Juvenile idiopathic arthritis is a heterogeneous group of idiopathic inflammatory arthropathies affecting children younger than 16 years of age and persisting for six weeks or longer. Introduction of novel biological medications has dramatically changed the prognosis of juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Their ability to inhibit the main mechanisms responsible for persistent inflammation prevents joint damage and chronic joint dysfunction. Achieving this is only possible with a prompt diagnosis and treatment. Ultrasonography is one of the main imaging methods used in the diagnosis of juvenile idiopathic arthritis. In this article, we review the latest literature on ultrasound imaging in juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Musculoskeletal ultrasound is a constantly developing imaging technique and becomes an even more useful adjunct in clinical practice. For juvenile idiopathic arthritis, it enables evaluation of a number of peripheral joints and identification of features of active arthritis, such as synovitis, tenosynovitis, enthesitis, and destructive lesions, such as erosions, subchondral and subcortical cysts, and cartilage loss. Musculoskeletal ultrasound is used for the early diagnosis, treatment monitoring and identification of disease remission or its complications. Contrary to other imaging methods, it is widely available and safe (no exposure to radiation). It does not require the patient to be motionless, and can be performed in a dynamic way, providing additional information on e.g. tendon sliding. Furthermore, a number of procedures can be performed under ultrasound guidance.

juvenile idiopathic arthritis, ultrasound, juvenile spondyloarthropathy, musculoskeletal system