OBJECTIVETo study the effectiveness of radiation synovectomy with (188)Re-sulfide.

METHODSTwenty rabbit models of joint synovitis were injected intra-articularly with different doses of (188)Re-sulfide from 7.4 to 37.0 MBq. By pathological examination, the effects of (188)Re-sulfide on synovium and cartilage were evaluated. Clinically, 10 joints of 7 cases of hemophilic arthritis with (188)Re-sulfide radiation synovectomy were performed. MRI was taken before and after the synovectomy to evaluate the treatment effects.

RESULTSIn rabbit models, when (188)Re-sulfide dose larger than 14.8 MBq, the radiation effect on synovitis was remarkable, including thinning the thickened synovium and reducing the inflammatory cells. When radio-activity dose increased to 37.0 MBq, pathological damage was noted in cartilage. Clinical trial demonstrated that radiation synovectomy by (188)Re-sulfide could reduce the frequencies of intra-articular hemorrhage. MRI showed that edema and villi reduced.

CONCLUSIONSRadiation synovectomy using (188)Re-sulfide is effective on synovitis in hemophilic arthritis.

Animals ; Chlorides ; therapeutic use ; Disease Models, Animal ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hemophilia A ; complications ; Humans ; Injections, Intra-Articular ; Rabbits ; Rhenium ; therapeutic use ; Ruthenium Radioisotopes ; therapeutic use ; Sulfides ; Synovial Membrane ; radiation effects ; Synovitis ; etiology ; pathology ; radiotherapy