[Intravenous MR arthrography of the knee]

A study was undertaken to determine whether or not intravenous MR arthrography can be used in clinical practice. Forty patients with internal derangement of the knee (11-68 years old) were imaged with MRI before and after intravenous injection of Gd-DTPA. In all knees there was enhancement of joint fluid, regardless of the amount of fluid. The peak enhancement of joint fluid was reached at 30 minutes after the administration of the contrast agent. The contrast between joint fluid and meniscus/cartilage was higher in MR arthrography than in proton density images. There was an increase in contrast between grade III lesions in the meniscus and intact meniscus on MR arthrography. It was concluded that intravenous MR arthrography can be a useful alternative to intra-articular arthrography.