Role of MR Imaging in Diagnosis of Knee Intra and Peri-Articular Masses

El Said, Asmaa Yousef; Abd ELSamee, Rania Fathy; Khater, Hamada Mohamed

doi:10.21608/bmfj.2024.334580.2248

Role of MR Imaging in Diagnosis of Knee Intra and Peri-Articular Masses

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Lecturer of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine- Benha University

² Department of Radiodiagnosis Faculty of Medicine &ndash;Benha University

³ Assistant professor of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine –Benha University With the submission of this manuscript, we confirm that

10.21608/bmfj.2024.334580.2248

Abstract

Background: Intra-articular and peri-articular knee masses encompass a variety of non-infectious, infectious, vascular, neoplastic, and miscellaneous lesions. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive gold standard for evaluating knee lesions, offering high-resolution visualization of soft tissues and bone structures. Aim of the work: This study aims to evaluate the role of MRI in evaluation of knee intra and peri-articular masses. Subjects and methods: A total of 50 patients (mean age: 37.1 ± 17.7 years; 64% males) presenting with knee swelling, pain, or limited movement were referred for MRI evaluation. Standard MRI protocols, including sagittal, coronal, and axial views, were used. Diagnosis was confirmed via pathology and arthroscopy. Result: MRI diagnosed 46 out of 50 cases, with an overall sensitivity of 92%. Sensitivity varied by lesion type: non-infectious lesions (94.7%), infectious (75%), vascular (50%), neoplastic (80%), and miscellaneous (95%). MRI accurately diagnosed all cases of synovial osteochondromatosis and lipoma arborescens but misclassified some cases, such as TB arthritis and synovial hemangioma. Conclusion: MRI is highly sensitive for diagnosing knee intra- and peri-articular masses, particularly non-infectious and miscellaneous lesions. However, caution is warranted when diagnosing certain infectious and vascular lesions, where accuracy is lower.

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