The progression of the vertebral body bruise associated with a spinal fracture.

BACKGROUND: Advances in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have made it possible to find the vertebral body bruise (VBB), which was not found in computed tomography (CT) after trauma. There has been only one study with adult patients about whether traumatic VBB will cause a collapse of the vertebral body or not. The purpose is to elucidate the progression of VBB in non-osteoporotic adult patients and to identify the possible factors influencing the progression. METHOD: The VBB was defined on MRI as band-like or diffuse zones of high signal intensity on T2-weighted sequences without fracture of the cortex based on CT. The study population with traumatic VBB associated with non-osteoporotic spinal fracture was composed of 15 females and 21 males. The minimal follow-up period was 6 months. The ratio of anterior to posterior heights of the VBB, the ratio of anterior heights of the VBB to the average of those of cranial and caudal adjacent vertebral bodies, the anterior wedge angle of the VBB, and the focal angle around the VBB were compared between the initial and final visits. We evaluated the age of the patients, the C2 plumb line distance, the regional location of VBB, the etiology of VBB, and the treatment methods of the fractures as possible risk factors influencing the progression. RESULTS: There was no difference in the ratios and angles between the initial and final visits. The differences in the ratios and angles between the initial and final visits were not dependent on the possible risk factors. The anterior superior area is the most common in the distribution of VBB. CONCLUSIONS: Unlike compression fractures, the vertebral body with traumatic VBB found in adult patients with non-osteoporotic spinal fractures of AO classification A or B types did not develop collapse. In clinical practice, it is reasonable to diagnose it as a spinal fracture rather than a VBB if the collapse of a possible VBB occurs.

Unusual, but important, peri- and extra-articular manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis: a pictorial essay.

Ultrasonography is a useful technique to detect soft tissue changes of rheumatoid arthritisnot only synovitis, but also tenosynovitis, bursitis, and enthesitis-even at a subclinical stage. However, radiologists tend to focus on synovitis in daily practice, and unusual peri- or extraarticular manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis are difficult to detect at the initial presentation. This pictorial essay describes a broad spectrum of ultrasonographic findings in tendons, bursae, ligaments, subcutaneous tissues, bones, and nerves to assist in the accurate diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis.

Diffuse-Type Tenosynovial Giant Cell Tumor of the Tendon Sheath in Both Wrists.

Diffuse-type tenosynovial giant cell tumor (D-TSGCT), previously known as pigmented villonodular synovitis, is a locally aggressive neoplasm that may arise from the synovium, bursa, or tendon sheath. D-TSGCT is usually monoarticular and can be classified into intra- and extra-articular forms, the latter of which is rarer. Here, we report a case of D-TSGCT in a 64-year-old female that involved the entire flexor and extensor tendon sheaths of both wrists. We describe the ultrasonography and MRI findings, as well as review the relevant literature.

Determination of optimum pixel size and slice thickness for tractography and ulnar nerve diffusion tensor imaging at the cubital tunnel using 3T MRI.

BACKGROUND: Small peripheral nerve tractography is challenging because of the trade-off among resolution, image acquisition time, and signal-to-noise ratio. PURPOSE: To optimize pixel size and slice thickness parameters for fiber tractography and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) of the ulnar nerve at the cubital tunnel using 3T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifteen healthy volunteers (mean age 30 ± 6.8 years) were recruited prospectively. Axial T2-weighted and DTI scans were acquired, covering the cubital tunnel, using different pixel sizes and slice thicknesses. Three-dimensional (3D) nerve tractography was evaluated for the median number and length of the reconstructed fiber tracts and visual score from 0 to 5. Two-dimensional (2D) cross-sectional DTI was evaluated for fractional anisotropy (FA) values throughout the length of the ulnar nerve. RESULTS: A pixel size of 1.3 mm2 revealed the highest number of reconstructed nerve fibers compared to that of 1.1 mm2 (P = 0.048), with a good visual score. A slice thickness of 4 mm had the highest number of reconstructed nerve fibers and visual score compared with other thicknesses (all P < 0.05). In 2D cross-sectional images, the median FA values were in the range of 0.40-0.63 at the proximal, central, and distal portions of the cubital tunnel. Inter-observer agreement for all parameters was good to excellent. CONCLUSION: For fiber tractography and DTI of the ulnar nerve at the cubital tunnel, optimal image quality was obtained using a 1.3-mm2 pixel size and 4-mm slice thickness under MR parameters of this study at 3T.

Ultrasound and MRI Findings of Giant Cell Fibroblastoma in the Abdominal Wall: Radiologic-Pathologic Correlations.

Giant cell fibroblastoma (GCF) is a rare soft-tissue sarcoma of fibroblastic origin. To the best of our knowledge, only one brief description of the MRI findings of GCF exists in the pathologic literature. Herein, we report a case of histologically proven GCF in a 3-year-old boy who underwent ultrasonography and MRI of a superficial mass in the abdominal wall.

Sonography of Wrist Ganglion Cysts: Which Location Is Most Common?

OBJECTIVES: The literature states that wrist ganglion cysts are most commonly dorsal; however, our experience suggests a volar location is more common. The purpose of this study was to identify the locations of ganglion cysts of the wrist as imaged with sonography. METHODS: After Institutional Review Board approval with informed consent waived, retrospective review of wrist sonography reports from January to April 2016 was completed. Only patients who had a comprehensive evaluation that included the dorsal and volar wrist were included. Ultrasound images were reviewed to characterize wrist ganglion cysts. RESULTS: The study group consisted of 98 subjects (78% female, 22% male) (median age, 51 years; range 13-79) with 124 wrist ganglion cysts, where 69% (86 of 124) were volar and 31% (38 of 124) were dorsal. Ganglion cysts were located between the radial artery and flexor carpi radialis in 63% (78 of 124), followed by a dorsal location superficial to the scapholunate ligament in 20% (25 of 124), other dorsal locations in 11% (13 of 124), and other volar locations in 6% (8 of 124). With dorsal ganglion cysts, the scapholunate ligament when imaged appeared normal in 91% (20 of 22). Ganglion cysts were multilocular/multilobular in all subjects. CONCLUSIONS: The most common location for wrist ganglion cysts is in the volar wrist, particularly between the radial artery and flexor carpi radialis tendon, appearing multilocular or multilobular with a mean largest dimension of 1.0 cm. Given the propensity of ganglion cysts to occur at this site, attention to this area when imaging the wrist with sonography or magnetic resonance imaging should be considered.

Comparison of the SRmax, SRave, and color map of strain-elastography in differentiating malignant from benign breast lesions.

BACKGROUND: The maximum value of the strain ratio (SR) is a newly developed measure in strain-elastography. PURPOSE: To prospectively compare the diagnostic performance of three different measures of strain-elastography, the maximum value of the SR (SRmax), the average value of the SR (SRave), and the color map, for differentiating benign and malignant breast lesions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We obtained the SRmax and SRave of 314 lesions from 290 patients with the tissue to nodule SR and color map using a five-degree scoring system. The diagnostic performances of the SRmax, SRave, and color map were compared after obtaining the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves (AUCs) of each parameter. RESULTS: The AUC of the SRmax (0.7674) was larger than the AUCs of the SRave (0.7138) and color map (0.6324), with statistical significance ( P = 0.0383 for SRmax vs. SRave, P = 0.0000 for SRmax vs. color map). The AUC of the SRave was larger than that of the color map; however, there was no significant difference. The optimal cut-off point of the SRmax that balanced the sensitivity (91.12%) and specificity (50.81%) was 5.16. CONCLUSION: The SRmax is a more reliable diagnostic tool than the SRave and color map for differentiating benign and malignant breast lesions.

Rhabdomyolysis revisited: Detailed analysis of magnetic resonance imaging findings and their correlation with peripheral neuropathy.

The objective is to evaluate the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in rhabdomyolysis in detail and determine their correlation with the development of peripheral neuropathy.Magnetic resonance images for 23 patients with confirmed rhabdomyolysis with (n = 11) or without (n = 12) peripheral neuropathy were retrospectively reviewed for the signal intensity on T1- and T2-weighted images, intramuscular hemorrhage, enhancement pattern, shape and margin in the longitudinal plane, edema in the deep fascia and overlying subcutaneous layer, multiplicity, and bilateral limb involvement. The collected data were statistically analyzed and the relationship between the imaging findings and the development of peripheral neuropathy was determined.Abnormal signal intensities on T1- or T2-weighted images were observed for all patients except one. Fourteen patients (60.9%) showed intramuscular hemorrhage. Stippled enhancement (11/23; 47.8%) was the most common enhancement pattern. Nineteen patients (86.4%) showed a well-defined rectangular shape with a ragged margin in the longitudinal plane. The affected muscle volume usually increased (17/23; 73.9%), with edema in the deep fascia and the overlying subcutaneous layer (13/23; 56.5%). Multiplicity within a muscle, compartment, and limb was observed in 7 (31.8%), 18 (81.8%), and 16 (72.7%) patients, respectively. Bilateral involvement was observed in 7 patients (30.4%). Only multiplicity within a compartment showed a statistically significant correlation with peripheral neuropathy development.Common MRI findings in rhabdomyolysis include intramuscular hemorrhage, stippled enhancement, a well-defined rectangular shape with a ragged margin in the longitudinal plane, and multiplicity. Multiplicity within a compartment may be a predictor of the development of peripheral neuropathy.

Impact of region of interest (ROI) size on the diagnostic performance of shear wave elastography in differentiating solid breast lesions.

Background Shear wave elastography (SWE) using a region of interest (ROI) can demonstrate the quantitative elasticity of breast lesions. Purpose To prospectively evaluate the impact of two different ROI sizes on the diagnostic performance of SWE for differentiating benign and malignant breast lesions. Material and Methods A total of 154 breast lesions were included. Two types of ROIs were investigated: one involving an approximately 2-mm diameter, small round ROIs placed over the stiffest area of the lesion, as determined by SWE (ROI-S); and another ROI drawn along the margin of the lesion using a touch pen or track ball to encompass the entire lesion (ROI-M). Maximum elasticity (Emax), mean elasticity (Emean), minimum elasticity (Emin), and standard deviation (SD) were measured for the two ROIs. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) as well as the sensitivity and specificity of each elasticity value were determined. Results The AUCs for ROI-S were higher than those for ROI-M when differentiating benign and malignant breast solid lesions. The Emax, Emean, Emin, and SD of the elasticity values for ROI-S were 0.865, 0.857, 0.816, and 0.849, respectively, and for ROI-M were 0.820, 0.780, 0.724, and 0.837, respectively. However, only Emax ( P = 0.0024) and Emean ( P = 0.0015) showed statistically significant differences. For ROI-S, the sensitivity and specificity of Emax were 78.8% and 84.3%, respectively, and those for Emean were 80.8% and 81.4%, respectively. Conclusion Using ROI-S with Emax and Emean has better diagnostic performance than ROI-M for differentiating between benign and malignant breast lesions.

Visual and quantitative comparison of (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose PET/CT findings in the detection of pelvic tumor recurrence in colorectal cancer.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to visually and quantitatively compare (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) imaging in determining postoperative pelvic recurrence in colorectal cancer (CRC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective analysis focused on 96 patients (age: mean 62.6 ± 10.5) with surgically resected CRC (time interval after surgery: 19.2 ± 20.4 months). The standard of reference was histopathologic confirmation (n = 27) or imaging follow-up (n = 69). For visual analysis, three independent nuclear physicians interpreted the PET/CT findings. For the quantitative analysis, the normalized standardized uptake values (nSUVs: nSUVmax, nSUVpeak, nSUVmean) were calculated by applying the mean SUV of a normal liver. We evaluated the areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs) for all the quantitative parameters. RESULTS: Of the 96 patients, 49 showed pelvic recurrence and 47 revealed no tumor recurrence. Sensitivity and specificity were 85.7 and 80.9 %, respectively, for visual analysis, and 65.3 and 83.0 %, respectively, for quantitative analysis. The AUC (0.766, CI: 0.668-0.846) of nSUVmax was largest comparing nSUVpeak and nSUVmean values, without significant difference (p value >0.316). Sensitivity of lesion detection was superior in visual analysis (p value = 0.02), but specificity was not significantly different (p = 0.80). After inclusive and exclusive combinations, sensitivity and specificity were slightly increased to 89.8 % (p = 0.54) and 91.5 % (p = 0.14), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Visual interpretation was superior to quantitative analysis in pelvic tumor recurrence in CRC. Though it was possible to improve diagnostic performance through combinatory analysis, the effect was not statistically significant.

Optimal parameters and location for diffusion-tensor imaging in the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome: a prospective matched case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the optimal parameters and location for diffusion-tensor imaging in the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A single 3-T MRI (single-shot echo-planar imaging pulse sequence; b value, 1000 s/mm(2)) and nerve conduction study were performed prospectively for patients with carpal tunnel syndrome and age- and sex-matched control subjects. Fractional anisotropy, apparent diffusion coefficient, radial diffusivity, and parallel diffusivity of the median nerve were measured at the inlet, middle, and outlet of the carpal tunnel and were compared with the nerve conduction study parameters. RESULTS: A total of 50 patients with carpal tunnel syndrome and 50 control subjects were enrolled. Demographic data were comparable between the groups. For all three locations, mean fractional anisotropy increased significantly, and the mean radial diffusivity and apparent diffusion coefficient decreased significantly in carpal tunnel syndrome (p < 0.05). The carpal tunnel inlet had the largest and most consistent changes in diffusion-tensor imaging parameters. Fractional anisotropy measured at the carpal tunnel inlet had the highest diagnostic accuracy, as measured with ROC curves (AUC, 0.82). For a fractional anisotropy threshold of 0.44 or less at the carpal tunnel inlet, sensitivity was 72%; specificity, 82%; positive predictive value, 80%; and negative predictive value, 75%. CONCLUSION: The use of fractional anisotropy measured at the carpal tunnel inlet is optimal for diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome.

Useful equation for proper estimate of left side peripherally inserted central venous catheter length in relation to the height.

PURPOSE: Direct measurement of venous length is easy to cause contamination during bedside insertion of peripherally inserted central venous catheter (PICC). It is necessary to provide an equation for proper estimate of catheter length in case of bedside insertion of PICC in relation to patient height. METHODS: For 165 PICC cases through left arm vein in 151 adult patients (male: female = 72:79), the cubital crease to carina length (CCL) was calculated as follows: CCL = (distance from cubital crease to puncture point) + (length of PICC inside body) - (distance from carina to catheter tip on post-procedural chest radiograph). We analyzed the relationship between CCL and height with regression analysis and suggest a new equation of CCL based on height. RESULTS: The mean CCL through the left arm vein was 47.1 ± 2.6 cm in male and 44.0 ± 2.9 cm in female. CCL was significantly correlated with patient height. Equation of CCL (cm) based on height was as follows: CCL = height * 0.19 + 14. CONCLUSIONS: The equation of our study would provide a new equation for proper estimation of catheter length in case of bedside insertion of left arm PICC in relation to height and be helpful for optimal positioning of catheter tip of PICC.

A comparison of the performance of anatomical MRI and DTI in diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome.

PURPOSE: To compare the performance of anatomical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with that of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed 3T anatomical MRI and DTI on 42 patients and 42 age-matched controls. The median nerve cross-sectional area (CSA), relative median nerve signal intensity, and palmar bowing of the flexor retinaculum, assessed with anatomical MRI, and fractional anisotropy (FA) and apparent diffusion coefficient of the median nerve, assessed with DTI, were measured at four locations: the hamate level, the pisiform level (P0), the level located 1cm proximal to the P0 level (P1), and the distal radioulnar joint level (DR). Adding the ratios and differences of the median nerve parameters between the measurements at the DR and other locations to the diagnostic parameters, we evaluated the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs) of all the diagnostic parameters of both scans. RESULTS: The AUCs of FA(P1) (0.814) and FA(P0) (0.824) in DTI were larger than the largest AUC for anatomical MRI, CSA(P1) (0.759). However, the receiver operating characteristics of the three parameters were not significantly different (P>0.1). The sensitivity and specificity of CSA(P1) (76.2% and 73.8%) and FA(P1) (73.8% and 76.2%) increased after inclusive and exclusive combination to 90.5% each. CONCLUSION: The individual performances of both scans were not significantly different in diagnosing CTS. Measuring both CSA and FA at P1 may be useful and efficient to utilize the merits of both scans and to increase the CTS diagnostic performance.

Progressive decrease of N-acetylaspartate to total creatine ratio in the pregenual anterior cingulate cortex in patients with major depressive disorder: longitudinal 1H-MR spectroscopy study.

BACKGROUND: Longitudinal metabolic changes of total choline (tCho), creatine+phosphocreatine (total creatine, tCr), and N-acetylaspartate (NAA) in the pregenual anterior cingulate cortex (pACC) of patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) have not been well evaluated. PURPOSE: To evaluate the longitudinal changes of the metabolic levels of tCho, tCr, and NAA in the pACC of MDD patients and normal controls with the use of Single-voxel (1)HMRS. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Single-voxel (1)HMRS was acquired in the pACC of 21 female patients with MDD and 26 age- and gender-matched controls. Follow-up scans were acquired in 10 patients with MDD and 15 controls after 9-10 months from baseline scans. Absolute concentrations of tCho, tCr, and NAA, and the ratios of NAA/tCr and tCho/tCr were calculated and compared between and within groups. RESULTS: The patient group showed slightly improved clinical symptoms, as measured by Beck's Depression Inventory (P=0.035), after treatment with antidepressants. Comparison of baseline scans between the groups showed no differences in any of the absolute metabolite concentrations or ratios. The NAA/tCr ratio in the pACC of patients with MDD showed a significant decrease in the follow-up scan (P=0.032), and the NAA/tCr ratio of the baseline scan showed logarithmic negative association with illness duration (P=0.024). CONCLUSION: A progressive decrease in the NAA/tCr ratio in the pACC of patients with MDD was demonstrated and the decrease in this ratio was at the highest rate in the early period after illness onset. These findings indicate the neuronal degeneration and dysfunction of the pACC, and the importance of early clinical intervention in female patients with MDD.

Analysis of high-voltage electrical spinal cord injury using diffusion tensor imaging.

The aim of this study was to investigate spinal cord injury (SCI) on the basis of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in patients with high-voltage electrical injury. We recruited eight high-voltage electrical injury patients and eight healthy subjects matched for age and sex. DTI and central motor conduction time were acquired in both the patient and control groups. We obtained DTI indices according to the spinal cord levels (from C2 to C7) and cross-section locations (anterior, lateral, and posterior). Fractional anisotrophy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), axial diffusivity (AD), and radial diffusivity (RD) were compared between the two groups; additionally, they were compared in relation to spinal cord level and cross-section location. In the patient group relative to the control group, the FA value decreased and the MD and RD values increased in all of the regions of interest (ROI) with statistical significance (p < 0.05). In the patient group, particularly in the ROIs of the anterior spinal cord compared with the lateral and posterior spinal cords, the FA value decreased with statistical significance (p < 0.05). The DTI indices did not differ by level. DTI revealed the change of diffusion in the spinal cords of patients with high-voltage electrical injury, and corroborated the pathophysiology, myelinopathy and typical anterior spinal cord location of high-voltage electrical SCI already reported in the literature.

Solitary epidural lipoma with ipsilateral facet arthritis causing lumbar radiculopathy.

A 55-year-old obese man (body mass index, 31.6 kg/m(2)) presented radiating pain and motor weakness in the left leg. Magnetic resonance imaging showed an epidural mass posterior to the L5 vertebral body, which was isosignal to subcutaneous fat and it asymmetrically compressed the left side of the cauda equina and the exiting left L5 nerve root on the axial T1 weighted images. Severe arthritis of the left facet joint and edema of the bone marrow regarding the left pedicle were also found. As far as we know, there have been no reports concerning a solitary epidural lipoma combined with ipsilateral facet arthorsis causing lumbar radiculopathy. Solitary epidural lipoma with ipsilateral facet arthritis causing lumbar radiculopathy was removed after the failure of conservative treatment. After decompression, the neurologic deficit was relieved. At a 2 year follow-up, motor weakness had completely recovered and the patient was satisfied with the result. We recommend that a solitary epidural lipoma causing neurologic deficit should be excised at the time of diagnosis.

Detection of neck recurrence in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer: comparison of ultrasound, contrast-enhanced CT and (18)F-FDG PET/CT using surgical pathology as a reference standard: (ultrasound vs. CT vs. (18)F-FDG PET/CT in recurrent thyroid cancer).

OBJECTIVES: To compare the diagnostic performance of ultrasound, contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) and (18)F-FDG positron emission tomography (PET)/CT for detecting recurrent differentiated thyroid cancer in the neck. METHODS: Twenty patients who had undergone previous surgery for differentiated thyroid cancer (19 papillary carcinomas; 1 medullary carcinoma) and presented with pathologically proven recurrence in the neck were included. All patients had undergone ultrasound, CT and PET/CT in the 2 months before further surgery. In each patient, ultrasound, CT and PET/CT images were retrospectively reviewed to determine the presence of loco-regional recurrence by level-by-level analysis. Imaging results were correlated with the histological evaluation of the neck dissection as a standard of reference. RESULTS: Recurrences were found at 52 out of 110 cervical nodal levels surgically explored. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy were 69.2 %, 89.7 % and 80.0 % for ultrasound; 63.5 %, 94.8 % and 80.0 % for CT; and 53.8 %, 79.3 % and 67.3 % for PET/CT, respectively. ROC analysis revealed higher diagnostic performance with ultrasound than with PET/CT for detecting recurrent tumour. CONCLUSIONS: Although no significant difference was found among the three techniques, the sensitivity and specificity of ultrasound and CT were higher than those of PET/CT for the evaluation of cervical recurrence in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer. KEY POINTS : • Ultrasound, CT and ( 18 ) F-FDG PET/CT can all detect recurrent thyroid cancer. • Ultrasound and CT have higher sensitivity and specificity. • Ultrasound, CT and ( 18 ) F-FDG PET/CT frequently demonstrated discordant findings.

Coronary to bronchial artery fistula causing massive hemoptysis in patients with longstanding pulmonary tuberculosis.

We report on three cases of longstanding pulmonary tuberculosis patients with coronary to bronchial artery fistula (CBF) who presented with recurrent massive hemoptysis. The first and second patients died because of decreased functional pulmonary volume plus massive hemoptysis and cannulation failure of CBF due to hypovolemic vasospasm, respectively. When recurrent hemoptysis occurs despite successful embolization treatment, CBF should be considered as a potential bleeding source. Moreover, a coronary angiography should be performed, especially in patients with longstanding cardiopulmonary disease such as pulmonary tuberculosis.

What determines the periportal free air, and ligamentum teres and falciform ligament signs on CT: can these specific air distributions be valuable predictors of gastroduodenal perforation?

PURPOSE: The purpose of this retrospective study was to determine what gives rise to the periportal free air, and ligamentum teres and falciform ligament signs on CT in patients with gastrointestinal (GI) tract perforation, and whether these specific air distributions can play a clinically meaningful role in the diagnosis of gastroduodenal perforation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ninety-three patients who underwent a diagnostic CT scan before laparotomy for a GI tract perforation were included. The readers assessed the presence of specific air distributions on CT (periportal free air, and ligamentum teres and falciform ligament signs). The readers also assessed the presence of strong predictors of gastroduodenal perforation (focal defects in the stomach and duodenal bulb wall, concentrated extraluminal air bubbles in close proximity to the stomach and duodenal bulb, and wall thickening at the stomach and duodenal bulb). The specific air distributions were assessed according to perforation sites, and the elapsed time and amount of free air, and then compared with the strong predictors of gastroduodenal perforation by using statistical analysis. RESULTS: All specific air distributions were more frequently present in patients with gastroduodenal perforation than lower GI tract perforation, but only the falciform ligament sign was statistically significant (p<0.05). The presence of all three specific air distributions was demonstrated in only 13 (20.6%) of 63 patients with gastroduodenal perforation. Regardless of the perforation sites, the falciform ligament sign was present significantly more frequently with an increase in the amount of free air on multiple logistic regression analysis (adjusted odds ratio, 1.29; p<0.001). The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and positive predictive and negative predictive values of each strong predictor for the diagnosis of gastroduodenal perforation were higher than those of specific air distributions. The focal wall thickening (accuracy, 95.7%) was the most useful parameter for the diagnosis of gastroduodenal perforation. CONCLUSION: The prediction of the perforation site of the GI tract on CT should be based on the presence of strong predictors of the site of bowel perforation, and the specific free air distribution should be regarded as complementary predictors.

Arthroscopic treatment of septic arthritis of acromioclavicular joint.

Septic arthritis requires an early diagnosis and proper treatment to prevent the destruction of articular cartilage and joint contracture. This paper presents a rare case of septic arthritis of the acromioclavicular joint that was treated with arthroscopic debridement and resection of the distal clavicle.