Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is commonly used to look for inflammation in the sacroiliac joints (the joints where the spine meets the pelvis), something which is a key feature of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). Many patients with axSpA take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to help manage their pain. The use of NSAIDs may hide the appearance of inflammation in the sacroiliac joints when viewed on MRI. If this is true, it (a) may prevent some patients from receiving the correct diagnosis; and (b) may mean that some patients are unable to be given the most appropriate medication for their disease.
DyNAMISM, funded by Arthritis Research UK (ARUK) investigated whether, among male patients with axSpA, the use of NSAIDs reduces the appearance of inflammation in the sacroiliac joints when viewed with MRI. This allowed investigation of whether a ‘NSAIDs free’ period helps doctors make a diagnosis of axSpA and whether patients can tolerate a short period without their NSAIDs, although other pain medication may be taken during this period if required.
DyNAMISM was led by Dr Gareth Jones based at the University of Aberdeen.
Contacts
- CHaRT email; chart@abdn.ac.uk
Status
CompletedPublications
Jones GT, Bennett AN, Sengupta R, Machado PM, Marzo-Ortega H, Aucott L, Hall-Craggs MA, Bray TJP, Bainbridge A, Gollifer RM, Macfarlane GJ. Effect of Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs on Sacroiliac Joint Inflammation, as Seen on Magnetic Resonance Imaging, in Axial Spondyloarthritis. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2025 Dec;77(12):1443-1452. doi: 10.1002/acr.25581. Epub 2025 Sep 10. PMID: 40511517; PMCID: PMC12750118