MR Findings of Tuberculous Arthritis: Significance of Tuberculoma

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To determine the magnetic resonance (MR) imaging findings of tuberculous arthritis, and the frequency-in such cases-with which tuberculoma occurs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MR images of 26 patients (MF, 1412; mean age, 46.2 years) with pathologically proven tuberculous arthritis were retrospectively reviewed. The presence of joint effusion, subchondral erosion, synovial proliferation and soft tissue abscess, and whether the inner wall of this abscess was smooth, were assessed. In particular, we determined whether a nodular lesion which showed low SI on T1WI, central low SI with peripheral high SI on T2WI, and rim enhancement on contrast study, was a tuberculoma. RESULTS: The joints involved were those of the knee (n=7), hip (n=7), shoulder (n=4), sacroiliac region (n=3), elbow (n=3), and ankle (n=2). Joint effusion was noted in 15 cases (58%), and subchondral erosion in 24(92%). synovial proliferation was found in 23 cases (88%), and soft tissue abscess in 24 (92%). The inner wall of this abscess was irregular in 17 cases (71%). A tuberculoma was present in intra- or extra-articular soft tissue in 18 cases (69%). CONCLUSION: The MR findings of tuberculous arthritis were subchondral erosion, synovial proliferation, and soft tissue abscess. The presence of a tuberculoma in intra- or extra-articular soft tissue, a specific finding in tuberculous arthritis, was noted in 69% of our cases.