[Quantitatively evaluated dynamic magnetic resonance tomography in chronic polyarthritis of the knee joint. A therapeutic follow-up after intra-articular cortisone application].

32 patients with chronic polyarthritis were examined by MRT. Following intra-articular application of 25 mg prednisolone, 18 patients were re-examined after two of three weeks and 7 out of 18 patients were re-examined after 8 to 16 weeks, both by MRT and clinically. After an initial double echo sequence, we carried out a dynamic series of FLASH measurements (TR 30, TE 10 ms, 70 degrees) following an intravenous bolus of 0.1 mmol gadolinium-DTPA. Single intensity-time curves were treated quantitatively in relation to the pannus, muscles and effusions. Two or three weeks after treatment the curve parameters showed a reduction in pannus vascularisation which remained constant for the 8 to 16 weeks of further observation. Contrast diffusion in the pannus is initially reduced but approaches the early measurements at the time of the second examination.