Rheumatoid arthritis - elbow

Case contributed by Henry Knipe
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Pain and swelling.

Patient Data

Age: 50 years
Gender: Female
mri

Moderate joint effusion with prominent synovial thickening and hyperenhancement of both the elbow and proximal radioulnar joints. Bone marrow edema signal in the lateral humeral condyle and radial neck. Articular cartilage is preserved.

Mild entheseal edema and enhancement (i.e. enthesitis) at the lateral collateral ligament with cortical roughening but no erosion. Medial collateral ligament is intact.

Common extensor tendinosis with a deep partial tear measuring up to 8 mm. Common flexor origin is intact. Biceps and triceps tendon insertions are intact.

Case Discussion

This is a patient with a known history of rheumatoid arthritis with the MRI demonstrating marked synovitis and osteitis with enthesitis of the radial collateral ligament. No joint erosions are seen.

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.