超音波在類風濕關節炎的應用

Ultrasound in rheumatoid arthritis

超音波在類風濕關節炎的評估方面，在近年來已逐漸被接受使用。傳統上X光只能看到後期的骨關節變化，在這方面早期的評估上，超音波有協助評估及追蹤治療成效之便，可快速了解關節侵蝕的狀況，了解關節的血流、關結膜的增厚、關節積水及壓迫現象，關節翳對關節的破壞，同時藉由彩色杜卜勒超音波來評估發炎分佈狀況及嚴重性，而且超音波價格便宜，實在是類風濕關節炎的診斷及評估利器。

Ultrasound is a promising tool for assessment of rheumatoid arthritis patients. While acceptable ultrasound assessment was previously confined to large joints, high-frequency linear array transducers now allow high-resolution imaging of superficially located structures such as the joints of the hands and feet. Ultrasound has a particular advantage over magnetic resonance imaging in that an experienced observer can rapidly screen several joints for erosions in a relatively short time. Further data regarding important methodological and measurement issues must be obtained before ultrasound gains wider acceptance.