Dynamic magnetic resonance imaging for the evaluation of synovitis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

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Abstract
Objective. To investigate whether the findings of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) reflect rheumatoid synovitis. Methods. Dynamic imaging enhanced with gadolinium—diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid was performed on 10 affected knees of 9 patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Changes in signal intensity were correlated with pathologic findings in synovial biopsy specimens obtained during total knee arthroplasty. Results. Enhancement was greater in regions with a higher degree of fibrin exudation, cellular infiltration, villous hypertrophy, vascular proliferation, and granulation formation. Conclusion. Dynamic MRI can be used for assessing local disease activity in rheumatoid synovium.