Hemophilia Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Hemophilia, including details on genetics, causes, symptoms, blood transfusion.

Compatible scales for progressive and additive MRI assessments of haemophilic arthropathy.

Lundin B, Babyn P, Doria AS, Kilcoyne R, Ljung R, Miller S, Nuss R, Rivard GE, Pettersson H,

Department of Radiology, University Hospital of Lund, Lund, Sweden. bjorn.lundin@skane.se

The international MRI expert subgroup of the International Prophylaxis Study Group (IPSG) has developed a consensus for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scales for assessment of haemophilic arthropathy. A MRI scoring scheme including a 10 step progressive scale and a 20 step additive scale with identical definitions of mutual steps is presented. Using the progressive scale, effusion/haemarthrosis can correspond to progressive scores of 1, 2, or 3, and synovial hypertrophy and/or haemosiderin deposition to 4, 5, or 6. The progressive score can be 7 or 8 if there are subchondral cysts and/or surface erosions, and it is 9 or 10 if there is loss of cartilage. Using the additive scale, synovial hypertrophy contributes 1-3 points to the additive score and haemosiderin deposition contributes 1 point. For osteochondral changes, 16 statements are evaluated as to whether they are true or false, and each true statement contributes 1 point to the additive score. The use of these two compatible scales for progressive and additive MRI assessments can facilitate international comparison of data and enhance the accumulation of experience on MRI scoring of haemophilic arthropathy.

Published 6 April 2005 in Haemophilia, 11(2): 109-15.
Full-text of this article is available online (may require subscription).

© 2005-2008 Hemophilia Research Today. All Rights Reserved.