonserological parameter to differentiate between the two forms. The difference in PDS oscillation patterns suggests that the underlying pathological process differs between the forms.

Rheumatoid meningitis

Rheumatoid meningitis is a rare, potentially treatable condition that can mimic a wide range of neurological conditions, including vascular syndromes and encephalopathies. Despite a concurrent history of rheumatoid arthritis, patients...

Tocilizumab and pregnancy: Four cases of pregnancy in young women with rheumatoid arthritis refractory to anti-TNF biologics with exposure to tocilizumab

Objectives: To investigate the use of tocilizumab (TCZ) in pregnant patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) refractory to anti-tumour necrosis factor (TNF) agents.Methods: We retrospectively analysed the medical records of pregnant women with active RA treated between July 2008 and January 2015 by the Division of Maternal Medicine at our hospital. Inclusion criteria for this case series included active RA refractory to anti-TNF agents and exposure to TCZ at the time of conception.Results: Our review of 28 patient hospital records identified four patients who met the inclusion criteria. All four patients had active synovitis before starting treatment with TCZ. Successful TCZ therapy allowed them to plan to become pregnant. When pregnancy was confirmed, TCZ was terminated as soon as possible in all patients. Three patients delivered full-term infants without any adverse outcomes. One patient had a partial molar pregnancy and miscarried during gestational week 11. Two patients remained in clinical remission with low-dose prednisolone (PSL) or no treatment for RA during pregnancy.Conclusions: TCZ may be a good alternative therapy for RA patients with symptoms that are hard to control with TNF blockers who desire to bear children.

Comparing the effects of tofacitinib, methotrexate and the combination, on bone marrow oedema, synovitis and bone erosion in methotrexate-naive, early active rheumatoid arthritis: results of an exploratory randomised MRI study incorporating semiquantitative and quantitative techniques

ObjectivesTo explore the effects of tofacitinib—an oral Janus kinase inhibitor for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA)—with or without methotrexate (MTX), on MRI endpoints in MTX-naive adult patients with early...

Evaluation of acute and chronic MRI features of sacroiliitis in asymptomatic primary hyperparathyroid patients.

Asymptomatic primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is characterized with autonomous overproduction of parathyroid hormone without signs or symptoms associated with hyperparathyroidism. Before symptoms become obvious, PHPT may affect structures like sacroiliac joints, which consist of bone. So, in the asymptomatic PHPT patients, structural and inflammatory changes in sacroiliac joints may lead to confusion during diagnosis workup of axial spondyloarthropathy. In this study, we evaluated active and chronic sacroiliac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) changes relevant to sacroiliitis in the patients with asymptomatic PHPT and interpreted bone marrow edema within the scope of Assessment of SpondyloArthritis International Society-Outcome Measures in Rheumatology Clinical Trials (ASAS-OMERACT) criteria. Forty-nine patients with asymptomatic PHPT, 26 patients with newly diagnosed axial spondyloarthropathy (SpA), and 37 healthy controls were enrolled. All subjects were evaluated by sacroiliac MRI for four active (bone marrow edema, enthesitis, capsulitis, and synovitis) and four chronic (subchondral sclerosis, subchondral/periarticular erosions, periarticular fat deposition, and bony bridges/ankylosis) lesions relevant to sacroiliitis. Bone marrow edema compatible with ASAS-OMERACT active sacroiliitis criteria in sacroiliac MRI was fulfilled by 16.3% (8/49) of the asymptomatic PHPT patients which was similar with controls but statistically lower than axial SpA. Moreover, asymptomatic PHPT patients and controls were similar for other chronic or active MRI findings. Also, we detected lower frequency of all other MRI findings, except enthesis, in asymptomatic PHPT patients according to axial SpA. Acute inflammatory including bone marrow edema fulfilling ASAS-OMERACT active sacroiliitis criteria and chronic structural sacroiliac lesions relevant to sacroiliitis in MRI were detected in asymptomatic PHPT similar frequency with controls but as expected, lower than axial SpA. But, these findings could not be attributed to excessive secretion of parathyroid hormone.