Gadolinium contrast agent is of limited value for magnetic resonance imaging assessment of synovial hypertrophy in hemophiliacs.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the influence of different doses of gadolinium contrast agent on synovial enhancement, to compare magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of synovial hypertrophy and radiographic joint changes in hemophiliacs, and to investigate the value of gadolinium in MRI assessment of synovial hypertrophy in hemophiliacs using dynamic MRI and MRI scoring.


METHODS
Twenty-one hemophiliacs on prophylactic factor treatment without recent bleeds were subjected to radiography and gadolinium contrast-enhanced dynamic and static MRI of the knee using a standard dose of 0.1 mmol/kg b.w. gadoteridol. In 17 of the patients, the MRI procedure was repeated after a triple dose of gadoteridol.


RESULTS
MRI findings of synovial hypertrophy were significantly correlated with Pettersson radiographic scores. In 19 of the 21 MRI investigated joints, administration of contrast agent did not alter the result of the evaluation of synovial hypertrophy.


CONCLUSIONS
The optimal time interval for volume assessment of synovial hypertrophy after injection of gadolinium contrast agent is dose dependent. Hemophiliacs without recent bleeds have minor to abundant synovial hypertrophy in joints with pronounced radiographic changes. Dynamic MRI is not useful for evaluating hemophilic arthropathy, and gadolinium contrast agent is not routinely indicated for MRI scoring of joints in hemophiliacs.
Lundin
B
B
Department of Radiology, University Hospital of Lund, Lund, Sweden. bjorn.lundin@skane.se
Berntorp
E
E
Pettersson
H
H
Wirestam
R
R
Jonsson
K
K
Ståhlberg
F
F
Ljung
R
R
D000328:Adult; D003287:Contrast Media; D005682:Gadolinium; D006467:Hemophilia A / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D006571:Heterocyclic Compounds; D006801:Humans; D006984:Hypertrophy; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009942:Organometallic Compounds; D011859:Radiography; D013583:Synovial Membrane / Q000473:pathology*
D003287:Contrast Media; D006571:Heterocyclic Compounds; D009942:Organometallic Compounds; C062402:gadoteridol; D005682:Gadolinium