Characteristics of Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients With Atlantoaxial Synovitis Detected by Plain X-ray and MRI

Study Overview
=================
Brief Summary
-----------------
This study detects the presence of atlantoaxial joint affection in symptomatic versus asymptomatic rheumatoid arthritis patients revealed by plain X-ray and magnetic resonance imaging of the cervical spine

Detailed Description
-----------------
Atlantoaxial joint affection in rheumatoid arthritis patients may have life-threatening complications if not detected early. It may not be detected unless it becomes symptomatic. However, asymptomatic atlantoaxial joint affection is not uncommon. Investigators will try to detect atlantoaxial joint affection at an early stage and its relation to symptomatology and other disease criteria. So investigators will use conventional plain X-ray examination combined with magnetic resonance imaging of the cervical spine to detect soft tissue as well as bony changes of this condition.

Official Title
-----------------
Characteristics of Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients With Asymptomatic Versus Symptomatic Atlantoaxial Joint Affection Detected by Plain X-ray and Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Conditions
-----------------
Neck Pain

Intervention / Treatment
-----------------
* Radiation: Plain X-ray
* Radiation: Magnetic resonance imaging


Participation Criteria
=================
Eligibility Criteria
-----------------
Inclusion Criteria: Rheumatoid arthritis patients complaining or not complaining of atlantoaxial affection symptomatology Exclusion Criteria: Pregnant females Patients with pacemakers or metallic bony plates. Patients that have claustrophobia

Ages Eligible for Study
-----------------
Minimum Age: 18 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
-----------------
All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
-----------------
No

Study Plan
=================
How is the study designed?
-----------------

Design Details

Primary Purpose: Screening
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Other: Symptomatic atlantoaxial joint affection<br>Undergo plain X-ray and magnetic resonance imaging | Radiation: Plain X-ray<br>* antero-posterior, lateral neutral, flexion, extension and open-mouth views<br>Radiation: Magnetic resonance imaging<br>* Magnetic resonance imaging sagittal T1W,T2W and STIR, axial T1W and coronal T2W and post contrast sagittal and axial sequences<br>|
| Other: Asymptomatic atlantoaxial joint aff.<br>Undergo plain X-ray and magnetic resonance imaging | Radiation: Plain X-ray<br>* antero-posterior, lateral neutral, flexion, extension and open-mouth views<br>Radiation: Magnetic resonance imaging<br>* Magnetic resonance imaging sagittal T1W,T2W and STIR, axial T1W and coronal T2W and post contrast sagittal and axial sequences<br>|

What is the study measuring?
-----------------
Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Prevelance of atlantoaxial joint affection in clinically and laboratory proven rheumatoid arthritis patients | Prevelance of atlantoaxial joint affection in symptomatic versus asymptomatic rheumatoid arthritis patients | 3 months | 

 Terms related to the study
=================
Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
-----------------
AAJ RA MRI synovitis