ABSTRACT
Hemophilia leads to recurrent bleeding episodes in joints resulting in a severe destructive
arthropathy in many cases. Staging of hemophilic joint disease is important for identifying
the site of bleeding and planning appropriate therapy. However, classification systems
based on plain X-ray findings have been insensitive at detecting the earlier, possibly
reversible, changes of synovial hyperplasia. They may also underestimate the severity
of cartilage damage. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been shown to more accurately
assess a hemophilic joint. Tentative hemophilic arthropathy scales based on MRI findings
are being developed. Hopefully, use of these scales will result in more consistent
assessment of hemophilic joints and facilitate development of more targeted treatment
and thus prevent or delay the later, destructive changes in the articular cartilage
and bone.
KEYWORD
Hemophilia - MRI - synovitis - classification systems - joint disease
