HIGH RESOLUTION WRIST MR ARTHROGRAPHY AT 1.5 T

MR arthrography of the wrist is a valuable tool for the diagnosis and evaluation of a wide spectrum of acute and chronic articular disorders. The method has the potential of replacing diagnostic arthroscopy for the evaluation of the triangular fibrocartilage complex and the intrinsic and extrinsic ligaments. High resolution MR imaging with a dedicated coil is essential for detecting partial thickness tears. Abnormalities, such as leakage of injected contrast agent from one compartment into another are common in asymptomatic subjects. An optimal communication concerning clinical symptoms between the radiologist and referring clinician is essential not to overreport abnormalities without clinical importance. Awareness of normal variants and pitfalls is essential. Combining iodinated and gadolinium based contrast agents for MR arthrography may have additional value.