Magnetic resonance imaging visualization of hemorrhage into a suprapatellar pouch in a child with hemophilia.

PURPOSE

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used for evaluation of refractory joint swelling in a 7-year-old boy with hemophilia.

PATIENT AND METHODS

This patient with no evidence of an inhibitory had refractory left knee swelling despite receiving appropriate factor VIII concentrate infusions.

RESULTS

A plain radiograph showed soft tissue swelling and a calcification in the left suprapatellar region. On MRI a discrete suprapatellar pouch could be detected and was subsequently surgically resected.

CONCLUSION

We believe that MRI should be considered when evaluating children with hemophilia who have refractory joint swelling and no evidence of an inhibitor.