New MRI Technique May Lead to Earlier Detection of Arthritis

New MRI imaging techniques that "light up" cartilage could lead to earlier detection of arthritis, according to researchers at the University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute.

"As arthritis progresses, the cartilage becomes thinner," said Gerald Rosen, research professor at the Institute.

He said the institute had already conducted animal studies of contrasting agents that will safely bind to joint cartilage.

"In MRI images, healthy cartilage 'light up' as (to) where our compounds bind and diffuse the cartilage. A physician would then determine the progression of the disease by simply following decrease in the intensity of the contrast media in the MR image," Rosen said.

The next step, Rosen said, will be to develop a clinical test, similar to those used for mammograms, to detect the disease early on, when therapy can be most effective. Early detection might ward off long-term disease damage as well as the need for heavy medication.

Other sources: University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute