A patient with a history of rheumatoid arthritis presents with acute pain and swelling of the wrist joint. Physical examination reveals ulnar deviation of the fingers and swan-neck deformity of the digits. Which imaging modality is most appropriate for further evaluation of wrist involvement in rheumatoid arthritis?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: X-ray is the most appropriate imaging modality for evaluating wrist involvement in rheumatoid arthritis. It can show joint space narrowing, erosions, soft tissue swelling, and periarticular osteopenia. X-rays are readily available, cost-effective, and provide valuable information about joint damage and disease progression in rheumatoid arthritis. In this case, X-ray would be able to confirm the presence of erosions, joint deformities, and assess the severity of the disease in the wrist joint. While MRI and ultrasound can also be helpful in evaluating rheumatoid arthritis, X-ray remains the initial imaging modality of choice due to its convenience and ability to assess bony changes. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan is not indicated for evaluating wrist involvement in rheumatoid arthritis.