Radiosynovectomy in hemophilic synovitis: correlation of therapeutic response and blood-pool changes.

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of 90Y and 186Re radiosynovectomy in patients with hemophilic synovitis. Methods: Radiosynovectomy was performed in 32 joints of 20 patients with hemophilic synovitis by using 90Y citrate colloid in the knee and 186Re sulfide colloid in the elbow, shoulder, and ankle. The indication for radiosynovectomy was the continuous presence of intra-articular blood or effusion and three or more hemorrhages into the same joint within the last 6 months. Response to therapy was first assessed at the 4th month with blood-pool imaging. Patients were followed up by clinical evaluation based on assessments of joint-bleeding frequency, using range of motion measurements at 6- month intervals for an average of 1 year (range, 9–15 months). Results: A marked decrease (an 80%–100% decrease) in bleeding episodes was seen in 24 of 32 (75%) joints, a moderate decrease (51%–79% decrease) in 1 (9%) joint, and a mild decrease (30%–50%) in 3 (13%) joints. Frequency of intra-arti...