Wingchi Edmund Kwok1, Zhigang You1,
Gwysuk Seo1, Christopher Ritchlin2, Johnny Monu1
1Department of Imaging Sciences,
University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States; 2Allergy,
Immunology and Rheumatology Division, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY,
United States
Insufficient
resolution and chemical-shift artifacts in MRI of finger joints can hinder
early diagnosis of arthritis. We used an interleaved water-fat (IWF) sequence
and a dedicated RF coil to achieve high-resolution finger MRI without
chemical-shift artifacts. A normal subject and six subjects with arthritis
were studied. The high-resolution images revealed detailed structures of the
finger joints. The IWF sequence gave more accurate depiction of subchondral
bone thickness, and avoided false bone erosions shown in the regular
sequence. It also allowed better visualization of ligaments and tendons.
High-resolution IWF imaging should be useful for the diagnosis and treatment
evaluation of arthritis.