MAGNETIC-RESONANCE-IMAGING IN COCCIDIOIDAL ARTHRITIS

Objective. The authors assessed the MRI findings of appendicular cocci dioidal arthritis. Design. T1- and T2-weighted MR images of affected j oints, both with and without intravenous gadopentetate dimeglumine, we re performed in nine adult patients (ten studies) and evaluated by thr ee masted readers, using a four-point certainty scale for: synovial ab normality, articular cartilage loss, subarticular bone loss, abnormal marrow signal, enhancement of osseous and articular structures, and as sessment of disease activity. Findings were correlated with biopsy res ults or clinical. course. Results. Eight patients had active and one h ad inactive arthritis, involving the knee (five patients), ankle (two patients), and elbow (one patient). Synovial complex was the most comm on finding in active arthritis (P<0.025). Cartilage and subarticular b one loss were seen 56% and 89% of patients with active disease, respec tively. Abnormal marrow signal was uncommon (two patients). All cases showed synovial and/or osseus enhancement. Conclusions. MRI findings i n coccidiodal arthritis are described. Enhancement of thickened synovi um and erosions was seen after intravenous gadopentetate.