In this commentary we discuss the potential of advanced imaging, particularly Dynamic Contrast Enhanced (DCE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the objective assessment of disease progression in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We emphasise the potential DCE-MRI in advancing the field and exploring new areas of research and development in RA. We believe that different grades of bone marrow edema (BME) and synovitis in RA can be examined and monitored in a more sensitive manner with DCE-MRI. Future treatments for RA will be significantly improved by enhanced imaging of BMEs and synovitis. DCE-MRI will also facilitate enhanced stratification and phenotyping of patients enrolled in clinical trials.