Estimation of sex in a contemporary Saudi population based on sternal measurements using multidetector computed tomography.

Sex estimation is an essential step for identifying unknown individuals and usually depends on the presence of highly dimorphic bones, such as the pelvis and skull. Nevertheless, the body integrity can be compromised in certain circumstances, and these bones might be absent; therefore, the ability to use other bones for sex estimation is crucial. The aims of this study were to collect baseline data for sternal dimensions in Saudi adults, assess the existence of sexual dimorphism in the sternum, and generate population-specific equations to estimate sex using sternal dimensions. During 2014-2015, 200 thoracic/thoraco-abdominal computed tomography (CT) images (100 men, 100 women) were anonymously collected from King Abdulaziz Medical City. Six measurements were obtained and two indices calculated after 3D reconstruction of the CT scans. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and sexual dimorphism was assessed using independent t-tests. Discriminant function equations were developed for these measurements. Except for the sternal index, men had significantly larger dimensions than women. Sexual dimorphism was highly significant (p<0.001). The best predictor was the combination of the manubrium and sternal body lengths (89.5%). In the stepwise analysis, the best predictors were the manubrium length, sternal body length, manubrium width, and corpus width at the first sternebra, with a cross-validated accuracy of 90.5%. Cross-validated accuracy for all measurements ranged between 62.5% and 90.5%. The findings of the study may have important anatomical, anthropological, and forensic applications.

Aggressive angiomyxoma of the thigh.

Aggressive angiomyxoma is a rare tumour that typically occurs in the perineum in women of reproductive age. A small number of cases occurring in men have been reported, all of which were located in the low pelvis, perineum or scrotum. While benign, the tumour is locally infiltrative and consequently has a high rate of local recurrence following surgery; therefore, accurate pre-operative diagnosis is important. The characteristic location of these tumours in the low pelvis or perineum has led to speculation that aggressive angiomyxomas arise from a mesenchymal cell that is unique to the perineum. We describe a case of aggressive angiomyxoma arising in the thigh of a 54-year-old man, which we believe is the first reported instance of this rare neoplasm occurring remote from the pelvis or perineum in a male patient. Cross-sectional imaging demonstrated a well-defined mass that had low density on CT and high intensity on fluid-sensitive MR sequences. Biopsy was non-diagnostic and excision was performed. At histological analysis, the tumour exhibited the characteristic features of aggressive angiomyxoma, with bland spindle cells and large, hyalinised blood vessels in a hypocellular myxoid matrix. Extensive immunohistochemical staining further supported the diagnosis. While the imaging features of these tumours are non-specific and suggestive of myxoid neoplasms, the diagnosis should be considered whenever biopsy of a myxoid-appearing mass yields hypocellular, non-diagnostic material, despite adequate sampling.

The imaging appearances of metallosis.

Metallosis is an uncommon condition in which there is infiltration of periprosthetic soft tissues and bone by metallic debris resulting from wear of joint arthroplasties. It is often associated with significant osteolysis; therefore the identification of metallosis is an indication for revision arthroplasty. The radiographic, CT and MRI features of metallosis in a 63-year-old man who presented 16 years post-arthroplasty are described in this case report.