Amyloid arthropathy of the hip joint: MR demonstration of presumed amyloid lesions in 152 patients with long-term hemodialysis

Eur Radiol. 1998;8(8):1352-6. doi: 10.1007/s003300050550.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the spectrum of MR findings of presumed amyloid arthropathy of the hip joints in patients on long-term hemodialysis. We prospectively performed T1- and T2-weighted spin-echo imaging on 152 consecutive patients on hemodialysis. The duration of hemodialysis ranged from 5 months to 24 years, 2 months (mean: 8 years, 8 months). The frequency, location, and signal intensity of bone lesions were assessed. In 12 cases with contrast-enhanced MR examination, enhancement pattern of bone lesions, synovial lesions, and intra-articular lesions were characterized. Bone lesions presumed to be amyloid deposits were identified in 60 patients (39%). Magnetic resonance imaging revealed that amyloid lesions were more extensive than anticipated by plain radiographs. All bone lesions showed decreased signal intensity on T1-weighted images. On T2-weighted images, bone lesions showed increased signal intensity in 32 patients (54%), decreased signal intensity in 11 patients (18%), and both increased and decreased signal intensity in 17 patients (28%). Following intravenous injection of gadolinium-based contrast, all bone lesions showed moderate enhancement. Synovial thickening could not be identified on T1- and T2-weighted images. However, contrast-enhanced images showed thickened synovial membrane, which could be differentiated from joint fluid. Intra-articular nodules showed decreased or intermediate signal intensity on T1-weighted images and decreased signal intensity on T2-weighted images; the intra-articular nodules were contiguous with subchondral bone lesions. Magnetic resonance imaging is useful for evaluating the distribution and extent of amyloidosis of the hip joints in patients undergoing long-term hemodialysis.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Amyloidosis / diagnosis*
  • Amyloidosis / etiology
  • Cartilage, Articular / pathology
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Hip Joint / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Infusions, Intravenous
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Osteoarthritis, Hip / diagnosis*
  • Osteoarthritis, Hip / etiology
  • Prospective Studies
  • Renal Dialysis / adverse effects*
  • Renal Insufficiency / therapy
  • Synovial Membrane / pathology