US-CT fusion-guided percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of large substernal benign thyroid nodules.

The aim of the present study was to assess feasibility, safety and outcome of ultrasound (US) guided percutaneous radiofrequency (RF) ablation of large substernal benign thyroid nodules assisted by US-computed tomography (CT) fusion imaging and real-time virtual needle tracking (VT) system. Thirty patients (18 females, mean age 56 y, range 32-76 y) with 35 benign nonfunctioning thyroid nodules (mean volume ± SD 26.8 ± 7.6 mL; range 20-38mL) were selected for CT-US fusion guided RF ablation. Nodules' volume was evaluated before treatment and during 12-months follow-up. Complications' rate was also evaluated. US-CT fusion imaging with VT system was feasible in all cases (feasibility 100%) and it was always possible to complete the procedure as planned (technical success 100%). Minor complications occurred in 2/30 cases (6.6%). No major complications occurred. 50% volume reduction (technique efficacy) was achieved in 93% cases, with a significant mean volume reduction at 12 months follow-up (68.7 ± 10.8%), (p < .001). The VT system could be useful in thyroid nodules ablation procedures assistance being able to track the RF electrode tip even when this is obscured by the bubbles produced by the ablative process. The combination of fusion imaging with VT assisted RF ablation represents a safe, non-surgical treatment option for patients with large substernal benign thyroid nodules.

Clinical indications for image-guided interventional procedures in the musculoskeletal system: a Delphi-based consensus paper from the European Society of Musculoskeletal Radiology (ESSR)-part V, knee.

OBJECTIVES: Interventional procedures around the knee are widely adopted for treating different musculoskeletal conditions. A panel of experts from the Ultrasound and Interventional Subcommittees of the European Society of Musculoskeletal Radiology (ESSR) reviewed the existing literature to assess the evidence on image-guided musculoskeletal interventional procedures around the knee, with the goal of highlighting some controversies associated with these procedures, specifically the role of imaging guidance, as well as the efficacy of the medications routinely injected. METHODS: We report the results of a Delphi-based consensus of 53 experts in musculoskeletal radiology, who reviewed the published literature for evidence on image-guided interventional procedures around the knee to derive a list of pertinent clinical indications. RESULTS: A list of 10 statements about clinical indications of image-guided procedures around the knee was created by a Delphi-based consensus. Only two of them had the highest level of evidence; all of them received 100% consensus. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasonography guidance is strongly recommended for intra-articular and patellar tendinopathy procedures to ensure the precision and efficacy of these treatments. Prospective randomized studies remain warranted to better understand the role of imaging guidance and assess some of the medications used for interventional procedures around the knee. KEY POINTS: • A list of 10 evidence-based statements on clinical indications of image-guided interventional procedures around the knee was produced by an expert panel of the ESSR. • Strong consensus with 100% agreement was obtained for all statements. • Two statements reached the highest level of evidence, allowing us to strongly recommend the use of ultrasonography to guide intra-articular and patellar tendon procedures to ensure higher accuracy and efficacy of these treatments.

Clinical indications for image-guided interventional procedures in the musculoskeletal system: a Delphi-based consensus paper from the European Society of Musculoskeletal Radiology (ESSR)-part VII, nerves of the lower limb.

OBJECTIVES: To perform a Delphi-based consensus on published evidence on image-guided interventional procedures for peripheral nerves of the lower limb (excluding Morton's neuroma) and provide clinical indications. METHODS: We report the results of a Delphi-based consensus of 53 experts from the European Society of Musculoskeletal Radiology who reviewed the published literature for evidence on image-guided interventional procedures offered around peripheral nerves in the lower limb (excluding Morton's neuroma) to derive their clinical indications. Experts drafted a list of statements and graded them according to the Oxford Centre for evidence-based medicine levels of evidence. Consensus was considered strong when > 95% of experts agreed with the statement or broad when > 80% but < 95% agreed. The results of the Delphi-based consensus were used to write the paper. RESULTS: Nine statements on image-guided interventional procedures for peripheral nerves of the lower limb have been drafted. All of them received strong consensus. Image-guided pudendal nerve block is safe, effective, and well tolerated with few complications. US-guided perisciatic injection of anesthetic provides good symptom relief in patients with piriformis syndrome; however, the addition of corticosteroids to local anesthetics still has an unclear role. US-guided lateral femoral cutaneous nerve block can be used to provide effective post-operative regional analgesia. CONCLUSION: Despite the promising results reported by published papers on image-guided interventional procedures for peripheral nerves of the lower limb, there is still a lack of evidence on the efficacy of most procedures. KEY POINTS: • Image-guided pudendal nerve block is safe, effective, and well tolerated with few complications. • US-guided perisciatic injection of anesthetic provides good symptom relief in patients with piriformis syndrome; however, the addition of corticosteroids to local anesthetics still has an unclear role. • US-guided lateral femoral cutaneous nerve block can be used to provide effective post-operative regional analgesia. The volume of local anesthetic affects the size of the blocked sensory area.

Clinical indications for image-guided interventional procedures in the musculoskeletal system: a Delphi-based consensus paper from the European Society of Musculoskeletal Radiology (ESSR)-part VI, foot and ankle.

OBJECTIVES: Clarity regarding accuracy and effectiveness for interventional procedures around the foot and ankle is lacking. Consequently, a board of 53 members of the Ultrasound and Interventional Subcommittees of the European Society of Musculoskeletal Radiology (ESSR) reviewed the published literature to evaluate the evidence on image-guided musculoskeletal interventional procedures around this anatomical region. METHODS: We report the results of a Delphi-based consensus of 53 experts from the European Society of Musculoskeletal Radiology who reviewed the published literature for evidence on image-guided interventional procedures offered around foot and ankle in order to derive their clinical indications. Experts drafted a list of statements and graded them according to the Oxford Centre for evidence-based medicine levels of evidence. Consensus was considered strong when > 95% of experts agreed with the statement or broad when > 80% but < 95% agreed. The results of the Delphi-based consensus were used to write the paper that was shared with all panel members for final approval. RESULTS: A list of 16 evidence-based statements on clinical indications for image-guided musculoskeletal interventional procedures in the foot and ankle were drafted after a literature review. The highest level of evidence was reported for four statements, all receiving 100% agreement. CONCLUSION: According to this consensus, image-guided interventions should not be considered a first-level approach for treating Achilles tendinopathy, while ultrasonography guidance is strongly recommended to improve the efficacy of interventional procedures for plantar fasciitis and Morton's neuroma, particularly using platelet-rich plasma and corticosteroids, respectively. KEY POINTS: • The expert panel of the ESSR listed 16 evidence-based statements on clinical indications of image-guided musculoskeletal interventional procedures in the foot and ankle. • Strong consensus was obtained for all statements. • The highest level of evidence was reached by four statements concerning the effectiveness of US-guided injections of corticosteroid for Morton's neuroma and PRP for plantar fasciitis.

Clinical indications for image-guided interventional procedures in the musculoskeletal system: a Delphi-based consensus paper from the European Society of Musculoskeletal Radiology (ESSR)-part IV, hip.

OBJECTIVES: Image-guided musculoskeletal interventional procedures around the hip are widely used in daily clinical practice. The need for clarity concerning the actual added value of imaging guidance and types of medications to be offered led the Ultrasound and the Interventional Subcommittees of the European Society of Musculoskeletal Radiology (ESSR) to promote, with the support of its Research Committee, a collaborative project to review the published literature on image-guided musculoskeletal interventional procedures in the lower limb in order to derive a list of clinical indications. METHODS: In this article, we report the results of a Delphi-based consensus of 53 experts who reviewed the published literature for evidence on image-guided interventional procedures offered in the joint and soft tissues around the hip in order of their clinical indications. RESULTS: Ten statements concerning image-guided treatment procedures around the hip have been collected by the panel of ESSR experts. CONCLUSIONS: This work highlighted that there is still low evidence in the existing literature on some of these interventional procedures. Further large prospective randomized trials are essential to better confirm the benefits and objectively clarify the role of imaging to guide musculoskeletal interventional procedures around the hip. KEY POINTS: • Expert consensus produced a list of 10 evidence-based statements on clinical indications of image-guided interventional procedures around the hip. • The highest level of evidence was only reached for one statement. • Strong consensus was obtained for all statements.

Coronavirus Disease 2019 Phenotypes, Lung Ultrasound, Chest Computed Tomography and Clinical Features in Critically Ill Mechanically Ventilated Patients.

Chest computed tomography (CT) may provide insights into the pathophysiology of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), although it is not suitable for a timely bedside dynamic assessment of patients admitted to intensive care unit (ICU); therefore, lung ultrasound (LUS) has been proposed as a complementary diagnostic tool. The aims of this study were to investigate different lungs phenotypes in patients with COVID-19 and to assess the differences in CT and LUS scores between ICU survivors and non-survivors. We also explored the association between CT and LUS, and oxygenation (arterial partial pressure of oxygen [PaO2]/fraction of inspired oxygen [FiO2]) and clinical parameters. The study included 39 patients with COVID-19. CT scans revealed types 1, 2 and 3 phenotypes in 62%, 28% and 10% of patients, respectively. Among survivors, pattern 1 was prevalent (p < 0.005). Chest CT and LUS scores differed between survivors and non-survivors both at ICU admission and 10 days after and were associated with ICU mortality. Chest CT score was positively correlated with LUS findings at ICU admission (r = 0.953, p < 0.0001) and was inversely correlated with PaO2/FiO2 (r = -0.375, p = 0.019) and C-reactive protein (r = 0.329, p = 0.041). LUS score was inversely correlated with PaO2/FiO2 (r = -0.345, p = 0.031). COVID-19 presents distinct phenotypes with differences between survivors and non-survivors. LUS is a valuable monitoring tool in an ICU setting because it may correlate with CT findings and mortality, although it cannot predict oxygenation changes.

Molecular imaging in MSK radiology: Where are we going?

Musculoskeletal (MSK) pathologies are one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. However, treatment options and understanding of pathogenetic processes are still partially unclear, mainly due to a limited ability in early disease detection and response to therapy assessment. In this scenario, thanks to a strong technological advancement, structural imaging is currently established as the gold-standard of diagnosis in many MSK disorders but each single diagnostic modality (plain films, high-resolution ultrasound, computed tomography and magnetic resonance) still suffer by a low specificity regarding the characterization of inflammatory processes, the quantification of inflammatory activity levels, and the degree of response to therapy. To overcome these limitations, molecular imaging techniques may play a promising role. Starting from the strengths and weaknesses of structural anatomical imaging, the present narrative review aims to highlight the promising role of molecular imaging in the assessment of non-neoplastic MSK diseases with a special focus on its role to monitor treatment response.

Clinical indications for image-guided interventional procedures in the musculoskeletal system: a Delphi-based consensus paper from the European Society of Musculoskeletal Radiology (ESSR)-part I, shoulder.

BACKGROUND: Image-guided interventional procedures around the shoulder are commonly performed in clinical practice, although evidence regarding their effectiveness is scarce. We report the results of a Delphi method review of evidence on literature published on image-guided interventional procedures around the shoulder with a list of clinical indications. METHODS: Forty-five experts in image-guided musculoskeletal procedures from the ESSR participated in a consensus study using the Delphic method. Peer-reviewed papers regarding interventional procedures around the shoulder up to September 2018 were scored according to the Oxford Centre for Evidence-based Medicine levels of evidence. Statements on clinical indications were constructed. Consensus was considered as strong if more than 95% of experts agreed and as broad if more than 80% agreed. RESULTS: A total of 20 statements were drafted, and 5 reached the highest level of evidence. There were 10 statements about tendon procedures, 6 about intra-articular procedures, and 4 about intrabursal injections. Strong consensus was obtained in 16 of them (80%), while 4 received broad consensus (20%). CONCLUSIONS: Literature evidence on image-guided interventional procedures around the shoulder is limited. A strong consensus has been reached for 80% of statements. The ESSR recommends further research to potentially influence treatment options, patient outcomes, and social impact. KEY POINTS: • Expert consensus produced a list of 20 evidence-based statements on clinical indications of image-guided interventional procedures around the shoulder. • The highest level of evidence was reached for five statements. • Strong consensus was obtained for 16 statements (80%), while 4 received broad consensus (20%).

Clinical indications for image-guided interventional procedures in the musculoskeletal system: a Delphi-based consensus paper from the European Society of Musculoskeletal Radiology (ESSR)-Part II, elbow and wrist.

BACKGROUND: Although image-guided interventional procedures of the elbow and wrist are routinely performed, there is poor evidence in the literature concerning such treatments. Our aim was to perform a Delphi-based consensus on published evidence on image-guided interventional procedures around the elbow and wrist and provide clinical indications on this topic. METHODS: A board of 45 experts in image-guided interventional musculoskeletal procedures from the European Society of Musculoskeletal Radiology were involved in this Delphi-based consensus study. All panelists reviewed and scored published papers on image-guided interventional procedures around the elbow and wrist updated to September 2018 according to the Oxford Centre for Evidence-based Medicine levels of evidence. Consensus on statements drafted by the panelists about clinical indications was considered as "strong" when more than 95% of panelists agreed and as "broad" if more than 80% agreed. RESULTS: Eighteen statements were drafted, 12 about tendon procedures and 6 about intra-articular procedures. Only statement #15 reached the highest level of evidence (ultrasound-guided steroid wrist injections result in greater pain reduction and greater likelihood of attaining clinically important improvement). Seventeen statements received strong consensus (94%), while one received broad consensus (6%). CONCLUSIONS: There is still poor evidence in published papers on image-guided interventional procedures around the elbow and wrist. A strong consensus has been achieved in 17/18 (94%) statements provided by the panel on clinical indications. Large prospective randomized trials are needed to better define the role of these procedures in clinical practice. KEY POINTS: • The panel provided 18 evidence-based statements on clinical indications of image-guided interventional procedures around the elbow and wrist. • Only statement #15 reached the highest level of evidence: ultrasound-guided steroid wrist injections result in greater pain reduction and greater likelihood of attaining clinically important improvement. • Seventeen statements received strong consensus (94%), while broad consensus was obtained by 1 statement (6%).

Clinical indications for image guided interventional procedures in the musculoskeletal system: a Delphi-based consensus paper from the European Society of Musculoskeletal Radiology (ESSR)-part III, nerves of the upper limb.

BACKGROUND: Image-guided interventional procedures of the nerves are commonly performed by physicians from different medical specialties, although there is a lack of clinical indications for these types of procedures. This Delphi-based consensus provided a list of indications on image-guided interventional procedures for nerves of the upper limb based on updated published evidence. METHODS: An expert panel of 45 members of the Ultrasound and Interventional Subcommittees of the ESSR participated in this Delphi-based consensus study. After revision of the published papers on image-guided interventional procedures for nerves of the upper limb updated to September 2018, the experts drafted a list of statements according to the Oxford Centre for evidence-based medicine levels of evidence. Consensus on statements regarding clinical indications was considered as strong when more than 95% of experts agreed, and broad if more than 80% agreed. RESULTS: Ten statements were drafted on procedures for nerves of the upper limb. Only two statements reached the highest level of evidence (ultrasound guidance is a safe and effective method for brachial plexus block; ultrasound-guided non-surgical approaches are safe and effective methods to treat carpal tunnel syndrome in the short term, but there is sparse evidence on the mid- and long-term effectiveness of these interventions). Strong consensus was obtained on 6/10 statements (60%), while 4/10 statements reached broad consensus (40%). CONCLUSIONS: This Delphi-based consensus study reported poor evidence on image-guided interventional procedures for nerves of the upper limb. Sixty percent of statements on clinical indications provided by the expert board reached a strong consensus. KEY POINTS: • An expert panel of the ESSR provided 10 evidence-based statements on clinical indications for image-guided interventional procedures for nerves of the upper limb • Two statements reached the highest level of evidence • Strong consensus was obtained on 6/10 statements (60%), while 4/10 statements reached broad consensus (40%).

Potential use of a diluted high-relaxivity gadolinium-based intra-articular contrast agent for magnetic resonance arthrography: an in-vitro study.

BACKGROUND: Magnetic resonance arthrography (MRA) requires intra-articular injection of gadolinium-based diluted paramagnetic contrast material. To our knowledge, gadobenate dimeglumine (Gd-BOPTA) has never been used for intra-articular applications. Our aim was to test in vitro different concentrations of Gd-BOPTA to be potentially used to perform MRA. METHODS: Gd-BOPTA was diluted in saline (NaCl 0.9%) to achieve different concentrations (4 mmol/l; 2 mmol/l; 1 mmol/l; 0.67 mmol/l; 0.5 mmol/l). Six sets of five sterile pipes were prepared with 5 ml of each solution, five sets added with 0.5 ml of fresh synovial fluid. Two separate pipes were prepared with 5 ml of gadopentetate dimeglumine (Gd-DTPA) at 2 mmol/l, one pipe added with 0.5 ml of synovial fluid. Pipes were imaged using a T1-weighted sequence at 1.5 T. For each pipe, signal intensity (SI) in arbitrary units (au) was measured. RESULTS: SI reproducibility range was 86-99%. Mean Gd-BOPTA SI in pipes containing synovial fluid increased from 1236 ± 8au (0.5 mmol/l) up to 1610 ± 44au (1 mmol/l) and down to 1405 ± 33au (4 mmol/l). Mean Gd-BOPTA SI in pipes without synovial fluid increased from 1184 ± 29au (0.5 mmol/l) up to 1530 ± 38au (1 mmol/l), and down to 1347 ± 39au (4 mmol/l). SI of pipes without synovial fluid was lower than that of pipes with synovial fluid for both Gd-BOPTA and Gd-DTPA (P ≤ 0.002). Regarding pipes with synovial fluid, mean Gd-DTPA SI at 2 mmol/l was 1246 ± 27au. Compared with Gd-BOPTA, SI was not different at 0.5 mmol/l (- 0.2%, P = 0.587) while it was higher (P < 0.001) at all other concentrations (range + 13.3%[4 mmol/l] - + 28.3%[1 mmol/l]). Regarding pipes without synovial fluid, mean Gd-DTPA SI at 2 mmol/l was 1275 ± 56au. Compared with Gd-BOPTA, SI was lower at 0.5 mmol/l (- 6.8%,P < 0.001), while it was higher (P < 0.001) at all other concentrations (range + 6.1%[4 mmol/l] - + 19.6% [1 mmol/l]). CONCLUSIONS: In vitro, Gd-BOPTA at 1 mmol/ had a + 28% SI increase in comparison to Gd-DTPA 2 mmol/l. SI similar to Gd-DTPA can be obtained using one fourth concentration of Gd-BOPTA.

Interventional therapeutic procedures to treat degenerative and inflammatory musculoskeletal conditions: state of the art.

Imaging-guided interventional procedures have become increasingly popular in the treatment of several pathologic conditions in the musculoskeletal system. Besides oncological treatments, musculoskeletal procedures can be performed to treat different degenerative or inflammatory conditions. This paper is aimed to review clinical indications and technical aspects of these kinds of procedures. In particular, we revise the general aspects common to most procedures and the different imaging-guided interventions which can be performed around joints, soft tissues, and spine.

Ultrasound-guided transvaginal radiofrequency ablation of uterine fibroids assisted by virtual needle tracking system: a preliminary study.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility and outcome of transvaginal ultrasound (US)-guided radiofrequency ablation of uterine fibroids assisted by a real-time virtual needle tracking (VT) system. METHODS: Between January 2017 and February 2018, 19 patients (age 45 ± 8 y, range 36-53 y) with 25 symptomatic uterine fibroids underwent transvaginal radiofrequency ablation (RFA) at a single center. Mean number of fibroids for patient was 1.7 (min, max: 1-3). Patients with more than one fibroid were 10 (52.6%). Uterine fibroids (mean volume: 13.6 mL; range: 5.3-41.9 mL) were treated with a dedicated internally cooled 17 G 35 cm RF needle with 1 cm or variable active tip and the moving shot technique. An electromagnetic system was used for showing a virtual needle during the procedure. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound evaluation was performed before and immediately at the end of procedure. Feasibility of the procedure, technical success rate, volume percentage reduction at 1, 3 and 6 months, clinical outcome (QOL score) and complications were analyzed. RESULTS: Procedure was feasible in 19/19 patients (100%). Technical success was achieved in 100% of 25 treated fibroids. Mean fibroids volume decreased from 13.6 ml at baseline to 5.9 ml at 6 month (reduction rate 62.7%, range 48.5-76.9; p < .05). No major immediate or late complications occurred. Minor complications occurred in two patients. QOL score significantly improved from 68 ± 36 at baseline to 97 ± 16 at six-months follow-up (p < .05). CONCLUSION: Transvaginal US-guided RFA assisted by a real-time VT system is a feasible, safe and effective technique for the treatment of uterine fibroids.

Real-time fusion-imaging in low back pain: a new navigation system for facet joint injections.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of the current study is to present our experience in lumbar spine interventional procedures performed with a newly developed multimodal echo-navigator (EcoNav) and to evaluate short-term clinical outcomes of a series of patients affected by facet joint disease (FJD) treated with steroid and anaesthetic injection under fusion-imaging guidance, compared to a cohort of patients that received the same treatment under computed tomography (CT) guidance. METHODS: Sixty-five consecutive patients (34 females; mean age 68.3 ± 12.8 years) with a clinical diagnosis of non-radicular low back pain lasting for more than 6-weeks and magnetic resonance (MR) or CT confirmed FJD were enrolled for image-guided FJI. Twenty-eight patients underwent FJI with fusion-guided technique, while CT-guided procedures were performed in the other cases. Clinical and procedural data were recorded and compared at a mean follow-up of 6.1 ± 2.0 months. RESULTS: A significant improvement in clinical parameters was observed for both fusion-guided and CT-guided group. Comparing both groups, no statistically significant difference could be detected neither at baseline conditions nor during the follow-up period. No significant periprocedural complication occurred in both groups. A satisfaction rate of 92.3 and 81.1% was reported for fusion-guided and CT-guided group, respectively. CONCLUSION: EcoNav fusion-imaging system represents a safe, feasible, effective and reproducible guidance option in FJD infiltration procedures, also avoiding use of ionising radiations.

Clinical indications for musculoskeletal ultrasound updated in 2017 by European Society of Musculoskeletal Radiology (ESSR) consensus.

OBJECTIVES: To update the 2012 European Society of Musculoskeletal Radiology (ESSR) clinical consensus guidelines for musculoskeletal ultrasound referral in Europe. METHODS: Twenty-one musculoskeletal imaging experts from the ESSR participated in a consensus study based on a Delphic process. Two independent (non-voting) authors facilitated the procedure and resolved doubtful issues. Updated musculoskeletal ultrasound literature up to July 2017 was scored for shoulder, elbow, wrist/hand, hip, knee, and ankle/foot. Scoring of ultrasound elastography was included. The strength of the recommendation and level of evidence was scored by consensus greater than 67% or considered uncertain when the consensus was consensus less than 67%. RESULTS: A total of 123 new papers were reviewed. No evidence change was found regarding the shoulder. There were no new relevant articles for the shoulder, 10 new articles for the elbow, 28 for the hand/wrist, 3 for the hip, 7 for the knee, and 4 for the ankle/foot. Four new evidence levels of A were determined, one for the hip (gluteal tendons tears), one for the knee (meniscal cysts), one for the ankle (ankle joint instability), and one for the foot (plantar plate tear). There was no level A evidence for elastography, although for Achilles tendinopathy and lateral epicondylitis evidence level was B with grade 3 indication. CONCLUSIONS: Four new areas of level A evidence were included in the guidelines. Elastography did not reach level A evidence. Whilst ultrasound is of increasing importance in musculoskeletal medical practice, the evidence for elastography remains moderate. KEY POINTS: • Evidence and expert consensus shows an increase of musculoskeletal ultrasound indications. • Four new A evidence levels were found for the hip, knee, ankle, and foot. • There was no level A evidence for elastography.

Traumatic peroneal split lesion with retinaculum avulsion: Diagnosis and post-operative multymodality imaging.

Tears of peroneus brevis tendon represent a cause of underdiagnosed lateral ankle pain and instability. The typical clinical presentation is retro-malleolar pain, in some cases associated with palpable swelling around the fibular malleolus, pain during activities and difficulty in walking. We present a case of peroneus brevis split lesion with superior peroneal retinaculum avulsion in a young athlete who referred to the emergency ward of our hospital for left ankle pain after an inversion injury. An early diagnosis allowed treating the injury and promptly resuming sport activity, after rehabilitation training. Surgical reconstruction key-points and post-surgical follow-up were also discussed. A late diagnosis would have caused a symptomatology worsening and an increased recovery time.

Effect of intra-articular injection of intermediate-weight hyaluronic acid on hip and knee cartilage: in-vivo evaluation using T2 mapping.

OBJECTIVES: We used T2 mapping to quantify the effect of intra-articular hyaluronic acid administration (IAHAA) on cartilage with correlation to clinical symptoms. METHODS: One hundred two patients with clinical and MRI diagnosis of hip or knee grade I-III chondropathy were prospectively included. All patients received a standard MRI examination of the affected hip/knee (one joint/patient) and T2-mapping multiecho sequence for cartilage evaluation. T2 values of all slices were averaged and used for analysis. One month after MR evaluation 72 patients (38 males; mean age 51±10 years) underwent IAHAA. As a control group, 30 subjects (15 males; 51 ± 9 years) were not treated. MR and WOMAC evaluation was performed at baseline and after 3, 9, and 15 months in all patients. RESULTS: T2 mapping in hyaluronic acid (HA) patients showed a significant increase in T2 relaxation times from baseline to the first time point after therapy in knees (40.7 ± 9.8 ms vs. 45.8 ± 8.6 ms) and hips (40.9 ± 9.7 ms; 45.9 ± 9.5 ms) (p < 0.001). At the 9- and 15-month evaluations, T2 relaxation dropped to values similar to the baseline ones (p < 0.001 vs. 3 month). The correlation between T2 increase and pain reduction after IAHAA was statistically significant (r = 0.54, p < 0.01) in patients with grade III chondropathy. CONCLUSIONS: T2 mapping can be used to evaluate the effect over time of IAHAA in patients with hip and knee chondropathy. KEY POINTS: • T2 relaxation times change over time after hyaluronic acid intra-articular administration • T2 relaxation times of the medial femoral condyle correlate with WOMAC variation • T2 relaxation times are different between Outerbridge I and II-III.

Interventional therapeutic procedures in the musculoskeletal system: an Italian Survey by the Italian College of Musculoskeletal Radiology.

PURPOSE: To perform an online survey among all members of the Italian College of Musculoskeletal Radiology to understand how therapeutic musculoskeletal procedures are performed in daily practice in Italy. METHODS: We administered an online survey to all 2405 members about the use of therapeutic musculoskeletal procedures in their institutions asking 16 different questions. Subgroup analysis was performed between general and orthopaedic hospitals with Mann-Whitney U and χ 2 statistics. RESULTS: A total of 129/2405 answers (5.4% of members) were included in our analysis. A median of 142.5 (25th-75th percentiles: 50-535.5; range 10-5000) therapeutic musculoskeletal procedures per single institution was performed in 2016. Arthropathic pain was the main indication. The most common procedures were joint injection, bursal/tendon injection, and irrigation of calcific tendinopathy. Ultrasound-guided procedures were mainly performed in ultrasonography rooms (77.4%) rather than in dedicated interventional rooms (22.6%). Conversely, fluoroscopic procedures were performed almost with the same frequency in interventional radiology suites (52.4%) and in general radiology rooms (47.6%). In most institutions (72%), autologous blood or components were not used. The median number of therapeutic musculoskeletal procedures performed in orthopaedic hospitals was significantly higher than in general hospitals (P = 0.002), as well as for the use of autologous preparations (P = 0.004). CONCLUSION: Joint injection, bursal/tendon injection, and irrigation of calcific tendinopathy were the most common therapeutic musculoskeletal procedures, being arthropathic pain the main indication. The percentage of procedures and the use of autologous preparations were significantly higher in orthopaedic hospitals than in general hospitals.

A critical appraisal of the quality of adult musculoskeletal ultrasound guidelines using the AGREE II tool: an EuroAIM initiative.

OBJECTIVES: Our aim was to evaluate the quality of published guidelines on musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSK-US) for adults. METHODS: Between June and July 2016, we conducted an online search for MSK-US guidelines, which were evaluated by four independent readers blinded to each other using the AGREE II tool. A fifth independent reviewer calculated scores per each domain and agreement between reviewers' scores using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). RESULTS: Five guidelines were included in this appraisal. They were published between 2001 and 2014. Our appraisal showed intermediate results, with four out of five guidelines scoring "average" as overall quality. Domain 1 (scope and purpose) achieved the highest result (total score = 71.1% ± 18.7%). Domain 6 (editorial independence) had the lowest score (total score = 26.3% ± 19.3%). Interobserver agreement was very good for all the evaluated guidelines (ICC ranged between 0.932 and 0.956). CONCLUSIONS: Overall, quality of MSK-US guidelines ranges from low to average when evaluated using the AGREE II tool. The editorial independence domain was the most critical, thus deserving more attention when developing future guidelines. MAIN MESSAGES: • Four of five guidelines on MSK-US had an average quality level. • Scope/purpose had the highest score (71.1% ± 18.7%). • Editorial independence had the lowest score (26.3% ± 19.3%). • Interobserver agreement was very good (ranges: 0.932-0.956).

Advanced Power Doppler Technique Increases Synovial Vascularity Detection in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis.

We compared the diagnostic performance of an advanced power Doppler technique (superb microvascular imaging [SMI]) with that of power Doppler Imaging (PDI) and B-mode ultrasound (US) in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and RA under treatment with rituximab. Thirty patients (21 women aged 45 ± 11 y) affected by RA with remission to moderate disease activity were examined. Both hand joints were evaluated using US, PDI and SMI. Two radiologists reviewed all video clips and evaluated synovial vascularity intensity using a semi-quantitative scoring system. SMI revealed the presence of synovial vascularity in a significantly larger number of patients than PDI (p = 0.02). Inter-observer agreement for US, PDI and SMI was moderate (κ = 0.59), very good (κ = 0.87) and very good (κ = 0.82), respectively. We conclude that SMI detects more vessels than PDI in RA patients. This may allow increased sensitivity for early diagnosis of synovial inflammation, monitoring of its dynamic changes under therapy and evaluation of true imaging remission.