Combined subchondral and intra-articular injections of bone marrow aspirate concentrate provide stable results up to 24 months.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and imaging findings up to 24 months of follow-up in patients treated with combined subchondral and intra-articular bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) injections for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS: Thirty consecutive patients (19 males, 11 females) aged between 40 and 75 years (mean age 56.4 ± 8.1 years) with unilateral symptomatic knee OA (Kellgren-Lawrence 2-3) were included in the study. Patients were treated with combined intra-articular and subchondral bone BMAC injections (total 9 ml) under fluoroscopic control. IKDC subjective score, VAS for pain, KOOS, and EQ-VAS were prospectively evaluated up to 24 months. Radiographs were performed at baseline and at 24 months after the procedure. MRI was evaluated with the WORMS score at baseline, 6-12 months, and 24 months of follow-up. The statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v.19.0 and for all tests p < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: No major complications and a 13% failure rate were reported. The IKDC subjective score remained stable from 62.6 ± 19.4 at 12 months to 63.4 ± 17.1 at 24 months (both p < 0.0005 compared to baseline, 40.5 ± 12.5). Similar improvements were reported for all KOOS subscales, while EQ-VAS did not report any significant improvement. VAS pain worsened from 3.0 ± 1.9 at 12 months to 4.4 ± 1.8 at the final follow-up (p = 0.0001), although remaining lower compared to the baseline value of 6.3 ± 1.8 (p = 0.002). The radiographic evaluation did not reveal signs of improvement or deterioration of the OA grade. The MRI findings showed a worsening in marginal osteophytes and synovitis, but a significant reduction of bone marrow edema at 24 months (p < 0.0005). CONCLUSION: Combined intra-articular and subchondral BMAC injections provided clinical and imaging benefits up to 24 months for the treatment of symptomatic knee OA, with durable clinical results, a low failure rate, and a significant reduction of bone marrow edema.

Subchondral and intra-articular injections of bone marrow concentrate are a safe and effective treatment for knee osteoarthritis: a prospective, multi-center pilot study.

PURPOSE: Subchondral bone is becoming a treatment target for knee OA patients, with promising early findings on the use of bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC). The aim of this prospective, multi-centric pilot study was to evaluate safety as well as clinical and MRI outcomes of a combined approach of intra-articular and subchondral BMAC injections. METHODS: Thirty patients (19 men, 11 women, 56.4 ± 8.1 years) with symptomatic knee OA were treated with a combination of an intra-articular and two subchondral BMAC injections (femoral condyle and tibial plateau). Patients were evaluated at baseline and at 1-3-6-12 months of follow-up with the IKDC subjective, VAS, KOOS, and EQ-VAS scores. The MRI evaluation was performed with the WORMS score. RESULTS: No major complications were reported and only two patients were considered treatment failures, requiring a new injective or surgical treatment. The IKDC subjective score improved significantly from 40.5 ± 12.5 to 59.9 ± 16.1 at 3 months, 59.1 ± 12.2 at 6 months, and 62.6 ± 19.4 at 12 months (p < 0.0005). A similar improvement was reported for VAS pain and all KOOS subscales at all follow-ups, while EQ-VAS did not show any significant improvement. The MRI analysis showed a significant bone marrow edema reduction (p = 0.003), while the remaining WORMS parameters did not show any significant changes. CONCLUSION: The pilot evaluation of this combined BMAC injective treatment showed safety and positive outcome up to 12 months of follow-up in patients with symptomatic knee OA associated with subchondral bone alterations. These findings suggest that targeting both subchondral bone and joint environment can provide promising results, and that BMAC can be a valid option for this combined approach to treat knee OA.

Identification of the most significant magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) radiomic features in oncological patients with vertebral bone marrow metastatic disease: a feasibility study.

OBJECTIVES: Recently, radiomic analysis has gained attention as a valuable instrument for the management of oncological patients. The aim of the study is to isolate which features of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based radiomic analysis have to be considered the most significant predictors of metastasis in oncological patients with spinal bone marrow metastatic disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight oncological patients (3 lung cancer; 1 prostatic cancer; 1 esophageal cancer; 1 nasopharyngeal cancer; 1 hepatocarcinoma; 1 breast cancer) with pre-radiotherapy MR imaging for a total of 58 dorsal vertebral bodies, 29 metastatic and 29 non-metastatic were included. Each vertebral body was contoured in T1 and T2 weighted images at a radiotherapy delineation console. The obtained data were transferred to an automated data extraction system for morphological, statistical and textural analysis. Eighty-nine features for each lesion in both T1 and T2 images were computed as the median of by-slice values. A Wilcoxon test was applied to the 89 features and the most statistically significant of them underwent to a stepwise feature selection, to find the best performing predictors of metastasis in a logistic regression model. An internal cross-validation via bootstrap was conducted for estimating the model performance in terms of the area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic. RESULTS: Of the 89 textural features tested, 16 were found to differ with statistical significance in the metastatic vs non-metastatic group. The best performing model was constituted by two predictors for T1 and T2 images, namely one morphological feature (center of mass shift) (p value < 0.01) for both datasets and one histogram feature minimum grey level (p value < 0.01) for T1 images and one textural feature (grey-level co-occurrence matrix joint variance (p value < 0.01) for T2 images. The internal cross-validation showed an AUC of 0.8141 (95% CI 0.6854-0.9427) in T1 images and 0.9116 (95% CI 0.8294-0.9937) in T2 images. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that MRI-based radiomic analysis on oncological patients with bone marrow metastatic disease is able to differentiate between metastatic and non-metastatic vertebral bodies. The most significant predictors of metastasis were found to be based on T2 sequence and were one morphological and one textural feature.

Application and advantages of monoenergetic reconstruction images for the reduction of metallic artifacts using dual-energy CT in knee and hip prostheses.

OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to assess image quality when using dual-energy CT (DECT) to reduce metal artifacts in subjects with knee and hip prostheses. METHODS: Twenty-two knee and 10 hip prostheses were examined in 31 patients using a DECT protocol (tube voltages 100 and 140 kVp). Monoenergetic reconstructions were extrapolated at 64, 69, 88, 105, 110, 120, 140, 170, and 190 kilo-electron volts (keV) and the optimal energy was manually selected. The B60-140 and Fast DE reconstructions were made by CT. The image quality and diagnostic value were subjectively and objectively determined. Double-blind qualitative assessment was performed by two radiologists using a Likert scale. For quantitative analysis, a circular region of interest (ROI) was placed by a third radiologist within the most evident streak artifacts on every image. Another ROI was placed in surrounding tissues without artifacts as a reference. RESULTS: The inter-reader agreement for the qualitative assessment was nearly 100%. The best overall image quality (37.8% rated "excellent") was the Fast DE Siemens reconstruction, followed by B60-140 and Opt KeV (20.5 and 10.2% rated excellent). On the other hand, DECT images at 64, 69 and 88 keV had the worse scores. The number of artifacts was significantly different between monoenergetic images. Nevertheless, because of the high number of pairwise comparisons, no differences were found in the post hoc analysis except for a trend toward statistical significance when comparing the 170 and 64 keV doses. CONCLUSIONS: DECT with specific post-processing may reduce metal artifacts and significantly enhance the image quality and diagnostic value when evaluating metallic implants.

Spinal fractures in patients with ankylosing spondylitis.

The ankylosed spine is prone to fracture even after minor trauma due to its changed biomechanical properties. The two central features of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) that promote the pathological remodeling of the spine are inflammation and new bone formation. AS is also associated with osteoporosis that is attributed to an uncoupling of the bone formation and bone resorption processes. Therefore, bone resorption occurs and promotes weakening of the spine as well as increased risk of vertebral fractures which can be hugely different in terms of clinical relevance. Even in the presence of symptomatic clinical vertebral fractures, the diagnosis can be overruled by attributing the pain to disease activity. Furthermore, given the highly abnormal structure of the spine, vertebral fracture diagnosis can be difficult on the basis of radiography alone. CT can show the fractures in detail. Magnetic resonance imaging is considered the method of choice for the imaging of spinal cord injuries, and a reasonable option for exclusion of occult fractures undetected by CT. Since it is equally important for radiologists and clinicians to have a common knowledge base rather than a compartmentalized view, the aim of this review article was to provide the required clinical knowledge that radiologists need to know and the relevant radiological semiotics that clinicians require in diagnosing clinically significant injury to the ankylosed spine.

Assessment of implant position after total knee arthroplasty by dual-energy computed tomography.

BACKGROUND: Correct alignment of prosthetic components is the most important factor for the success of total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) may be a reliable method in determining implant position after TKA. PURPOSE: To evaluate the accuracy and reproducibility of DECT in determining implant position after TKA. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Institutional review board approval was obtained. Forty-five patients (age 75.2 ± 6.4 years) prospectively underwent TKA at our institution between May and December 2012. DECT was performed 1 year after surgery, using an alignment similar to a standing position and generating images at an extrapolated energy of 120 kVp, in order to reduce metal artifacts. Implant position was evaluated by two independent readers. Intra- and inter-observer agreements were calculated. DECT measurements on implant position were compared with the preoperative planning based on radiographs. Additional clinical and DECT findings were taken into account. RESULTS: Metal artifact reduction was judged satisfactory in all cases. Regarding implant position assessed with DECT, good to excellent intra-observer (k: 0.74-0.87 and k: 0.75-0.88, respectively), and inter-observer agreement (k: 0.72-0.82) were found. In the comparison with preoperative planning, the widest limits of agreement were within 3.9° for the sagittal orientation of tibial component. A single patient with postoperative knee pain and stiffness had periprosthetic osteopenia, quadriceps femoris tendon calcifications, articular effusion, and excessive intrarotation of the femoral component. CONCLUSION: DECT is an accurate and reproducible tool for determining implant position after TKA.

Neuropathic osteoarthropathy with and without superimposed osteomyelitis in patients with a diabetic foot.

Soft tissue and bone infection involving the foot is one of the most common long-term complications of diabetes mellitus, implying a serious impairment in quality of life for patients in the advanced stages of the disease. Neuropathic osteoarthropathy often coexists and differentiating between these two entities is commonly challenging, but crucial, as the management may differ substantially. The importance of correct diagnosis cannot be understated and effective management requires a multidisciplinary approach owing to the complicated nature of therapy in such patients. A missed diagnosis has a high likelihood of major morbidity for the patient, including limb amputation, and over-diagnosis results in a great socioeconomic challenge for healthcare systems, the over-utilization of healthcare resources, and the unwise use of antibiotics. Diagnosis is largely based on clinical signs supplemented by various imaging modalities such as radiography, MR imaging, and hybrid imaging techniques such as F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography. In the interests of the management of diabetic foot complications, this review article is aimed on the one hand at providing radiologists with important clinical knowledge, and on the other hand to equip clinicians with relevant radiological semiotics.

Performances of low-dose dual-energy CT in reducing artifacts from implanted metallic orthopedic devices.

OBJECTIVES: The objective was to evaluate the performances of dose-reduced dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) in decreasing metallic artifacts from orthopedic devices compared with dose-neutral DECT, dose-neutral single-energy computed tomography (SECT), and dose-reduced SECT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty implants in 20 consecutive cadavers underwent both SECT and DECT at three fixed CT dose indexes (CTDI): 20.0, 10.0, and 5.0 mGy. Extrapolated monoenergetic DECT images at 64, 69, 88, 105, 120, and 130 keV, and individually adjusted monoenergy for optimized image quality (OPTkeV) were generated. In each group, the image quality of the seven monoenergetic images and of the SECT image was assessed qualitatively and quantitatively by visually rating and by measuring the maximum streak artifact respectively. RESULTS: The comparison between SECT and OPTkeV evaluated overall within all groups showed a significant difference (p <0.001), with OPTkeV images providing better images. Comparing OPTkeV with the other DECT images, a significant difference was shown (p <0.001), with OPTkeV and 130-keV images providing the qualitatively best results. The OPTkeV images of 5.0-mGy acquisitions provided percentages of images with scores 1 and 2 of 36 % and 30 % respectively, compared with 0 % and 33.3 % of the corresponding SECT images of 10- and 20-mGy acquisitions. Moreover, DECT reconstructions at the OPTkeV of the low-dose group showed higher CT numbers than the SECT images of dose groups 1 and 2. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that low-dose DECT permits a reduction of artifacts due to metallic implants to be obtained in a similar manner to neutral-dose DECT and better than reduced or neutral-dose SECT.

Spinal involvement in mucopolysaccharidoses: a review.

BACKGROUND: Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS) represent a group of inheritable lysosomal storage diseases caused by mutations in the genes coding for enzymes involved in catabolism of different glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). They are clinically heterogeneous multisystemic diseases, often involving the spine. Bony abnormalities of the spine included in the so-called dysostosis multiplex and GAG deposits in the dura mater and supporting ligaments can result in spinal cord compression, which can lead to compressive myelopathy. Spinal involvement is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in some MPS (e.g., MPS IVA, VI, and I), and early radiological diagnosis is critical in preventing or arresting neurological deterioration and loss of function. DISCUSSION: Management of MPS, however, requires a multidisciplinary approach because of the multiorgan nature of the disease. Indeed in order to appreciate the relevance and nuances of each other's specialty, radiologists and clinicians need to have a background of common knowledge, rather than a merely compartmentalized point of view. In the interest of the management of spinal involvement in MPS, this review article aims on one hand to provide radiologists with important clinical knowledge and on the other hand to equip clinicians with relevant radiological semiotics.

The SAPHO syndrome revisited with an emphasis on spinal manifestations.

The synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis, and osteitis (SAPHO) syndrome includes a group of chronic, relapsing, inflammatory musculoskeletal disorders with similar manifestations, in particular synovitis, hyperostosis, and osteitis, which may or may not be associated with neutrophilic skin eruptions such as palmoplantar pustulosis and acne conglobata. The syndrome occurs at any age, can involve any skeletal site, and its imaging appearances are variable, depending on the stage/age of the lesion and imaging method. The diagnosis is difficult if there is no skin disease. Awareness of the imaging appearances, especially in the spine, may help the radiologist in avoiding misdiagnosis (e.g., infection, tumor) and unnecessary invasive procedures, while facilitating early diagnosis and selection of an effective treatment. In this article, we provide an overview of the radiological appearances of SAPHO syndrome, focusing on the magnetic resonance imaging findings of vertebral involvement, and present relevant clinical and pathological features that assist early diagnosis.

Value of monoenergetic dual-energy CT (DECT) for artefact reduction from metallic orthopedic implants in post-mortem studies.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this ex vivo study was to assess the performance of monoenergetic dual-energy CT (DECT) reconstructions to reduce metal artefacts in bodies with orthopedic devices in comparison with standard single-energy CT (SECT) examinations in forensic imaging. Forensic and clinical impacts of this study are also discussed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty metallic implants in 20 consecutive cadavers with metallic implants underwent both SECT and DECT with a clinically suitable scanning protocol. Extrapolated monoenergetic DECT images at 64, 69, 88, 105, 120, and 130 keV and individually adjusted monoenergy for optimized image quality (OPTkeV) were generated. Image quality of the seven monoenergetic images and of the corresponding SECT image was assessed qualitatively and quantitatively by visual rating and measurements of attenuation changes induced by streak artefact. RESULTS: Qualitative and quantitative analyses showed statistically significant differences between monoenergetic DECT extrapolated images and SECT, with improvements in diagnostic assessment in monoenergetic DECT at higher monoenergies. The mean value of OPTkeV was 137.6 ± 4.9 with a range of 130 to 148 keV. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that monoenergetic DECT images extrapolated at high energy levels significantly reduce metallic artefacts from orthopedic implants and improve image quality compared to SECT examination in forensic imaging.

Sonoelastography for qualitative and quantitative evaluation of superficial soft tissue lesions: a feasibility study.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the feasibility of qualitative and quantitative analysis using sonoelastography (SE) for differentiating between benign and malignant superficial soft-tissue lesions. METHODS: For this prospective study, 32 patients with superficial soft-tissue lesions detected with grey-scale ultrasound and colour and/or power Doppler ultrasound were evaluated between October 2011 and December 2012. Qualitative analysis: visual grading system was adopted according to colour variation (red-soft, green-medium, blue-hard). Quantitative analysis: median and fraction area of each colour were computed within a region of interest. Differences between fraction areas and median values in compression and decompression phases were calculated. Reference standard: histological findings. RESULTS: Twelve out of 32 lesions (37.5%) were malignant. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was 0.989 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.980-0.994, P < 0.01) with optimal reliability. Area under the curve was 0.823 (95% CI 0.677-0.969) and 0.958 (95% CI 0.989-1.019) for blue and blue area differences, and 0.777 (95% CI 0.615-0.939) and 0.629 (95% CI 0.426-0.833) for red and red area differences, respectively. Blue variations predicted malignancy more accurately (variation ≥0.431: 100% sensitivity, 80% specificity); the blue area difference was highly accurate. CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary results showed good correlations between SE and reference standards. SE could be useful in the evaluation of superficial soft tissue lesions. KEY POINTS: • Sonoelastography helps clarify ambiguous soft-tissue lesions identified using conventional ultrasound techniques. • Addition of this tool increases the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound. • Sonoelastography provides both qualitative and quantitative analysis. • Sonoelastography may help clinicians improve patient care.

Multimodal conservative treatment of migrating bone marrow edema associated with early osteonecrosis of the hip.

Bone marrow edema syndrome is a severely disabling painful condition without a defined treatment and related to pathogenetic mechanisms not yet clearly recognized. We report the case of a 59-year-old post-menopausal woman, affected by bone marrow edema associated with early osteonecrosis of the femoral head with secondary appearance of a rare migrant bone edema of the hip acetabulum. Clinical evaluation and magnetic resonance imaging were used to monitor the outcome of the patient. Pre-treatment clinical evaluation revealed pain upon stepping with the left limb, reduced range of motion of spine and hip, and hip pain during passive rotation. Magnetic resonance imaging showed diffuse signal alteration of the head and neck of the left femur in relation to bone edema, associated with an unclear small cephalic area of the femoral head suggestive of initial osteonecrosis. A further computed tomography scan was performed that did not reveal any alterations in bone profile, interruption of the cortex, or trabecular bone collapse. We immediately started a multimodal conservative treatment administering neridronate (100 mg, intravenously) combined with calcium and vitamin D supplementation and biophysical therapies (magnetotherapy and extracorporeal shockwave therapy). We also instructed the patient not to bear the load on the affected lower limb during standing and walking, using crutches. After 2 months, a notable regression of pain with improvement in mobility was observed. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed complete regression of edema at the head and neck of the femur; however, the new appearance of acetabular bone edema of the ipsilateral acetabular roof was detected. After 4 months, a third magnetic resonance imaging showed the disappearance of the femoral head and acetabular roof defects as well as the complete clinical recovery of the patient. An early diagnosis and intervention are essential to conservatively treat cases of bone marrow edema syndrome.

Usefulness of ultrasound imaging in detecting psoriatic arthritis of fingers and toes in patients with psoriasis.

BACKGROUND: Given that clinical evaluation may underestimate the joint damage and that early treatment can slow down psoriatic arthritis (PsA) progression, screening psoriasis patients with imaging tools that can depict early PsA changes would entail clear benefits. OBJECTIVE: To compare the ability of X-ray and ultrasound (US) examination in detecting morphological abnormalities consistent with early PsA in patients with psoriasis, using rheumatological evaluation as the gold standard for diagnosis. METHODS: Patients with chronic plaque psoriasis and no previous PsA diagnosis attending our outpatient dermatology clinic and reporting finger/toe joint and/or tendon pain underwent X-ray and US evaluation; they were subsequently referred to a rheumatologist for clinical examination and review of imaging findings. RESULTS: Abnormal US and/or X-ray findings involving at least one finger and/or toe (joints and/or tendons) were seen in 36/52 patients: 11 had one or more X-ray abnormalities, including erosion, joint space narrowing, new bone formation, periarticular soft tissue swelling, and periarticular osteoporosis; 36 had suspicious changes on US. CONCLUSION: US proved valuable in detecting joint and/or tendon abnormalities in the fingers and toes of patients with suspicious changes. The dermatologist should consider US to obtain an accurate assessment of suspicious findings.

Lumbar spondylolysis: a review.

Spondylolysis is an osseous defect of the pars interarticularis, thought to be a developmental or acquired stress fracture secondary to chronic low-grade trauma. It is encountered most frequently in adolescents, most commonly involving the lower lumbar spine, with particularly high prevalence among athletes involved in certain sports or activities. Spondylolysis can be asymptomatic or can be a cause of spine instability, back pain, and radiculopathy. The biomechanics and pathophysiology of spondylolysis are complex and debated. Imaging is utilized to detect spondylolysis, distinguish acute and active lesions from chronic inactive non-union, help establish prognosis, guide treatment, and to assess bony healing. Radiography with satisfactory technical quality can often demonstrate a pars defect. Multislice CT with multiplanar reformats is the most accurate modality for detecting the bony defect and may also be used for assessment of osseous healing; however, as with radiographs, it is not sensitive for detection of the early edematous stress response without a fracture line and exposes the patient to ionizing radiation. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging should be used as the primary investigation for adolescents with back pain and suspected stress reactions of the lumbar pars interarticularis. Several imaging pitfalls render MR imaging less sensitive than CT for directly visualizing the pars defects (regional degenerative changes and sclerosis). Nevertheless, the presence of bone marrow edema on fluid-sensitive images is an important early finding that may suggest stress response without a visible fracture line. Moreover, MR is the imaging modality of choice for identifying associated nerve root compression. Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) use is limited by a high rate of false-positive and false-negative results and by considerable ionizing radiation exposure. In this article, we provide a review of the current concepts regarding spondylolysis, its epidemiology, pathogenesis, and general treatment guidelines, as well as a detailed review and discussion of the imaging principles for the diagnosis and follow-up of this condition.

Intra-observer and interobserver reliability of the 'Pico' computed tomography method for quantification of glenoid bone defect in anterior shoulder instability.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the intra-observer and interobserver reliability of the 'Pico' computed tomography (CT) method of quantifying glenoid bone defects in anterior glenohumeral instability. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty patients with unilateral anterior shoulder instability underwent CT scanning of both shoulders. Images were processed in multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) to provide an en face view of the glenoid. In accordance with the Pico method, a circle was drawn on the inferior part of the healthy glenoid and transferred to the injured glenoid. The surface of the missing part of the circle was measured, and the size of the glenoid bone defect was expressed as a percentage of the entire circle. Each measurement was performed three times by one observer and once by a second observer. Intra-observer and interobserver reliability were analyzed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and standard errors of measurement (SEMs). RESULTS: Analysis of intra-observer reliability showed ICC values of 0.94 (95% CI = 0.89-0.96; SEM = 1.1%) for single measurement, and 0.98 (95% CI = 0.96-0.99; SEM = 1.0%) for average measurement. Analysis of interobserver reliability showed ICC values of 0.90 (95% CI = 0.82-0.95; SEM = 1.0%) for single measurement, and 0.95 (95% CI = 0.90-0.97; SEM = 1.0%) for average measurement. CONCLUSION: Measurement of glenoid bone defect in anterior shoulder instability can be assessed with the Pico method, based on en face images of the glenoid processed in MPR, with a very good intra-observer and interobserver reliability.

Soft tissue non-Hodgkin lymphoma of shoulder in a HIV patient: a report of a case and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: The risk of developing lymphoma is greatly increased in HIV infection. Musculoskeletal manifestations of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are common and are sometimes the initial presentation of the disease. Muscle, bone, and joints are involved by septic arthritis, myopathies and neoplasms. HIV-related neoplastic processes that affect the musculoskeletal system include Kaposi's sarcoma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, the latter being mainly localized at lower extremities, spine and skull. CASE PRESENTATION: The Authors report a case of a 34 year-old lady. In December 2003 the patient noted a painless mass on her right shoulder whose size increased progressively. In March 2004 she was diagnosed HIV positive and contemporary got pregnant. The patient decided to continue her pregnancy and to not undergo any diagnostic procedure and treatment. At the end of August she underwent a surgical ablation of the lesion that revealed a lesion of 7 cm x 7 cm x 3.3 cm. The histology showed B-cells expressing CD20, PAX-5, CD10, BCL-6 and MUM-1 with 70% Ki67 positive nuclei. The lesion was also negative for EBV infection and showed a monoclonal rearrangement of IgH chain and a polyclonal pattern for TCR gamma and beta. A final diagnosis of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma was made. The patient underwent postoperative chemotherapy. At four-years follow up the patient is symptom free and no local nor systemic recurrence of pathology has been noted on MRI control. HIV infection is still under control. CONCLUSION: In this report, we present a case of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma localized in the soft tissue of the shoulder in a HIV infected patient. Authors want to underline this case for the rare position, the big size and the association with HIV infection.

Exophytic growth of a neglected giant subcutaneous Leiomyosarcoma of the lower extremity. A case report.

BACKGROUND: Superficial leiomyosarcoma is an exceedingly uncommon malignant tumor which could be located either to cutaneous or subcutaneous tissues. Increased mass size and depth, advanced tumor staging and inadequate surgical excision are the main prognostic factors for poor result. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a rare case of a 71-year-old man with an extensive exophytic lesion (12 x 10 cm) in the anterior-medial side of the proximal right tibia. The lesion was painless and consistently neglected by the patient until a skin trauma caused ulceration of the affected area. Magnetic Resonance Imaging revealed a soft-tissue mass which was well defined from the surrounding bone and muscles. As initial biopsy in another hospital hadn't clarified the true nature of the lesion, new samples were taken and the diagnosis of leiomyosarcoma was established. Laboratory examination showed no distant metastasis and wide excision of the neoplasm was decided. After tumor resection, the remaining soft tissue and skin defect was covered with a gastrocnemius myocutaneous flap. The postoperative period was uneventful and wound healing was followed by local radiotherapy and systemic chemotherapy. At 3 years follow up, no recurrence or metastasis was identified and the patient was able to walk and stand without impairment of his ambulatory status. CONCLUSION: Proper surgical management of soft tissue leiomyosarcoma continues to remain the cornerstone of treatment efficacy and the most important prognostic factor for patients' survival. Reconstruction of the remaining soft tissue defect should be always performed at the same operative time when removal of giant size tumors leaves an uncovered cavity with an inadequate sleeve of muscular and skin tissues.

Cross-modality Accuracy of Dual-step, Prospectively Electrocardiography-triggered Dual-source Computed Tomorgaphy Compared With Same-day Echocardiography and Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Follow-up of Heart-transplant Patients.

PURPOSE: An accurate evaluation of left ventricular volumes, mass, and ejection fraction (EF) and an early exclusion or detection of significant coronary artery disease or cardiac allograft vasculopathy are mandatory for clinical management and prognosis assessment of heart-transplanted patients (HTP). The purpose of this article was to evaluate the role of dual-step prospective electrocardiography-triggered Dual-Source CT (pECGdual-step-DSCT) in HTP for the assessment of left-ventricular function, in comparison with echocardiography (echo) and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) performed on the same day, and of the coronary arteries as well. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Left-ventricular EF, end-diastolic volume, end-systolic volume, stroke volume, cardiac output (CO), and mass were assessed in 11 HTP by pECGdual-step-DSCT in comparison with CMR and echo performed on the same day. During all the examinations, the heart rate was recorded. CT coronary artery assessment was also performed. RESULTS: Heart rate was lower during DSCT (75.6±7.8 bpm; P<0.001). EF resulted slightly lower for DSCT (55.7%±5.0%; P≥0.05) in comparison with CMR (57.8%±5.3%; P≥0.05) and echo (59.2%±5.6%; P≥0.05). DSCT showed statistically significant higher end-diastolic volume (153.7±24.2 mL), end-systolic volume (67.8±11.5 mL), and stroke volume (85.9±17.6 mL) (P<0.01 up to 0.001) than CMR, but with a high correlation (P<0.001). Cardiac output was almost similar for DSCT versus CMR, with a very high correlation coefficient (r=0.914; P<0.001). DSCT showed higher mass values than CMR (P<0.001), but with a high correlation (r=0.866; P<0.001). DSCT versus echo results were less correlated. No significant coronary artery disease was detected. CONCLUSION: pECGdual-step-DSCT allows reliable assessment of left-ventricular function in HTP, with good agreement and correlation with CMR, within a global diagnostic approach including coronary artery evaluation in one single-volume acquisition.

Ultrasound assessment of rectus femoris and anterior tibialis muscles in young trauma patients.

PURPOSE: Quantitative and qualitative changes of skeletal muscle are typical and early findings in trauma patients, being possibly associated with functional impairment. Early assessment of muscle changes-as evaluated by muscle ultrasonography-could yield important information about patient's outcome. METHODS: In this prospective observational study, we used ultrasonography to evaluate the morphological changes of rectus femoris (RF) and anterior tibialis (AT) muscles in a group of young, previously healthy trauma patients on enteral feeding. RESULTS: We studied 38 severely injured patients (median Injury Severity Score = 34; median age = 40 y.o.) over the course of the ICU stay up to 3 weeks after trauma. We found a progressive loss of muscle mass from day 0 to day 20, that was more relevant for the RF (45%) than for the AT (22%); this was accompanied by an increase in echogenicity (up to 2.5 by the Heckmatt Scale, where normal echogenicity = 1), which is an indicator of myofibers depletion. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound evaluation of skeletal muscles is inexpensive, noninvasive, simple and easily repeatable. By this method, we were able to quantify the morphological changes of skeletal muscle in trauma patients. Further studies may rely on this technicque to evaluate the impact of different therapeutic strategies on muscle wasting.