USPIO-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of the knee in asymptomatic volunteers

The aim of this study was to compare signal characteristics of the synovium in knees of asymptomatic volunteers before and after intravenous administration of ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide particles (USPIO). Ten knees of 10 asymptomatic volunteers were examined before and 36 h after intravenous administration of USPIO on a 1.5-T MR system using T1-weighted spin-echo, T2-weighted fast spin-echo, T2*-weighted gradient-echo (GRE), and short inversion time inversion-recovery sequences. In addition, synovial perfusion was measured using Gd-enhanced GRE imaging during the first imaging session. Images were analyzed qualitatively for any visual changes before and after USPIO administration. Signal-to-noise ratios (SNR) of the synovium were determined on unenhanced and USPIO-enhanced sequences. All MR images were reviewed for presence of any degenerative changes. Qualitative image analysis revealed no visually detectable changes of any knee joint before and after USPIO administration. The SNR values of the synovium on T1w, T2w, and T2*w images before and after USPIO administration showed no significant difference (T1, P = 0.86; T2, P = 0.95; T2*, P = 0.86). None of the volunteers showed any relevant degenerative changes of the knee and synovial perfusion was within normal limits. In knees of asymptomatic volunteers without any relevant degenerative changes and normal synovial perfusion neither visual changes nor changes of SNR values of the synovium can be depicted after USPIO administration. This means that USPIO-enhanced MRI may be used for assessment of knee disorders with increased macrophage activity.