Coxa pedis: can calcaneal pronation angle be considered a predictive sign of medial plantar arch overload?

PURPOSE: To assess whether a correlation between the calcaneal pronation angle and the presence of internal plantar arch overload signs (such as upper-medial spring ligament lesion, posterior tibial tendon tenosynovitis, etc.) could lead to a better understanding of coxa pedis pathology. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred ankle MRIs of consecutive patients were retrospectively reviewed measuring the calcaneal pronation angle and either the presence or absence of internal plantar arch overload signs. Next, the association of overload signs with increasing pronation angle was evaluated to establish a cut-off point beyond which coxa pedis pathology could be defined. RESULTS: The tibial-calcaneal angle values in patients with and without effusion proved to be significantly different (p < 0.0001). The tibial-calcaneal angle values in patients with and without oedema also demonstrated a significant difference (p < 0.0056). Regarding posterior tibial tendon, a significant difference was found between the two groups (p < 0.0001). For plantar fascia enthesopathy, the result was borderline significant (p < 0.054). A linear correlation was found between the value of pronation angle and the extent of spring ligament injury (p < 0.0001). In contrast, no correlation with age was found. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the literature associates medial longitudinal plantar arch overload with posterior tibial tendinopathy and spring ligament complex injuries. Our data show that both injuries are highly correlated with increased calcaneal pronation angle, which could be considered a predictive sign of internal plantar arch overload, prior to the development of the associated signs.

Characterisation of a Silicon Photomultiplier Based Oncological Brachytherapy Fibre Dosimeter.

Source localisation and real-time dose verification are at the forefront of medical research in brachytherapy, an oncological radiotherapy procedure based on radioactive sources implanted in the patient body. The ORIGIN project aims to respond to this medical community's need by targeting the development of a multi-point dose mapping system based on fibre sensors integrating a small volume of scintillating material into the tip and interfaced with silicon photomultipliers operated in counting mode. In this paper, a novel method for the selection of the optimal silicon photomultipliers to be used is presented, as well as a laboratory characterisation based on dosimetric figures of merit. More specifically, a technique exploiting the optical cross-talk to maintain the detector linearity in high-rate conditions is demonstrated. Lastly, it is shown that the ORIGIN system complies with the TG43-U1 protocol in high and low dose rate pre-clinical trials with actual brachytherapy sources, an essential requirement for assessing the proposed system as a dosimeter and comparing the performance of the system prototype against the ORIGIN project specifications.

Postoperative analgesia and early functional recovery after day-case anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a randomized trial on local anesthetic delivery methods for continuous infusion adductor canal block.

BACKGROUND: This study assessed the effects of different local anesthetic delivery techniques for continuous adductor canal block, after arthroscopic day-case anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). METHODS: We enrolled 80 patients to randomly receive a ropivacaine 0.2% infusion 6 mL per hour through an adductor canal catheter by an electronic pump as follow: intermittent automatic bolus (intermittent group, N.=40) versus continuous infusion (continuous group, N.=40). Patient controlled bolus was 4 mL, lock out 20 minutes. Primary endpoint was postoperative pain by a numerical rating scale (NRS), secondary endpoints were rescue local anesthetic dose, opioid consumption, and physical performance at 72 h. A P<0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: No difference was found between the groups in NRS, opioid consumption, and physical performance at 72 h. The intermittent group required significantly less local anesthetic than continuous group throughout the postoperative period; the median [IQR (range)] at 24 h was 149 [140-164 (140-227)] mL in the intermittent group versus 165 [147-210 (140-280)] mL in the continuous group (P=0.004). At 48 h it was 295 [284-310 (280-367)] mL in the intermittent group versus 308 [296-367 (284-500)] mL in the continuous group (P=0.002), while at 72 h it was 432 [426-450 (320-528)] mL in the intermittent group and 452 [436-487 (412-671)] mL in the continuous group respectively (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Intermittent boluses did not provide superior analgesia over continuous infusion for adductor canal block after outpatient ACLR, but significantly decreased the local anesthetic consumption. Both techniques are suitable for the early functional recovery.

Ability of specific and nonspecific signs of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) in the diagnosis of blunt surgically important bowel and mesenteric injuries.

PURPOSE: To determine the accuracy of MDCT in the evaluation of blunt surgically relevant bowel and/or mesenteric injuries (BMIs) using single specific CT signs together with specific pairs of nonspecific signs. METHODS: Fifty-four patients examined with MDCT were divided into two groups: a 'surgical' group of 20 patients-which underwent surgery for blunt BMIs-and a control group of 34 'nonsurgical' trauma patients. Two radiologists with different experience performed a double-blind retrospective evaluation of the images, classifying the patients in the two groups by using only single specific signs; then, the images were reviewed in consensus with a third radiologist and sensitivity and specificity were calculated. Subsequently, the frequency of every single sign and of every possible combination of nonspecific signs in the two groups was registered, to find combinations present only in the surgical group; sensitivity and specificity were calculated by using even those specific combinations. RESULTS: At the first consensual evaluation, sensitivity and specificity were 75 and 100%, respectively. Two combinations of nonspecific signs (focal wall thickening + extraluminal air; focal wall thickening + seat belt sign) were found only in surgical patients that did not present any single specific sign: Sensitivity calculated adding those two combinations was 95%, without a decrease in specificity. CONCLUSIONS: MDCT is an accurate technique in the evaluation of blunt surgically relevant BMIs. The single specific CT signs were sufficient for the diagnosis in only 75% of the cases; adding the two specific combinations allowed an increase in sensitivity of 20%.

Role of MRI and added value of diffusion-weighted and gadolinium-enhanced MRI for the diagnosis of local recurrence from rectal cancer.

PURPOSE: To evaluate whether the addition of gadolinium-enhanced MRI and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) improves T2 sequence performance for the diagnosis of local recurrence (LR) from rectal cancer and to assess which approach is better at formulating this diagnosis among readers with different experience. METHODS: Forty-three patients with suspected LR underwent pelvic MRI with T2 weighted (T2) sequences, gadolinium fat-suppressed T1 weighted sequences (post-contrast T1), and DWI sequences. Three readers (expert: G, intermediate: E, resident: V) scored the likelihood of LR on T2, T2 + post-contrast T1, T2 + DWI, and T2 + post-contrast T1 + DWI. RESULTS: In total, 18/43 patients had LR; on T2 images, the expert reader achieved an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.916, sensitivity of 88.9%, and specificity of 76%; the intermediate reader achieved values of 0.890, 88.9%, and 48%, respectively, and the resident achieved values of 0.852, 88.9%, and 48%, respectively. DWI significantly improved the AUC value for the expert radiologist by up to 0.999 (p = 0.04), while post-contrast T1 significantly improved the AUC for the resident by up to 0.950 (p = 0.04). For the intermediate reader, both the T2 + DWI AUC and T2 + post-contrast T1 AUC were better than the T2 AUC (0.976 and 0.980, respectively), but with no statistically significant difference. No statistically significant difference was achieved by any of the three readers by comparing either the T2 + DWI AUCs to the T2 + post-contrast T1 AUCs or the AUCs of the two pairs of sequences to those of the combined three sequences. Furthermore, using the T2 sequences alone, all of the readers achieved a fair number of "equivocal" cases: they decreased with the addition of either DWI or post-contrast T1 sequences and, for the two less experienced readers, they decreased even more with the three combined sequences. CONCLUSIONS: Both DWI and T1 post-contrast MRI increased diagnostic performance for LR diagnosis compared to T2; however, no significant difference was observed by comparing the two different pairs of sequences with the three combined sequences.

The Evaluation of Aortic Diameter Changes During Long-Term Follow-Up After Endovascular Treatment of Acute Blunt Traumatic Thoracic Aortic Injuries.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the variations in aortic diameters and long-term results in patients who underwent thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for acute blunt traumatic thoracic aortic injuries (BTTAIs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 23 patients with a mean age of 39 years (range: 17-74 years) who underwent TEVAR for BTTAI between October 2000 and November 2014. All of the patients underwent computed tomography angiography (CTA) before hospital discharge as a baseline imaging for the subsequent follow-up examinations. The technical success, overall survival, and complications were evaluated. Furthermore, the aortic diameters outside of the stent-graft (1 cm proximal and 1 cm distal to the stent-graft) and the aortic diameters within the stent-graft (2 cm distal to the proximal end and 2 cm proximal to the distal end) were assessed. The diameters at baseline on CTA were compared with those of the latest available follow-up examination. RESULTS: Technical success was 100% with a mean follow-up of 65.4 months (range: 12-171 months). No death was registered, and 2 (8.7%) of 23 endograft-related complications (1 stent-graft distal infolding and 1 endoleak 2 and 4 months after the procedure, respectively) were observed. An increase in aortic diameter either proximal or distal to the stent-graft (mean value 0.7 and 0.5 mm, respectively) or within the stent-graft (mean value of 0.5 mm for both proximal and distal diameters) was registered (mean follow-up at 65.4 months, range: 12-171 months). CONCLUSION: Aortic dilatation following TEVAR for BTTAI is minimal during long-term follow-up. Endovascular treatment represents a durable and safe option in acute BTTAIs.

Point Shear Wave Elastography of the Spleen: Its Role in Patients with Portal Hypertension.

The goals of the study described here were to evaluate the feasibility and reproducibility of measuring spleen stiffness (SS) using point shear wave elastography in a series of cirrhotic patients and to investigate whether SS, liver stiffness (LS) and other non-invasive parameters are correlated with the presence of esophagogastric varices (EVs). Fifty-four cirrhotic patients with low-grade EVs or without EVs at esophago-gastro-duodenoscopy were enrolled. They underwent abdominal ultrasound and Doppler ultrasound of hepatic vessels simultaneously with p-SWE of the liver and spleen. In 42 patients, the accuracy of LS and SS, as well as of platelet count and spleen longitudinal diameter, in predicting the presence of EVs was evaluated. The technical success was 90.74% for LS (49/54 patients) and 77.78% for SS (42/54 patients). Inter-observer agreement for SS measurement was high. Both LS and SS correlated with esophago-gastro-duodenoscopy: LS had the highest accuracy in predicting the presence of EVs (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUROC] = 0.913); SS had the lowest accuracy (AUROC = 0.675); platelet count and spleen diameter had intermediate accuracy (AUROC = 0.731 and 0.729, respectively). SS did not have an advantage over LS in predicting low-grade EVs and cannot be proposed as a useful tool in the diagnostic process of cirrhotic patients who require screening esophago-gastro-duodenoscopy.

A Quantitative Method for the Evaluation of Spatial Resolution in Quality Control of B-mode Ultrasound Images.

The work describes a method to quantitatively evaluate spatial resolution in B-mode quality control images as radial modulation transfer function (MTF). The method is easy to use in in-field quality assurance programs in clinical institutions, as it is fast and can be performed with the help of phantoms that are already used for routine quality control. It uses a round insert with different echogenic characteristics compared with the phantom background. The method was automated with a MATLAB® routine, which can be run in full automatic mode or with a grade of interaction by the user, as is sometimes necessary with low-quality images. Radial MTF was evaluated for several ultrasound (US) images produced with different clinical US scanners from various vendors and equipped with different types of transducers (linear, convex, sector, vector) working at various frequencies (from 2 to 14 MHz) and with different modalities. It was also evaluated on various computed tomography (CT) images including round inserts. This was done to compare these results with the MTF calculated from the same images using the well-known method from the point spread function (PSF) of a high-contrast bead. Our radial MTF method, adapted to the specific characteristics of US images, was found to be reasonably robust and in line with other methods commonly used for USs (e.g., the pin method, which has repeatability issues) and in other fields, such as X-ray CT.

Nonenhanced MRI Planning for Endovascular Repair of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms: Comparison With Contrast-Enhanced CT Angiography.

BACKGROUND: To assess whether noncontrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (NC-MRI) is an alternative to contrast-enhanced computed tomography angiography (CTA) for aortoiliac measurements before endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR). METHODS: This study encompasses 30 patients admitted for elective EVAR (27 men and 3 women). Two expert readers (vascular radiologist and vascular surgeon) reviewed CTA images in consensus and chose the proper endograft for each patient. Subsequently, a vascular radiologist and a resident radiologist (observer 1 and 2) reviewed CTA and NC-MRI examinations in a double-blind way and completed standard measurements. The interobserver and intermodality agreement was calculated by intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). Furthermore, the correlation between the endograft size chosen by the first pair and the second pair of observers was evaluated. RESULTS: Concerning all measurements, no significant difference was found. Both CTA and NC-MRI angiographic measurements showed strong correlation. Interobserver ICCs for CTA and NC-MRI showed ranges of 0.62 to 0.99 (mean: 0.92) and 0.56 to 0.99 (mean: 0.91); intermodality ICCs for observer 1 and 2 showed ranges of 0.64 to 0.99 (mean: 0.92) and 0.56 to 0.99 (mean: 0.92). The CTA and NC-MRI vascular measurements correlated strongly, except for both external iliac artery diameters. The choice of stent size was always the same between the 2 observers; furthermore, graft size was always in agreement with that selected prospectively. CONCLUSION: Computed tomography angiography remains the standard of reference for EVAR planning; NC-MRI can be an option for patients with contraindications for CTA, in particular those with renal impairment.

Magnetic resonance imaging in locally advanced rectal cancer: quantitative evaluation of the complete response to neoadjuvant therapy.

PURPOSE: To assess the diagnostic performance of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) for the discrimination of complete responder (CR) from the non-complete responder (n-CR) in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) undergoing chemotherapy and radiation (CRT). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between December 2009 and January 2014, 32 patients (33 lesions: one patient had two synchronous lesions) were enrolled in this retrospective study. All patients underwent a pre- and post-CRT conventional MRI study completed with DWI. For both data sets (T2-weighted and DWI), the pre- and post-CRT tumour volume (VT2; VDWI) and the tumour volume reduction ratio (ΔV%) were determined as well as pre- and post-CRT apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and ADC change (ΔADC%). Histopathological findings were the standard of reference. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated to compare performance of T2-weighted and DWI volumetry, as well as ADC. RESULTS: The area under the ROC curve (AUC) revealed a good accuracy of pre- and post-CRT values of VT2 (0.86; 0.91) and VDWI (0.82; 1.00) as well as those of ΔVT2% (0.84) and ΔVDWI% (1.00) for the CR assessment, with no statistical difference. The AUC of pre- and post-CRT ADC (0.53; 0.54) and that of ΔADC% (0.58) were significantly lower. CONCLUSIONS: Both post-CRT VDWI and ΔVDWI% (AUC = 1) are very accurate for the assessment of the CR, in spite of no significant differences in comparison to the conventional post-CRT VT2 (AUC = 0.91) and ΔVT2% (AUC = 0.84). On the contrary, both ADC and ΔADC% values are not reliable.

Factors predicting outcomes of microwave ablation of small hepatocellular carcinoma.

PURPOSE: The aim of our study was to evaluate factors influencing effectiveness of percutaneous microwave ablation (MWA) in patients with small hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) (<3 cm). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between December 2007 and August 2015, 49 patients with 65 previously histological typed HCC were treated in a total of 61 sessions. Tumours were subdivided into central (>3 cm from the capsule) (n = 22) and peripheral (<3 cm from the capsule) (n = 43). Imaging follow-up was performed at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after treatment, then annually. Mean follow-up period was 18 months (range 1-55). Location of the lesion, age, sex, and underlying disease of the patients was analyzed and related with efficacy. RESULTS: Technical success was obtained in all cases. Residual disease was registered in 21 lesions (32.3 %): 13 were peripheral and 8 were central. Twelve of them were retreated with percutaneous MWA. Local recurrence was recorded in 8 lesions (12.3 %): 5 were retreated with MWA. No significant difference in terms of effectiveness was observed in lesions located in a central position and those situated in the peripheral position. Age, sex, and underlying disease not influenced results. Only one major complication was observed. The rate of minor complications was 24.5 %. Mortality at 30 days was 0 %. CONCLUSIONS: Our results encourage the role of MWA in the treatment of small HCC. More numerous series and randomized studies are necessary to state the role of MWA and to select cases in which MWA may be more effective and safer than RFA.

Accuracy of Critical Care Pain Observation Tool and Behavioral Pain Scale to assess pain in critically ill conscious and unconscious patients: prospective, observational study.

BACKGROUND: Critically ill patients admitted to intensive care unit (ICU) may suffer from different painful stimuli, but the assessment of pain is difficult because most of them are almost sedated and unable to self-report. Thus, it is important to optimize evaluation of pain in these patients. The main aim of this study was to compare two commonly used scales for pain evaluation: Critical Care Pain Observation Tool (CPOT) and Behavioral Pain Scale (BPS), in both conscious and unconscious patients. Secondary aims were (1) to identifying the most relevant parameters to determine pain scales changes during nursing procedures, (2) to compare both pain scales with visual analog scale (VAS), and (3) to identify the best combination of scales for evaluation of pain in patients unable to communicate. METHODS: In this observational study, 101 patients were evaluated for a total of 303 consecutive observations during 3 days after ICU admission. Measurements with both scales were obtained 1 min before, during, and 20 min after nursing procedures in both conscious (n.41) and unconscious (n.60) patients; furthermore, VAS was recorded when possible in conscious patients only. We calculated criterion and discriminant validity to both scales (Wilcoxon, Spearman rank correlation coefficients). The accuracy of individual scales was evaluated. The sensitivity and the specificity of CPOT and BPS scores were assessed. Kappa coefficients with the quadratic weight were used to reflect agreement between the two scales, and we calculated the effect size to identify the strength of a phenomenon. RESULTS: CPOT and BPS showed a good criterion and discriminant validity (p < 0.0001). BPS was found to be more specific (91.7 %) than CPOT (70.8 %), but less sensitive (BPS 62.7 %, CPOT 76.5 %). COPT and BPS scores were significantly correlated with VAS (p < 0.0001). The combination of BPS and CPOT resulted in better sensitivity 80.4 %. Facial expression was the main parameter to determine pain scales changes effect size = 1.4. CONCLUSIONS: In critically ill mechanically ventilated patients, both CPOT and BPS can be used for assessment of pain intensity with different sensitivity and specificity. The combination of both BPS and CPOT might result in improved accuracy to detect pain compared to scales alone. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT01669486.

Cone beam computed tomography and its image guidance technology during percutaneous nucleoplasty procedures at L5/S1 lumbar level.

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the feasibility of percutaneous nucleoplasty procedures at L5/S1 level using cone beam CT (CBCT) and its associated image guidance technology for the treatment of lumbar disc herniation (LDH). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 25 cases (20 men, 5 women) of LDH at L5/S1 levels. CBCT as guidance imaging was chosen after a first unsuccessful fluoroscopy attempt that was related to complex anatomy (n = 15), rapid pathological changes due to degenerative diseases (n = 7) or both (n = 3). Technical success, defined as correct needle positioning in the target LDH, and safety were evaluated; overall procedure time and radiation dose were registered. A visual analog scale (VAS) was used to evaluate pain and discomfort pre-intervention after 1 week and 1, 3, and 6 months after the procedure. RESULTS: Technical success was 100 %; using CBCT as guidance imaging the needle was correctly positioned at the first attempt in 20 out of 25 patients. Neither major nor minor complications were registered during or after the procedure. The average procedure time was 11 min and 56 s (range, 9-15 min), whereas mean procedural radiation dose was 46.25 Gy.cm2 (range 38.10-52.84 Gy.cm2), and mean fluoroscopy time was 5 min 34 s (range 3 min 40 s to 6 min 55 s). The VAS pain score decreased significantly from 7.6 preoperatively to 3.9 at 1 week, 2.8 at 1 month, 2.1 at 3 months, and 1.6 at 6 months postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: CBCT-guided percutaneous nucleoplasty is a highly effective technique for LDH with acceptable procedure time and radiation dose.

Evaluation of tablet ultrasound for routine abdominal interventional procedures.

AIM: The aim of the study was to establish if a novel tablet ultrasound (US) may replace a high-end US machine during routine interventional radiology activities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty consecutive patients were evaluated by two operators comparing the performance of the new US tablet system (VISIQ, Philips Healthcare) against a high-end US system (iU22, Philips Healthcare) using a curved probe (C5-2). A structured questionnaire was used to rank on a 4-point scale the ability of each system to locate a target as detected by previous examinations and visualize needles and path during an interventional procedure. Necessity for conversion from the tablet US to the high-end US system was registered; body mass index (BMI) was annotated for each patient. RESULTS: Agreement between the operators was found for every patient. Mean patient BMI was 25 (range 17-34). Image quality of the tablet US was considered insufficient in 1 case to visualize the target and in another case to visualize the needle. Mean target image quality was superior with the high-end US system, while needle visibility scored higher with the tablet US. Conversion to the high-end system was registered in 40 % of cases: in most cases (66.6 %) the decision was due to the absence of a dedicated needle guide for the tablet US. CONCLUSIONS: The novel tablet US was found to provide sufficient image quality for the majority of routine interventional procedures. Dedicated accessories and additional experience with this new generation US device may be needed to replace bulky high-end US systems.

Comparison of cone-beam CT-guided and CT fluoroscopy-guided transthoracic needle biopsy of lung nodules.

PURPOSE: To compare the diagnostic performance of cone-beam CT (CBCT)-guided and CT fluoroscopy (fluoro-CT)-guided technique for transthoracic needle biopsy (TNB) of lung nodules. METHODS: The hospital records of 319 consecutive patients undergoing 324 TNBs of lung nodules in a single radiology unit in 2009-2013 were retrospectively evaluated. The newly introduced CBCT technology was used to biopsy 123 nodules; 201 nodules were biopsied by conventional fluoro-CT-guided technique. We assessed the performance of the two biopsy systems for diagnosis of malignancy and the radiation exposure. RESULTS: Nodules biopsied by CBCT-guided and by fluoro-CT-guided technique had similar characteristics: size, 20 ± 6.5 mm (mean ± standard deviation) vs. 20 ± 6.8 mm (p = 0.845); depth from pleura, 15 ± 15 mm vs. 15 ± 16 mm (p = 0.595); malignant, 60% vs. 66% (p = 0.378). After a learning period, the newly introduced CBCT-guided biopsy system and the conventional fluoro-CT-guided system showed similar sensitivity (95% and 92%), specificity (100% and 100%), accuracy for diagnosis of malignancy (96% and 94%), and delivered non-significantly different median effective doses [11.1 mSv (95 % CI 8.9-16.0) vs. 14.5 mSv (95% CI 9.5-18.1); p = 0.330]. CONCLUSION: The CBCT-guided and fluoro-CT-guided systems for lung nodule biopsy are similar in terms of diagnostic performance and effective dose, and may be alternatively used to optimize the available technological resources. KEY POINTS: • CBCT-guided and fluoro-CT-guided lung nodule biopsy provided high and similar diagnostic accuracy. • Effective dose from CBCT-guided and fluoro-CT-guided lung nodule biopsy was similar. • To optimize resources, CBCT-guided lung nodule biopsy may be an alternative to fluoro-CT-guided.

The role of endovascular treatment of pelvic fracture bleeding in emergency settings.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the role of endovascular treatment for controlling haemorrhage in haemodynamically unstable patients with pelvic bone fractures and to relate clinical efficacy to pre-procedural variables. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From March 2009 through April 2013, 168 patients with major pelvic trauma associated with high-flow haemorrhage were referred to our emergency department and were retrospectively reviewed. Pelvic arteries involved were one or more per patient. Embolisation was performed using various materials (micro-coils, Spongostan, plug, glue, covered stent), and technical success, complications, treatment success, clinical efficacy, rebleeding, and mortality rates were assessed. Factors influencing clinical efficacy were also evaluated. RESULTS: The technical success rate was 100%; no complications occurred during the procedures. Treatment was successful in 94.6% cases, and clinical efficacy was 85.7%. Three patients had to undergo a second arteriography due to recurrent haemorrhage. Fifteen patients died. Pre-embolisation transfusion demand was significantly associated with clinical efficacy. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous embolisation of pelvic bleeding may be considered a safe, effective, and minimally invasive therapeutic option. As haemodynamic stability is the first objective with traumatic haemorrhagic patient, arterial embolisation can assume a primary role. On the basis of our results, pre-procedural transfusion status may be considered a prognostic factor. KEY POINTS: • The series presented is one of the largest in a single centre. • Arterial embolisation is a life-saving procedure in patients with pelvic haemorrhage. • In pelvic traumas associated with haemorrhage, prognosis is dependent upon prompt treatment. • Transfusion status is significantly related to clinical efficacy.

Ultrasound-guided alcohol injection for Morton's neuroma.

BACKGROUND: Ultrasonography-guided alcohol injection (USGAI) of Morton's neuroma represents an alternative to operative treatment. Nonetheless, the literature only reports few small studies evaluating the effectiveness of the treatment. The aim of the present retrospective study was to assess the effectiveness of USGAI to treat Morton's neuroma in 508 patients at 2 medical centers. METHODS: Between January 2001 and January 2012, 508 patients with 540 Morton's neuroma had USGAI for Morton's neuroma. Only second and third web-space neuromas were included in this study. RESULTS: A mean number of 3.0 (range, 1 to 4) injections were performed for each neuroma. Mean local inflammatory reaction was 0.7 (range, 0 to 2). There were no other local or systemic complications. The overall mean pre-USGAI VAS score was 8.7 (range, 6 to 10), while the post-USGAI VAS score at 1 year was 3.6 (range, 0 to 9). The delta VAS between the pre- and post-USGAI was statistically significant (P < .0001). At 1-year follow-up 74.5% of patients were satisfied with the procedure. CONCLUSION: USGAI produced encouraging results in over 500 patients affected by Morton's neuroma. The procedure proved to be safe in all patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, retrospective case series.

Evaluation of occupational exposure in magnetic resonance sites.

PURPOSE: In an attempt to evaluate the exposure level of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) workers to static magnetic fields, the isotropic magnetic flux density values were integrated over time to produce the cumulative exposure. To protect occupational staff a further precautionary step is proposed by introducing a weighting function incorporating the limits imposed by the Italian legislation. The results obtained should be reported, at the end of each working day, on a special dose card, in order to record each worker's exposure to the static magnetic field. Moreover, this dose card could be an important tool if long-term effects occur because it provides a complete history of the occupational exposure in an MRI site. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To conduct measurements, three Hall-sensor probes were used. The consistency of experimental data, tools and methodologies used was evaluated by performing the Kruskal-Wallis test. Finally, the weighted magnitude of the magnetic flux density was integrated over time to obtain global exposure. RESULTS: Measurements were performed on different MRI scanners ranging from 0.25 up to 3.0 T. The results obtained were compared with the 200 mT·h, which represents the upper limit of the Italian regulation. In no case was the 200 mT·h per day exposure exceeded: however, when the strength of the magnetic field was >200 mT the weighted function overestimated the exposure, so that it represents a highly precautionary measure taking into account possible acute and long-term effects. In addition, from the data recorded during patient positioning operations by MRI staff the dB/dt curve was obtained. CONCLUSIONS: The areas obtained from the integral of the weighted static magnetic field strength over time can be indicative of the global exposure of the occupational staff. These values should be reported on a special dose card that could be considered as an important tool if long-term effects occur because it provides a complete history of the occupational exposure in an MRI site.

Protective mechanical ventilation during general anesthesia for open abdominal surgery improves postoperative pulmonary function.

BACKGROUND: The impact of intraoperative ventilation on postoperative pulmonary complications is not defined. The authors aimed at determining the effectiveness of protective mechanical ventilation during open abdominal surgery on a modified Clinical Pulmonary Infection Score as primary outcome and postoperative pulmonary function. METHODS: Prospective randomized, open-label, clinical trial performed in 56 patients scheduled to undergo elective open abdominal surgery lasting more than 2 h. Patients were assigned by envelopes to mechanical ventilation with tidal volume of 9 ml/kg ideal body weight and zero-positive end-expiratory pressure (standard ventilation strategy) or tidal volumes of 7 ml/kg ideal body weight, 10 cm H2O positive end-expiratory pressure, and recruitment maneuvers (protective ventilation strategy). Modified Clinical Pulmonary Infection Score, gas exchange, and pulmonary functional tests were measured preoperatively, as well as at days 1, 3, and 5 after surgery. RESULTS: Patients ventilated protectively showed better pulmonary functional tests up to day 5, fewer alterations on chest x-ray up to day 3 and higher arterial oxygenation in air at days 1, 3, and 5 (mmHg; mean ± SD): 77.1 ± 13.0 versus 64.9 ± 11.3 (P = 0.0006), 80.5 ± 10.1 versus 69.7 ± 9.3 (P = 0.0002), and 82.1 ± 10.7 versus 78.5 ± 21.7 (P = 0.44) respectively. The modified Clinical Pulmonary Infection Score was lower in the protective ventilation strategy at days 1 and 3. The percentage of patients in hospital at day 28 after surgery was not different between groups (7 vs. 15% respectively, P = 0.42). CONCLUSION: A protective ventilation strategy during abdominal surgery lasting more than 2 h improved respiratory function and reduced the modified Clinical Pulmonary Infection Score without affecting length of hospital stay.

Matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation of the knee: mid-term and long-term follow-up by MR arthrography.

OBJECTIVE: To define magnetic resonance (MR) arthrography imaging findings of matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation (MACI) grafts of the knee in order to describe implant behaviour and to compare findings with validated clinical scores 30 and 60 months after MACI implant. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirteen patients were recruited (10 male, 3 female) with a total number of 15 chondral lesions. Each patient underwent an MACI procedure and MR arthrography 30 and 60 months after surgery. MR arthrography was performed using a dedicated coil with a 1.5-Tesla unit. The status of the chondral implant was evaluated with the modified MOCART scoring scale. The lining of the implant, the integration to the border zone, the surface and structure of the repaired tissue were assessed, and the presence of bone marrow oedema and effusion was evaluated. For clinical assessment, the Cincinnati score was used. RESULTS: At 60 months, the abnormality showed worsening in 1 out of 15 cases. Integration showed improvement in 3 out of 15 cases, and worsening in 3 out of 15 cases. Two surfaces of the implant showed further deterioration at 60 months, and 1 afflicted implant fully recovered after the same time interval. Implant contrast enhancement at 30 months was seen in 2 out of 15 cases, 1 of which recovered at 60 months. According to the MOCART score, 4 cases were rated 68.4 out of 75 at 30 months and 65 out of 75 at 60 months. The mean clinical score decreased from 8.6 out of 10 at 30 months to 8.1 out of 10 at 60 months. CONCLUSION: Magnetic resonance arthrography improved the evaluation of implants and facilitated the characterisation of MACI integration with contiguous tissues. The follow-up showed significant changes in MACI, even at 60 months, allowing for useful long-term MR evaluations.