Is Free Breathing Possible During Computed Tomography-Guided Percutaneous Transthoracic Lung Biopsy? The Clinical Experience in 585 Cases.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to retrospectively evaluate the safety and accuracy of computed tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous transthoracic needle biopsy (PTNB) of lung lesions during quiet breathing. METHODS: We investigated the diagnostic performance and complication rate of 585 procedures in 563 patients (357 men; mean age, 67.7 years), who underwent CT-guided PTNBs during quiet breathing, aided by a respiratory targeting technique from May 2017 to July 2019. Differences between the cases with and without respiratory targeting were analyzed. Logistic regression analyses were performed to examine the development of pneumothorax and hemoptysis. RESULTS: Percutaneous transthoracic needle biopsy samples were successfully obtained in 574 of 585 procedures (98.1%). Final diagnoses included: 410 malignant cases, 119 benign cases, and 45 indeterminate cases. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of diagnosis were 94.4%, 100%, and 95.7%, respectively. Use of respiratory targeting was associated with younger age (P = 0.004), smaller lesion size (P < 0.001), peripheral location (P = 0.003), shorter distance from the diaphragm (P < 0.001), lower lobe location (P < 0.001), prone position (P = 0.004), and visible motion artifact (P < 0.001). Pneumothorax and hemoptysis rates were 22.9% and 7.9%, respectively. Upon multivariate analysis, emphysema (P = 0.002) was the only independent risk factor for pneumothorax, whereas distance from the pleura greater than 2 cm (P < 0.001), tissue sampling 3 times or more (P = 0.003), and a less experienced operator (P < 0.001) were risk factors for hemoptysis. CONCLUSIONS: Computed tomography-guided PTNB during quiet breathing with respiratory targeting yielded high diagnostic performance with a slightly higher rate of complications. Free-breathing PTNB can be applied in clinical practice, based on lesion location and risk factors for complications.

Computed tomography arthrography of the shoulder with tin filter-based spectral shaping at 100 kV and 140 kV.

BACKGROUND: Tin filter-based spectral shaping has been used for low-dose and ultra-low-dose computed tomography (CT) in several body parts. However, studies of shoulder CT arthrography with spectral shaping are limited. PURPOSE: To investigate image quality and radiation dose of shoulder CT arthrography with tin filter-based spectral shaping at 100 kV (Sn 100 kV) and 140 kV (Sn 140 kV) in comparison with the conventional protocol. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ninety-nine shoulder CT arthrographies with protocols of Sn 100 kV (n = 32), Sn 140 kV (n = 25), and conventional 120 kV (n = 42) were retrospectively evaluated. Qualitative image quality, CT attenuations of intra-articular contrast mixture and tissues, background noise, contrast-to-noise ratios (CNRs), and figures of merit were assessed. Radiation doses were compared. RESULTS: CT arthrographies with Sn 100 kV and Sn 140 kV yielded approximately 70% and 60% radiation dose reduction, respectively, compared with the conventional 120 kV (P < 0.001). Qualitative image noise and quantitative background noise of Sn 100 kV and Sn 140 kV were significantly less than those of the conventional protocol. Qualitative image contrast, CT attenuations of intra-articular contrast mixture and tissues, and CNRs for Sn 100 were similar to those of the conventional 120 kV. However, Sn 140 kV showed significantly lower qualitative contrast and CNRs than 120 kV. Sn 100 kV was the most dose efficient among the three protocols. CONCLUSION: Shoulder CT arthrography with Sn 100 kV substantially reduced radiation dose and image noise and maintained image contrast, compared with the conventional protocol.

Usefulness of pointwise encoding time reduction with radial acquisition sequence in subtraction-based magnetic resonance angiography for follow-up of the Neuroform Atlas stent-assisted coil embolization for cerebral aneurysms.

BACKGROUND: Although time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography (TOF-MRA) is widely used, it has limited usefulness for follow-up after stent-assisted coil embolization. Contrast-enhanced MRA (CE-MRA) and ultrashort echo time MRA have been suggested as alternative methods for visualization after this procedure. PURPOSE: To compare efficacy and usefulness of pointwise encoding time reduction with radial acquisition (PETRA) sequence in subtraction-based MRA (qMRA), TOF-MRA, and CE-MRA during the follow-up after Neuroform Atlas stent-assisted coil embolization for intracranial aneurysms. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 23 patients with 24 aneurysms who underwent Neuroform Atlas stent-assisted coil embolization for intracranial aneurysms. All patients were evaluated with PETRA qMRA, TOF-MRA, and CE-MRA at the same follow-up session. The flow within stents, occlusion status, and presence of pseudo-stenosis were evaluated; inter-observer and intermodality agreements for the three methods were also graded. RESULTS: The mean score for flow visualization within the stents was significantly higher for PETRA qMRA and CE-MRA than for TOF-MRA (although no significant difference was found between PETRA qMRA and CE-MRA). Good inter-observer agreement was observed for each modality. PETRA qMRA and CE-MRA were more consistent with digital subtraction angiography (DSA) than TOF-MRA for aneurysm occlusion status. The intermodality agreement was better between PETRA qMRA and DSA, and between CE-MRA and DSA, than between DSA and TOF-MRA. Pseudo-stenosis was most frequently observed in TOF-MRA, followed by CE-MRA and PETRA qMRA. CONCLUSION: PETRA qMRA is useful for evaluating the parent artery patency and occlusion status of aneurysms after Neuroform Atlas stent-assisted coil embolization.

Dual-energy CT angiography-derived virtual non-contrast images for follow-up of patients with surgically clipped aneurysms: a retrospective study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the diagnostic performance, image quality, artifacts, and radiation doses of virtual non-contrast (VNC) images, relative to true non-contrast (TNC) images, in patients with surgically clipped aneurysms. METHODS: Seventy-six patients who underwent unenhanced computed tomography (CT) and dual-energy (DE)-CT angiography after surgical clipping of 85 intracranial aneurysms were included in the study. Diagnostic performances of VNC and TNC images were compared with respect to sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values. The results of quantitative and qualitative analyses were compared between VNC and TNC images. Radiation doses were also compared between VNC and TNC images. RESULTS: Diagnostic performance of VNC images was lower than that of TNC images; however, addition of contrast-enhanced images improved diagnostic performance. Image noise and mean attenuation of VNC images were significantly higher than those of TNC images in the centrum semiovale, cerebellum, and pons. The quality of VNC images was excellent or sufficient (85.5% for observer 1, 85.5% for observer 2), and complete acceptance of VNC images was achieved in 64.5% for observer 1 and in 71.0% for observer 2; however, the addition of contrast-enhanced images increased the level of acceptance (92.0% for observer 1, 90.9% for observer 2). Clip artifacts were significantly lower in VNC images than in TNC images. CT dose index, dose-length product, and effective dose were significantly lower without TNC images. CONCLUSION: VNC images showed lower diagnostic performance and image quality, and higher image noise than TNC images; however, VNC images could reduce clip artifacts and radiation doses.

Utility of Preoperative Ultrasonography in Transferred Patients with Suspicious Malignancy on Ultrasonography-Guided Fine-Needle Aspiration Cytology of Thyroid Nodules: A Single-Center Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND This study aimed to assess the utility and characteristics of preoperative ultrasonography (US) in patients transferred to referral hospitals from local clinics with a diagnosis of malignancy on US-guided fine-needle aspiration cytology of thyroid nodules. MATERIAL AND METHODS From January 2018 to June 2018, 109 transferred patients underwent preoperative US in our hospital for suspected thyroid malignancy on cytological analysis after US-guided fine-needle aspiration of thyroid nodules in local clinics. Preoperative US was performed by a single radiologist in all patients. Among them, 6 were excluded from the study because of refusal of thyroid surgery. Preoperative US and histopathological results were compared in all patients. RESULTS After thyroid surgery, pathological examination revealed papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) (n=98), follicular adenoma (n=1), and nodular hyperplasia (n=4). Of the 103 patients, 91 exhibited suspicious US findings on the preoperative US, whereas 12 did not. In the 91 patients with suspicious US findings, PTC (n=90) and follicular adenoma (n=1) were confirmed after thyroid surgery. In the 12 patients with no suspicious US findings, PTC (n=8) and nodular hyperplasia (n=4) were confirmed after thyroid surgery. On repeat analysis of the cytological slides of the 4 nodular hyperplasia cases from the local clinics, Bethesda category II (n=1) and III (n=3) were determined. CONCLUSIONS In the transferred patients with a malignant cytology, preoperative US might be helpful to detect false-positive cytology cases.

Comparison of Prevalence and Ultrasonography Features of Thyroglossal Duct Cyst in Adults According to Radioactive Iodine Ablation.

BACKGROUND This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of thyroglossal duct cysts (TGDCs) on ultrasonography (US) and US features of TGDCs in adults, and to assess whether the prevalence or size of TGDCs increases after radioactive iodine ablation (RIA). MATERIAL AND METHODS Between July and December 2018, 2820 patients underwent thyroid or neck US examination, performed by 2 radiologists, at our center. On the basis of real-time US, the presence or absence of TGDCs was prospectively investigated by 2 radiologists. Among the 2820 patients, 54 patients who were <19 years of age or had a radiation therapy history to the neck were excluded. Eventually, 2766 patients were included. RESULTS Of the 2766 patients, 160 (5.8%) showed a TGDC on US. The mean size of TGDCs in RIA history (+) (n=36) and RIA history (-) (n=124) groups was 0.92±0.41 cm and 0.86±0.45 cm, respectively. There was no significant difference in size of TGDCs between RIA history (+) and RIA history (-) groups (p=0.684). Between the TGDC (+) and TGDC (-) groups, there was no significant difference in patient age, gender, reason for thyroid/neck US, type of thyroid surgery, and session number and application/no application of RIA (p>0.05). The prevalence rate of TGDCs in radiologist A and B was 4.9% (70/1427) and 6.7% (90/1339), respectively. TGDCs were more common in the suprahyoid neck, and the common shapes of TGDCs were flat-to-ovoid and round. CONCLUSIONS RIA may not be associated with the prevalence or enlargement of TGDCs.

The location of the peroneus longus tendon in the cuboid groove: sonographic study in various positions of the ankle-foot in asymptomatic volunteers.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the normal location of the peroneus longus tendon (PL) in the cuboid groove in various ankle-foot positions by ultrasonography in asymptomatic volunteers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ultrasonographic assessment of the PL in the cuboid groove was performed in 20 feet of ten healthy volunteers. Each PL was examined in five ankle-foot positions (i.e., neutral, dorsiflexion, plantar-flexion, supination, and pronation). The PL location was qualitatively categorized as "inside" when the PL was entirely within the cuboid groove, as "overlying" when some part of the PL was perched on the cuboid tuberosity, and as "outside" when the PL was entirely on the cuboid tuberosity. For quantitative evaluation of the PL location, the distance between the PL and the cuboid groove was measured. The width of the cuboid groove was measured in the neutral position. RESULTS: The PL location did not significantly change with changes in the ankle-foot position. Qualitatively, an "overlying" PL was the most common type, regardless of the ankle-foot position. "Inside" PLs were found in only 35, 20, 30, 25, and 35% of feet in neutral, dorsiflexion, plantar-flexion, supination, and pronation positions, respectively. The quantitative PL location was also not significantly different among all ankle-foot positions and it was significantly negatively correlated with the cuboid groove width. CONCLUSIONS: In healthy volunteers, 65% or more of the PLs were partially or completely located outside of the cuboid groove, regardless of the ankle-foot position. The PL location relative to the cuboid groove was related to the cuboid groove width.

Persistent trigeminal artery variant terminating in the posterior inferior cerebellar artery: a case report.

Persistent trigeminal artery (PTA) is a rare cerebrovascular variation of remnant fetal carotid-vertebrobasilar anastomoses. The PTA variant terminates in the cerebellar artery with no direct connection to the basilar artery. We present a rare case of a PTA variant that terminated directly into the ipsilateral posterior inferior cerebellar artery.

Distally extended muscle belly of the flexor digitorum within the carpal tunnel: is it a risk factor for carpal tunnel syndrome?

Background The distally extended muscle belly of the flexor digitorum (MB-FD) within the carpal tunnel has been suggested as a plausible cause for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) based on cadaveric studies. Purpose To evaluate whether MB-FD within the carpal tunnel is a risk factor for CTS by comparing asymptomatic volunteers and patients with CTS. Material and Methods Presence, length, and cross-sectional area of MB-FD within the carpal tunnel were evaluated in 63 wrists of 32 asymptomatic volunteers and 52 wrists of 33 patients with CTS using ultrasonography. Length of MB-FD within the carpal tunnel was measured as the distance between the distal end of MB-FD and the palmar margin of the distal radius longitudinally. On a transverse scan, the cross-sectional area of MB-FD at the proximal limit of the carpal tunnel was measured. Results MB-FD in the carpal tunnel was found in 39 (62%) asymptomatic volunteers and 35 (67%) patients with CTS ( P = 0.549). There was a female preponderancy of MB-FD within the carpal tunnel in asymptomatic volunteers ( P = 0.044), but not in patients. Length and cross-sectional area of MB-FD within the carpal tunnel were significantly greater in male-CTS patients than in male volunteers ( P = 0.022 and 0.012, respectively). These qualities were risk factors for CTS in men, though not in women. Conclusion The presence of distally extended MB-FD within the carpal tunnel was not a risk factor for CTS. In men, a longer and thicker MB-FD within the carpal tunnel increased the risk for CTS.

Pancreatitis, panniculitis, and polyarthritis (PPP) syndrome: MRI features of intraosseous fat necrosis involving the feet and knees.

Pancreatitis, panniculitis, and polyarthritis (PPP) syndrome is extremely rare and presents as a triad of the three diseases. The patient usually presents with mild or absent abdominal symptoms. Here, we report on a case of a 66-year-old male who presented with pain and swelling in both legs and mild abdominal pain. He was diagnosed with acute pancreatitis by pancreatic enzyme analysis and abdominal computed tomography (CT) and with skin lesions of panniculitis through a biopsy. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed multifocal intraosseous fat necrosis and arthritis involving both the feet and the knees. Therefore, we report a case of PPP syndrome with intraosseous fat necrosis involving both the feet and the knees.

Factors Influencing the Outcome of Ultrasound-Guided Fine-Needle Aspiration for Salivary Gland Lesion Diagnosis.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess multiple factors influencing the outcomes of ultrasound (US)-guided fine-needle aspiration (FNA) of salivary gland lesions. METHODS: From 2008 to 2013, a single radiologist performed US-guided FNA of salivary gland lesions in 243 patients. With the exclusion of pure cysts, poor image quality, and insufficient static image cases, 218 salivary gland lesions in 218 patients were included. The composition, size, location, and vascularity of the lesions were retrospectively investigated on the basis of sonographic findings by the same radiologist. The relationship between sampling adequacy and multiple factors was compared, and the diagnostic accuracy of US-guided FNA of salivary gland lesions was calculated by using the final diagnosis as a reference standard. RESULTS: The sampling adequacy rate for US-guided FNA of the 218 salivary gland lesions was 96.8% (211 of 218). A significant difference was observed in the composition and vascularity of the lesions (P < .0001), whereas there was no significant difference in the patient age and sex, lesion size, lesion location, and needle size. The rate of inadequate sampling increased in predominantly cystic lesions compared with solid lesions as well as in low-vascularity lesions compared with high-vascularity lesions. Of the 218 lesions, 178 (81.7%) were ultimately diagnosed, and most were benign (162 of 178 [91.0%]). When 3 cases with indeterminate cytologic results were excluded, the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and accuracy of US-guided FNA of salivary gland lesions were 64.3%, 98.8%, 81.8%, 97.0%, and 96.0%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: When using US-guided FNA to diagnose salivary gland lesions, sampling adequacy depends on the composition or vascularity of the lesions.

Subcutaneous intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia: ultrasound features and pathological correlation.

BACKGROUND: To describe grayscale and color Doppler ultrasound features of subcutaneous intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia (IPEH). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The ultrasound appearances of ten histologically proven subcutaneous IPEH in ten patients (age range, 15-69 years; mean age, 38.2 years; six females, four males) were reviewed retrospectively by two musculoskeletal radiologists. Color Doppler examination and surgical excision were performed in all cases. The correlations between the ultrasound and pathological features of the lesions were done. RESULTS: All ten cases were pathologically diagnosed as pure forms of IPEH. The mean size of the lesions was 1.3 cm. The margins of the lesions were circumscribed in seven of ten patients. Three had lobular margins. The distinct internal septum-like structures were seen in seven of ten cases (70 %). The vascularity was rich in three (30 %), moderate in four (40 %), and little in three (30 %) of the ten cases. The most common vascular pattern was one or more vessels peripherally or both peripherally and centrally located in the lesion. The detectable origin vessel was noted in four of ten cases (40 %). CONCLUSIONS: Although sonographic features of subcutaneous IPEH are non-specific, they should be included in the differential diagnosis of a small, well-defined, oval or elliptical, heterogeneous, hypoechoic soft tissue mass, showing a vascular pattern of one or more vessels in the lesion and variable vascularity. The presence of the internal septum-like structures and detectable origin vessel may be help to distinguish the lesion from the other soft tissue masses.

Factors Correlating Outcome in Young Infants With Congenital Muscular Torticollis.

PURPOSE: No previous study using follow-up ultrasonography for evaluating the factors associated with the successful regression of congenital muscular torticollis in young infants has been published. This study aimed to assess clinical factors and sonographic features potentially influencing regression in patients with congenital muscular torticollis. METHODS: From January 2010 to December 2012, 80 infants underwent neck ultrasonography because of clinical suspicion of congenital muscular torticollis. We statistically analysed the correlation between complete resolution and clinicosonographic findings when complete resolution was defined as no visible lesion on follow-up ultrasonography. RESULTS: Of the 80 infants, 61 had congenital muscular torticollis and all were followed up by ultrasonography: 1) 34 underwent physiotherapy, and 27 of them (79.4%) revealed complete resolution in follow-up; 2) 27 did not undergo physiotherapy, and 15 of them (55.6%) showed complete resolution. A statistically significant correlation was found between physiotherapy and complete resolution, but not between complete resolution and patient sex; size, volume, and echogenicity of the lesion; and thickness ratio. CONCLUSIONS: Physiotherapy was the only factor influencing complete resolution in young infants with congenital muscular torticollis.

Delaminated tears of the rotator cuff: prevalence, characteristics, and diagnostic accuracy using indirect MR arthrography.

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence, radiologic characteristics, and accuracy of diagnosing delaminated tears at the supraspinatus tendon-infraspinatus tendon (SST-IST) on indirect MR arthrography. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Of 531 consecutive shoulders that underwent indirect MR arthrography, 231 shoulders with tears at the SST-IST were included. On the MR images, delaminated tears at the SST-IST, defined as intratendinous horizontal splitting between the articular and bursal layers of the SST-IST with or without different degrees of retraction between the two layers, were identified and classified into six types. Other radiologic findings of the SST-IST, such as the presence of intramuscular cysts, were evaluated. We used video records of 127 arthroscopic surgeries to determine the diagnostic accuracy of indirect MRI for the detection of the delaminated tears at the SST-IST. RESULTS. On MRI, 56% (129/231) of shoulders with SST-IST tears had delaminated tears. Articular-delaminated full-thickness tears (n = 58) and articular-delaminated partial-thickness tears (n = 64) were the most common types. Approximately 82% (36/44) of articular-delaminated full-thickness tears occurring at the SST were combined with articular-delaminated partial-thickness tears at the IST. SST-IST footprint tears and intramuscular cysts were significantly more common in the shoulders with delaminated tears. The sensitivity and specificity of indirect MR arthrography for detection of delaminated tears were 92% and 94%, respectively. CONCLUSION. On indirect MR arthrography, approximately half of the shoulders with SST-IST tears had delaminated tears. The diagnostic accuracy of indirect MR arthrography for detection of delaminated tears was high.

Factors associated with postoperative hypothyroidism after lobectomy in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma patients.

PURPOSE: No previous study regarding the correlation between post-operative thyroid function and underlying thyroid histopathology has been published. This study assessed the relationship between postoperative thyroid function after lobectomy and multiple factors in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2010 to December 2010, 338 patients who had undergone thyroid lobectomy for PTMC were enrolled. Patients with pre-operative hyperthyroidism or those with hypothyroidism but no pre-operative serological data were excluded, leaving a cohort of 285 patients. The relationships between post-operative thyroid function (based on successful cessation of thyroxine replacement therapy) and multiple factors (patient age and sex, serological data, the Pre-operative anteroposterior diameter of the thyroid gland, underlying histopathology of the thyroid gland, and number of attempts to stop thyroxine replacement therapy) were analyzed. RESULTS: Out of 285 patients, 157 attempted to stop thyroxine replacement therapy once or twice after lobectomy; 91 successfully stopped thyroxine replacement therapy during the study period. The final histopathologic diagnoses after surgery included Hashimoto's thyroiditis (n = 5), non-Hashimoto type of lymphocytic thyroiditis (n = 17), and normal thyroid parenchyma (n = 135). Pre-operative thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels differed significantly between patients with postoperative hypothyroidism and those with postoperative euthyroidism (univariate logistic regression analysis, p = 0.0028; multivariate logistic regression analysis, p = 0.0029). No statistically significant differences were found for any other factors. CONCLUSIONS: The study results demonstrated that the Pre-operative TSH level was the only predictor for the development of post-operative hypothyroidism after thyroid lobectomy in PTMC patients.

Multibanded anterior talofibular ligaments in normal ankles and sprained ankles using 3D isotropic proton density-weighted fast spin-echo MRI sequence.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the frequency and MRI characteristics of multibanded anterior talofibular ligaments in normal ankles and to characterize the tear types of multibanded anterior talofibular ligaments in sprained ankles using a 3D isotropic proton density (PD)-weighted fast spin-echo (FSE) MRI sequence. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: In the first session, 3D PD-weighted FSE MRI of 33 ankles was obtained from 20 asymptomatic volunteers. The number of bands in the anterior talofibular ligaments, the locations of the anterior talofibular ligaments on orthogonal planes of the 3D PD-weighted FSE images, and the signal intensity, depth, and width of each band on their multiplanar reformatted images parallel to the orientation of each band of the anterior talofibular ligament were evaluated by two readers. In the second session, 3D PD-weighted FSE MRI of 51 sprained ankles was evaluated by two readers for determining the number of bands in the anterior talofibular ligaments and the presence of tears in each band. RESULTS: In the first session, three anterior talofibular ligaments were single banded, 27 were double banded, and three were triple banded. In double-banded anterior talofibular ligaments, the superior band was about two times wider and thicker than the inferior band. The depth, width, and location of single-banded anterior talofibular ligaments and the superior band of double-banded anterior talofibular ligaments were not statistically significantly different. In the second session, the most common type of injury in double-banded anterior talofibular ligaments was a two-band tear. CONCLUSION: In an evaluation using the 3D PD-weighted FSE sequence, most anterior talofibular ligaments consisted of two bands, and tears in both bands were the most common type of injury in double-banded anterior talofibular ligaments.

Assessment of the rotator cable in various rotator cuff conditions using indirect MR arthrography.

BACKGROUND: The rotator cable is an important structure providing stress shield to the rotator cuff, similar to the mechanism of suspension bridge. PURPOSE: To evaluate the visibility and appearance of the rotator cable in various conditions of the rotator cuff, using indirect magnetic resonance (MR) arthrography. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Indirect MR arthrography images from 27 patients (age range, 20-63 years) with normal rotator cuffs, and 47 (age range, 20-73 years) with tendinosis, 32 (age range, 49-71 years) with partial-thickness tears, and 55 (age range, 44-75 years) with full-thickness tears in the supraspinatus and infraspinatus tendons (SST-ISTs) were included in this study. In these various rotator cuff conditions, the visibility and appearance (thickness and width) of the rotator cable and the relationships between the rotator cable appearance, rotator cuff tear size, rotator cuff thickness, and patient's age were assessed. RESULTS: On the sagittal MR images, all rotator cables were visible in the normal rotator cuffs and tendinosis/partial-thickness tears of SST-ISTs. In the order of normal cuff, tendinosis, partial-thickness tear, and full-thickness tear of SST-ISTs, the rotator cable tended to become thicker (1.07, 1.27, 1.32, and 1.59 mm, respectively) and narrower (12.1, 10.68, 10.90, and 8.55 mm, respectively). The thickness of the rotator cable was significantly positively correlated with the rotator cuff thickness in the normal rotator cuffs (coefficient, 0.49; P = 0.010) and tendinosis of SST-ISTs (coefficient, 0.53; P < 0.001), but was not correlated with patients' age. CONCLUSION: On sagittal plane of indirect MR arthrography, most rotator cables were visible. The appearance of the rotator cable changed according to the rotator cuff condition.

Sonographic appearances of juvenile fibroadenoma of the breast.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate characteristic features of juvenile fibroadenoma of the breast on sonography. METHODS: Our study included 34 juvenile fibroadenomas confirmed by surgical biopsy or sonographically guided 8-gauge vacuum-assisted biopsy in 23 patients (age range, 15-47 years; mean age, 25 years). Sonographic findings of the lesions were analyzed retrospectively by 2 radiologists in consensus according to the American College of Radiology Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) lexicon. The BI-RADS final assessment category was also established. RESULTS: On sonography, all fibroadenomas presented as masses. The mean size was 30 mm. Regarding shape, there were 29 oval, 2 round, and 3 irregular masses. The margins were circumscribed in 24, indistinct in 5, microlobulated in 4, and angular in 1. Regarding echogenicity, 16 masses were hypoechoic, 16 isoechoic, and 2 complex echoic. Posterior acoustic characteristics included posterior acoustic enhancement in 22 masses (65%), posterior shadowing in 1, and no posterior acoustic features in 9; this information was not available in 2. The lesion boundary presented as an abrupt interface in 32 and an echogenic halo in 2. The orientation was parallel in 32 and nonparallel in 2. Calcifications were present in 3 cases and absent in 31. On color Doppler sonography, the masses were usually hypervascular with vessel counts of 5 or more (87%). The BI-RADS final assessment categories were 3 in 24 and 4a in 10. CONCLUSIONS: The dominant sonographic presentation of juvenile fibroadenoma is a circumscribed oval hypoechoic or isoechoic mass, which resembles that of simple fibroadenoma. Juvenile fibroadenomas frequently show posterior acoustic enhancement and hypervascularity on color Doppler sonography.

Superficial Radial Neuropathy due to Anatomic Variation: A Case Report.

Superficial radial neuropathy is a purely sensory neuropathy, usually caused by nerve entrapment in the distal forearm. We report a case of superficial radial neuropathy caused by the anomalous course of the superficial radial nerve, which was found to be spirally encircling the brachioradialis tendon in the distal forearm. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of an anatomical variant of the superficial radial nerve that causes neuropathy.

Intraarticular local anesthesia: can it reduce pain related to MR or CT arthrography of the shoulder?

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to prospectively evaluate whether intraarticular anesthesia can reduce pain after MR or CT arthrography of the shoulder. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This study included 120 patients who underwent CT or MR arthrography of the shoulder. The patients were randomized into two groups: the study group (n = 60), each administered an intraarticular injection of the contrast agent mixed with a local anesthetic (2% mepivacaine); and the control group (n = 60), each injected with the contrast agent only. Each patient's pain level was assessed at five phases-baseline and immediately, 2 hours, 1 day, and 2 days after injection-by using a visual analog scale or a verbal rating scale. The net pain score at each phase was also calculated. The pain course and net pain score were compared between study and control groups by repeated-measures analysis of variance. After the patients were divided into subgroups according to patient- or procedure-related factors, the efficacy of the intraarticular local anesthetic in each subgroup was evaluated. RESULTS: The pain course showed a quadratic trend and was not significantly different between study and control groups. The net pain score also was not significantly different between the two groups. No subgroup showed a significantly different efficacy of the intraarticular local anesthetic between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Intraarticular local anesthesia did not reduce arthrography-related pain.