Diagnosis of haemophilic synovitis

• Published in: Haemophilia : the official journal of the World Federation of Hemophilia Vol. 13; no. s3; pp. 14 - 19
• Main Authors: GODDARD, N. J., MANN, H.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford, UK Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01-11-2007
• Subjects: Cartilage, Articular - physiopathology; computed tomography; diagnosis; Diagnostic Imaging - instrumentation; Diagnostic Imaging - methods; Female; haemophilia; Hemarthrosis - diagnosis; Hemarthrosis - physiopathology; Hemophilia A - diagnosis; Hemophilia A - physiopathology; Humans; magnetic resonance imaging; Male; synovitis; Synovitis - diagnosis; Synovitis - physiopathology
• ISSN: 1351-8216; 1365-2516
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2516.2007.01535.x

The pathophysiology of haemophilic synovitis is complex and not as well understood on a molecular level as we have thought. The repeated bleeding episodes and synovial hypertrophy occurring within the joint. Iron and other red‐cell debris are phagocytized, and hydrolytic enzymes are produced leading to the destruction of articular cartilage is a simplistic model. However, how iron stimulates this destructive cascade remains speculative and poorly understood. Diagnostic options include radiographic examination using horizontal beam technique, which may reveal a fat blood fluid level, and computed tomography scanning or magnetic resonance imaging.