MRI-based Neuropathy Score Reporting And Data System (NS-RADS): multi-institutional wider-experience usability study of peripheral neuropathy conditions among 32 radiology readers.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the inter-reader reliability and diagnostic performance of classification and severity scales of Neuropathy Score Reporting And Data System (NS-RADS) among readers of differing experience levels after limited teaching of the scoring system. METHODS: This is a multi-institutional, cross-sectional, retrospective study of MRI cases of proven peripheral neuropathy (PN) conditions. Thirty-two radiology readers with varying experience levels were recruited from different institutions. Each reader attended and received a structured presentation that described the NS-RADS classification system containing examples and reviewed published articles on this subject. The readers were then asked to perform NS-RADS scoring with recording of category, subcategory, and most likely diagnosis. Inter-reader agreements were evaluated by Conger's kappa and diagnostic accuracy was calculated for each reader as percent correct diagnosis. A linear mixed model was used to estimate and compare accuracy between trainees and attendings. RESULTS: Across all readers, agreement was good for NS-RADS category and moderate for subcategory. Inter-reader agreement of trainees was comparable to attendings (0.65 vs 0.65). Reader accuracy for attendings was 75% (95% CI 73%, 77%), slightly higher than for trainees (71% (69%, 72%), p = 0.0006) for nerves and comparable for muscles (attendings, 87.5% (95% CI 86.1-88.8%) and trainees, 86.6% (95% CI 85.2-87.9%), p = 0.4). NS-RADS accuracy was also higher than average accuracy for the most plausible diagnosis for attending radiologists at 67% (95% CI 63%, 71%) and for trainees at 65% (95% CI 60%, 69%) (p = 0.036). CONCLUSION: Non-expert radiologists interpreted PN conditions with good accuracy and moderate-to-good inter-reader reliability using the NS-RADS scoring system. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: The Neuropathy Score Reporting And Data System (NS-RADS) is an accurate and reliable MRI-based image scoring system for practical use for the diagnosis and grading of severity of peripheral neuromuscular disorders by both experienced and general radiologists. KEY POINTS: • The Neuropathy Score Reporting And Data System (NS-RADS) can be used effectively by non-expert radiologists to categorize peripheral neuropathy. • Across 32 different experience-level readers, the agreement was good for NS-RADS category and moderate for NS-RADS subcategory. • NS-RADS accuracy was higher than the average accuracy for the most plausible diagnosis for both attending radiologists and trainees (at 75%, 71% and 65%, 65%, respectively).

Perceptual and Neuromuscular Responses Adapt Similarly Between High-Load Resistance Training and Low-Load Resistance Training With Blood Flow Restriction.

ABSTRACT: Teixeira, EL, Painelli, VdS, Schoenfeld, BJ, Silva-Batista, C, Longo, AR, Aihara, AY, Cardoso, FN, Peres, BdA, and Tricoli, V. Perceptual and neuromuscular responses adapt similarly between high-load resistance training and low-load resistance training with blood flow restriction. J Strength Cond Res 36(9): 2410-2416, 2022-This study compared the effects of 8 weeks of low-load resistance training with blood flow restriction (LL-BFR) and high-load resistance training (HL-RT) on perceptual responses (rating of perceived exertion [RPE] and pain), quadriceps cross-sectional area (QCSA), and muscle strength (1 repetition maximum [RM]). Sixteen physically active men trained twice per week, for 8 weeks. One leg performed LL-BFR (3 sets of 15 repetitions, 20% 1RM), whereas the contralateral leg performed HL-RT (3 sets of 8 repetitions, 70% 1RM). Rating of perceived exertion and pain were evaluated immediately after the first and last training sessions, whereas QCSA and 1RM were assessed at baseline and after training. Rating of perceived exertion was significantly lower (6.8 ± 1.1 vs. 8.1 ± 0.8, p = 0.001) and pain significantly higher (7.1 ± 1.2 vs. 5.8 ± 1.8, p = 0.02) for LL-BFR than that for HL-RT before training. Significant reductions in RPE and pain were shown for both protocols after training (both p < 0.0001), although no between-protocol differences were shown in absolute changes ( p = 0.10 and p = 0.48, respectively). Both LL-BFR and HL-RT were similarly effective in increasing QCSA (7.0 ± 3.8% and 6.3 ± 4.1%, respectively; both p < 0.0001) and 1RM (6.9 ± 4.1% and 13.7 ± 5.9%, respectively; both P < 0.0001), although absolute changes for 1RM in HL-RT were greater than LL-BFR ( p = 0.001). In conclusion, LL-BFR produces lower RPE values and a higher pain perception than HL-RT. However, consistent application of these approaches result in chronic adaptations so that there are no differences in perceptual responses over the course of time. In addition, muscle strength is optimized with HL-RT despite similar increases in muscle hypertrophy between conditions.

MR imaging of inherited myopathies: a review and proposal of imaging algorithms.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The aims of this review are to discuss the imaging modalities used to assess muscle changes in myopathies, to provide an overview of the inherited myopathies focusing on their patterns of muscle involvement in magnetic resonance imaging (MR), and to propose up-to-date imaging-based diagnostic algorithms that can help in the diagnostic workup. CONCLUSION: Familiarization with the most common and specific patterns of muscular involvement in inherited myopathies is very important for radiologists and neurologists, as imaging plays a significant role in diagnosis and follow-up of these patients. KEY POINTS: • Imaging is an increasingly important tool for diagnosis and follow-up in the setting of inherited myopathies. • Knowledge of the most common imaging patterns of muscle involvement in inherited myopathies is valuable for both radiologists and neurologists. • In this review, we present imaging-based algorithms that can help in the diagnostic workup of myopathies.

Blood Flow Restriction Does Not Promote Additional Effects on Muscle Adaptations When Combined With High-Load Resistance Training Regardless of Blood Flow Restriction Protocol.

ABSTRACT: Teixeira, EL, Ugrinowitsch, C, de Salles Painelli, V, Silva-Batista, C, Aihara, AY, Cardoso, FN, Roschel, H, and Tricoli, V. Blood flow restriction does not promote additional effects on muscle adaptations when combined with high-load resistance training regardless of blood flow restriction protocol. J Strength Cond Res 35(5): 1194-1200, 2021-The aim of this study was to investigate, during high-load resistance training (HL-RT), the effect of blood flow restriction (BFR) applied during rest intervals (BFR-I) and muscle contractions (BFR-C) compared with HL-RT alone (no BFR), on maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC), maximum dynamic strength (one repetition maximum [1RM]), quadriceps cross-sectional area (QCSA), blood lactate concentration ([La]), and root mean square of the surface electromyography (RMS-EMG) responses. Forty-nine healthy and untrained men (25 ± 6.2 years, 178.1 ± 5.3 cm and 78.8 ± 11.6 kg) trained twice per week, for 8 weeks. One leg of each subject performed HL-RT without BFR (HL-RT), whereas the contralateral leg was randomly allocated to 1 of 2 unilateral knee extension protocols: BFR-I or BFR-C (for all protocols, 3 × 8 repetitions, 70% 1RM). Maximum voluntary isometric contraction, 1RM, QCSA, and acute changes in [La] and RMS-EMG were assessed before and after training. The measurement of [La] and RMS-EMG was performed during the control sessions with the same relative load obtained after the 1RM test, before and after training. Similar increases in MVIC, 1RM, and QCSA were demonstrated among all conditions, with no significant difference between them. [La] increased for all protocols in pre-training and post-training, but it was higher for BFR-I compared with the remaining protocols. Increases in RMS-EMG occurred for all protocols in pre-training and post-training, with no significant difference between them. In conclusion, despite of a greater metabolic stress, BFR inclusion to HL-RT during rest intervals or muscle contraction did not promote any additive effect on muscle strength and hypertrophy.

Varying the Order of Combinations of Single- and Multi-Joint Exercises Differentially Affects Resistance Training Adaptations.

Brandão, L, de Salles Painelli, V, Lasevicius, T, Silva-Batista, C, Brendon, H, Schoenfeld, BJ, Aihara, AY, Cardoso, FN, de Almeida Peres, B, and Teixeira, EL. Varying the order of combinations of single- and multi-joint exercises differentially affects resistance training adaptations. J Strength Cond Res 34(5): 1254-1263, 2020-Our study aimed to compare the effects of multi-joint (MJ) and single-joint (SJ) exercises, either isolated or in combination, and in different orders, on cross-sectional area (CSA) of the pectoralis major (PM) and different heads of the triceps brachii (TB), as well as on the one-repetition maximum (1-RM) in the bench press and lying barbell triceps press. Forty-three young men were randomly assigned to one of 4 possible RT protocols: barbell bench press plus lying barbell triceps press (MJ + SJ, n = 12); lying barbell triceps press plus barbell bench press (SJ + MJ, n = 10); barbell bench press (MJ, n = 10); or lying barbell triceps press (SJ, n = 11). Results showed significant within-group increases in 1-RM bench press for MJ, MJ + SJ, and SJ + MJ but not for SJ. Conversely, significantly greater within-group increases in elbow extension 1-RM were noted for SJ, MJ + SJ, and SJ + MJ but not for MJ. Significantly greater increases in PM CSA were observed for MJ, MJ + SJ, and SJ + MJ compared with SJ. Significant increases in TB CSA were noted for SJ, MJ + SJ, and SJ + MJ, but not for MJ, without observed between-group differences. Individual analysis of TB heads showed significantly greater CSA increases in the lateral head for MJ, MJ + SJ, and SJ + MJ compared with SJ. Alternatively, significantly greater increases in the long head were observed for SJ, MJ + SJ, and SJ + MJ compared with MJ. CSA increases for the medial head were statistically similar between conditions. Our findings indicate that muscular adaptations are differentially affected by performance of MJ and SJ exercises.

Imaging of Paget's Disease of Bone.

Paget's disease is a metabolic bone disorder affecting the elderly and characterized by bone resorption followed by compensatory bone formation. Radiography is the imaging modality of choice for the diagnosis whereas bone scintigraphy helps stage the extent of the disease and assess response to treatment. MRI and CT are important imaging methods in the assessment of complications and surgical planning. Osteolytic lesions of Paget's first phase present with well-defined margins on radiographs, most commonly in the femur, pelvis, and skull. Cortical thickening, trabecular coarsening, bone marrow sclerosis, and deformities of long bones are present in the mixed- and late-sclerotic phases.

Soft Tissue Tumors: Imaging Features of Primary Soft Tissue Malignancies.

Imaging in soft tissue sarcomas (STS) plays a key role in diagnosis, surgical planning, and assessment of treatment response, and surveillance. In this review, we discuss the imaging features-with an emphasis on MR imaging-of nonvisceral STS, highlighting representative tumors from the various WHO subtypes. We focus on imaging findings that may aid the radiologist in categorizing tumor subtype and grade, and that affect disease staging.

Imaging the ligaments of the trapeziometacarpal joint: MRI compared with MR arthrography in cadaveric specimens.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of our study was to compare the normal ligamentous anatomy of the trapeziometacarpal joint in cadavers on conventional MRI and MR arthrography and review the most common diseases and abnormalities that affect this articulation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MR images of seven trapeziometacarpal joints of seven fresh cadaveric hands were obtained before and after arthrography. The MR appearances of the ligaments around the trapeziometacarpal joint were analyzed and correlated with corresponding anatomic sections. The imaging planes that allowed best analysis of these structures were determined. RESULTS: Five ligaments around the trapeziometacarpal joint were generally recognized: the dorsoradial ligament; the posterior oblique ligament; the intermetacarpal ligament; the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL); and both portions of the anterior oblique ligament, the superficial anterior oblique and deep anterior oblique ligaments. The former three were attached to the dorsal aspect and the latter three to the volar aspect of the trapeziometacarpal joint. The dorsoradial ligament, posterior oblique ligament, intermetacarpal ligament, and superficial and deep anterior oblique ligaments were best visualized in the sagittal plane, whereas the UCL was best visualized in the coronal plane. MR arthrography mainly improved visualization of the intermetacarpal ligament, superficial and deep anterior oblique ligaments, and UCL. CONCLUSION: MR arthrography improves visualization of and provides detailed information about the anatomy of the ligaments around the trapeziometacarpal joint. Knowledge of the appearance of these normal ligaments on MRI allows accurate diagnosis of lesions of the trapeziometacarpal ligaments and of the adjacent structures and aid the attending physician if and when surgery is indicated.

Effects of different strength training frequencies during reduced training period on strength and muscle cross-sectional area.

This study investigated the effects of different reduced strength training (RST) frequencies on half-squat 1 RM and quadriceps cross-sectional area (QCSA). Thirty-three untrained males (24.7 ± 3.9 years; 1.73 ± 0.08 m; 74.6 ± 8.4 kg) underwent a 16-week experimental period (i.e. eight weeks of strength training [ST] followed by additional eight weeks of RST). During the ST period, the participants performed 3-4 sets of 6-12 RM, three sessions/week in half-squat and knee extension exercises. Following ST, the participants were randomly allocated to one of three groups: reduced strength training with one (RST1) or two sessions per week (RST2), and ceased training (CT). Both RST1 and RST2 groups had their training frequency and total training volume-load (i.e. RST1 = 50.3% and RST2 = 57.1%) reduced, while the CT group stopped training completely. Half-squat 1 RM (RST1 = 27.9%; RST2 = 26.7%; and CT = 28.4%) and QCSA (RST1 = 6.1%; RST2 = 6.9%; and CT = 5.8%) increased significantly (p < .05) in all groups after eight weeks of ST. No significant changes were observed in 1 RM and QCSA for RST1 and RST2 groups after the RST period, while the CT group demonstrated a decrease in half-squat 1 RM (22.6%) and QCSA (5.4%) when compared to the ST period (p < .05). In conclusion, different RST frequencies applied were able to maintain muscle mass and strength performance obtained over the regular ST period. Thus, it appears that RST frequency does not affect the maintenance of muscle mass and strength in untrained males, as long as volume-load is equated between frequencies.

Extensive Erosion of Vertebral Bodies Due to a Chronic Contained Ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm.

This report describes a case of chronically ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm contained within the lumbar vertebral bodies that presented with dull abdominal pain. Sudden, massive hemorrhage is an uncommon, yet well-known complication of an untreated abdominal aortic aneurysm. In addition, misleading clinical and radiological findings present difficult diagnostic challenges in such cases. This report emphasizes the findings obtained with multidetector computed tomography and delineates the differentiation of this condition from similar pathologies.

Spinal and sacroiliac gouty arthritis: report of a case and review of the literature.

In this case report, we describe an "uncommon" case of axial gouty arthropathy in a 69-year-old woman with bilateral sciatica that was thoroughly evaluated with conventional radiography, CT scan, magnetic resonance imaging, bone scintigraphy, and PET-CT. Axial gouty arthropathy should be included in the differential diagnosis of chronic low back pain, mainly when several risk factors for gout are present.