[Magnetic resonance imaging in rheumatology]. / Apport de l'imagerie par résonance magnétique en rhumatologie.

The authors report their experience with magnetic resonance imaging in rheumatology, established on more than 250 examinations. The method seems interesting for the study of discal and somatic spine diseases, and especially for the evaluation of tumor extension, the diagnosis of herniated disc, the diagnosis of spondylodiscitis, the exploration of the cervico-occipital joint. As compared to tomodensitometry, this method presents at the same time advantages and drawbacks. Peripherally, magnetic resonance imaging is useful for the exploration of bony tumors and evaluation of their extension. It gives excellent images of the knees and the hips where it seems to improve the results of tomodensitometry and bony scintigraphy in the diagnosis of osteonecrosis. It is likely that advances will broaden the scope of the indications and capabilities of this method.

[Heparin treatment. Comparison between intravenous and subcutaneous administration]. / Traitement héparinique. comparaison entre les voies d'administration intraveineuse et sous-cutanée.

48 patients with acute deep venous thrombosis of the lower limbs were treated with sodium heparin. In 23 patients heparin was injected subcutaneously (s.c.) twice a day and in 25 patients heparin was given by continuous intravenous perfusion (i.v.). Pain and edema disappeared after 8.7 days (s.c.) and 11.7 days (i.v.) respectively. One non fatal pulmonary embolism occurred in each group. A second venography was performed in 24 patients after 7 days of treatment and revealed no difference between the two groups. As judged by repeated thrombin time determination, anticoagulation was ineffective on at least one day in 39% of patients treated subcutaneously and in 60% of patients treated intravenously. The two pulmonary embolisms occurred in patients with ineffective anticoagulation. It is concluded that heparin may be used either intravenously or subcutaneously in the treatment of acute deep venous thrombosis. Thromboembolic complications occurred with both methods of treatment when anticoagulation was ineffective.