INDIRECT MR ARTHROGRAPHY - TECHNIQUES AND APPLICATIONS

Indirect MR arthrography is a relatively new MR technique improving ar ticular and periarticular contrast. It is achieved by injection of par amagnetic MR contrast media intravenously instead of intra-articular i njection as in direct MR arthrography. After the injection exercising the joint results in considerable signal intensity increase within the joint cavity. Fat saturated MR sequences then yield arthrographic ima ges. The method is less invasive than direct MR arthrography and first results showed comparable sensitivities and specificities for rotator cuff and glenoid labrum pathology. In this article the technique, est ablished and potential future indications. drawbacks and limitations o f the method are reviewed.