Knee disease in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA): correlation between clinical and ultrasonographic findings

Methods We are undertaking a five year prospective study of children with newly diagnosed JIA who have knee involvement. Review is three monthly with clinical assessment and US of knee(s) at each visit. Knee swelling is graded 0– 4. US scans were performed by an experienced rheumatologist MR using a Sonosite 180 Plus (L38 5–10 MHZ linear transducer) or Esaote MyLab25 scanner (LA523E 7.5–12 MHZ linear transducer). The scans have been scored independently by 2 observers unaware of the clinical findings (graded 0–3).