Glimm AM, Sprenger LI, Haugen IK, et al. - Thirty-five RA patients were examined clinically by the Disease Activity Score (DAS)28, tender joint count (TJC) and swollen joint count (SJC) and by Fluorescence optical imaging (FOI) in phases 1–3 and PrimaVistaMode prior to therapy modification and following 12 months to review FOI for treatment monitoring in a homogenous cohort of patients with early (disease duration < 2 years) and active (DAS28 > 3.2) RA over a period of 12 months. A statistically important decrease of FOI activity score (FOIAS) in phase 1 from baseline to follow-up in all patients, both in responders and non-responders according to European League Against Rheumatism response criteria by DAS28 was noted. For median DAS28(ESR) 5.61 to 3.31, TJC 7.0 to 1.0, and SJC 5.0 to 1.0, statistically notable declines over 12 months were detected. Between the FOIAS change in phase 1 and DAS28(ESR), TJC, or SJC, no statistically important associations were discovered. Weak to moderate associations between the other phases and clinical outcomes were found. Thus, decreased early enhancement in FOI phase 1 can be seen in clinically responding and non-responding early RA patients under treatment. About potential marker performance, FOI apparently explicates a decrease of inflammation more equitably.