MRI of inflammatory synovial processes

MRI was used to evaluate inflammatory synovial processes in 53 patients over a 4-year period. Multiple disease processes were imaged, including: rheumatoid arthritis [ n = 12], osteochondromatosis [ n = 6], bursal abnormalities [ n = 17], ganglion cyst [ n = 1], meniscal cyst [ n = 5], hemophilia [ n = 1], and septic arthritis [ n = 11]. The soft tissue contrast resolution of MRI and its multiplanar capability makes it particularly suitable for evaluating mass-like or fluid inflammatory processes for diagnostic purposes, to determine extent of disease, and in some cases, to determine the composition of the inflammatory processes.