The European Diploma in Musculoskeletal Radiology; Past, Present, and Future.

As per recommendations from the European Society of Radiology and the European Union of Medical Specialists, upon completion of level 3 radiology training, an objective assessment of the attained standards, aligned with national customs and practices, should take place. A subspecialty exam should ideally be an integral part of the training completion process. Among 10 of 13 European subspecialty societies currently offering a European subspecialty diploma, the European Society of Musculoskeletal Radiology (ESSR) diploma program was formally introduced by the ESSR in 2003. This article describes the evolution of the ESSR diploma, encompassing the current diploma program, validation procedures, endorsements, and future perspectives. Additionally, insights from a brief survey among ESSR diploma holders is shared, offering valuable tips for prospective candidates aiming to navigate the examination process successfully.

Subspecialisation in radiology in Europe, a survey of the accreditation council of imaging.

BACKGROUND: To provide an overview of existing Subspecialty Exams and Diplomas in Radiology and their endorsement as well as to providing an insight into the status of subspecialisation in radiology in Europe. The European Training Curriculum for Subspecialisation in Radiology mentions thirteen fields of subspecialisation within radiology. The websites of the corresponding subspecialty societies were checked for Subspecialty Exams and Diplomas. In addition, we performed a survey among European radiologists regarding subspecialisation in radiology. RESULTS: Ten out of 13 European subspecialty societies offer a European subspecialty diploma. At least 7 out of the 10 European subspecialties societies in radiology offering a European subspecialty diploma obtained European Society of Radiology (ESR) endorsement. Two out of 10 obtained European Union of Medical Specialists-Council of European Specialist Medical Assessment endorsement. Survey among European radiologists who were ESR full members in March 2021 demonstrated that almost 20% of respondents indicated that they have no subspecialisation. Another 15% indicated that their area of subspecialisation is not recognised in their country of work. Eighty-four percent of respondents would like their area of subspecialisation in radiology to be officially recognised. According to the respondents, the major benefit of having their subspecialisation in radiology officially recognised is personal interest (45%). CONCLUSIONS: There is a desire for more subspecialty recognition in radiology among European radiologists. Therefore, European subspecialty diplomas in radiology fulfil a need. Furthermore, there is room for further harmonisation and implementation on a European level regarding subspecialty training and recognition in radiology. CRITICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: As there is a desire for more subspecialty recognition in radiology among European radiologists, European subspecialty diplomas in radiology fulfil a need and there is still room for further harmonisation and implementation on a European level regarding subspecialty training in radiology. KEY POINTS: • Radiology has 13 subspecialties as per the European Training Curriculum for Subspecialisation. • Currently, 15 subspecialty diplomas are offered by European subspecialty societies in radiology • Members of the European Society of Radiology seek greater recognition of radiology subspecialties.

Arteria Lusoria as a Cause of Dysphagia in an Infant.

The aberrant right subclavian artery (i.e., arteria lusoria) arising from the left part of the aortic arch is a rare congenital anomaly. In some patients, esophageal compression may cause symptoms of dysphagia, also called dysphagia lusoria. It can cause serious feeding disorders and poor weight gain in young children. We present the case of an early onset of dysphagia lusoria in a 1-month-old girl whose clinical diagnosis was confirmed by esophagography and magnetic resonance imaging. This kind of vascular anomaly can present a diagnostic challenge and should be considered in diagnosing dysphagia in childhood.

Epicardial Adipose Tissue: A Piece of The Puzzle in Pediatric Hypertension.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is a metabolically active tissue located on the surface of the myocardium, which might have a potential impact on cardiac function and morphology. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether EAT is associated with essential arterial hypertension (AH) in children and adolescents. METHODS: Prospective cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) study and clinical evaluation were performed on 72 children, 36 of whom were diagnosed with essential AH, and the other 36 were healthy controls. The two groups were compared in volume and thickness of EAT, end-diastolic volume, end-systolic volume, stroke volume, left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction, average heart mass, average LV myocardial thickness, peak filling rate, peak filling time and clinical parameters. RESULTS: Hypertensive patients have a higher volume (16.5 ± 1.9 cm3 and 10.9 ± 1.5 cm3 (t = -13.815, p < 0.001)) and thickness (0.8 ± 0.3 cm and 0.4 ± 0.1 cm, (U = 65.5, p < 0.001)) of EAT compared to their healthy peers. The volume of EAT might be a potential predictor of AH in children. CONCLUSIONS: Our study indicates that the volume of EAT is closely associated with hypertension in children and adolescents.

MRI Assessment of the Early Disc Degeneration Two Levels above Fused Lumbar Spine Segment: A Comparison after Unilateral and Bilateral Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF) Procedure.

BACKGROUND: Adjacent segment degeneration (ASD) has become a great concern as a late complication in patients following fusion spine surgery with a potential need for revision surgery. Segments above the fused spine have higher mobility and they are especially prone to accelerated disc degeneration. The purpose of our study is to investigate early disc degenerative changes two levels above a surgically fused lumbar spine segment and to compare MRI analyses after unilateral and bilateral TLIF procedures. METHODS: A total of 117 patients were included in this cross-sectional retrospective single center study (after bilateral TLIF surgery: n = 91, and after unilateral TLIF: n = 26). In both groups, the average patient age was similar: 62.84 years (SD = 12.53) in the unilateral TLIF group and 60.67 years (SD = 11.89) in the bilateral TLIF group. On average, MRI was performed 2.5 years after surgery (SD = 2.09). The modified eight-level Pfirrmann grading system was used for the assessment of disc degeneration severity. Descriptive statistics and the Mann-Whitney test were used to show differences in the Pfirrmann grades regarding the after-surgery period and the patient age. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test results were used to display differences in the Pfirrmann grades before and after surgery. RESULTS: The comparison of mean values, regardless of the type of surgery, shows that this mean value is on average higher in the first segment adjacent to the fused spine segment. The assessment of the intervertebral disc structure in BIL TLIF is higher in both the first and the second segment. Early disc degeneration progression is subtle yet detectable (UNI TLIF 9.28% vs. BIL TLIF 16.74%). The assessment of the intervertebral disc structure is on average lower in patients aged less than 50 years at time of surgery compared with patients aged more than 50 years in UNI TLIF, and higher in the BIL TLIF group, for both the first and the second segment. CONCLUSION: Patients who had undergone unilateral TLIF fusion surgery have a lower rate of early disc degenerative changes. Considering a significantly higher rate of progressive disc degenerative changes in the elderly with bilateral fusion surgery, extra caution is required in the selection of appropriate surgical technique.

A Case of Painful Os Styloideum in the Midfoot (Tarsal Boss).

A case of symptomatic bone fragment without trauma in the midfoot at the dorsal aspect between first and second tarsometatarsal joints is presented. Such fragment is a common finding in the wrist, referred to in the literature as an os styloideum or carpal boss; however, it has not yet been described in a similar location in the midfoot.

MRI of the Morel-Lavallée lesion - a case series.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study was to review the appearances of Morel-Lavallée (ML) lesions on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). PATIENTS AND METHODS: 14 patients diagnosed with the ML lesion on MRI were analysed retrospectively (mean age = 35 years). Mechanism of injury, time frame from injury to MRI, location, shape, T1 and proton-density fat-suppression (PDFS) signal intensity (SI), presence of a (pseudo)capsule, septations or nodules within the collection, mass effect and fluid-fluid levels were analyzed. The Mellado and Bencardino classification was utilized to classify the lesions. RESULTS: In most cases, mechanism of injury was distortion. Mean time frame between the injury and MRI was 17 days. Lesions were located around the knee in 9 patients and in the peritrochanteric region in 5 patients. Collections were fusiform in 12 patients and oval in 2 patients. 9 collections were T1 hypointense and PDFS hyperintense. 4 collections had intermediate T1 and high PDFS SI. 1 collection had intermediate T1 and PDFS SI. (Pseudo)capsule was noted in 3 cases. Septations or nodules were found in 4 cases. According to the Mellado and Bencardino, collections were classified as seroma (type 1) in 9, subacute hematoma (type 2) in 1 and chronic organizing hematoma (type 3) in 4 cases. CONCLUSIONS: Characteristic features of ML lesion include a fusiform fluid collection between the subcutaneous fat and the underlying fascia after shearing injury. Six types can be differentiated on MRI, with the seroma, the subacute hematoma and the chronic organizing hematoma being the commonest.

Unusual Presentation of Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Rare Metastasis to the Masticatory Space.

An incidental liver mass was discovered in a 65-year-old male during a routine ultrasound (US) check-up of his hiatal hernia. The mass, which showed no malignant characteristics, was interpreted as a focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH). Due to normal blood tests and tumor marker levels, as well as the patient's asymptomatic presentation, only regular monitoring was performed. At a check-up 18 months later, CT examination indicated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Surgery was no longer possible due to diffuse liver involvement. Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and chemotherapy were started. A possible metastasis to the right adrenal gland was detected. The patient started to experience headaches, vertigo, paresthesia, and pain of the right jaw. A CT scan of the head showed a mass in the right masticatory space. A CT-guided biopsy confirmed a HCC metastasis.

Bilateral Pyosalpinx Causing Obstructive Hydronephrosis: A Multimodality Imaging Approach with the Emphasis on the Diffusion-weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

A 40-year-old female, who was being treated for a urinary tract infection, was admitted to the hospital due to a gradually increasing left flank colic pain. An ultrasound investigation detected right-sided hydronephrosis, and a computed tomography scan additionally showed large cystic changes in both the fallopian tubes, which were compressing the ureters and thus causing hydronephrosis. Subsequently, magnetic resonance imaging was performed, which demonstrated fluid-fluid levels inside the cystic changes. The differential diagnosis included a deep pelvic endometriotic cyst and a pyosalpinx.

Endovascular Treatment of Haemodialysis Arteriovenous Fistula with Drug-Coated Balloon Angioplasty: A Single-Centre Study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) on haemodialysis fistulas utilising drug-coated balloons with plain balloon vessel preparation (DCB). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the study group, 31 patients (16 men; mean age 62.8 ± 17.2 years) with failing arteriovenous fistulas were treated, with DCB, and compared with a control group (31 patients; 15 men; mean age 67.0 ± 8.44 years), in which only plain balloon PTA was performed. All stenoses were dilated with regular PTA balloons. After achieving haemodynamic success (< 30% residual stenosis), drug-coated balloons were used for drug administration in the study group. The follow-up intervals were 6, 12 and 24 months. Target lesion primary patency, primary assisted patency and secondary patency were compared. The statistical significance was set at 0.05. RESULTS: Target lesion primary patency was compared in both groups and was significantly higher in the study group (DCB) at 6 months (90.3 vs. 61.3%; p = 0.016), 12 months (77.4 vs. 29%; p = 0.0004) as well as 24 months (45.2 vs. 16.1%; p = 0.026). Kaplan-Meier survival curves also showed a significant difference for target lesion primary patency (534.2 vs. 315.7 days; p = 0.0004). There were no significant differences in target lesion primary assisted patency and in secondary patency. However, only 38.7% of patients in the study group were treated twice or more versus 80.6% in the control group (p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: DCB increases target lesion primary patency during the first 24 months and decreases the rate of reinterventions.

Recommendations of the ESSR Arthritis Subcommittee on Ultrasonography in Inflammatory Joint Disease.

This article presents the recommendations of the European Society of Musculoskeletal Radiology Arthritis Subcommittee on the use of ultrasonography (US) in rheumatic disease, focused on the examination of joints in the adult population. The recommended examination technique and protocols used in a radiologic work-up are discussed. The main US features that can lead to a final diagnosis in the most common rheumatic diseases are addressed. The differential diagnosis that should be considered at image interpretation is presented. The role of US in interventional procedures and clinically important recent developments is also discussed.

Quantitative Evaluation of Growth Plates around the Knees of Adolescent Soccer Players by Diffusion-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

PURPOSE: To quantitatively evaluate growth plates around the knees in adolescent soccer players utilizing the diffusion-weighted MR imaging (DWI). METHODS: The knees and adjacent growth plates of eleven 14-year-old male soccer players were evaluated by MRI before (end of season's summer break) and after two months of intense soccer training. MRI evaluation was conducted in coronal plane by PD-FSE and DWI. All images were screened for any major pathological changes. Later, central growth plate surface area (CGPSA) was measured and the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values were calculated in two most central coronal slices divided into four regions: distal femur medial (DFM), distal femur lateral (DFL), proximal tibia medial (PTM), and proximal tibia lateral (PTL). RESULTS: No gross pathology was diagnosed on MRI. CGPSA was not significantly reduced: DFM 278 versus 272, DFL 265 versus 261, PTM 193 versus 192, and PTL 214 versus 210. ADC decrease was statistically significant only for PTM: DFM 1.27 versus 1.22, DFL 1.37 versus 1.34, PTM 1.13 versus 1.03 (p = 0.003), and PTL 1.28 versus 1.22. CONCLUSIONS: DWI measurements indicate increased cellularity in growth plates around knees in footballers most prominent in PTM after intense training. No detectable differences on a standard PD-FSE sequence were observed.

Recommendations of the ESSR Arthritis Subcommittee for the Use of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Musculoskeletal Rheumatic Diseases.

This article presents the recommendations of the European Society of Musculoskeletal Radiology Arthritis Subcommittee regarding the standards of the use of MRI in the diagnosis of musculoskeletal rheumatic diseases. The recommendations discuss (1) the role of MRI in current classification criteria of musculoskeletal rheumatic diseases (including early diagnosis of inflammation, disease follow-up, and identification of disease complications); (2) the impact of MRI on the diagnosis of axial and peripheral spondyloarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and juvenile spondyloarthritis; (3) MRI protocols for the axial and peripheral joints; (4) MRI interpretation and reporting for axial and peripheral joints; and finally, (5) methods for assessing MR images including quantitative, semiquantitative, and dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI studies.

Porous tantalum shells and augments for acetabular cup revisions.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate early functional results of revision hip arthroplasty with pelvic bone loss revised with porous tantalum (PT) acetabular components. METHODS: Twenty-five consecutive patients (25 hips) with loose acetabular components after total hip arthroplasty with a minimum of Paprosky IIa pelvic bone loss treated with PT cups with and without modular augments were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical outcomes were assessed using Harris hip score, and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities scores. Mean follow-up was 20.5 months and no patient was lost during follow-up. RESULTS: The average Harris hip score, and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities scores improved from 40 and 36 preoperatively to 79 and 73 postoperatively, respectively. No statistically significant differences in functional outcome scores were found between the group with moderate (Paprosky IIa, b) and severe (Paprosky IIc or more) acetabular bone loss. At the most recent radiographic evaluation, 24 cups demonstrated no lucent lines and 1 cup had lucent lines but remained well fixed. One cup was revised for traumatic dislocation but was found well fixed at open reduction. There were no septic or aseptic failures in this series. CONCLUSION: While awaiting longer-term follow-up studies, trabecular metal components show sufficient primary stability and appear suitable for revision hip arthroplasty with acetabular bone loss.

Radiographic assessment of vascular calcification, aortic pulse wave velocity, ankle-brachial index and fibroblast growth factor-23 in chronic hemodialysis patients.

Vascular calcification is a frequent complication of chronic kidney disease and end stage renal disease. In both the general population and patients with end stage renal disease, vascular calcification is related to arterial stiffness and is a predictor of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Various diagnostic methods are currently used to assess vascular calcification. There is a preference for simple, reliable methods that can be used in daily practice. Therefore, several imaging and laboratory methods are investigated. Twenty-eight patients with mean age of 62 years on chronic hemodialysis were enrolled in the study. The mean duration of hemodialysis treatment was 70 months (range 3 to 350 months). Vascular calcification was assessed with coronary computed tomography and lateral lumbar, pelvic and hand radiographs. Vascular stiffness was evaluated using aortic pulse wave velocity and ankle-brachial index measurements, and finally serum levels of fibroblast growth factor-23 were followed. A statistically significant correlation was demonstrated between all the following parameters: coronary artery calcification score, aortic pulse wave velocity, abdominal aortic calcification score, simple vascular calcification scores in pelvis and hand. A statistically significant correlation of ankle-brachial index >1.3 to coronary artery calcification score was found. There was no correlation between the previous parameters and fibroblast growth factor-23. The results of our study indicate that simple imaging methods could provide confident vascular damage assessment and therefore potentially guide therapy adjustments. An association between fibroblast growth factor-23 and the other diagnostic modalities in our study was not found.

MRI evaluation of tibial tunnel wall cortical bone formation after platelet-rich plasma applied during anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: After anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, formation of cortical sclerotic bone encircling the femoral and tibial tunnel is a part of intratunnel graft healing. During the physiological cascades of soft tissue healing and bone growth, cellular and hormonal factors play an important role. The purpose of this study was to non-invasively but quantitatively assess the effect of intraoperatively applied platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on the formation of cortical bone encircling the tibial tunnel. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In fifty patients, standard arthroscopic ACL reconstructions were performed. The PRP group (n = 25) received a local application of PRP while the control group (n = 25) did not receive PRP. The proximal tibial tunnel was examined by MRI in the paraxial plane where the portion of the tibial tunnel wall circumference consisting of sclerotic cortical bone was assessed with testing occurring at one, two and a half and six months after surgery. RESULTS: At one month after surgery, differences between the groups in the amount of cortical sclerotic bone encircling the tunnel were not significant (p = 0.928). At two and a half months, the sclerotic portion of the tunnel wall in the PRP group (36.2%) was significantly larger than in the control (22.5%) group (p = 0.004). At six months, the portion of sclerotic bone in the PRP group (67.1%) was also significantly larger than in the control (53.5%) group (p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Enhanced cortical bone formation encircling the tibial tunnel at 2.5 and 6 months after ACL graft reconstruction results from locally applied platelet-rich plasma.

Evaluation of the tibial tunnel after intraoperatively administered platelet-rich plasma gel during anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using diffusion weighted and dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI.

PURPOSE: To evaluate effect of platelet-rich plasma gel (PRPG), locally administered during the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, with two MRI methods. The proximal tibial tunnel was assessed with diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) and with dynamic contrast-enhanced imaging (DCE-MRI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 50 patients, standard arthroscopic ACL reconstructions were performed. The patients in the PRPG group (n = 25) received a local application of PRPG. The proximal tibial tunnel was examined by DWI and DCE-MRI, which were used to calculate apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values, as well as the contrast enhancement gradient (G(enh)) and enhancement factor (F(enh)) values. RESULTS: At 1 month, the calculated average ADC value in the PRPG group was significantly lower than in the control group. At 2.5 and at 6 months, G(enh) was significantly higher in the PRPG group. There were no significant differences in F(enh) between the groups at any control examination. CONCLUSION: DWI and DCE-MRI measurements indicate a reduced extent of edema during the first postoperative month as well as an increased vascular density and microvessel permeability in the proximal tibial tunnel at 1 and 2.5 postoperative months as the effect of the application of PRPG.

Quantitative evaluation of the tibial tunnel after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using diffusion weighted and dynamic contrast enhanced MRI: a follow-up feasibility study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the feasibility of two quantitative MRI methods: diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) and dynamic contrast enhanced imaging (DCEI), for follow-up assessment of the tibial tunnel after reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-three patients were examined by MRI at 1 and 6 months following ACL reconstruction. DWI and DCEI were utilized for evaluating the region of interest (ROI) within the proximal part of the tibial tunnel. From the resulting apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps, ADC values were calculated. DCEI data were used to extract the enhancement factor (f(enh)) and the enhancement gradient (g(enh)) for the same ROI. RESULTS: Calculated ADC as well as the f(enh) and g(enh) had diminished to a statistically significant extent by 6 months after ACL reconstruction. The average ADC value diminished from 1.48 (10(-3) mm(2)/s) at 1 month to 1.30 (10(-3) mm(2)/s) at 6 months after reconstruction. The average f(enh) value decreased from 1.21 at 1 month to 0.50 at 6 months and the average g(enh) value decreased from 2.01%/s to 1.15%/s at 6 months, respectively. CONCLUSION: The study proved feasibility of DWI and DCEI for quantitative assessment of the tibial tunnel at 1 and 6 months after ACL reconstruction. Both methods have the potential for use as an additional tool in the evaluation of new methods of ACL reconstruction. To our knowledge, this is the first time quantitative MRI has been used in the follow-up to the ACL graft healing process.