Advancements in sarcopenia diagnosis: from imaging techniques to non-radiation assessments.

Sarcopenia is a prevalent condition with significant clinical implications, and it is expected to escalate globally, demanding for effective diagnostic strategies, possibly at an early stage of the disease. Imaging techniques play a pivotal role in comprehensively evaluating sarcopenia, offering insights into both muscle quantity and quality. Among all the imaging techniques currently used for the diagnosis and follow up of sarcopenia, it is possible to distinguish two classes: Rx based techniques, using ionizing radiations, and non-invasive techniques, which are based on the use of safe and low risk diagnostic procedures. Dual-energy x-ray Absorptiometry and Computed Tomography, while widely utilized, entail radiation exposure concerns. Ultrasound imaging offers portability, real-time imaging, and absence of ionizing radiation, making it a promising tool Magnetic Resonance Imaging, particularly T1-weighted and Dixon sequences, provides cross- sectional and high-resolution images and fat-water separation capabilities, facilitating precise sarcopenia quantification. Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA), a non-invasive technique, estimates body composition, including muscle mass, albeit influenced by hydration status. Standardized protocols, such as those proposed by the Sarcopenia through Ultrasound (SARCUS) Working Group, are imperative for ensuring consistency across assessments. Future research should focus on refining these techniques and harnessing the potential of radiomics and artificial intelligence to enhance diagnostic accuracy and prognostic capabilities in sarcopenia.

DXA: New Concepts and Tools Beyond Bone Mineral Density.

Since its introduction in 1987, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) has revolutionized bone assessment, becoming the gold standard for measuring bone mineral density (BMD). Its low radiation exposure and high accuracy have made it indispensable in diagnosing osteoporosis, aligning with World Health Organization criteria. However, DXA evolution extends beyond BMD measurement, with emerging tools like the Trabecular Bone Score (TBS) and the DXA-based Bone Strain Index (BSI). TBS provides insights into trabecular bone architecture, enhancing the prediction of fracture risk. Despite limitations like body mass index correlation, TBS aids in evaluating patients with conditions such as diabetes and glucocorticoid exposure. BSI, introduced in 2019, evaluates bone strength using finite element analysis, complementing BMD and TBS by assessing bone fatigue.Advancements in DXA-based tools extend to Hip Structural Analysis and three-dimensional DXA software, offering valuable insights into hip fracture risk. Moreover, DXA serves beyond bone assessment, aiding in abdominal aortic calcification assessment, enhancing cardiovascular risk stratification. In summary, the expanding capabilities of DXA promise comprehensive skeletal and cardiovascular health evaluation, contributing significantly to clinical management and prevention strategies.

Radiofrequency Echographic Multi-Spectrometry in the Diagnosis of Metabolic Bone Disease.

Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and bone mineral density (BMD) pose several limitations in some patient categories, such as pregnant women and young people. This review article explores whether the innovative radiofrequency echographic multi-spectrometry (REMS) technology is beneficial for assessing the bone condition of various patient groups. Common consequences in patients with acromegalia, prostate cancer undergoing hormone therapy, osteogenesis imperfecta, anorexia nervosa, and in a peritoneal dialysis setting include decreased BMD and an increased risk of fragility fracture.DXA is currently regarded as the gold standard for BMD assessment. However, using the DXA technique has several drawbacks in a young patient who requires repeated BMD tests because it uses ionizing radiation. Because of its precision and consistency, the REMS technique may be a valuable tool to assess changes in bone condition in patients of all ages, particularly in female patients who are fertile or who are pregnant or nursing.

Imaging of Body Composition.

Body composition is now recognized to have a major impact on health and disease. Imaging enables its analysis in an objective and quantitative way through diverse techniques such as dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and ultrasonography. This review article first surveys the methodological aspects underpinning the use of these modalities to assess body composition, highlighting their strengths and limitations as well as the set of parameters that they measure and their clinical relevance. It then provides an update on the main applications of body composition imaging in current practice, with a focus on sarcopenia, obesity, lipodystrophies, cancer, and critical care. We conclude by considering the emerging role of artificial intelligence in the analysis of body composition, enabling the extraction of numerous metrics with the potential to refine prognostication and management across a number of pathologies, paving the way toward personalized medicine.

Sleep Characteristics, Magnetic Resonance Imaging- and Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry-Based Morphological Parameters, Muscle Strength, and Risk of Falls in Sedentary Older Subjects.

BACKGROUND: The aims of this cross-sectional study were to (a) assess actigraphy-based sleep parameters (total sample and gender differences), (b) assess differences in morphological parameters and physical function between short- versus normal-sleepers and poor- versus good-sleepers, and (c) assess the possible correlations between sleep variables and morphological and physical function parameters in older subjects. METHODS: This study enrolled 42 healthy older participants (60-80 years). Participants completed the following clinical evaluations: (1) whole-body dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry to assess the appendicular skeletal muscle mass index; (2) magnetic resonance imaging acquisition to determine the cross-sectional muscle area of thigh muscles and intermuscular adipose tissue; (3) risk of fall assessment through the mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test; (4) strength assessment: (a) chair stand test and (b) handgrip strength test; (5) sleep monitoring by actigraphy to assess total sleep time, sleep efficiency, wake after sleep onset, sleep latency, fragmentation index, mobile time, and subjective sleep quality. RESULTS: 31.0% of subjects were short-sleepers (total sleep time < 6 hr), 19.1% were poor-sleepers (sleep efficiency < 85%), and gender differences were detected in mobile time (males: 15.8 ± 6.0 and females: 13.4 ± 6.8; p < .001) and fragmentation index (males: 35.3 ± 14.3 and females: 29.6 ± 14.6; p < .001); no significant differences were observed between groups (short- vs. normal-sleepers and poor- vs. good-sleepers) in morphological and physical function variables; correlation analysis showed that sleep latency negatively correlated with Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test (r = -.352; p = .022) and a positive correlation was detected between cross-sectional muscle area and mobile time (r = .349, p = .023). CONCLUSION: No differences were observed in morphological and function parameters between good- versus poor-sleepers, those subjects with worse sleep onset latency (i.e., longer time to fall asleep) registered higher for risk of fall. The potential role of sleep in the physiological mechanisms of muscular aging must be explored through cross-sectional cohort studies with a larger population.

US-Guided Interventional Procedures for Total Hip Arthroplasty.

In patients with total hip arthroplasty (THA) with recurrent pain, symptoms may be caused by several conditions involving not just the joint, but also the surrounding soft tissues including tendons, muscles, bursae, and peripheral nerves. US and US-guided interventional procedures are important tools in the diagnostic work-up of patients with painful THA given that it is possible to reach a prompt diagnosis both directly identifying the pathological changes of periprosthetic structures and indirectly evaluating the response and pain relief to local injection of anesthetics under US monitoring. Then, US guidance can be used for the aspiration of fluid from the joint or periarticular collections, or alternatively to follow the biopsy needle to collect samples for culture analysis in the suspicion of prosthetic joint infection. Furthermore, US-guided percutaneous interventions may be used to treat several conditions with well-established minimally invasive procedures that involve injections of corticosteroid, local anesthetics, and platelet-rich plasma or other autologous products. In this review, we will discuss the clinical and technical applications of US-guided percutaneous interventional procedures in painful THA that can be used in routine daily practice for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.

The use of artificial intelligence in musculoskeletal ultrasound: a systematic review of the literature.

PURPOSE: To systematically review the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in musculoskeletal (MSK) ultrasound (US) with an emphasis on AI algorithm categories and validation strategies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An electronic literature search was conducted for articles published up to January 2024. Inclusion criteria were the use of AI in MSK US, involvement of humans, English language, and ethics committee approval. RESULTS: Out of 269 identified papers, 16 studies published between 2020 and 2023 were included. The research was aimed at predicting diagnosis and/or segmentation in a total of 11 (69%) out of 16 studies. A total of 11 (69%) studies used deep learning (DL)-based algorithms, three (19%) studies employed conventional machine learning (ML)-based algorithms, and two (12%) studies employed both conventional ML- and DL-based algorithms. Six (38%) studies used cross-validation techniques with K-fold cross-validation being the most frequently employed (n = 4, 25%). Clinical validation with separate internal test datasets was reported in nine (56%) papers. No external clinical validation was reported. CONCLUSION: AI is a topic of increasing interest in MSK US research. In future studies, attention should be paid to the use of validation strategies, particularly regarding independent clinical validation performed on external datasets.

Quantitative and Compositional MRI of the Articular Cartilage: A Narrative Review.

This review examines the latest advancements in compositional and quantitative cartilage MRI techniques, addressing both their potential and challenges. The integration of these advancements promises to improve disease detection, treatment monitoring, and overall patient care. We want to highlight the pivotal task of translating these techniques into widespread clinical use, the transition of cartilage MRI from technical validation to clinical application, emphasizing its critical role in identifying early signs of degenerative and inflammatory joint diseases. Recognizing these changes early may enable informed treatment decisions, thereby facilitating personalized medicine approaches. The evolving landscape of cartilage MRI underscores its increasing importance in clinical practice, offering valuable insights for patient management and therapeutic interventions. This review aims to discuss the old evidence and new insights about the evaluation of articular cartilage through MRI, with an update on the most recent literature published on novel quantitative sequences.

Updates in Ultrasound in Rheumatology.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the authors' narrative review was to outline the current literature regarding the use of ultrasound in main rheumatic disorders and summarize the updates, specifically about rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and crystal-induced arthropathies. METHODS: The authors searched on PubMed for articles discussing the major updates regarding the role of ultrasound in the previously mentioned rheumatic conditions. RESULTS: The authors have provided the updated definitions, new criteria, and diagnostic scores. CONCLUSIONS: In rheumatology's dynamic landscape, this review provides valuable insights for researchers and clinicians on ultrasound's role in improving patient care and outcomes in rheumatic diseases.

DXA beyond bone mineral density and the REMS technique: new insights for current radiologists practice.

Osteoporosis is the most prevalent skeletal disorder, a condition that is associated with significant social and healthcare burden. In the elderly, osteoporosis is commonly associated with sarcopenia, further increasing the risk of fracture. Several imaging techniques are available for a non-invasive evaluation of osteoporosis and sarcopenia. This review focuses on dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), as this technique offers the possibility to evaluate bone mineral density and body composition parameters with good precision and accuracy. DXA is also able to evaluate the amount of aortic calcification for cardiovascular risk estimation. Additionally, new DXA-based parameters have been developed in recent years to further refine fracture risk estimation, such as the Trabecular Bone Score and the Bone Strain Index. Finally, we describe the recent advances of a newly developed ultrasound-based technology known as Radiofrequency Echographic Multi-Spectrometry, which represent the latest non-ionizing approach for osteoporosis evaluation at central sites.

Health technology assessment in musculoskeletal radiology: the case study of EOSedge™.

OBJECTIVES: Health technology assessment (HTA) is a systematic process used to evaluate the properties and effects of healthcare technologies within their intended use context. This paper describes the adoption of HTA process to assess the adoption of the EOSedge™ system in clinical practice. METHODS: The EOSedge™ system is a digital radiography system that delivers whole-body, high-quality 2D/3D biplanar images covering the complete set of musculoskeletal and orthopedic exams. Full HTA model was chosen using the EUnetHTA Core Model® version 3.0. The HTA Core Model organizes the information into nine domains. Information was researched and obtained by consulting the manufacturers' user manuals, scientific literature, and institutional sites for regulatory aspects. RESULTS: All nine domains of the EUnetHTA Core Model® helped conduct the HTA of the EOSedge, including (1) description and technical characteristics of the technology; (2) health problem and current clinical practice; (3) safety; (4) clinical effectiveness; (5) organizational aspects; (6) economic evaluation; (7) impact on the patient; (8) ethical aspects; and (9) legal aspects. CONCLUSIONS: EOS technologies may be a viable alternative to conventional radiographs. EOSedge has the same intended use and similar indications for use, technological characteristics, and operation principles as the EOS System and provides significant dose reduction factors for whole spine imaging compared to the EOS System without compromising image quality. Regarding the impact of EOS imaging on patient outcomes, most studies aim to establish technical ability without evaluating their ability to improve patient outcomes; thus, more studies on this aspect are warranted.

Usefulness of DXA-based bone strain index in postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Bone Strain Index (BSI) is a new dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA)-based index. We retrospectively evaluated data from 153 postmenopausal women with a history of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Lumbar spine and femoral Bone Strain Index (BSI) were sensitive to skeletal impairment in postmenopausal women suffering from T2DM. PURPOSE: Bone Strain Index (BSI) is a new dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)-based measurement. We evaluated the performance of BSI in predicting the presence of fragility fractures in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) postmenopausal women. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated data from a case-control study of 153 postmenopausal women with a history of at least 5 years of T2DM (age from 40 to 90 years). For each subject, we assessed the personal or familiar history of previous fragility fractures and menopause age, and we collected data about bone mineral density (BMD), BSI, and Trabecular Bone Score (TBS) measurements. Statistical analysis was performed having as outcome the history of fragility fractures. RESULTS: Out of a total of 153 subjects, n = 22 (14.4%) presented at least one major fragility fracture. A negative correlation was found between lumbar BSI and lumbar BMD (r = - 0.49, p < 0.001) and between total femur BSI and total femur BMD (r = - 0.49, p < 0.001). A negative correlation was found between femoral neck BSI and femoral neck BMD (r = - 0.22, p < 0.001). Most DXA-based variables were individually able to discriminate between fractured and non-fractured subjects (p < 0.05), and lumbar BSI was the index with the most relative difference between the two populations, followed by femoral BSI. CONCLUSION: Lumbar spine and femoral BSI are sensitive to skeletal impairment in postmenopausal women suffering from T2DM. The use of BSI in conjunction with BMD and TBS can improve fracture risk assessment.

MRI of total hip arthroplasty: technical aspects and imaging findings.

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is the best surgical approach for treating advanced hip degeneration, providing pain relief, and improved function in most cases. In the past, MR imaging quality has been highly compromised by in-plane distortions, inadequate fat saturation, and other artifacts due to metal components of THA. Technological advancements have made pathologic conditions, which were previously hidden by periprosthetic artifacts, outstanding features due to the optimization of several sequences. To date, several short and long-term complications involving bony and soft-tissue structures may be detected through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The use of MRI with adapted sequences and protocols may drastically reduce artifacts thereby providing essential pre-operative elements for planning revision surgery of failed THA. This review has the purpose of conveying new insights to musculoskeletal radiologists about the techniques to suppress metal-related artifacts and the hallmark MRI findings of painful THA. CRITICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: Advancements in metal-suppression have given radiologists the opportunity to play an emerging role in THA management. This article provides technical and imaging insights into challenges that can be encountered in cases of THA, which may present complications and characteristic imaging findings. KEY POINTS: Imaging total hip arthroplasty requires adapted MRI protocol and awareness of the common complications. We have reported the available metal-suppression sequences for evaluating total hip arthroplasty. Many structures and conditions should be considered when dealing with painful aseptic or septic arthroplasty.

Dual-energy CT in musculoskeletal imaging: technical considerations and clinical applications.

Dual-energy CT stands out as a robust and innovative imaging modality, which has shown impressive advancements and increasing applications in musculoskeletal imaging. It allows to obtain detailed images with novel insights that were once the exclusive prerogative of magnetic resonance imaging. Attenuation data obtained by using different energy spectra enable to provide unique information about tissue characterization in addition to the well-established strengths of CT in the evaluation of bony structures. To understand clearly the potential of this imaging modality, radiologists must be aware of the technical complexity of this imaging tool, the different ways to acquire images and the several algorithms that can be applied in daily clinical practice and for research. Concerning musculoskeletal imaging, dual-energy CT has gained more and more space for evaluating crystal arthropathy, bone marrow edema, and soft tissue structures, including tendons and ligaments. This article aims to analyze and discuss the role of dual-energy CT in musculoskeletal imaging, exploring technical aspects, applications and clinical implications and possible perspectives of this technique.

Posteromedial Corner Injuries of the Knee: Imaging Findings.

The posteromedial corner (PMC) of the knee is an anatomical region formed by ligamentous structures (medial collateral ligament, posterior oblique ligament, oblique popliteal ligament), the semimembranosus tendon and its expansions, the posteromedial joint capsule, and the posterior horn of the medial meniscus. Injuries to the structures of the PMC frequently occur in acute knee trauma in association with other ligamentous or meniscal tears. The correct assessment of PMC injuries is crucial because the deficiency of these supporting structures can lead to anteromedial rotation instability or the failure of cruciate ligaments grafts. This article reviews the anatomy and biomechanics of the PMC to aid radiologists in identifying injuries potentially involving PMC components.

Generation and Validation of Normative, Age-Specific Reference Curves for Bone Strain Index in Women.

Bone Strain Index (BSI), based on dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), is a densitometric index of bone strength of the femur and lumbar spine. Higher BSI values indicate a higher strain applied to bone, predisposing to higher fracture risk. This retrospective, multicentric study on Italian women reports the BSI normative age-specific reference curves. A cohort of Caucasian Italian women aged 20 to 90 years was selected from three different clinical centres. Bone mineral density (BMD) and BSI measurements were obtained for the lumbar spine vertebrae (L1-L4) and for the femur (neck, trochanter and intertrochanter) using Hologic densitometers scans. The data were compared with BMD normative values provided by the densitometer manufacturer. Then, the age-specific BSI curve for the femur and lumbar spine was generated. No significant difference was found between the BMD of the subjects in this study and BMD reference data provided by Hologic (p = 0.68 for femur and p = 0.90 for lumbar spine). Spine BSI values (L1-L4) increase by 84% between 20 and 90 years of age. The mean BSI of the total femur increases about 38% in the same age range. The BSI age-specific reference curve could help clinicians improve osteoporosis patient management, allowing an appropriate patient classification according to the bone resistance to the applied loads and fragility fracture risk assessment.

Artificial intelligence in interventional radiology: state of the art.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has demonstrated great potential in a wide variety of applications in interventional radiology (IR). Support for decision-making and outcome prediction, new functions and improvements in fluoroscopy, ultrasound, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging, specifically in the field of IR, have all been investigated. Furthermore, AI represents a significant boost for fusion imaging and simulated reality, robotics, touchless software interactions, and virtual biopsy. The procedural nature, heterogeneity, and lack of standardisation slow down the process of adoption of AI in IR. Research in AI is in its early stages as current literature is based on pilot or proof of concept studies. The full range of possibilities is yet to be explored.Relevance statement Exploring AI's transformative potential, this article assesses its current applications and challenges in IR, offering insights into decision support and outcome prediction, imaging enhancements, robotics, and touchless interactions, shaping the future of patient care.Key points• AI adoption in IR is more complex compared to diagnostic radiology.• Current literature about AI in IR is in its early stages.• AI has the potential to revolutionise every aspect of IR.

High incidence of RAMP lesions and a nonnegligible incidence of anterolateral ligament and posterior oblique ligament rupture in acute ACL injury.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess the frequency of medial collateral ligament (MCL), posterior oblique ligament (POL) and anterolateral ligament (ALL) tears and different types of RAMP lesions of patients with verified acute anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). METHODS: MRI was performed on patients with a clinical diagnosis of acute ACL injury. Patients were eligible for inclusion if they had an initially clinically noted ACL tear confirmed on MRI within 30 days of trauma. RESULTS: A total of 146 patients were included in the study, 42 (28.8%) females and 104 (71.2%) males. The mean age at MRI was 27.2 ± 9.4 years, and the mean time from injury to MRI was 15.7 ± 7.8 days. Thirty-four (23.3%) patients had a complete MCL lesion, 32 (21.9%) had a complete POL lesion and 28 (19.2%) had a complete ALL lesion. One hundred and fourteen patients (78.1%) presented with RAMP lesions, while 20 (13.7%) patients reported other meniscal lesions. The mean medial and lateral tibial slopes were 4.0° ± 2.7° and 4.0° ± 3.1°, respectively. Only 10 (6.8%) patients reported no lesions associated with ACL rupture. The most common injuries were isolated RAMP type 3 (18-12.3%) and isolated RAMP type 1 (17-11.6%). Thirteen (8.9%) patients had a combination of MCL, POL and ALL rupture. CONCLUSIONS: Isolated lesions of the ACL are extremely rare. In most cases, a single RAMP lesion should be investigated. In the presence of MCL injury, POL injury should always be suspected as well, while nearly 20% of patients present a rupture of the ALL. About one in 10 patients had three lesions (MCL, ALL and POL), and most of them had a combined RAMP lesion. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

CT Arthrography of the Elbow: What Radiologists Should Know.

Computed tomography (CT) arthrography is a quickly available imaging modality to investigate elbow disorders. Its excellent spatial resolution enables the detection of subtle pathologic changes of intra-articular structures, which makes this technique extremely valuable in a joint with very tiny chondral layers and complex anatomy of articular capsule and ligaments. Radiation exposure has been widely decreased with the novel CT scanners, thereby increasing the indications of this examination. The main applications of CT arthrography of the elbow are the evaluation of capsule, ligaments, and osteochondral lesions in both the settings of acute trauma, degenerative changes, and chronic injury due to repeated microtrauma and overuse. In this review, we discuss the normal anatomic findings, technical tips for injection and image acquisition, and pathologic findings that can be encountered in CT arthrography of the elbow, shedding light on its role in the diagnosis and management of different orthopedic conditions. We aspire to offer a roadmap for the integration of elbow CT arthrography into routine clinical practice, fostering improved patient outcomes and a deeper understanding of elbow pathologies.