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Inflammatory arthritis-like and other MR findings in wrists of asymptomatic subjects

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Abstract

Objective

To describe magnetic resonance (MR) imaging findings in the wrists of asymptomatic subjects that might be confused with pathologic findings.

Design

MR examination of the dominant wrist was performed in 30 asymptomatic volunteers aged 22–49 years using pre-contrast and post-contrast sequences in the coronal and axial planes. The bases of the metacarpals, the carpus and the distal radius and ulna were evaluated by two musculoskeletal radiologists for lesions, notches, blood vessels and synovial enhancement.

Results

There were 24 bright osseous lesions (erosions, intraosseous ganglia, oedema or cysts) in 14 subjects. Intraosseous blood vessels were seen in all but one wrist examined, most commonly in the capitate and lunate bones. Enhancement was present in 26 of 27 notches identified at the base of the second metacarpal and less commonly in the capitate, hamate and triquetral notches. A small joint effusion was present in 14 subjects. Joint or soft-tissue enhancement was identified in 16 wrists.

Conclusions

Many MR abnormalities and variants may be detected in the wrists of asymptomatic subjects. Many of these could be confused with pathologic findings usually associated with inflammatory arthritis.

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Acknowldgements

The authors would like to thank the radiographers involved, especially Mr Chris Kokkinos and Mr Jaya Sathasivam, for the time they spent scanning volunteers. Special thanks to Mr Chris Kokkinos for time spent assisting with the MR protocol, sending images to the workstation and recruiting volunteers.

Thanks to the Rheumatology staff, especially Dr Lynden Roberts and Dr Suba Nasespillai who examined the volunteers, often at short notice.

Thanks to all the volunteers who gave up their time to participate.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Radiology Department, University of Melbourne, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Grattan St, Parkville, Australia, 3050

    P. L. Robertson, P. J. Page & G. J. McColl

Authors
  1. P. L. Robertson
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  2. P. J. Page
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  3. G. J. McColl
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to P. L. Robertson.

Additional information

Partial funding provided by the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists College Research Fund.

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Robertson, P.L., Page, P.J. & McColl, G.J. Inflammatory arthritis-like and other MR findings in wrists of asymptomatic subjects. Skeletal Radiol 35, 754–764 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00256-006-0095-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00256-006-0095-3

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