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Arthritic temporomandibular joint: correlation of macromolecular contrast-enhanced MR imaging parameters and
C F van Dijke1, B A Kirk, C G Peterfy
1Department of Radiology, University of California, San Francisco, 94143-0640, USA.
Purpose:
To assess the utility of macromolecular contrast material-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) imaging parameters for determining the histopathologic severity of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthritis.
Materials And Methods:
Ovalbumin was used to induce arthritis in the TMJs of 10 previously sensitized adult white rabbits. Five rabbits composed the sham-treated control group. Dynamic spin-echo imaging was performed immediately before and for 30 minutes after injection of macromolecular contrast medium. Histologic specimens of TMJ were assessed quantitatively for arthritis. Changes in MR signal intensity were derived from the synovial and subsynovial tissues of the TMJ, and plasma volume (PV) and permeability surface area product (PS) were calculated. These MR parameters and the arthritic scores were compared between sham-treated and antigen-challenged TMJs. The relationships between MR parameters and histopathologic indexes were also determined.
Results:
Arthritic TMJs showed marked enhancement of the synovial and subsynovial tissues over the imaging period. PS and all histopathologic indexes of arthritis were significantly greater (P < .005) in antigen-challenged than in sham-treated TMJs. PS demonstrated strong positive relationships with all histologic parameters of arthritis, indicating its utility for assessing the severity of joint inflammation.
Conclusion:
Macromolecular contrast-enhanced MR imaging enables quantification of PS and PV in inflamed joints. This technique may provide insights into the pathogenesis of joint inflammation and noninvasive monitoring of disease severity and treatment response in arthritis.
Insights
Macromolecular contrast-enhanced MRI can quantify plasma volume and permeability surface area in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthritis. This technique accurately assesses TMJ inflammation severity and aids in monitoring disease progression.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Biomedical Imaging
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthritis diagnosis and severity assessment often rely on invasive methods.
- Developing noninvasive imaging techniques is crucial for understanding TMJ inflammation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of macromolecular contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) imaging parameters in determining the histopathologic severity of TMJ arthritis.
- To correlate MR imaging findings with quantitative histopathologic indexes of arthritis.
Main Methods:
- Arthritis was induced in rabbit TMJs using ovalbumin; a control group received sham treatment.
- Dynamic spin-echo MR imaging was performed post-contrast injection.
- Histopathologic analysis quantified arthritis severity, and MR parameters like plasma volume (PV) and permeability surface area product (PS) were calculated.
Main Results:
- Arthritic TMJs exhibited significant enhancement in synovial and subsynovial tissues.
- The permeability surface area product (PS) and all histopathologic indexes were significantly higher in arthritic TMJs compared to controls.
- PS showed a strong positive correlation with all histologic parameters, indicating its utility in assessing joint inflammation.
Conclusions:
- Macromolecular contrast-enhanced MR imaging allows for quantitative assessment of PS and PV in inflamed joints.
- This MR imaging technique offers potential for insights into arthritis pathogenesis.
- The method may enable noninvasive monitoring of disease severity and treatment response in TMJ arthritis.