Commentary
Peripheral Joint Imaging in Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis*
Abstract
AbstractThe pattern of isotope distribution using technetium 99m pertechnetate (99mTcO4—) in peripheral joints is evaluated in 21 children with known juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and seven with probable disease, and correlation is made with physical findings, x-ray films, and laboratory data. Joints most commonly involved in the former group (in order of decreasing frequency) were knees, wrists, ankles, elbows, hands, shoulders, and feet. Abnormal scans were obtained with equal frequency on each side of the body. In the five patients with probable disease, all abnormal joints were in the lower extremities. Normal prepubertal localization of technetium 99m pertechnetate in areas of new bone growth is described. Peripheral joint scanning is a simple, useful technic requiring a low radiation dose which provides detection and documentation of inflammatory processes affecting the joints even before they may be evident clinically or radiographically. Peripheral joint scanning and radiographic joint studies should be considered as complementary procedures.This content is limited to qualifying members.
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