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MRI features of tuberculosis of the knee

Darshana A Sanghvi1, Veena R Iyer, Tejaswini Deshmukh

  • 1Department of Radiology, Seth GS Medical College and KEM Hospital, Parel, Mumbai 400012, India.

Skeletal Radiology
|December 4, 2008
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) reveals specific features of knee joint tuberculosis (TB). Tuberculous arthritis typically shows synovial proliferation with low T2 signal intensity, aiding diagnosis.

Area of Science:

  • Radiology
  • Orthopedics
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Knee joint tuberculosis (TB) is a significant cause of arthritis.
  • Accurate diagnosis of TB arthritis is crucial for effective treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To delineate the characteristic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of knee joint tuberculosis.
  • To assist in differentiating tuberculous arthritis from other synovial arthropathies.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of MRI scans from 15 patients with histologically confirmed knee TB.
  • Assessment of intra-articular and peri-articular abnormalities on MRI.

Main Results:

  • All patients exhibited florid synovial proliferation with intermediate to low T2 signal intensity.
  • Intense enhancement of hypertrophic synovium was observed post-contrast administration.
  • Associated findings included marrow edema, osteomyelitis, erosions, myositis, cellulitis, abscesses, and skin ulcerations.

Conclusions:

  • Tuberculous arthritis typically presents with synovial proliferation that is hypointense on T2-weighted MRI.
  • Combining these synovial findings with peri-articular abnormalities aids in distinguishing TB arthritis from other conditions.

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