This study was undertaken to analyze the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in the clinically asymptomatic neuropathic feet of leprosy patients. Since in the literature no MRI data are available concerning the asymptomatic neuropathic foot in leprosy, the interpretation of MRI examinations in clinically suspected neuropathic feet in leprosy is difficult. We examined 10 adult leprosy patients with clinically asymptomatic neuropathic feet. Inclusion criteria were a normal or near normal neuropathic foot, without signs of inflammation. All patients underwent an MRI protocol with the inclusion of two-point Dixon chemical shift imaging as fat suppression sequence. We found MRI changes in almost all patients. The most striking were the changes located in the region of the first metacarpophalangeal (MTP) joint. These changes ranged from degradation and interruption of the subcutaneous fat to effusion/synovitis in the first MTP joint. This study reveals significant MRI changes in clinically asymptomatic neuropathic feet in patients with leprosy. These changes may relate to the development of ulcerations. MRI may play an important role in detecting feet at risk and may influence clinical decision making.
BT - International journal of leprosy and other mycobacterial diseases : official organ of the International Leprosy Association C1 - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11875766?dopt=Abstract DA - 2001 Sep IS - 3 J2 - Int. J. Lepr. Other Mycobact. Dis. LA - eng N2 -This study was undertaken to analyze the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in the clinically asymptomatic neuropathic feet of leprosy patients. Since in the literature no MRI data are available concerning the asymptomatic neuropathic foot in leprosy, the interpretation of MRI examinations in clinically suspected neuropathic feet in leprosy is difficult. We examined 10 adult leprosy patients with clinically asymptomatic neuropathic feet. Inclusion criteria were a normal or near normal neuropathic foot, without signs of inflammation. All patients underwent an MRI protocol with the inclusion of two-point Dixon chemical shift imaging as fat suppression sequence. We found MRI changes in almost all patients. The most striking were the changes located in the region of the first metacarpophalangeal (MTP) joint. These changes ranged from degradation and interruption of the subcutaneous fat to effusion/synovitis in the first MTP joint. This study reveals significant MRI changes in clinically asymptomatic neuropathic feet in patients with leprosy. These changes may relate to the development of ulcerations. MRI may play an important role in detecting feet at risk and may influence clinical decision making.
PY - 2001 SP - 219 EP - 24 T2 - International journal of leprosy and other mycobacterial diseases : official organ of the International Leprosy Association TI - MRI in clinically asymptomatic neuropathic leprosy feet: a baseline study. UR - http://ila.ilsl.br/pdfs/v69n3a06.pdf VL - 69 SN - 0148-916X ER -