Three-dimensional ultrasonographic application for analyzing synovial hypertrophy of the knee in patients with osteoarthritis.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to evaluate 3-dimensional (3D) ultrasonography for the visualization of intra-articular synovial hypertrophy in patients with osteoarthritis.


METHODS
Knee joints of 22 patients with osteoarthritis were examined by 3D ultrasonography, and their synovial fluids were analyzed. Ultrasonographic image patterns, vascular endothelial growth factor and transforming growth factor beta concentrations in synovial fluid, and serum inflammatory markers were analyzed.


RESULTS
It was possible to visualize the intra-articular structure by 3D ultrasonography. Three-dimensional ultrasonography revealed various interesting stereoscopic views of the synovial structures, and the patterns of synovial proliferation ranged from simple proliferations to complex shrubby structures. Patients with a more complex and proliferative pattern in the synovium tended to have higher C-reactive protein concentrations, but this difference was not significant (P = .09). The concentrations of vascular endothelial growth factor and transforming growth factor beta in synovial fluid were significantly higher in patients with complex hypertrophy (P < .05).


CONCLUSIONS
Three-dimensional technology was useful in delineating the shape of the synovium. It may have a possible impact on future imaging in rheumatology.
Ju
Ji Hyeon
JH
Department of Internal Medicine, Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 137-040, Korea.
Kang
Kwi Young
KY
Kim
In Je
IJ
Yoon
Jang Uk
JU
Kim
Ho-Youn
HY
Park
Sung-Hwan
SH
D000700:Analgesics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001799:Blood Sedimentation; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006984:Hypertrophy; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods*; D018836:Inflammation Mediators / Q000097:blood; D008233:Lymphotoxin-alpha / Q000032:analysis; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020370:Osteoarthritis, Knee / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D054850:Osteophyte / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D013582:Synovial Fluid / Q000737:chemistry / Q000166:cytology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D013583:Synovial Membrane / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D014463:Ultrasonography; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000032:analysis
D000700:Analgesics; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D018836:Inflammation Mediators; D008233:Lymphotoxin-alpha; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D002097:C-Reactive Protein