Perfluoroctylbromide as a contrast agent for computed tomographic imaging of septic and aseptic arthritis

Perfluoroctylbromide (PFOB), a perfluorocarbon macrophage-labeling contrast agent, was applied to computed tomographic imaging of septic and aseptic arthritis models in rabbits. Marked enhancement of induced pyarthrosis was observed in both the knee and the sacroiliac joint. Moderate enhancement was noted in tetracycline-induced synovitis of the knee. Sterile synovitis of the sacroiliac joint and simple knee joint effusion showed no enhancement. These results suggest that PFOB is a useful contrast medium for the diagnosis of and distinction between septic and sterile arthritis.