Artificial Intelligence in Radiology: What Is Its True Role at Present, and Where Is the Evidence?

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in radiology has brought about substantial advancements and transformative potential in diagnostic imaging practices. This study presents an overview of the current research on the application of AI in radiology, highlighting key insights from recent studies and surveys. These recent studies have explored the expected impact of AI, encompassing machine learning and deep learning, on the work volume of diagnostic radiologists. The present and future role of AI in radiology holds great promise for enhancing diagnostic capabilities, improving workflow efficiency, and ultimately, advancing patient care.

CT in musculoskeletal imaging: still helpful and for what?

Computed tomography (CT) is a common modality employed for musculoskeletal imaging. Conventional CT techniques are useful for the assessment of trauma in detection, characterization and surgical planning of complex fractures. CT arthrography can depict internal derangement lesions and impact medical decision making of orthopedic providers. In oncology, CT can have a role in the characterization of bone tumors and may elucidate soft tissue mineralization patterns. Several advances in CT technology have led to a variety of acquisition techniques with distinct clinical applications. These include four-dimensional CT, which allows examination of joints during motion; cone-beam CT, which allows examination during physiological weight-bearing conditions; dual-energy CT, which allows material decomposition useful in musculoskeletal deposition disorders (e.g., gout) and bone marrow edema detection; and photon-counting CT, which provides increased spatial resolution, decreased radiation, and material decomposition compared to standard multi-detector CT systems due to its ability to directly translate X-ray photon energies into electrical signals. Advanced acquisition techniques provide higher spatial resolution scans capable of enhanced bony microarchitecture and bone mineral density assessment. Together, these CT acquisition techniques will continue to play a substantial role in the practices of orthopedics, rheumatology, metabolic bone, oncology, and interventional radiology.

Screening for Asymptomatic Osteonecrosis of the Hip in Systemic Lupus Erythematous: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of MRI-Based Prevalence.

Objective. This paper aims to estimate asymptomatic hip osteonecrosis prevalence in SLE patients using MRI examination and to determine the prevalence among higher risk subpopulations. Materials and Methods. PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and SCOPUS were searched from inception to May 9th, 2023. Studies on patients who were clinically diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus without reported symptoms attributable to hip osteonecrosis were included. Two independent reviewers extracted data and assessed the risk of bias. Data collected from each study include the study year, the number of hips screened, the number of hips with osteonecrosis, demographics, laboratory data, medications, follow-up time, radiological protocols, and MRI-based osteonecrosis detection and grading criteria. Results. Eleven eligible studies including 503 participants (15-35 years old; 74-100% female) with SLE were identified. Significant risk of bias was determined in one study. The overall prevalence of osteonecrosis of the hip was found to be 14% (184/1006 hip joints, 95% confidence interval: 7-22%, number needed to scan: 7.1). SLE patients who received corticosteroid treatment had a higher prevalence of asymptomatic hip osteonecrosis (18%) compared to non-corticosteroid users (0%, p-value < 0.01). Additionally, meta-regression results revealed that daily corticosteroid dose was associated with increased prevalence of asymptomatic osteonecrosis (0.5%/milligram, p-value < 0.01). Conclusions. The high prevalence of asymptomatic hip osteonecrosis in SLE patients raises concerns about the timeliness of interventions. The limitations of this study include a relatively low number of identified studies; and one study lacked full-text availability.

A rare case of ectopic partial molar pregnancy following IVF.

A 29-year-old female who received assisted reproductive therapy (IVF) in our infertility clinic, at gestational age of 7w + 2d following embryo transfer, presented with a favorable rise of ß-hCG level with no detectable gestational sac in the uterine cavity in the vaginal ultrasonogram. First dose of MTX (78) with simultaneous ß-hCG titration of 110,000 pg/mL was administered. The patient underwent a second TVS in which a mass in favor of molar ectopic pregnancy was reported. With the suspicion of a molar EP the patient underwent explorative laparotomy. A 3x4 cm mass which was found adjacent to the right ovary was resected. Final pathology report was compatible with partial molar pregnancy. In the follow up period after surgical resection the patient recovered completely without any recurrence.

Musculoskeletal CT Imaging: State-of-the-Art Advancements and Future Directions.

CT is one of the most widely used modalities for musculoskeletal imaging. Recent advancements in the field include the introduction of four-dimensional CT, which captures a CT image during motion; cone-beam CT, which uses flat-panel detectors to capture the lower extremities in weight-bearing mode; and dual-energy CT, which operates at two different x-ray potentials to improve the contrast resolution to facilitate the assessment of tissue material compositions such as tophaceous gout deposits and bone marrow edema. Most recently, photon-counting CT (PCCT) has been introduced. PCCT is a technique that uses photon-counting detectors to produce an image with higher spatial and contrast resolution than conventional multidetector CT systems. In addition, postprocessing techniques such as three-dimensional printing and cinematic rendering have used CT data to improve the generation of both physical and digital anatomic models. Last, advancements in the application of artificial intelligence to CT imaging have enabled the automatic evaluation of musculoskeletal pathologies. In this review, the authors discuss the current state of the above CT technologies, their respective advantages and disadvantages, and their projected future directions for various musculoskeletal applications.

Subchondral bone in knee osteoarthritis: bystander or treatment target?

The subchondral bone is an important structural component of the knee joint relevant for osteoarthritis (OA) incidence and progression once disease is established. Experimental studies have demonstrated that subchondral bone changes are not simply the result of altered biomechanics, i.e., pathologic loading. In fact, subchondral bone alterations have an impact on joint homeostasis leading to articular cartilage loss already early in the disease process. This narrative review aims to summarize the available and emerging imaging techniques used to evaluate knee OA-related subchondral bone changes and their potential role in clinical trials of disease-modifying OA drugs (DMOADs). Radiographic fractal signature analysis has been used to quantify OA-associated changes in subchondral texture and integrity. Cross-sectional modalities such as cone-beam computed tomography (CT), contrast-enhanced cone beam CT, and micro-CT can also provide high-resolution imaging of the subchondral trabecular morphometry. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been the most commonly used advanced imaging modality to evaluate OA-related subchondral bone changes such as bone marrow lesions and altered trabecular bone texture. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry can provide insight into OA-related changes in periarticular subchondral bone mineral density. Positron emission tomography, using physiological biomarkers of subchondral bone regeneration, has provided additional insight into OA pathogenesis. Finally, artificial intelligence algorithms have been developed to automate some of the above subchondral bone measurements. This paper will particularly focus on semiquantitative methods for assessing bone marrow lesions and their utility in identifying subjects at risk of symptomatic and structural OA progression, and evaluating treatment responses in DMOAD clinical trials.

A rare case report of tenosynovial chondromatosis of the semimembranosus-medial collateral ligament bursa.

BACKGROUND: Synovial chondromatosis is an uncommon metaplastic process of the synovial lining that results in the formation of cartilaginous nodules within joints or their associated bursae or tendon sheaths. Radiologic evidence of mineralized bodies within these structures is typically pathognomonic for this condition. Extraarticular chondromatosis is rarer than intraarticular chondromatosis, and the knee is affected less frequently than the smaller joints of the hands and feet. To our knowledge, no reports describing this condition in the semimembranosus-medial collateral ligament (SM-MCL) bursa have been published. CASE PRESENTATION: We describe a case of tenosynovial chondromatosis in a 37-year-old woman. The case was atypical for both the location within the SM-MCL bursa and the paucity of radiodense or hypointense changes to support a clinical suspicion of chondroid metaplasia on radiographs and T2-weighted MRI, respectively. Recreational weightlifting and swimming by the patient were impaired by chronic pain, and restricted range of motion of the ipsilateral knee persisted despite extensive skilled physical therapy and injections of both corticosteroids and platelet-rich plasma. Thirteen months after a diagnostic and therapeutic knee arthroscopy, open surgical excision of the SM-MCL bursal body was performed, and knee pain and range of motion improved by the 6-week postoperative reevaluation. Pathologic evaluation of the excised tissue was consistent with tenosynovial chondromatosis. CONCLUSIONS: Synovial chondromatosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis for recalcitrant bursitis, even in the absence of classic imaging findings.

Radiographically detectable intra-articular mineralization: Predictor of knee osteoarthritis outcomes or only an indicator of aging? A brief report from the osteoarthritis initiative.

Objective: To determine the association between Intra-articular mineralization (IAM) and knee osteoarthritis (OA) outcomes stratified according to participants' age. Methods: Participants from the Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI) with baseline radiographic OA (i.e., Kellgren-Lawrence grade ≥2 with Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) atlas joint space narrowing (JSN)) in either knee were identified. Both knees and dominant hand baseline radiographs were evaluated for the presence of IAM. Whole-grade OARSI-JSN radiographic progression and increased Western Ontario and McMaster universities osteoarthritis index scores of the knees with baseline radiographic OA (assessed annually) were defined as radiographic and symptomatic progression, respectively. Cox proportional-hazards and longitudinal multilevel regression models investigated radiographic and symptomatic progression, respectively. Results: 2010 participants with baseline radiographic OA in either one or both knees (N â€‹= â€‹2976) were identified. 178 participants had baseline IAM (hand radiographs â€‹= â€‹46, knee radiographs â€‹= â€‹166, both â€‹= â€‹34). An adjusted logistic regression model suggests an association between age and IAM (Odds Ratio: 1.06, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.04-1.08). Presence of any IAM was not associated with whole-grade OARSI-JSN (Hazard Ratio (HR): 1.00, 95% CI: 0.73-1.37) or symptomatic progression (Estimated difference: 1.24, p-value: 0.13) in all participants. Using stratification analysis, in younger participants <60 years old, presence of any IAM was associated with radiographic progression (HR: 1.90, 95% CI: 1.01-3.60). Conclusion: Although the presence of any radiographic IAM increases with higher age and does not predict knee OA outcomes across the entire sample of OAI participants, it is associated with knee OA radiographic progression in participants aged <60.

Evaluation of long noncoding RNA (LncRNA) in pathogenesis of HELLP syndrome: diagnostic and future approach.

HELLP syndrome is a disorder during pregnancy which is defined by elevation of liver enzymes, haemolysis, and low platelet count. This syndrome is a multifactorial one and both genetic and environmental components can have a crucial role in this syndrome's pathogenesis. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), are defined as long non-protein coding molecules (more than 200 nucleotides), which are functional units in most cellular processes such as cell cycle, differentiation, metabolism and some diseases progression. As these markers discovered, there has been some evidence that they have an important role in the function of some organs, such as placenta; therefore, alteration and dysregulation of these RNAs can develop or alleviate HELLP disorder. Although the role of lncRNAs has been shown in HELLP syndrome, the process is still unclear. In this review, our purpose is to evaluate the association between molecular mechanisms of lncRNAs and HELLP syndrome pathogenicity to elicit some novel approaches for HELLP diagnosis and treatment.

Adnexal torsion in pregnancy: A systematic review of case reports and case series.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate clinical presentations, surgical procedures and findings, complications, and predisposing factors of adnexal torsion in pregnant women. METHODS: We searched PubMed/Medline, Embase, and Web of Science from January 2000 to March 2022. All case reports and case series with full-text English language reporting adnexal torsion in pregnant women were included. Medical history, clinical presentations, surgical procedures and findings, complications related to adnexal torsion, and predisposing factors were independently extracted by two investigators. RESULTS: A total of 182 articles reporting 662 pregnant women with adnexal torsion were included. Most of the adnexal torsions occurred during the first trimester (54.63%), while others occurred during the second (26.36%) and third (19.00%) trimesters. The most common symptom of adnexal torsion was sudden-onset pain (80.60%). Enlargement of the adnexa was the most prevalent ultrasound finding in a twisted adnexa (95.20%). Additionally, about half of the patients had decreased blood flow in Doppler ultrasound (53.80%). Laparoscopic surgery was the favorite option (56.88%), while cystectomy and detorsion were the most commonly performed procedure (29.06%). Expectant management was reported in only 2.99% of the patients. In addition, the most common complications were preterm labor (27.58%) and emergent cesarean sections (25.28%). CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians should think of adnexal torsion when pregnant women complain of sudden-onset pain. Then, using ultrasound, adnexal enlargement or masses should be explored seriously. They should take invasive and urgent therapy to preserve ovaries and prevent complications.

Longitudinal MRI-defined Cartilage Loss and Radiographic Joint Space Narrowing Following Intra-Articular Corticosteroid Injection for Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Background: Intra-articular corticosteroid injections (IACS) are interventions which provide pain relief in knee osteoarthritis (OA). It remains unclear whether IACS have a deleterious effect on knee cartilage structure. Purpose: To estimate the effect of IACS on cartilage structure in patients with knee OA, using joint space width (JSW) (in radiographic studies), and cartilage thickness (in magnetic resonance imaging). Materials and methods: A literature search was performed to identify randomized control trials and observational studies published from inception to June 15, 2022. Studies were included if patients received IACS for knee OA, with a control arm. Given the different metrics used in reporting continuous variable outcomes among studies, pooled estimates for cartilage thickness change were assessed using standardized mean differences (defined as the difference between the means of the groups divided by a within-group standard deviation) to odds ratio transformation. Sensitivity analyses were conducted based on outcome metric, imaging modality, and number of injections. Results: Six studies (1437 participants) were identified. The estimated effect of IACS on cartilage structure revealed greater odds of cartilage structure worsening (Odds Ratio (OR): 2.01, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.18,3.44). Sensitivity analyses revealed similar trends, with significant results for singular injections with preference to JSW (OR: 2.44, 95%CI: 1.23,4.82), radiographic outcomes with preference to KL grade (OR: 2.03, 95%CI: 1.01,4.10), binary outcomes with preference to KL grade (OR: 2.93, 95%CI: 1.18,7.25) and quantitative measures (Standardized Mean Differences (SMD): -0.34, 95%CI: -0.66, -0.02). Conclusions: IACS use may contribute to imaging features of knee cartilage loss. Further studies are warranted to investigate the underlying pathogenesis.

A rare case of primary ovarian mesenchymal chondrosarcoma in pregnancy.

Mesenchymal chondrosarcoma is a rare tumor that is more common in young people; it is an uncommon type of chondrosarcoma with a poor prognosis. In two-thirds of cases, it affects the bone, especially the spine. However, parts of the body other than the skeletal system are occasionally involved. These rarer types have a worse prognosis, with a high likelihood of metastasis and death. Due to the possible misdiagnosis of mesenchymal chondrosarcoma, the integrated use of imaging, immunohistochemistry, and pathology can be helpful.