Question

These sagittal T2 (left) and T1 (right) images show the elbow of a 34 year old woman with rheumatoid arthritis. Comparing T1 and T2 characteristics and identify the tissues/ phenomena identified by A-D. A) Biceps muscle. B) Bone marrow edema. C) Synovial lining. D) Joint fluid. A) Subcutaneous fat. B) Areas of increased osseous density. C) Synovial proliferation. D) Joint fluid. A) Subcutaneous fat. B) Bone marrow edema. C) Synovial proliferation. D) Joint fluid. A) Subcutaneous fat. B) Bone marrow edema. C) Intraarticular fat. D) Joint fluid.

Answer 1

In MRI imaging of a patient with rheumatoid arthritis, subcutaneous fat appears bright on T1 and T2, bone marrow edema is bright on T2 and dark on T1, synovial proliferation may be seen on T2, and joint fluid is typically bright on T2 images.

Step-by-step explanation:

On sagittal T2 (water/ fluid sensitive) and T1 (fat sensitive) weighted MRI images of the elbow in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis, various tissues and phenomena can be identified:

• A) Subcutaneous fat: Appears bright on both T1 and T2 images due to its high fat content.
• B) Bone marrow edema: Shows up as a bright signal on T2 images and is dark on T1 images, suggesting inflammation or increased fluid content within the bone marrow.
• C) Synovial proliferation: Due to rheumatoid arthritis, there can be an increase in the thickness of the synovial lining, which might appear more prominent on T2 images.
• D) Joint fluid: Increased joint fluid due to inflammation is typically bright on T2 images and can be dark or intermediate on T1 images.

MRI imaging is invaluable in assessing joint conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. It can delineate soft tissue and bone marrow changes not visible on X-rays, helping in the early detection and treatment of the disease.