[Nuclear spin tomography studies (MRI) of joints in juvenile chronic arthritis]

MRT (magnetic resonance imaging) is a new method of producing pictures of internal organs; the main advantage compared to radiography is the ability to subtly differentiate soft tissues. 14 children suffering from juvenile chronic arthritis of different subgroups are described. MRT pictures of knee joints show clearly the structure and form of the articular cartilage, ligaments as well as the nature, density and thickness of the inflammatory tissue. MRT permits a very early diagnosis of a progression in the inflammatory articular process without accompanying ionising radiation, an advantage in childhood.