Mixed OA/RA knee arthropathy

Case contributed by Mohamed Mahmoud Elthokapy
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Knee pain and large swelling at the back of the knee and posterior upper leg. No history of trauma

Patient Data

Age: 40 years
Gender: Male
mri

Moderate intra-articular joint effusion with large medial popliteal cyst (Baker's cyst).

Diffuse thickening of the synovial lining of the knee joint more at supra-patellar recess.

Small osteochondral ulcers and erosions involving medial tibiofemoral condyles and lateral tibial condylar and patellar articular surfaces.

Rather thickened outline of the ACL with intra-substance bands of altered signal intensity suggesting its mucoid degeneration.

Markedly attenuated both menisci (involving body and horns) with fraying edges and intra-substance signal alteration.

Small left femoral condyle patchy subchondral marrow edema eliciting bright STIR signal.

Multiple popliteal fossae rounded and oblong-shaped lymph nodes likely reactive.

Case Discussion

This case presents features of both OA and RA, including mild synovitis, joint effusion, cartilage loss as well as a large Baker's cyst.

Serological results revealed positive rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-CCP as well as elevated ESR and CRP.

Findings are suggestive of mixed knee osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis (RA)

How to use cases

You can use Radiopaedia cases in a variety of ways to help you learn and teach.

Creating your own cases is easy.

Updating… Please wait.

 Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.

 Thank you for updating your details.