As per the findings of a recent analysis published in the journal Clinical Rheumatology, the combined findings of inflammatory back pain (IBP) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides a cornerstone in the definitive diagnosis of spondyloarthritis (SpA).

A total of 224 patients who went through MRI for suspected sacroiliitis was assessed retrospectively for the IBP characteristics and clinical standard of reference analysis. In the case of missing information, a telephonic questionnaire was conducted. Using the Assessment of Berlin score, observer's global impression (GI) scores and Spondyloarthritis International Society (ASAS) criteria, acute and structural MRI parameters were marked by a qualified radiologist for the presence of sacroiliitis. The relationship between MRI scores and IBP features along with odds ratio for SpA diagnosis was determined.

Out of 224 assessed patients, 193 were included, out of which 52 were found to have SpA with considerably higher IBP scores. GI MRI, IBP, and ASAS scores notably linked with the SpA diagnosis. The patients with sacroiliac-joints' bone marrow oedema exhibited significant rates of morning stiffness and night pain. Specificity for diagnosis of SpA was high for MRI parameters and low for IBP and sensitivity was low for the MRI parameters and high for IBP. These explain that the presence of IBP is highly related to SpA diagnosis and MRI BME.