Comparison of conventional MR arthrography and 3D volumetric MR arthrography in detection of cartilage defects accompanying glenoid labrum pathologies.

OBJECTIVES: In this study, we aimed to compare conventional and T1-weighted volumetric magnetic resonance arthrography (MRA) in the diagnosis and grading of glenoid cartilage defects that accompany labral pathologies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 79 patients who were prediagnosed with labrum pathologies based on shoulder magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) had MRA and CTA between December 2021 and May 2022. CTA was regarded as reference standard. CTA images were examined by a radiologist experienced in musculoskeletal radiology, and MRA images were examined by two radiologists independently to determine presence, grade, and localization of any glenoid cartilage defect, if present. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were calculated separately for conventional and T1-weighted volumetric MRA. In addition, at the last stage, two observers examined all MRAs together, and the presence of a cartilage defect was decided by consensus, and the overall sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were calculated. RESULTS: Cartilage defect was detected on CTAs of 48 (60.75%) cases of among 79 patients with labrum pathology. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of conventional MRA for two examiners were 17-19%, 100-100%, and 49-51%, respectively, while those values were 67-65%, 92-97%, and 84-77%, respectively, for T1-weighted volumetric MRA. Inter-examiner agreement was excellent for diagnosis of cartilage defects on all MRAs. The overall sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for detection of glenoid cartilage lesions by MRA were 69%, 97%, and 80%, respectively. CONCLUSION: T1-weighted volumetric MRA seems to demonstrate cartilage defects accompanied with labrum pathologies accurately with high sensitivity, specificity, and excellent inter-examiner agreement.

The 2D and 3D MR arthrographic description of aponeurotic expansion of supraspinatus tendon and biceps tendon anomaly in a large patient cohort.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the aponeurotic expansion of supraspinatus tendon (AEST) and biceps tendon abnormalities with magnetic resonance (MR) arthrographic examinations and determine their prevalence in patients, we performed a high-resolution 3D direct MR arthrography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective study of 700 shoulder MR arthrograms performed between May 2010 and January 2022. Extension in the coronal plane of an AEST on 3D fat-suppressed T1-weighted volumetric interpolated breath-hold examination (VIBE) MR arthrography was identified. Based on its morphology, the AEST on MR arthrography was divided into four subtypes: absence of tendinous thickness in the bicipital synovial surface or intra-synovial tendon-like structure in the bicipital groove, thin and flat tendinous thickness ≥1 mm of bicipital synovium, oval tendinous structure less than half the size of the adjacent biceps tendon, oval tendinous structure more than half the size of the adjacent biceps tendon, and oval tendinous structure larger than the adjacent biceps tendon. Based on its origin and termination, aponeurotic expansions can be divided into three subtypes: proximal pulley zone, middle humeral neck zone, and distal myotendinous junction zone. Association with the biceps synovium of the AEST was categorized into three types: intra-synovial, extra-synovial, and trans-synovial. RESULTS: An AEST in the anterior shoulder joint in 3D VIBE MR arthrography images was identified in 63 (9%) of 700 arthrograms. The most common arthrographic type of AEST was type 1-this was detected in 39 of 63 patients. The most common course type of the AEST was anteriorly midline. The most common distal insertion type was at the tenosynovial sheath of the long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT) in the middle humeral neck zone-this was detected in 31 of 63 patients. There were only 10 MR arthrograms biceps tendon abnormality, including 4 biceps agenesis and 6 split ruptures. CONCLUSION: A 2D and high-resolution 3D MR arthrography can demonstrate the anatomical detail around the bicipital groove and facilitate the differentiation between a biceps tendon anomaly and an AEST. On high-resolution 3D MR arthrographic images, the AEST tends to be in the anterior midline and anteromedial portions of the biceps synovium with intra-synovial, extra-synovial, and trans-synovial courses and its three different insertion types.

Detection of the glenoid bare spot by non-arthrographic MR imaging, conventional MR arthrography, and 3D high-resolution T1-weighted VIBE MR arthrography: comparison with CT arthrography.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the diagnostic accuracy of non-arthrographic MR imaging, conventional MR arthrography, and 3D T1-weighted volumetric interpolated breath-hold examination (VIBE) MR arthrography sequences as compared with a CT arthrography in the diagnosis of glenoid bare spot. METHODS: A retrospective study of 216 patients who underwent non-arthrographic MR imaging, conventional MR arthrography, VIBE MRI arthrography, and CT arthrogram between January 2011 and March 2022 was conducted. The diagnostic accuracy of non-arthrographic MR imaging, direct MR arthrography, and VIBE MRI arthrography in the detection of glenoid bare spot was compared with that of CT arthrography. All studies were reviewed by 2 MSK radiologists. Interobserver agreement for MR imaging and MR arthrographic findings was calculated. RESULTS: Sixteen of 216 patients were excluded. Twenty-three of 200 shoulders had glenoid bare spot on CT arthrographic images. The glenoid bare spot was detected in 11 (47.8%) and 7 (30.4%) patients on conventional non-arthrographic MR images and in 18 (78.3%) and 16 (69.6%) patients on conventional MR arthrograms by observers 1 and 2, respectively. Both observers separately described the bare spot in 22 of 23 patients (95.7%) on 3D volumetric MR arthrograms. Interobserver variabilities were fair agreement for conventional non-arthrographic MR imaging (κ = 0.35, p < 0.05), moderate agreement for conventional MR arthrogram (κ = 0.50, p < 0.05), and near-perfect agreement for 3D volumetric MR arthrogram reading (κ = 0.87, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: A 3D high-resolution T1-weighted VIBE MR arthrography sequence may yield diagnostic performance that is comparable with that of CT arthrography in the diagnosis of glenoid bare spot. KEY POINTS: •Glenoid bare spot should not be misdiagnosed as a transchondral defect of the glenoid surface by radiologists. •A 3D high-resolution T1-weighted VIBE MR arthrography sequence may be used as a high-sensitivity imaging technique in the diagnosis of glenoid bare spot.

Incidental findings on prostate MRI: a close look at the field of view in this anatomical region.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been widely used as an advanced imaging modality to detect prostate cancer and indicate suspicious areas to guide biopsy procedures. The increasing number of prostate examinations with MRI has provided an opportunity to detect incidental lesions, and some might be very significant to elucidate patient symptoms or occult neoplastic process in the early stages. These incidental lesions might be located in the prostate gland, adjacent tissues, or organs around the prostate gland or out of the genitourinary system. The field of view of prostate MRI includes not only the prostate gland but also other critical pelvic organs in this specific anatomical region. Some of these incidental lesions might cause the same symptoms as prostate cancer and might explain the symptoms of the patient, and some might indicate early cancer stages located outside the prostate. Reporting these lesions might be life-saving by initiating early disease treatment. Awareness of the predicted locations of congenital anomalies would also be beneficial for the radiologists to mention these incidental findings.

Shear wave elastography and T2* mapping in the detection of early-stage trochlear cartilage damage.

BACKGROUND: The presence of degenerative changes in joint cartilage is one of the major features in osteoarthritis. PURPOSE: To investigate the contribution of shear wave elastography and T2* mapping to the early diagnosis of femoral trochlear cartilage damage. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 30 individuals whose trochlear cartilage structure was evaluated as normal in conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences (control group) were prospectively compared with 30 patients who had early-stage cartilage damage findings on conventional MRI (study group), by performing B-mode ultrasonography, shear wave elastography, and T2* mapping. Cartilage thickness, shear wave, and T2* mapping measurements were recorded. RESULTS: After evaluating B-mode ultrasound and conventional MRI sequences, cartilage thickness was found to be significantly higher in the study group on both B-mode ultrasound and MRI. Shear wave velocity values of the study group (medial condyle [MC] 4.65 ± 1.11 m/sn, intercondylar [IC] 4.74 ± 1.20 m/sn, and lateral condyle [LC] 5.42 ± 1.48 m/sn) were observed to be significantly lower than the control group (MC 5.60 ± 0.77 m/sn, IC 5.85 ± 0.96 m/sn, and LC 5.63 ± 1.05 m/sn) (P < 0.05). T2* mapping values were significantly higher in the study group (MC 32.38 ± 4.04 ms, IC 35.78 ± 4.85 ms, and LC 34.04 ± 3.40 ms) than that of the control group (MC 28.07 ± 3.29 ms, IC 30.63 ± 3.45 ms, and LC 29.02 ± 3.24 ms). CONCLUSION: Shear wave elastography and T2* mapping are reliable methods for evaluating early-stage trochlear cartilage damage.

Anomalous origin of the temporopolar artery from the internal carotid artery and aneurysms at the temporopolar and internal carotid arteries: a very rare case report.

The temporopolar artery (TPA) originates directly from the sphenoidal segment of the middle cerebral artery (MCA). Its originating from the M1 segment of the MCA as a branch of the anterior temporal artery is not uncommon. However, internal carotid artery origination is a very rare variation of the TPA. Here, we report a very rare case of the variant origin of the TPA and the presence of saccular aneurysm at this origin.

Contribution of advanced MRI to the diagnosis of giant tumefactive perivascular spaces.

BACKGROUND: Giant tumefactive perivascular spaces (PVSs) are uncommon benign cystic lesions. They can imitate cystic neoplasms. PURPOSE: To evaluate the contribution of advanced neuro magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques in the diagnosis of giant tumefactive PVSs and to further characterize these unusual cerebral lesions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The MRI scans of patients with tumefactive PVS diagnosed between 2010 and 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. All imaging studies included three plane conventional cerebral MRI sequences as well as precontrast 3D T1 MPRAGE, post-gadolinium 3D T1 acquisitions, sagittal plane 3D T2 SPACE, diffusion-weighted imaging, and time-of-flight (TOF) angiography. Some patients received perfusion MR, MR spectroscopy, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), and contrast-enhanced TOF MR angiography. RESULTS: A perforating vessel was demonstrated in 16 patients (66.7%) by TOF imaging. In four patients, there were intracystic vascular collaterals on contrast-enhanced TOF MR angiography. Septal blooming was observed in four patients in susceptibility-weighted imaging. On perfusion MR, central hyperperfusion was observed in four patients, and peripheral hyperperfusion was observed in one patient. On MR spectroscopy, choline increase was observed in two patients, and there was a lactate peak in three patients, and both a choline increase and lactate peak in one patient. On DTI, there was fiber distortion in five patients and fiber deformation in one patient. CONCLUSION: Advanced MRI techniques and 3D volumetric high-resolution MRI sequences can provide a valuable contribution to the diagnosis and can be successfully used in the management of these lesions.

Evaluation of craniocervical pseudomeningoceles with three-dimensional T2-SPACE sequence at 3T.

BACKGROUND: Pseudomingocele is a postoperative fluid collection adjacent to the dural membrane. The distinction of pseudomeningocele from other postoperative collections is very important. PURPOSE: To show the efficacy of three-dimensional (3D) T2-weighted sampling perfection with application-optimized contrasts using a different flip-angle evolution (SPACE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequence in the diagnosis of pseudomeningocele in which conventional MRI sequences may be insufficient. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 10 patients were included in the study. All of these patients also had 3D T2-SPACE high-resolution volumetric MR image in addition to conventional cervical and cerebral MR sequences. All MR examinations were reviewed by two neuroradiologists. RESULTS: Pseudomeningocele neck was shown in six patients by both conventional sequences and SPACE sequence. In two patients, the neck was only shown in the SPACE sequence. Four pseudomeningocele necks were shown to have flow void with both conventional sequences and SPACE sequence. Flow void could only be demonstrated by SPACE sequence in two patients. CONCLUSION: A T2-SPACE sequence can show the presence of pseudomeningocele neck and flow void even in cases where conventional MRI cannot show, thus contributing to the diagnosis of pseudomeningocele. Therefore, especially in postoperative imaging, the T2-SPACE sequence may be included in routine sequences to make the differential diagnosis correctly.

Tissue damage in herniated brain parenchyma into giant arachnoid granulations: demonstration with high resolution MRI.

BACKGROUND: Brain herniation (BH) into arachnoid granulation has been remarkable in recent years. PURPOSE: To evaluate the damage in herniated parenchyma into the giant arachnoid granulation (GAG) and to investigate the clinical-demographic importance of this damage. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients with BH into GAG were retrospectively included in the study. Each of the patients had at least one high-resolution 3D magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequence. The arachnoid granulation dimensions, locations, and origin of herniated parenchyma were evaluated by two experienced radiologists. The demographic and symptomatic features of the patients were recorded from the hospital database. RESULTS: A total of 27 patients (21 females, 6 males; age range 6-71 years; mean age 41.3 years) were found to contain BH into GAG. It was most commonly seen in the transverse sinus (67%); the origin was most common in the cerebellar parenchyma (56%). Abnormal signal and morphology were detected in herniated parenchyma in 11 (47%) patients, atrophy in six, and atrophy and gliosis in five. The most common complaints were headache (47%), while other frequent symptoms were vertigo (15%) and blurred vision (11%). There was a statistically significant positive correlation between frequency of damage in herniated brain parenchyma and the maximal size of GAG (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: In patients with BH into GAG, parenchymal damage may be associated with various symptoms, such as headache and vertigo, although they have not been statistically proven. It is important to carefully evaluate hernia tissue, as the risk of tissue damage may increase in larger GAGs.

An inconspicuous stabilizer of the subtalar joint: MR arthrographic anatomy of the posterior talocalcaneal ligament.

OBJECTIVE: The main function of the posterior talocalcaneal ligament (PTL) is to stabilize the posterior subtalar joint in the ankle. PTL is a potential source of pain in chronic subtalar instability. Our knowledge of the anatomy and function of PTL is limited and there are not many studies regarding its morphology. The aim of this study is to provide detailed information about imaging anatomy and morphology of PTL. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 197 ankle images of 184 patients (13 bilateral) obtained from MR arthrography (MRA) and conventional MRI between 2012 and 2019. The incidence of PTL was evaluated using both methods. The location of the ligament to the calcaneus, shape, and intraarticular extension was determined by MRA. In addition, thickness and lengths were measured in millimeters, and the presence of os trigonum, contrast agent extravasation into adjacent anatomical structures, was evaluated. The upper surface of the calcaneus was divided into nine regions in the axial view and three regions in the sagittal view. RESULTS: The incidence of PTL was 65.5% (n = 129). In axial view, the most common calcaneal attachment was in the 5th zone. The ligament was mostly fan-shaped (n = 104) and the extraarticular course was 87%. The average length was 15.9 mm and the average thickness was 1.1 mm. There were os trigonum in 18 cases. CONCLUSION: Having knowledge of the morphology and variations of PTL and defining its relationship with adjacent anatomical structures can help evaluate subtalar instability.

Coexistence of Cerebral Calcified Cavernous Malformation and Developmental Venous Anomaly.

ABSTRACT: Cerebral cavernous malformations are common vascular malformation of the central nervous system. It may cause various symptoms, such as seizures, intracranial hemorrhage, but most are asymptomatic and diagnosed incidentally. The authors present a case of a 75-year-old man who has a complaint about a headache. On radiological imaging, we descripted that the patient has a calcified cavernoma and a meningioma synchronously. Cavernoma with calcification associated with developmental venous anomaly is a rare condition.

Intense Soft Tissue Calcification of the Head and Neck Following Tracheostomy.

ABSTRACT: Dystrophic calcification is the accumulation of calcium salts, especially calcium phosphate, which can occur anywhere in the body. Unlike other heterotopic calcifications, it occurs in damaged tissue when there is no calcium imbalance. The most common sites are the heart muscle and valve and it is rarely seen in the head and neck region. It can appear by any cause of soft tissue degeneration such as trauma, infection, inflammation, and neoplasia. It is not symptomatic unless a dystrophic calcification mass is present and is usually detected incidentally. Determination of the etiology plays an important role in the planning of the treatment so that the patient's history, laboratory findings, and imaging methods are very important.

Rare Cause of Blurred Vision: Unilateral Primary Dural Ectasia of the Optic Nerve Sheath.

ABSTRACT: Dural ectasia, also known as meningocele of the optic nerve sheath, is a rare benign pathology. Magnetic resonance imaging has a great role in the diagnosis of this condition, which has nonspecific symptoms such as progressive blurred vision. It is observed as cerebrospinal fluid accumulation within the expanded nerve sheath around the optic nerve. Treatment is planned after differential diagnosis of other pathologies such as mass and inflammation in addition to diagnosis with magnetic resonance imaging. Medical treatment is usually sufficient, and surgical treatment is planned for progressive patients.

Unilateral Vision Loss Due to Isolated Onodi Cell Mucocele.

ABSTRACT: Onodi cell mucocele is a rare, benign, cystic, destructive and expansive lesion. While the sphenoid sinus mucocele is 1% to 2%, onodi cell mucocele is very rare. Because of its direct mass compression effect, its proximity to the orbital apex may cause many symptoms such as loss of vision, eye movements, and exophthalmus. Imaging methods have an important priority in diagnosis. It also plays a crucial role in planning treatment quickly and guiding the surgeon. Surgical excision is performed in the treatment, usually with an endonasal approach.

Anomalous Origin and Course of Right Vertebral Artery With Aberrant Right Subclavian Artery.

ABSTRACT: Origin and course anomalies of the vertebral arteries are rare. They are considered a congenital anomaly that occurs in the early stages of embryonic development. Thanks to magnetic resonance angiography, these anomalies can be diagnosed easily. Detecting these anomalies is especially important before endovascular interventional procedures. In this case report, we present magnetic resonance angiography findings of a patient with extraforaminal vertebral artery that originated from right common carotid artery and also with aberrant right subclavian artery.

MR arthrographic evaluation of posterior paraglenoid labral cysts: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Paraglenoid labral cysts (PLCs) around the shoulder are uncommon. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the primary imaging modality for the description of PLCs. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate PLCs in the posterior part of the glenoid bone via MR arthrography as well as to describe associated labral abnormalities. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 14 patients, diagnosed with 15 posterior PLCs at MR arthrography between 2007 and 2012. Conventional MRI and MR arthrography were used for all patients. RESULTS: A total of 15 PLCs were detected in 14 patients with eight located on the right shoulder and six on the left shoulder. One case had two PLCs. While two cysts were multiloculated, the remaining 13 were seen as unilocated simple cysts. Moreover, 14 of 15 posterior PLCs (60%) were associated with labral tears at MR arthrography. The cysts in proximity to the glenoid labrum were posterosuperior in 33.3% (n = 5), mid-posterior in 36.7% (n = 7), and postero-inferior in 20% (n = 3). The majority of patients with posterosuperior and mid-posterior cysts had an associated superior labral tear from anterior to posterior (SLAP) lesions. Four of six patients with mid-posterior cysts had minimal denervation atrophy in the infraspinatus muscle. CONCLUSION: Posterior PLCs are mostly associated with posterior labral defects. The majority of cysts localized in the posterosuperior and mid-posterior were also associated with SLAP lesions. Denervation atrophy in the infraspinatus muscle may frequently accompany mid-posterior PLCs.

Anomalous Origins of Ophthalmic Arteries on Three-Dimensional Time-of-Flight Magnetic Resonance Angiography and Their Clinical Importance.

AIM: The purpose of this paper was to evaluate rare cases of anomalous origins of the ophthalmic artery (OA) according to magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) findings. METHODS: This retrospective study included 80 patients diagnosed with anomalous OA origins between March 2015 and July 2018 from a sample of 16,024 patients. The patients included 47 females and 33 males with a mean age of 38.16 years (range 18-62 years). Three-dimensional time-of-flight (3D-TOF) MRA was performed for all patients. RESULTS: Eighty (0.5%) patients had anomalous OA origins. The most common type of OA origin anomaly was the right OA originating from the middle meningeal artery (0.17%). Twelve (0.07%) patients had OAs with an extradural origin. CONCLUSIONS: Anomalous origins of the OA are rare. 3D-TOF MRA is a noninvasive imaging method that can be applied for the diagnosis of OA anomalies. Some OA variations can have a protective effect against ocular complications in vaso-occlusive events. Therefore, it is critical to know the variant anatomy of OAs.

Giant Cephalocele Case Mimicking Cystic Neoplasia in Skull Base.

Petrous apex cephalocel, also called arachnoid cyst or meningocele, is a rare cephalocele caused by protrusion of the posterolateral wall of the Meckel cave to the petrous apex. Increased intracranial pressure is thought to play a role in etiopathogenesis and is generally asymptomatic. Radiologically, they are expansile lesions with the same density or intensity as cerebrospinal fluid and may mimic cystic masses. The diagnosis is made by showing the continuity with Meckel cave on magnetic resonance imaging. No intervention is required in asymptomatic patients; surgical treatment is applied in symptomatics.

Unusual Mimicker of the Carotid Body Tumor: Synovial Sarcoma of the Carotid Space.

Synovial cell sarcomas are malignant tumors originating from pluripotent mesenchymal stem cells, unlike its name. It is a common tumor in the periarticular area, accounting for 8% of all soft tissue sarcomas. Head and neck are among the rarest areas of this tumor. Synovial sarcomas of the head and neck are more aggressive than those seen in other regions and are associated with remarkable mortality and morbidity. Treatment of synovial sarcomas of the head and neck is usually extensive local excision and additional radiation and/or chemotherapy may be performed.

Unusual Cause of Hypopituitarism: Sphenoid Mucocele.

Paranasal sinus mucocele is cystic, expansile, benign masses that contain mucus surrounded by epithelium. It causes significant locally destruction of the sinus wall and present with various symptoms depending on the pressure on neighboring structures. Sphenoid sinus mucocele constitutes 1% to 2% of all paranasal sinus mucoceles. Headache is the most common symptom that leads to correct diagnosis. In addition, the close proximity of the sphenoid sinus to important structures such as the optic nerve, cavernous sinus and the pituitary gland causes various symptoms. Treatment is surgical drainage of mucocele to reduce pressure.