Correlation between radiation dose, synovial thickness, and efficacy of radiosynoviorthesis.

Abstract

1. We observed a significantly higher radiation absorbed dose to the lymph nodes and lower dose to the synovia in the absence of joint immobilization. Immobilization of the joint is essential. 2. At 2 months after treatment, a significant reduction of blood pool activity and synovial swelling was observed, with further improvement in the following months, especially in the finger joints. 3. There is a strong correlation between the reduction of blood pool activity, synovial swelling, and improvement of pain.