Table 5.

Advantages and disadvantages of magnetic resonance imaging in juvenile idiopathic arthritis

Advantages	Disadvantages
• Lack of exposure to ionizing radiation • Multiplanar tomographical imaging • Ability to assess the whole joint space • Demonstration of soft tissue inflammation • Direct visualization of cartilage • Early detection of bone erosions • Visualization of bone marrow edema • High tissue contrast • Suitable for assessment of axial skeleton and temporomandibular joints	• Intravenous contrast agent often required • Possible allergic reaction to contrast agents • General anesthesia required in younger children • Long examination time • Evaluation limited to one target joint • Reliability, standardization, and validation in children under investigation • High cost • Variable availability worldwide