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Updated: Jun 3, 2026
In vivo Macrophage Imaging Using MR Targeted Contrast Agent for Longitudinal Evaluation of Septic Arthritis
Published on: October 20, 2013
Magnetic resonance imaging findings in horses with septic arthritis
Jeremiah T Easley1, Matthew T Brokken, Chad J Zubrod
1Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA. easleyj@ufl.edu
Abstract:
Fourteen horses with septic arthritis underwent high-field (1.5 T) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Septic arthritis was diagnosed based on results from historical and clinical findings, synovial fluid analyses and culture, and radiographic, ultrasonographic, arthroscopic, and histopathologic findings. MR findings included diffuse hyperintensity within bone and extracapsular tissue on fat-suppressed images in 14/14 horses (100%), joint effusion, synovial proliferation, and capsular thickening in 13/14 horses (93%), bone sclerosis in 11/14 horses (79%), and evidence of cartilage and subchondral bone damage in 8/14 horses (57%). Intravenous gadolinium was administered to five of the 14 horses and fibrin deposition was noted in all horses. Other findings after gadolinium administration included synovial enhancement in 4/5 (80%) horses, and bone enhancement in 1/5 (20%) horses. The MR findings of septic arthritis in horses were consistent with those reported in people. MRI may allow earlier and more accurate diagnosis of septic arthritis in horses as compared with other imaging modalities, especially when the clinical diagnosis is challenging. It also provides additional information not afforded by other methods that may influence and enhance treatment.
Insights
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offers a powerful tool for diagnosing septic arthritis in horses. This study highlights MRI
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Diagnostic Imaging
- Equine Health
Background:
- Septic arthritis in horses presents diagnostic challenges.
- Conventional imaging modalities have limitations in visualizing soft tissue and early bone changes.
- Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment and prognosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utility of high-field (1.5 T) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in diagnosing septic arthritis in horses.
- To compare MRI findings with conventional diagnostic methods.
- To assess the potential of MRI for earlier and more accurate diagnosis.
Main Methods:
- Fourteen horses diagnosed with septic arthritis underwent 1.5 T MRI.
- Diagnosis was confirmed through clinical, synovial fluid, radiographic, ultrasonographic, arthroscopic, and histopathologic findings.
- Intravenous gadolinium contrast was administered to a subset of horses.
Main Results:
- MRI revealed diffuse bone and extracapsular tissue hyperintensity in all 14 horses.
- Joint effusion, synovial proliferation, and capsular thickening were observed in 93% of cases.
- MRI identified bone sclerosis (79%) and cartilage/subchondral bone damage (57%), with contrast enhancement noted in synovial tissues (80%).
Conclusions:
- High-field MRI provides detailed insights into equine septic arthritis, consistent with findings in human medicine.
- MRI demonstrates potential for earlier and more precise diagnosis compared to other modalities.
- The comprehensive information from MRI can significantly influence and improve treatment strategies for septic arthritis in horses.
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