Upper extremity infection: imaging features with focus on magnetic resonance imaging.

Upper extremity infections are frequently seen, especially in individuals with weakened immune system, posttraumatic events, and after surgery procedures. If not properly treated, such conditions can lead to serious consequences, such as movement impairment, amputation, and even mortality. These infections have the potential to spread extensively from their initial site of entry, traversing interconnected spaces either intra or extra-compartmental. Understanding the relevant anatomy is crucial to assess location and stage of infection, since surgical intervention and intravenous antibiotics are usually required. In this article, the authors provide a comprehensive review of the imaging findings of upper extremity infection, focusing on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Furthermore, this article sheds light on the pivotal role of radiology in managing hand, elbow, and shoulder infections offering an overview of available treatment options. KEY FINDINGS: Various types of infections affecting the upper extremity will be discussed, including infectious tenosynovitis, deep space infections, septic arthritis, and osteomyelitis. Authors also highlight anatomical spaces, common pathogens, spread routes, and key radiological features of these conditions.

MRI findings of closed hand injuries in adolescent goalkeepers: a case-based review.

Soccer-related injuries in youth goalkeepers are underrepresented in epidemiological studies, despite goalkeepers experiencing distinct types of upper limb injuries and training loads compared to outfield players. Digit injuries are particularly prevalent, with up to five times more upper extremity injuries reported in this position. Such injuries can lead to interphalangeal joint instability and an increased risk of reinjury. Mechanisms of injury include falls, axial loading of digits, and rotational force due to grasping activities. The proximal interphalangeal joint is the most frequently injured in sports, followed by the metacarpophalangeal joint of the thumb. Achieving precise diagnosis can be challenging due to the complex soft-tissue anatomy of the hand. Radiologists play a crucial role in accurate diagnosis through imaging studies, enabling timely treatment. This article focuses on closed traumatic finger and thumb injuries in adolescent goalkeepers, describing injury mechanisms and outlining relevant MRI features to facilitate proper clinical approaches for diagnosis based on imaging findings.

Bilateral pectoralis major MRI in weightlifters: findings of the non-injured side versus age-matched asymptomatic athletes.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of the contralateral side in weightlifting athletes with pectoralis major (PM) tears. We hypothesized that MRI of the non-injured side may present increased pectoralis major tendon (PMT) length and thickness and greater pectoralis major muscle (PMM) volume and cross-sectional area when compared with the control group. METHODS: We retrospectively identified MRI cases with unilateral PM injury and reviewed imaging findings of the contralateral side. Also, we evaluated MRI from ten asymptomatic control weightlifting athletes, with PM imaging from both sides. Two musculoskeletal radiologists independently reviewed MRI and measured PMT length, PMT thickness, PMM volume (PMM-vol) and PMM cross-sectional area (PMM-CSA), as well as humeral shaft cross-sectional area (Hum-CSA) and the ratio between PMM-CSA and Hum-CSA (PMM-CSA/Hum-CSA). Data were compared between the non-injured side and controls. The MRI protocol from both groups was the same and included T1 FSE and T2 FATSAT axial, coronal, and sagittal images, one side at a time. RESULTS: We identified 36 male subjects with unilateral PM injury with mean age 35.7 ± 8 years and 10 age- and gender-matched controls (p = 0.45). A total of 36 PM MRI with non-injured PM and 20 PM MRI studies were included in this study. PMT length and PMT thickness were significantly higher in contralateral PM injury versus control subjects (both P < 0.001). Also, PM-CSA and Hum-CSA were greater in the contralateral PM injury group (P = 0.032 and P < 0.001, respectively). PMT thickness > 2.95 mm had 80.6% sensitivity and 90.0% specificity to differentiate the non-injured PM group from controls. CONCLUSION: Non-injured side MR imaging of patients with previous contralateral PM lesion demonstrates greater PMT thickness and length as well as PM-CSA and Hum-CSA than controls.

Rho-kinase pathway activation and apoptosis in circulating leucocytes in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction.

BACKGROUND: Increased Rho-kinase activity in circulating leucocytes is observed in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). However, there is little information in HFrEF regarding other Rho-kinase pathway components an on the relationship between Rho-kinase and apoptosis. Here, Rho-kinase activation levels and phosphorylation of major downstream molecules and apoptosis levels were measured for the first time both in HFrEF patients and healthy individuals. METHODS: Cross-sectional study comparing HFrEF patients (n = 20) and healthy controls (n = 19). Rho-kinase activity in circulating leucocytes (peripheral blood mononuclear cells, PBMCs) was determined by myosin light chain phosphatase 1 (MYPT1) and ezrin-radixin-moesin (ERM) phosphorylation. Rho-kinase cascade proteins phosphorylation p38-MAPK, myosin light chain-2, JAK and JNK were also analysed along with apoptosis. RESULTS: MYPT1 and ERM phosphorylation were significantly elevated in HFrEF patients, (3.9- and 4.8-fold higher than in controls, respectively). JAK phosphorylation was significantly increased by 300% over controls. Phosphorylation of downstream molecules p38-MAPK and myosin light chain-2 was significantly higher by 360% and 490%, respectively, while JNK phosphorylation was reduced by 60%. Catecholamine and angiotensin II levels were significantly higher in HFrEF patients, while angiotensin-(1-9) levels were lower. Apoptosis in circulating leucocytes was significantly increased in HFrEF patients by 2.8-fold compared with controls and significantly correlated with Rho-kinase activation. CONCLUSION: Rho-kinase pathway is activated in PMBCs from HFrEF patients despite optimal treatment, and it is closely associated with neurohormonal activation and with apoptosis. ROCK cascade inhibition might induce clinical benefits in HFrEF patients, and its assessment in PMBCs could be useful to evaluate reverse remodelling and disease regression.

Rho kinase cascade activation in circulating leukocytes in patients with diabetes mellitus type 2.

BACKGROUND: The intracellular ROCK signaling pathway is an important modulator of blood pressure and of cardiovascular and renal remodeling when Rho-kinase activity is increased. Besides, in preclinical models of diabetes, ROCK activation has also a role in abnormal glucose metabolism as well as in subsequent vascular and myocardial dysfunction. In humans, there are a few data assessing ROCK activation in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) and no studies assessing upstream/downstream components of the ROCK pathway. We assessed here levels of ROCK activation and some of the RhoA/ROCK cascade molecules in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in T2D patients under current treatment. METHODS: Cross-sectional observational study comparing 28 T2D patients under current antidiabetic treatment with 31 consecutive healthy subjects, matched by age and gender. Circulating levels of malondialdehyde, angiotensin II and inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-8 were determined in all subjects. ROCK activation in PMBCs, upstream and downstream cascade proteins, and levels of the proinflammatory molecules VCAM, ICAM-1 and IL-8 were determined in their PMBCs by Western blot. RESULTS: Compared to healthy controls, ROCK activation in T2D patients measured by 2 direct ROCK targets in PBMCs was increased by 420 and 570% (p < 0001) and it correlated significantly with serum glucose levels. p38 MAPK phosphorylation (downstream from ROCK) and JAK-2 (upstream from ROCK) were significantly higher in the T2D patients by 580% and 220%, respectively. In T2D patients, significantly increased PBMC levels of the proinflammatory molecules VCAM-1, ICAM-1 and IL-8 were observed compared to control subjects (by 180%, 360% and 260%, respectively). Circulating levels of Ang II and MDA were significantly higher in T2D patients by 29 and 63%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: T2D patients under treatment with glucose-lowering drugs, antihypertensive treatment as well as with statins have significantly increased ROCK activation in their circulating leukocytes along with higher phosphorylation of downstream cascade proteins despite pharmacologic treatment, along with increased plasma angiotensin II and MDA levels. ROCK inhibition might have an additional role in the prevention and treatment of T2D.

Sonographically guided botulinum toxin injections in patients with neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome: correlation with surgical outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: We examined the role of botulinum toxin (BTX) injections of anterior scalene (AS) and pectoralis minor (PM) muscles in patients undergoing surgery for neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome (NTOS). We hypothesized that symptomatic improvement from BTX injections correlates with favorable long-term response to surgery for NTOS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act compliant study was approved by the institutional review board and prior informed consent requirement was waived. We retrospectively analyzed prospectively acquired data in NTOS patients who underwent sonographically guided chemodenervation of AS and PM using BTX type A followed by scalenectomy and first rib resection. Overall responses to BTX injections and surgery were recorded after each procedure. Statistical analyses were performed to determine correlation between responses to BTX injections and surgery. RESULTS: In 157 patients, 178 BTX injections followed by surgery were identified (114 females; mean age 38 ± 13 years). Responders and non-responders to BTX injections and surgery had similar preoperative symptom duration and age (P > 0.14). Better response to BTX injections correlated positively with better response to surgery (P = 0.003), persisting after adjustment for age, gender, and symptom duration (P = 0.03). A high proportion of responders to BTX injections also responded to surgery (positive predictive value of 99%), and BTX injections showed high specificity (90%). BTX injections were moderately sensitive (66%) and accurate (67%) to determine surgical response and had low negative predictive value (14%). CONCLUSION: Response to BTX injections correlates positively with long-term surgical outcome in subjects with NTOS, potentially playing an important role in patient management.

Humeral stress fracture in a female CrossFit athlete: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Humeral stress fractures are rare injuries usually related to sports practice and joint overload without a direct trauma. A proximal humeral stress fracture has never been reported in a CrossFit athlete. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a stress fracture in the humerus of a 22-year-old woman after intense CrossFit training. Patient's previous medical history included amenorrhea and reduced Vitamin D levels. The patient was treated conservatively and resumed CrossFit training after she was advised not to until follow up imaging. CONCLUSIONS: We present the MRI features of the case and emphasize the difficulties in diagnosis due to multiple possible causes of shoulder pain in a CrossFit athlete and by negative findings on early radiographs. Hormonal variations, Vitamin D insufficiency and the patient's attitude towards exercise were important factors that contributed for the stress injury after weight-lifting in CrossFit.

Correction to: Humeral stress fracture in a female CrossFit athlete: a case report.

It has been brought to our attention that the article [1] in reference [7] Smith MM, Sommer AJ, Starkoff BE, Devor ST. Crossfit-based high-intensity power training improves maximal aerobic fitness and body composition. J Strength Cond Res. 2013;27(11):3159-72 was retracted in October 2017. At the time of the submission of the manuscript the authors were not aware of the retraction and legal implications related to this reference. Therefore, the authors do not support the findings of the retracted article such as that CrossFit has "an apparent disproportionate musculoskeletal injury risk, especially for novice participants". The overall conclusions of the case report are not affected by this erratum.

Evaluation of Audiovisual Reports to Enhance Traditional Emergency Musculoskeletal Radiology Reports.

Traditional radiology reports are narrative texts that include a description of imaging findings. Recent implementation of advanced reporting software allows for incorporation of annotated key images and hyperlinks directly into text reports, but these tools usually do not substitute in-person consultations with radiologists, especially in challenging cases. Use of on-demand audio/visual reports with screen capture software is an emerging technology, providing a more engaged imaging service. Our study evaluates a video reporting tool that utilizes PACS integrated screen capture software for musculoskeletal imaging studies in the emergency department. Our hypothesis is that referring orthopedic surgeons would find that recorded audio/video reports add value to conventional reports, may increase engagement with radiology staff, and also facilitate understanding of imaging findings from urgent musculoskeletal cases. Seven radiologists prepared a total of 47 audiovisual reports for 9 attending orthopedic surgeons from the emergency department. We applied two surveys to evaluate the experience of the referring physicians using audio/visual reports as a complementary material from the conventional text report. Positive responses were statistically significant in most questions including: if the clinical suspicion was answered in the video; willingness to use such technology in other cases; if the audiovisual report made the imaging findings more understandable than the traditional report; and if the audiovisual report is faster to understand than the traditional text report. Use of audiovisual reports in emergency musculoskeletal cases is a new approach to evaluate potentially challenging cases. These results support the potential of this technology to re-establish the radiologist's role as an essential member of patient care and also provide more engaging, precise, and personalized reports. Further studies could streamline these methods in order to minimize work redundancy with traditional text reporting or even evaluate acceptance of using only audiovisual radiology reports. Additionally, widespread adoption would require integration with the entire radiology workflow including non-urgent cases and other medical specialties.

MRI of pectoralis major tears: association between ancillary findings and tear severity.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the significance of biceps tendon (BT) displacement and peri-bicipital hematoma on MRI in subjects with pectoralis major (PM) tears. We hypothesized that these features might be associated with tear severity at surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively identified MRI cases with PM injury and reviewed clinical, imaging, and surgical records. MR images were reviewed independently by two musculoskeletal radiologists to determine anterior displacement of BT (BT-disp, in mm) and the presence of triangular-shaped peri-bicipital hematoma. Data were compared with an age- and sex-matched control group and correlated with surgical reports grouped by tear severity. RESULTS: We identified 46 subjects with PM injury (43 men, 3 women; mean age 34 ± 9 years), 26 of whom underwent surgical reconstruction, and 20 matched controls (P > 0.2). BT-disp was significantly higher in PM injury vs controls (P = 0.003), and in tendon vs myotendinous (MT) junction PM tears (P < 0.0001); however, MT junction tears vs controls were similar (P = 0.98). Higher BT-disp and presence of peri-bicipital hematoma correlated significantly with surgical reports describing full-thickness complete tears. BT-disp > 4.5 mm had 86% sensitivity and 75% specificity to detect the most severe tears on surgical reports, whereas the presence of peri-bicipital hematoma was the strongest predictor among both parameters. CONCLUSION: Anterior BT displacement and peri-bicipital hematoma are helpful indicators of full-thickness complete tears at the humeral insertion.

Botulinum Toxin Injections in Musculoskeletal Disorders.

Botulinum toxin (BTX) is used for multiple clinical indications due to its ability to induce temporary chemodenervation and muscle paralysis. This property has supported its application in treating a variety of musculoskeletal conditions, especially those involving muscular hyperactivity and contractures such as cerebral palsy and dystonia. However, off-label use of BTX injection in other musculoskeletal disorders is gaining increased acceptance, such as in neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome, epicondylitis, and shoulder pain after stroke. This review discusses the mechanism of action, best practices, and current indications of BTX injections in the musculoskeletal system. We also discuss the state of the science regarding BTX injections for musculoskeletal disorders and the available evidence supporting its use.

Surgical treatment of patients with chronic rupture of the pectoralis major muscle tendon. Prospective comparative study with 2 years of follow-up.

To compare outcomes between autologous fascia lata and autologous hamstring grafts for chronic pectoralis major muscle (PMM) rupture repair, and perform histological, and imaging analyses. Forty male patients with chronic PMM ruptures (time since injury ranging from >3 months to 5 years) and a mean age of 37.3 years (SD = 9.7 years) were evaluated. One group (20 patients) received an autologous semitendinosus graft, and another group (20 patients) received an autologous fascia lata graft for PMM reconstruction. These patients with fascia lata grafts by Bak 2criterium 60% of the patients presented excellent results, 20% presented good results, 15% presented fair results, and 5% presented poor results. In the hamstring group 65% of the patients presented excellent results, 30% presented good results, and 5% presented fair results. In this comparative study, no difference was observed regarding the functional result, image, and histology between groups.

Anabolic steroids and the evaluation of patients with acute PM tendon rupture using microscopy and MRI.

This study presented a pioneering investigation of the changes in the magnetic resonance imaging images of pectoralis major muscle (PMM) tendon rupture. In all, 26 men were evaluated with acute total PMM rupture (<3 months since injury) with a mean age of 37.3 years (SD = 9.7 years) and 10 control patients with a mean age of 32.6 years (SD = 4.2 years). The evaluation of the tendon PMM injuries was based on the magnetic resonance imaging exam and the histological analysis. The magnetic resonance imaging of the surgically showed two (7.1%) contralateral sides were normal, 16 (57.1%) showed superior tendinopathy, and 10 (35.7%) had total tendinopathy. Inferior tendinopathy was not observed. The tendon histology revealed degenerative changes in 16 (66.7%) fragments, with 12 (50.0%) considered as mild (<25%), and four considered as (16.7%) high (>50.0%) tendinopathy. Total acute rupture of the PMM tendon among weightlifters might be associated with tendinous degeneration prior to injury.

Positive association between aldosterone-renin ratio and carotid intima-media thickness in hypertensive children.

INTRODUCTION: From an early age, hypertension can damage blood vessels through multiple mechanisms. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of vascular damage and whether it is associated with the mineralo- and glucocorticoid profiles of hypertensive children. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We studied 64 hypertensive children. Anthropometric parameters and serum aldosterone (SA), plasma renin activity (PRA), aldosterone/renin ratio (ARR), cortisol (F) and cortisone (E) were measured. The serum F/E ratio was calculated to estimate the activity of the enzyme 11ß-HSD2. Vascular damage was determined by carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) and flow-mediated dilation of the brachial artery (FMD) on ultrasound. RESULTS: (median; Q1-Q3) Of the patients observed, 39% were females, and the median value for age (years) was 11.2 (9.1-13.3), for BMI (SDS) was 1.36 (0.84-1.80), for body fat mass (%) was 28.3 (17.8-36.0), for SBP index was 1.17 (1.12-1.25) and for the DBP index was 1.27 (1.16-1.36). Measurements revealed an SA level higher than 491 pmol/l in 4/64 patients, a PRA value lower than 0.5 ng/ml/h in 2/64, an ARR higher than 10 in 3/64 and serum F/E ratio higher than 4.3 in 10/64. The median brachial FMD (%) was 8.41 (5.61-10.91), and the median cIMT (mm) was 0.40 (0.37-0.43). The ARR was the only variable that explained changes in cIMT (ß = 0.571, R(2 ) = 0.315, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Our results showed a positive association between cIMT and the ARR, suggesting an important role of the renin-aldosterone axis in the regulation of early vascular damage in hypertensive children.

[Exercise and cardiac rehabilitation in secondary cardiovascular prevention]. / Rehabilitación cardiovascular y ejercicio en prevención secundaria.

Exercise and cardiac rehabilitation are indications with type I A evidence in most secondary cardiovascular prevention guidelines. Rehabilitation programs not only include exercise but also provide integral care and education about cardiovascular risk factors. However there is a paucity of such programs in Chile. Moreover there is a lack of awareness about the benefits of exercise and there is lack of knowledge about the details of exercise prescription in secondary prevention. Therefore, the divulgation of this knowledge is of utmost importance.

Assessment of left atrial function in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and athlete's heart: a left atrial myocardial deformation study.

BACKGROUND: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a common cause of sudden death in athletes and differentiating this condition from the nonpathological "athlete's heart" remains a challenge. The development of pathological left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is associated with left atrial (LA) dilatation and dysfunction. LA strain and strain rate by two-dimensional (2D) speckle tracking are novel indices of LA function and might contribute to differentiate physiological from pathological LVH among athletes with underdiagnosed HCM. METHODS: We evaluated 20 patients with nonobstructive HCM, 20 highly trained athletes and 20 healthy controls matched for age, gender, and body surface area. All patients underwent a transthoracic echocardiogram with evaluation of LA strain: s-wave (LASs); and strain rate: s-wave (LASRs) and a-wave (LASRa). RESULTS: LV mass index, LA volume index, and ejection fraction were comparable between patients with HCM and athletes. Patients with HCM had a significantly lower LASs (19 + 8% vs. 43 + 8%, P < 0.01), LASRs (0.7 + 0.2 s-1 vs. 1.6 + 0.2 s-1, P < 0.01), and LASRa (-0.8 + 0.1 s-1 vs. -1.4 + 0.3 s-1, P < 0.01) compared to athletes. Among hypertrophic subjects, independent predictors of hypertrophy related to HCM were LASs and E/é ratio. CONCLUSIONS: LA myocardial deformation is significantly impaired in patients with HCM compared to athletes and healthy controls. LA strain and strain rate assessed by 2D speckle tracking should be incorporated in the evaluation of trained athletes with LVH and LA dilatation.

[Association of carotid intima media thickness with blood pressure and HDL cholesterol in children]. / La presión arterial es un importante marcador de ateroesclerosis subclínica en niños.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular risk factors must be controlled since childhood. AIM: To assess the association of carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) with the components of the metabolic syndrome in Children. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross sectional assessment of 299 children aged 11.5 ± 0.9 years (58% women) with and without metabolic syndrome components. Anthropometric parameters and blood pressure were measured and a blood sample was obtained to measure blood glucose and lipids. CIMT was measured using high resolution ultrasound. RESULTS: Ninety three percent of children were post puberal, 64% were overweight and 25% had metabolic syndrome. Mean and maximum CIMT correlated with systolic blood pressure (r = 0.21 and 0.21 respectively p < 0.01). Children with a CIMT over the 75th percentile had higher blood pressure and lower HDL cholesterol. A stepwise logistic regression accepted both variables as predictors of CIMT with odds ratios for mean CIMT of 1.46 (1.19-1-79) and 0.81 (0.7-0.94) per five units of change, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In this group of children systolic blood pressure and HDL cholesterol are associated to CIMT.

Bilateral upper extremity myositis after COVID-19 vaccination.

Vaccination adverse reactions are common and usually are represented by transitory pain and edema. We present a case of bilateral muscle edema involving shoulders and arms due to myositis following COVID-19 vaccination, and focus on the imaging findings to differentiate with other diagnosis such as infection and tumors.