In the univariable analysis, age [OR 1.04 (95% CI 1.02, 1.07), P < 0.01], high level anti-CCP2+ [OR 1.94 (95% CI 1.04, 3.60), P = 0.04], anti-CCP3 antibodies [OR 4.77 (95% CI 2.52, 9.03), P < 0.01] and RF [OR 3.24 (95% CI 1.73, 6.05), P < 0.01] were predictive for the development of US subclinical synovitis on subsequent US scans. The gene discussed is AGBL3; the disease is synovitis.