Diagnostic imaging in assessment of rheumatic diseases

Rheumatic diseases represent one of the most common health problems for which patients visit the doctor. This fact imposes the need for verification of clinical symptoms and clear presentation ofpathomorphyology changes primarily because of the best methods of treatment selection. A wide range of diagnostic imaging modalities are available today: conventional radiography, conventional myelography, computed tomography (CT), CT myelography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), MR or CT artrography, spinal cord angiography, ultrasound and scintigraphy, and combined radiological methods and scintigraphy (PET-CT). Each of the above methods has its own importance, advantages and limitations. Sometimes a method excludes the other, and often support each another in setting the final diagnosis. For the proper choice of radiological imaging methods that will give us insight into the problem, a good knowledge of their capabilities, and a clear clinical inquiry are necessary. But most of all, good cooperation of clinicians and radiologists who should be diagnostic team responsible for that sets the indication for radiological examination is essential.