PsA diagnosis

Hiphoplil

I think I have PsA. Currently seeing rheumatologist privately (via Benenden for some of the costs). He asked for blood tests in addition to those done by GP. Also have had ultrasound on both hands and one foot. Next week I am booked for full body isotope bone scan. Most people seemed to have MRI scans and I wonder if anyone can tell me the difference between the two. I.e. is one better than the other for showing possible PsA - I know it is difficult to positively diagnose. I am not sure about taking any medication, if offered, but at my age, 75, I would like to know why I have different lumps and bumps to those caused by OA. I am not in constant pain, just intermittant, random episodes which luckily don't last long. I won't see the rheumatologist again to hear his opinion until mid Aug.

My RF was positive, urates (gout) high and low Vit D.

As the date for the isotope scan is creeping closer I am wondering about its advantages, if any, over MRI.

helpline_team

Hi@Hiphoplil

Thanks for you post to the Helpline. The decision about the kinds of images would be that of the specialist, and will depend what they are looking for. To see the kind of inflammation associated with inflammatory types of arthritis, ultrasound or MRI are often used, but you may want to ask what can the other scan offer and that's not a question we can answer I'm afraid.

If there is a possibility that you have gout (which is a very common type of arthritis), then you can be put on drugs to help your body to lower the level of urate and these tend to be a long term treatment.

Gout | Causes, symptoms, treatments | Versus Arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis | Psoriatic arthritis | Causes, symptoms, treatments (versusarthritis.org)

I hope you find the answers helpful. I appreciate that it's difficult when you are waiting on the results of different tests.

all the best

Guy - Helpline Team