This lecture focuses on the imaging hallmarks of peripheral pediatric inflammatory arthritis, using juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) as the central model. Dr. Sergio Viana Lopes walks through what to look for on X-ray, ultrasound, and MRI, with special emphasis on early and prognostically relevant findings—including synovitis/effusion and hyperemia on ultrasound (with Doppler), and the added value of MRI for assessing deep joints, inflammatory activity, bone marrow edema, and soft-tissue involvement. A key theme is the pediatric-specific biology: chronic hyperemia can drive epiphyseal overgrowth and premature growth-plate closure, making careful interpretation (and precise reporting) essential. The talk concludes with practical guidance on how radiologists can support rheumatologists through clear, clinically actionable reporting.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lecture, learners will be able to:

• Choose the appropriate imaging modality (X-ray, ultrasound ± Doppler, MRI) for suspected or known JIA, understanding what each method can and cannot detect—especially in early disease.
• Recognize and describe the key imaging features of active pediatric arthritis, including synovitis, effusion, hyperemia, bone marrow edema, and relevant periarticular soft-tissue findings, and understand how contrast enhancement helps assess inflammatory activity.
• Identify pediatric-specific patterns and complications (e.g., epiphyseal changes, premature physeal closure, growth disturbance) and translate them into structured, actionable reporting that guides clinical management and follow-up.