Three-dimensional ultrasonographic application for analyzing synovial hypertrophy of the knee in patients with...

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

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.

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).

Three-dimensional technology was useful in delineating the shape of the synovium. It may have a possible impact on future imaging in rheumatology.