REVIEW - Role of radiosynovectomy in the treatment of RA and hemophilic arthropathies

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Biomed Imaging Interv J 2007; 3(4):e45

doi: 10.2349/biij.3.4.e45

© 2007 Biomedical Imaging and Intervention Journal

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Review Article

Role of radiosynovectomy in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and

hemophilic arthropathies

BK Das, MD, FAR, ANM

Department of Nuclear Medicine, Radiotherapy and Oncology, School of

Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia

Abstract

Radiosynovectomy is a novel method of treatment for several acute and

chronic inflammatory joint disorders. A small amount of a

beta-emitting radionuclide is injected into the affected joint

delivering a radiation dose of 70 to 100 Gy to the synovia. The

proliferative tissue is destroyed, secretion of fluid and accumulation

of inflammation causing cellular compounds stops and the joint

surfaces become fibrosed, providing long term symptom relief. The

radionuclides are injected in colloidal form so that they remain in

the synovium and are not transported by lymphatic vessels causing

radiation exposure to other organs. Complete reduction of knee joint

swelling has been seen in above 40% and pain relief in 88% of

patients. Wrist, elbow, shoulder, ankle and hip joints showed

significant improvement in 50-60% and restoration of normal function

and long term pain relief has been achieved in about 70% of small

finger joints. In hemophilic arthropathies complete cessation of

bleeding in about 60% and improved mobility in 75% of patients has

been reported.

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Read the entire article here:

http://www.biij.org/2007/4/e45/

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