OBJECTIVE: To perform a systematic literature review on the diagnostic and predictive value of conventional radiographs (CR) in @entity1 with undifferentiated @entity625 (UA). METHODS: We performed an extended search using Medline, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and abstracts from the 2007 and 2008 meetings of the American College of Rheumatology and the European League Against @entity627 . Articles were included based on predefined inclusion criteria, and quality was assessed by using validated quality scales. RESULTS: In total, 25 articles were included from 6003 retrieved references. Five articles described a pure UA population, 20 articles described a mixed population [mostly @entity309 ( @entity309 ) and UA]. In studies on UA, @entity2681 on CR were strong predictors of @entity309 diagnosis [positive likelihood ratio (LR+) 3.5-10.9; odds ratio 7.6 and 8.7). In a more heterogeneous mixed population, 20 studies reporting on 11 cohorts found a relationship between CR findings and subsequent diagnosis of @entity309 . LR+ for @entity2681 and/or bony decalcifications ranged from 1.8 to 9.7, and there was greater prevalence of @entity2681 and higher Sharp-van der Heijde score in the @entity309 group at followup. With regard to prognosis in both UA and mixed populations, an association was found between number of abnormalities on CR and poor outcome. CONCLUSION: Several studies, in pure UA and mixed populations, clearly demonstrate that CR are helpful in predicting future diagnosis of @entity309 or worse prognosis. However, absence of abnormalities on CR does not sufficiently exclude @entity309 or other unfavorable outcome.

The value of conventional radiographs in undifferentiated XXXX : a systematic review.

@entity1 :: ('9606', 'Species') :: ['patients'] @entity627 :: ('MESH:D012216', 'Disease') :: ['Rheumatism'] @entity625 :: ('MESH:D001168', 'Disease') :: ['arthritis'] @entity2681 :: ('MESH:D014077', 'Disease') :: ['erosions'] @entity309 :: ('MESH:D001172', 'Disease') :: ['rheumatoid arthritis', 'RA']
@entity625 :: (MESH:D001168,Disease) :: ['arthritis']
