Image quality in whole-body MRI using the MY-RADS protocol in a prospective multi-centre multiple myeloma study.

BACKGROUND: The Myeloma Response Assessment and Diagnosis System (MY-RADS) guidelines establish a standardised acquisition and analysis pipeline for whole-body MRI (WB-MRI) in patients with myeloma. This is the first study to assess image quality in a multi-centre prospective trial using MY-RADS. METHODS: The cohort consisted of 121 examinations acquired across ten sites with a range of prior WB-MRI experience, three scanner manufacturers and two field strengths. Image quality was evaluated qualitatively by a radiologist and quantitatively using a semi-automated pipeline to quantify common artefacts and image quality issues. The intra- and inter-rater repeatability of qualitative and quantitative scoring was also assessed. RESULTS: Qualitative radiological scoring found that the image quality was generally good, with 94% of examinations rated as good or excellent and only one examination rated as non-diagnostic. There was a significant correlation between radiological and quantitative scoring for most measures, and intra- and inter-rater repeatability were generally good. When the quality of an overall examination was low, this was often due to low quality diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), where signal to noise ratio (SNR), anterior thoracic signal loss and brain geometric distortion were found as significant predictors of examination quality. CONCLUSIONS: It is possible to successfully deliver a multi-centre WB-MRI study using the MY-RADS protocol involving scanners with a range of manufacturers, models and field strengths. Quantitative measures of image quality were developed and shown to be significantly correlated with radiological assessment. The SNR of DW images was identified as a significant factor affecting overall examination quality. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03188172 , Registered on 15 June 2017. CRITICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: Good overall image quality, assessed both qualitatively and quantitatively, can be achieved in a multi-centre whole-body MRI study using the MY-RADS guidelines. KEY POINTS: • A prospective multi-centre WB-MRI study using MY-RADS can be successfully delivered. • Quantitative image quality metrics were developed and correlated with radiological assessment. • SNR in DWI was identified as a significant predictor of quality, allowing for rapid quality adjustment.

Implementation of Whole-Body MRI (MY-RADS) within the OPTIMUM/MUKnine multi-centre clinical trial for patients with myeloma.

BACKGROUND: Whole-body (WB) MRI, which includes diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and T1-w Dixon, permits sensitive detection of marrow disease in addition to qualitative and quantitative measurements of disease and response to treatment of bone marrow. We report on the first study to embed standardised WB-MRI within a prospective, multi-centre myeloma clinical trial (IMAGIMM trial, sub-study of OPTIMUM/MUKnine) to explore the use of WB-MRI to detect minimal residual disease after treatment. METHODS: The standardised MY-RADS WB-MRI protocol was set up on a local 1.5 T scanner. An imaging manual describing the MR protocol, quality assurance/control procedures and data transfer was produced and provided to sites. For non-identical scanners (different vendor or magnet strength), site visits from our physics team were organised to support protocol optimisation. The site qualification process included review of phantom and volunteer data acquired at each site and a teleconference to brief the multidisciplinary team. Image quality of initial patients at each site was assessed. RESULTS: WB-MRI was successfully set up at 12 UK sites involving 3 vendor systems and two field strengths. Four main protocols (1.5 T Siemens, 3 T Siemens, 1.5 T Philips and 3 T GE scanners) were generated. Scanner limitations (hardware and software) and scanning time constraint required protocol modifications for 4 sites. Nevertheless, shared methodology and imaging protocols enabled other centres to obtain images suitable for qualitative and quantitative analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Standardised WB-MRI protocols can be implemented and supported in prospective multi-centre clinical trials. Trial registration NCT03188172 clinicaltrials.gov; registration date 15th June 2017 https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/study/NCT03188172.

"Flip-Flop Phenomenon" - Magnetic Resonance Imaging Pitfall: A Case Report.

A 66-year-old cachectic female with underlying anorexia nervosa and lower limb weakness was referred for a spinal Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Imaging appearances were initially thought to represent underlying systemic pathology involving bone marrow or inadvertent wrong selection of imaging sequences. It was, however, established that unique imaging appearances are secondary to 'Flip-Flop' phenomenon owing to underlying nutritional status of the patient. 'Flip-Flop' phenomenon on the Magnetic Resonance Imaging is result of an underlying pathological process of serous atrophy of bone marrow. Appreciation and recognition of this phenomenon will help in the correct interpretation of the images and leads a clinician toward appropriate management.

Rupture of the extensor hood of the fifth toe: a rare injury.

Closed injuries of the extensor hood of the lesser toes are rare and seldom reported in the literature. We present the case of a woman aged 25 years who presented to the orthopaedic fracture clinic with a 2-week history of pain in the left fifth toe and inability to extend following a ballet dancing session. Investigations showed no fracture on plain radiographs, but an ultrasound scan demonstrated rupture to the extensor hood of the little toe. Successful surgical repair of the extensor hood was performed, and the patient made a good recovery with return to dancing activities.

Case 239: Cerebrotendinous Xanthomatosis.

History A 63-year-old man with learning difficulties presented to the Accident and Emergency Department with right ankle pain after an inversion injury and underwent plain radiography. The patient had developed normally until his teenage years, at which point he experienced cognitive regression. He experienced swallowing difficulties, tinnitus, and fecal incontinence, and he had undergone cataract surgery at the age of 20 years. He also had a small nodule on the volar surface of his right ring finger. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of the brain and the right ankle had been performed 3 years previously. Routine biochemistry (full blood count and renal function) results were normal. Total cholesterol level was 3.6 mmol/L (normal, <5.0 mmol/L). The patient had three siblings who had the same condition, with one having died in childhood.

What factors predict the need for further intervention following corticosteroid injection of Morton's neuroma?

BACKGROUND: This study investigated factors that may predict the need for Morton's neuroma (MN) to undergo further treatment within 2 years of a single ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injection. METHODS: A retrospective study was undertaken over a three-year period. The data was stratified into two groups: Group A - did not receive further intervention and Group B - received further treatment. We investigated age, gender, neuroma size and presence of other forefoot pathology or ipsilateral neuromas. RESULTS: 54 patients (57 feet) were reviewed. 29 feet (51%) required further treatment within 2 years (11 repeat injections, 18 surgical excisions). Binary logistic regression showed that larger neuromas (p=0.011) and younger patients (p=0.007) predicted the need for further intervention but not gender (p=0.272). The distribution of concomitant forefoot pathology and ipsilateral neuromas were similar between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Size and age appear to be predictors for further treatment of MN within 2 years of corticosteroid injection.

A Jejunal Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumour: an unusual cause of massive acute gastrointestinal haemorrhage with emphasis on pre intervention MDCT.

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) most commonly arise from the stomach followed by the small intestine and are common cause for an occult gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. We present an unusual case of a jejunal GIST, which presented as an acute gastrointestinal haemorrhage. This case highlights the importance of an intravenous contrast enhanced abdominal CT with neutral oral contrast for the assessment of gastrointestinal bleeding where non-obstructive enhancing tumour, active extravasations and arteriovenous malformations (AVM) could potentially be obscured by the use of positive oral contrast. This case also emphasizes on the use of multiplanar image reconstructions that are extremely useful in determining the exact location and size of the pathology.