Early Stage Detection of Psoriatic Arthritis Using SPECT and FDG-PET/CT

Abstract

Psoriatic arthritis is one of the rare types of autoimmune disease that cause body's own immune system to harm skin and joints which leads to painful areas of swelling and inflammation. Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is not like the other forms of arthritis that are clearly distinguishable , where arthritis is accompanied by typical psoriasis symptoms, such as a red, scaly rash that will develop silvery white patches. It’s a chronic condition where hands, fingers, feet, large joints of the lower body, and the lower back are the most common areas to be affected by PsA. Effects will be worsening over time in case of no treatment provided on time. Permanent damage occurs to joints and tissues if not treated promptly. This paper has an analysis over the recent advancement in imaging techniques such as SPECT (Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography) and FDG-PET/CT (Fluorodeoxyglucose - Positron Emission Tomography /Comupted Tomography ) have showed more reliable and accurate diagnosis of early stage Psoriatic Arthritis.