MRI features of joint tuberculosis of the appendicular skeleton in children / 中国医学影像技术

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the MRI features of children's joint tuberculosis of the appendicular skeleton, and to evaluate the diagnostic value of MR imaging. Methods Sixteen consecutive patients confirmed clinically and pathologically were examined with SE-T1WI, FSE-T2WI, FSE-PDWI and PD-SPIR in Philips Achieva 3.0T superconduct MR scanner. Axial, sagital and coronal images were obtained. Articular structure was all analyzed based on the affected parts and features of MRI. Results Hip joint and knee joint were most likely to suffer (each 25.00%). Metaphysis was affected in 13 patients with long signal intensity on T1WI and long signal intensity on T2WI. The changes of articular cartilage presented as abnormality of signal intensity in 6 patients with focal high signal intensity on T2WI. Thirteen patients presented as joint effusion. Synovial thickening in 4 patients showed moderate homogeneous signal on T1WI and slightly lower signal on T2WI. Articular soft tissue was involved in 16 patients, including the formation of cold abscess in 2 and cellulitis in 1 patient, showing long signal intensity on T1WI and long signal intensity on T2WI. Conclusion MRI has the advantage of being able to detect early abnormalities of bone marrow, cartilage damage and to evaluate joint effusion, synovial thickening and soft tissue lesions.