Magnetic resonance imaging features of large joint tuberculous arthritis

Abstract

Objectives: Large joint monoarticular tuberculous involvement is rare. It may not be associated with classical clinical features. Hence, it is difficult to differentiate from other conditions similarly involving the large joints. Our study aimed to study the characteristics of large joint monoarthritis on magnetic resonance imaging. Material and Methods: We reviewed the radiology database for large joint tubercular arthritis cases over 2 years. In total, there were 21 patients. Male: female ratio was 11:10. The mean age was 34.14 ± 15.82 years with a range of 8–57 years. We diagnosed tuberculosis (TB) based on histopathological examination or response to antitubercular therapy. Results: Knee was most frequently involved (47%; n = 10) followed by wrist and elbow in 3 patients each (14.28%). Concomitant active pulmonary TB was absent in all of our patients. Grade I synovial thickening was seen in eight patients, Grade II in four, and Grade III in seven. It was uniform in all the cases. Grade 1 bone marrow edema was seen in 06 patients, Grade III in 13, and none in 02. There was soft-tissue edema in 12 patients and soft-tissue collection in 2. Bone erosions were seen in 16 patients with rim enhancement in nine patients. Central erosions were seen in eight, while central and peripheral erosions in eight. On T1-weighted images, the signal intensity was hyperintense 10 and isointense in 11 patients. While on T2-weighted images, it was hyperintense in 10, isointense in nine, and hypointense in two patients. Conclusion: Large joint monoarticular tuberculous arthritis can present variably. Large erosions with rim enhancement, the signal intensity of synovium on T1 weighted and T2 weighted, uniformity of synovial thickening, and enhancement pattern of abscesses can help make a diagnosis.