Exploring contrast-enhanced MRI findings of the clinically non-inflamed symptomatic pediatric wrist

BACKGROUND: Knowledge of the synovial and tenosynovial appearance of the clinically non-arthritic symptomatic juvenile wrist using contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is sparse. OBJECTIVES: To analyze contrast-enhanced MRI findings of the clinically non-inflamed symptomatic pediatric wrist, focusing on the enhancing synovial and tenosynovial membrane. To evaluate the coexistent presence of (teno)synovial enhancement, joint fluid, bony depressions and medullary changes suggestive of bone marrow edema. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We included 20 children (15 girls; age range: 7.5–17.6 years) who underwent contrast-enhanced MRI of the wrist, based on initial clinical indication, and eventually turned out to be unaffected by arthritic or orthopedic disorders. Various imaging characteristics of the synovium, tenosynovium, joint fluid, bone tissue and bone marrow were evaluated using existing MRI scoring systems. RESULTS: In 3/20 (15%) children, mild or moderate-severe synovial enhancement was observed and 2/20 (10%) children showed mild tenosynovial enhancement/thickening. Joint fluid (11/20 children; 55%), bony depressions (20/20 children; 100%) and medullary changes suggestive of bone marrow edema (6/20; 30%) were found in a substantial percentage of children. The most frequently observed combination of coexisting imaging characteristics was bony depressions with ≥2 mm joint fluid, which was found in 7/20 (35%) children. Simultaneous presence of synovial and tenosynovial enhancement/thickening, bony depressions and medullary changes suggestive of bone marrow edema was observed in one child. CONCLUSION: Several juvenile idiopathic arthritis-relevant MRI characteristics can be observed in the clinically non-inflamed symptomatic pediatric wrist. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (10.1007/s00247-020-04739-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.