The Imaging Findings of Neuropathic Joint Disease Associated with Chiari Disease

Objective:To analyze the imaging findings of neuropathic joint disease caused by Chiari disease. Methods:The imaging data of 8 cases of neuropathic joint disease caused by Chiari disease were retrospectively analyzed. Results:All were Chiari disease complicated with syringomyelia, of them 3 cases after surgery for Chiari disease. 17 joints were involved, among them the shoulder in 11, the elbow in 6. Hyperplasia type in 7 joints, the imagings expressed as joint osteophyte formation and proliferation. Absorbent type in 10 joints, the imagings showed irregular articular surface of bone fragmentation, dissolution, bone marrow edema, nub presented papercut transformation. Two types could be associated with bone marrow edema (of them five parts involving the backbone), joint loose bodies and joint swelling, effusion. X-ray could show the joint dislocation, osteosclerosis and absorption. 16-slice CT combined with post-processing also could show the position and number of the loose bodies from multi-angle. MRI could accurately diagnose Chiari disease complicated with syringomyelia, the ability for MRI to display backbone edema is superior to X-ray and CT, the ability for water imaging sequence in MRI to show the small loose bodies within the joint effusion is superior to other examination. Conclusion:It is helpful for the diagnosis of neuropathic joint disease by Chiari disease with the combination of X-ray, CT and MRI.