Bone changes in early inflammatory arthritis assessed with High-Resolution peripheral Quantitative Computed Tomography (HR-pQCT): A 12-month cohort study

Erosion development is of crucial significance as it impacts prognosis and therapy decisions in patients with inflammatory joint diseases. Our study aimed to determine the sensitivity high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) detect change bone surface over time identify erosion early arthritis (EIA) patients. Moreover, contribution prognostic factors on periarticular damage first year diagnosis assessed by HR-pQCT was explored. 46 arthritic symptoms for less than one year, a clinical were prospectively imaged at baseline 12-months. scans 2nd 3rd MCP joints CR hands feet performed. Joint space width (JSW), total mineral density (Tt.BMD), presence volume HR-pQCT. Scan-rescan precision define an individual-level least significant (LSC) criterion. Regression analyses explored progression. We observed no group-level changes JSW, Tt.BMD or volume. 20% fewer demonstrated greater LSC criterion mean detected more erosions MCP. Increased symptom duration weakly associated (P < 0.10) lower JSW minimum higher standard deviation. Gradual degradation proportional duration, EIA need be closely monitored exacerbation progression damage.