MRI scans, while useful, have some limitations in diagnosing axial spondyloarthritis:

- Non-Specific Results: MRI can detect joint inflammation, but the scans are not very specific. Swelling and other inflammatory changes could be caused by wear and tear or aging, not necessarily axial spondyloarthritis
- Delayed Show Full Answer

MRI scans, while useful, have some limitations in diagnosing axial spondyloarthritis:

- Non-Specific Results: MRI can detect joint inflammation, but the scans are not very specific. Swelling and other inflammatory changes could be caused by wear and tear or aging, not necessarily axial spondyloarthritis.
- Delayed Visibility: It could take more than a year for swelling to be visible on an MRI.
- Negative Scans: Scans can appear negative even in people who have axial spondyloarthritis, requiring expensive future MRI follow-ups.

For these reasons, rheumatologists consider the entire clinical picture, including symptoms, family medical history, physical examination, and blood tests, alongside imaging scans.

 This AI-generated response comes from MySpondylitisTeam and other selected sources. It is not a substitute for medical advice. Always ask your doctor about specific health concerns.

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