Magnetic resonance imaging guided corticosteroid injection of the sacroiliac joints in patients with therapy resistant spondyloarthropathy: a pilot study.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) guided corticosteroid injections of inflamed sacroiliac (SI) joints in patients with spondyloarthropathy with therapy resistant sacroiliitis.

METHODS:

We performed 16 injections in 9 patients on an outpatient basis (6 men, 3 women, mean age at onset 24.7 +/- 7.5 yrs). All patients had MRI guided injection of 40 mg triamcinolone acetonide into SI joints using an open 0.2 Tesla unit. Before and 3 months after corticosteroid injection they underwent an MRI examination with a closed 1.5 Tesla unit.

RESULTS:

Seven of 9 patients reported subjective improvement that lasted at least a mean of 10.8 +/- 5.6 months. Subchondral bone marrow edema on fat suppressed images resolved in 8 patients after corticosteroid injection.

CONCLUSION:

MRI guided corticosteroid injection of SI joints appears to be an effective and safe procedure without exposure to radiation. It is a useful therapeutic modality, especially in young patients with severe isolated sacroiliitis.

• Authors: I Günaydin, P L Pereira, T Daikeler, M Mohren, J Trübenbach, F Schick, L Kanz, I Kötter
• Journal: The Journal of rheumatology (J Rheumatol) Vol. 27 Issue 2 Pg. 424-8 (Feb 2000) ISSN: 0315-162X [Print] Canada
• PMID: 10685809 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Adrenal Cortex Hormones

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adrenal Cortex Hormones (administration & dosage)
• Adult
• Arthritis (drug therapy, pathology)
• Child
• Drug Resistance
• Female
• Humans
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• Male
• Pilot Projects
• Radiography
• Sacroiliac Joint (diagnostic imaging, drug effects)