Magnetisation Transfer Contrast Imaging of Synovitis in Arthritis.

Carole Burnett¹, Andrew Grainger¹, Anthony Redmond^1,2, Richard Hodgson^1,2

Synovitis is an important feature of rheumatoid and osteoarthritis and is well assessed by MRI. Previous work suggested Magnetisation Transfer Contrast may be helpful in the assessment of synovitis. Currently, the gold standard for assessing synovitis with MRI requires intravenous contrast agents which are associated with discomfort, cost and potential patient complications. The aim of this study was to compare magnetisation transfer imaging with T1 weighted imaging after administration of intravenous contrast for quantification of synovitis.