⁶⁸Ga-FAPI-04 PET/CT as a Novel Assessment Tool for Systemic Sclerosis: Linking Imaging Findings to Clinical Features of Lung and Skin-Muscle Disease
Abstract format and assignment number: Poster 0624
Presenting author: Y.L. Wu (China)
Date: Wednesday, 11 June 2025, 15:30 – 16:30
This prospective study evaluated ⁶⁸Ga-FAPI-04 PET/CT imaging in systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients to assess its correlation with clinical features, particularly lung function and skin-muscle tissue status. Results demonstrated that ⁶⁸Ga-FAPI-04 PET/CT images could sensitively distinguish SSc patients from controls, with significantly increased uptake in affected joints. The technique showed promise as a comprehensive assessment tool, potentially improving patient management and outcomes in SSc diagnosis and monitoring.
Lung MRI as a complementary tool for monitoring systemic sclerosis-ILD patients
Abstract format and assignment number: Poster 0037
Presenting author: M. Di Battista (Italy)
Date: Wednesday, 11 June 2025, 15:36 – 15:42
This prospective study evaluated for the first time lung MRI performance for monitoring SSc-ILD patients using HRCT as reference, analysing relationships with pulmonary function tests. Fourteen SSc patients with worsening ILD underwent evaluation at baseline and after 6 months. Results showed MRI could detect signs of lung progression earlier than HRCT, particularly during inflammatory phases. T1 contrast sequences significantly correlated with pulmonary function tests, identifying fibrotic involvement and demonstrating MRI’s potential as a complementary monitoring tool.
Diagnostic Performance of Robotic Ultrasonography in Rheumatoid Arthritis: – Results from the Controlled ARTHUR Trial
Abstract format and assignment number: Poster 0186
Presenting author: M. Ammitzbøll-Danielsen (Denmark)
Date: Thursday, 12 June 2025, 15:21 – 15:27
The controlled ARTHUR trial evaluated the diagnostic performance of robotic ultrasonography in rheumatoid arthritis patients. This innovative study assessed the accuracy and reliability of automated ultrasound technology for detecting synovitis and joint inflammation compared to conventional ultrasonography methods. Results demonstrated high specificity for detecting synovitis using robotic US, showing potential for standardised joint assessment. The technology offers promise for consistent, operator-independent joint evaluation in rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis and monitoring, potentially improving diagnostic accuracy and reducing inter-observer variability.
The ClaudicAItio Model: Ultrasound Image Classification in Giant Cell Arteritis by Application of Artificial Intelligence
Abstract format and assignment number: Oral presentation 0343
Presenting author: C.J. Bauer (Germany)
Date: Friday, 13 June 2025, 11:10 – 11:20
The ClaudicAltio Model addresses the lack of expertise in Giant Cell Arteritis ultrasound interpretation by developing an AI-powered image classification system. Using 3,800 ultrasound images from 244 patients, researchers tested multiple AI architectures and validated the system with international GCA experts from Harvard, Mayo Clinic, and other institutions. The RESNET 18 infrastructure proved most efficient for 224×224 pixel images. The web-accessible AI platform achieved high classification performance for large-size arteries, with excellent sensitivity and specificity scores, particularly for the frontal branch and common temporal artery segments.
Increased sodium accumulation in inflamed knees of patients with autoimmune arthritis using sodium magnetic resonance imaging
Abstract format and assignment number: Poster 1386
Presenting author: D. Van Der Woude (Netherlands)
Date: Saturday, 14 June 2025, 10:15 – 11:45
This study evaluated sodium accumulation in inflamed joints using 23Na-MRI in autoimmune arthritis patients. Ten patients with rheumatoid arthritis and 10 healthy controls underwent examination. Results showed that sodium content is elevated in inflamed knees of patients with autoimmune arthritis. 23Na-MRI sodium levels correlated with total sodium concentrations in synovial fluid but not with unbound concentrations, suggesting sodium is not osmotically active. Higher sodium concentration may result from increased glycosaminoglycans, which attract cations like sodium.
Asymptomatic sacroiliitis in Crohn’s disease: a monocentric cross-sectional study based on magnetic resonance enterography
Abstract format and assignment number: Poster 1332
Presenting author: G. Amati (Italy)
Date: Saturday, 14 June 2025, 10:15 – 11:45
This cross-sectional study evaluated asymptomatic sacroiliitis prevalence in Crohn’s disease (CD) patients using MRE examination. Among 180 CD patients, at least one out of 10 patients showed signs of subclinical sacroiliac joint inflammation on MRE. Asymptomatic sacroiliitis was not clearly associated with demographic, clinical data, previous therapies, or MRE bowel lesions. Results suggest wider cohorts are needed to confirm possible associations with asymmetric mural hyperenhancement, representing a highly specific lesion of CD.
Claudia Iannone
Claudia is a Rheumatology resident at Milan University, carrying out her research at Gaetano-Pini Hospital in Milan, Italy. Her research interests are focused on systemic sclerosis, interstitial lung disease in rheumatic diseases and vasculitis. She is a member of the Italian Society of Rheumatology of EULAR lung study group and of EUSTAR YIG.
Claudia is part of the EMEUNET Social Media Sub-committee.