Imaging

Ultrasound in Rheumatology

Musculoskeletal and salivary gland ultrasound

Ultrasound uses sound waves to examine structures inside the body. In rheumatology, it can help assess joints, tendons and surrounding tissues. It can also examine the salivary glands in people being assessed for Sjögren's disease.

Joints and tendons

Musculoskeletal (MSK) ultrasound

Musculoskeletal ultrasound can help assess joint inflammation, fluid within joints and certain tendon problems. The findings are considered alongside your symptoms, examination and other investigations.

Sjögren's disease

Salivary gland ultrasound in Sjögren's disease

Salivary gland ultrasound looks for structural changes in the glands that produce saliva. The OMERACT grading system describes their ultrasound appearance from Grade 0 to Grade 3.

Dr Ramani's salivary gland ultrasound guide showing OMERACT Grades 0 to 3. — Ultrasound findings must be interpreted alongside your symptoms and other tests. Ultrasound alone does not diagnose or exclude Sjögren's disease, and it does not replace biopsy when tissue assessment is required.