[Structural MRI study of the Achilles tendon. Correlation with microanatomy and histology]. / Etude structurale du tendon d'achille en IRM. Corrélation avec la microanatomie et l'histologie.

On T1 and T2 weighted MR Imaging, normal Achilles tendon is generally described as a homogeneous low signal structure. However, punctuate and/or short linear high signal foci are often seen, especially on the anterior part of axial sections. These images are not artifacts. The aim of this study was to correlate MR images of 20 normal Achilles tendons with micro-anatomic and histologic studies of 2 cadaver tendons. Intratendinous vessels were found in connective tissue septa called mesotenon. Foci of high signals result from this mesotenon. On T1 weighted images, a normal Achilles tendon can present high signal images without any disease process.

[Psychological behavior of patients in MRI: analysis, proposals for improvement and contribution of open magnet equipment]. / Le comportement psychologique des patients en IRM: analyse, propositions d'amélioration et apport de l'appareillage à aimant ouvert.

Many patients report anxiety during MR imaging. Anxiety is due to immobility, coil noise, high temperature, duration of the examination and shape of the system. On basis of a prospective series of 250 patients undergoing MR studies, we have analysed mechanisms and reasons of anxiety. Psychological strategies are useful to reduce anxiety and improve patients' cooperation and relaxation. The easiest and most effective way is to inform the distressed patient. Information about the MRI examination must be clear and simple. Open field magnets improve comfort and global conditions of the examination realisation. Psychological consequences are less important. Open field MR systems reduce claustrophobia induced by MR imaging.

Ultrasound assessment of the acetabulum in the infant hip.

One hundred and fifty infant hips were studied using simultaneous ultrasonography and radiography. The reliability of measurement was found to be similar for alpha angle and d/D ratio. However, the acetabular index correlated much better with the d/D ratio than with the alpha angle. In fact, in hips where the d/D ratio exceeded 56%, radiographs could be dispensed with. Besides, the use of a sector scanner or a linear-array tranducer was found to make no significant difference to the correlation between the acetabular index and the d/D ratio. Sonographic assessment of acetabular development in the infant should permit a reduction in the number of radiographs required during screening and follow-up.

[Radiological study of epiphyseal abnormalities in osteogenesis imperfecta. Apropos of 61 cases]. / Etude radiologique des anomalies épiphysaires dans l'ostéogénèse imparfaite. A propos de 61 observations.

Sixty-one cases of osteogenesis imperfecta were studied to try to discover the cause of metaphyseal and epiphyseal deformities. These deformities were noticeable in 8 cases out of 61 at the level of the upper and lower end of the femur in all cases and sometimes at the level of the lower end of the tibia and the upper end of the humerus. Several grades are described: First grade - protrusion of the growth plate into the epiphysis. Second grade - disorganization of the architecture of the epiphysis. Third grade - major deformity. It seems that the deformities are secondary to lesions of the growth plates. Several hypotheses are suggested. The authors consider that the main role is played by segmental fractures creating areas of ischemia in the epiphyses.

[A glomus tumor of the toe: a pediatric case report]. / Une tumeur glomique de l'orteil : une observation pédiatrique.

SUMMARY: A glomus tumour of the third toe is quite rare in children. The authors report a clinical observation based on a misdiagnosis due to insufficient investigations, which led to a mistaken referral to a pediatric psychiatrist. Preoperative diagnosis requires a targeted MRI. Complete resection of the tumor results in an immediate resolution of the pain.