Frequency of anterolateral ligament tears and ramp lesions in patients with anterior cruciate ligament tears and associated injuries indicative for these lesions-a retrospective MRI analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the frequency of anterolateral ligament (ALL) tears and ramp lesions (RL) detected with MRI in patients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears and to describe associated injuries indicative for these lesions. METHODS: In this retrospective study, 164 patients with surgically verified ACL tears were included. Preoperative MRI scans were reviewed for ALL tears and different types of RL. All coexisting meniscal tears, tears of the medial (MCL) and lateral collateral band (LCL), and posterior-medial tibial bone marrow edema (BME) were recorded. The frequency of ALL tears and RL was assessed and coexisting injuries were correlated using Pearson's chi-square test. A p < 0.05 was defined as statistically significant. In cases of multiple testing, Bonferroni's correction was applied. RESULTS: ALL tears and RL combined were detected in 28 patients (17.1%), ALL tears in 48 patients (29.3%), and RL in 54 patients (32.9%) which were significantly associated to each other. ALL tears were significantly associated with tears of the posterior horn of the lateral meniscus (PHLM), BME, and with tears of the LCL and MCL. RL were significantly associated with tears of the posterior horn of the medial (PHMM) and PHLM, with BME, and with tears of the LCL. CONCLUSIONS: ACL tears are associated with RL or ALL tears in about one-third of cases and with both lesions combined in about one-fifth of cases. ALL tears and RL are significantly associated with additional posttraumatic injuries, which can thus be indicative of these lesions. KEY POINTS: • ACL tears were associated with ramp lesions or ALL tears in about one-third of the cases. • Ramp lesions and ALL tears were significantly associated with each other, tear in the PHLM, tear in the LCL, and BME. • ALL tears were more frequently associated with instable classified ramp lesion type 4b and type 5.

A concurrent, deep learning-based computer-aided detection system for prostate multiparametric MRI: a performance study involving experienced and less-experienced radiologists.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of a deep learning-based computer-aided diagnosis (DL-CAD) system on experienced and less-experienced radiologists in reading prostate mpMRI. METHODS: In this retrospective, multi-reader multi-case study, a consecutive set of 184 patients examined between 01/2018 and 08/2019 were enrolled. Ground truth was combined targeted and 12-core systematic transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy. Four radiologists, two experienced and two less-experienced, evaluated each case twice, once without (DL-CAD-) and once assisted by DL-CAD (DL-CAD+). ROC analysis, sensitivities, specificities, PPV and NPV were calculated to compare the diagnostic accuracy for the diagnosis of prostate cancer (PCa) between the two groups (DL-CAD- vs. DL-CAD+). Spearman's correlation coefficients were evaluated to assess the relationship between PI-RADS category and Gleason score (GS). Also, the median reading times were compared for the two reading groups. RESULTS: In total, 172 patients were included in the final analysis. With DL-CAD assistance, the overall AUC of the less-experienced radiologists increased significantly from 0.66 to 0.80 (p = 0.001; cutoff ISUP GG ≥ 1) and from 0.68 to 0.80 (p = 0.002; cutoff ISUP GG ≥ 2). Experienced radiologists showed an AUC increase from 0.81 to 0.86 (p = 0.146; cutoff ISUP GG ≥ 1) and from 0.81 to 0.84 (p = 0.433; cutoff ISUP GG ≥ 2). Furthermore, the correlation between PI-RADS category and GS improved significantly in the DL-CAD + group (0.45 vs. 0.57; p = 0.03), while the median reading time was reduced from 157 to 150 s (p = 0.023). CONCLUSIONS: DL-CAD assistance increased the mean detection performance, with the most significant benefit for the less-experienced radiologist; with the help of DL-CAD less-experienced radiologists reached performances comparable to that of experienced radiologists. KEY POINTS: • DL-CAD used as a concurrent reading aid helps radiologists to distinguish between benign and cancerous lesions in prostate MRI. • With the help of DL-CAD, less-experienced radiologists may achieve detection performances comparable to that of experienced radiologists. • DL-CAD assistance increases the correlation between PI-RADS category and cancer grade.

Association of immunological parameters with aortic dilatation in giant cell arteritis: a cross-sectional study.

Aortic dilatation (AD) occurs in up to 30% of patients with giant cell arteritis (GCA). Reliable biomarkers for AD development, however, are still absent. The aim of this exploratory study was to evaluate whether immunological parameters are associated with the occurrence of AD in GCA. Cross-sectional study on 20 GCA patients with AD, 20 GCA patients without AD, and 20 non-GCA controls without AD measuring leukocytes, neutrophils, lymphocytes, C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), serum amyloid A (SAA), interferon (IFN)-α, IFN-γ, IFN-γ-induced protein 10 (IP-10), interleukin (IL) 5, IL-8, IL-10, IL-17A, IL-18, IL-1 receptor antagonist, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), L-selectin, P-selectin, and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (sICAM-1). AD was measured by aortic contrast-enhanced computed tomography and defined by enlargement of the aorta above population-based aortic diameters adjusted by age, gender, and body surface area. No significant differences were observed between GCA patients with AD and GCA patients without AD concerning levels of leukocytes, neutrophils, lymphocytes, CRP, ESR, SAA, IL-8, IL-18, PDGF, IP-10, selectins, and sICAM-1. Values of IFN-α, IFN-γ, IL-5, IL-10, IL-17A, IL-1 receptor antagonist, and TNF-α were all below the detection limits in more than 70% of subjects. Lymphocytes and CRP revealed positive correlations with the diameter of the thoracic descending aorta. Immunological parameters were not useful to conclude on the presence of AD in GCA. Further studies are required to test if CRP and lymphocytes may be useful to predict future development of AD in GCA.

Rate of malignancy in MRI-detected probably benign (BI-RADS 3) lesions.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the malignancy rate in MRI-detected probably benign (BI-RADS 3) lesions in women without a history of breast cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, 1265 patients underwent breast MRI during a 7-year period. One hundred and eight (8.5%) patients with a nonpalpable breast lesion classified as BI-RADS 3 at MRI and with a needle biopsy or adequate follow-up of at least 24 months were included. Statistical analysis included calculation of the negative predictive value with its 95% CI. RESULTS: Of 108 lesions, 107 (99.1%) were correctly assessed as probably benign, resulting in a negative predictive value of 99.1% (95% CI, 94.99-99.98%). Histopathology was requested by the patient or referring physician in 44 patients. Of these, 43 (39.8%) lesions were classified as benign and one (0.9%) as malignant. There were no changes evident in any of the remaining 64 (59.2%) lesions during follow-up (range, 2-9 years). CONCLUSION: In MRI-detected probably benign (BI-RADS 3) lesions, the malignancy rate is low and within the accepted cancer rate for mammographically or sonographically detected BI-RADS 3 lesions. Short-term follow-up MRI at intervals of 6, 12, and 24 months in MRI BI-RADS 3 lesions remains a strong tool with which to detect suspicious lesions. Interval changes in size, morphology, or enhancement are regarded as indicative of malignancy.

Prevalence and characteristics of benign cartilaginous tumours of the knee joint as identified on MRI scans.

BACKGROUND: Enchondromas (EC) and atypical cartilaginous tumours (ACT) of the knee joint represent benign/intermediate chondromatous neoplasms of the bone that are most commonly discovered incidentally. Based on small to intermediate-sized cohorts, the prevalence of cartilaginous tumours of the knee as visible in MRI is estimated at 0.2-2.9%. This study aimed at verifying/challenging these numbers via retrospective examination of a larger, uniform patient cohort. METHODS: Between 01.01.2007 and 01.03.2020, 44,762 patients had received an MRI of the knee for any indication at a radiologic centre. Of these, 697 patients presented with MRI reports positive for cartilaginous lesions. In a three-step workflow, 46 patients were excluded by a trained co-author, a radiologist and an orthopaedic oncologist, as wrongly being diagnosed for a cartilage tumour. RESULTS: Of 44,762 patients, 651 presented with at least one EC/ACT indicating a prevalence of 1.45% for benign/intermediate cartilaginous tumours of the knee joint (EC: 1.4%; ACTs: 0.05%). As 21 patients showed 2 chondromatous lesions, altogether 672 tumours (650 ECs [96.7%] and 22 ACTs [3.3%]) could be analysed in terms of tumour characteristics: With a mean size of 1.6 ± 1.1 cm, most lesions were located in the distal femur (72.9%), in the metaphysis of the respective bone (58.9%) and centrally in the medullary canal (57.4%). CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed an overall prevalence of 1.45% for cartilage lesions around the knee joint. Whilst a constant increase in prevalence was found for ECs over 13.2 years, prevalence remained constant for ACTs.

Automated deep-learning system in the assessment of MRI-visible prostate cancer: comparison of advanced zoomed diffusion-weighted imaging and conventional technique.

BACKGROUND: Deep-learning-based computer-aided diagnosis (DL-CAD) systems using MRI for prostate cancer (PCa) detection have demonstrated good performance. Nevertheless, DL-CAD systems are vulnerable to high heterogeneities in DWI, which can interfere with DL-CAD assessments and impair performance. This study aims to compare PCa detection of DL-CAD between zoomed-field-of-view echo-planar DWI (z-DWI) and full-field-of-view DWI (f-DWI) and find the risk factors affecting DL-CAD diagnostic efficiency. METHODS: This retrospective study enrolled 354 consecutive participants who underwent MRI including T2WI, f-DWI, and z-DWI because of clinically suspected PCa. A DL-CAD was used to compare the performance of f-DWI and z-DWI both on a patient level and lesion level. We used the area under the curve (AUC) of receiver operating characteristics analysis and alternative free-response receiver operating characteristics analysis to compare the performances of DL-CAD using f- DWI and z-DWI. The risk factors affecting the DL-CAD were analyzed using logistic regression analyses. P values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: DL-CAD with z-DWI had a significantly better overall accuracy than that with f-DWI both on patient level and lesion level (AUCpatient: 0.89 vs. 0.86; AUClesion: 0.86 vs. 0.76; P < .001). The contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of lesions in DWI was an independent risk factor of false positives (odds ratio [OR] = 1.12; P < .001). Rectal susceptibility artifacts, lesion diameter, and apparent diffusion coefficients (ADC) were independent risk factors of both false positives (ORrectal susceptibility artifact = 5.46; ORdiameter, = 1.12; ORADC = 0.998; all P < .001) and false negatives (ORrectal susceptibility artifact = 3.31; ORdiameter = 0.82; ORADC = 1.007; all P ≤ .03) of DL-CAD. CONCLUSIONS: Z-DWI has potential to improve the detection performance of a prostate MRI based DL-CAD. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ChiCTR, NO. ChiCTR2100041834 . Registered 7 January 2021.

Prevalence and prognostic factors for aortic dilatation in giant cell arteritis - a longitudinal study.

OBJECTIVES: Predictive data for the development of aortic dilatation (AD) in giant-cell arteritis (GCA) are controversial. The aim was to investigate by computed tomography (CT) the prevalence of AD in a consecutive cohort of GCA patients and controls, and to identify possible predictors for AD. METHODS: GCA patients and controls were identified by electronic search and underwent aortic contrast enhanced CT defining AD by aortic diameter adjusted to age, gender and body surface area. Pulse-wave velocity, intima-media thickness (IMT) and laboratory studies including lymphocyte subsets were conducted identifying potential factors associated with AD. Clinical and laboratory parameters at disease onset, occurrence of aortic rupture/dissection before and up to five years after study visit were retrieved by chart review. RESULTS: 144 GCA patients and 115 controls were included. GCA patients developed more frequently AD of the ascending and thoracic descending aorta compared to controls (OR 2.60, p = 0.016; OR 3.65, p = 0.005, respectively). Factors associated with AD development of thoracic descending aorta, but not of the ascending aorta, were higher percentages of circulating CD3+CD4+ cells, higher CD4/CD8 ratio, presence of polymyalgia rheumatica and increased carotid IMT at disease onset (OR range 1.10-3.11, all with p < 0.05). During follow-up, no GCA patient required surgical aortic repair or suffered aortic rupture/dissection. CONCLUSIONS: Thoracic but not abdominal ADs occur more commonly in GCA patients, however, the subsequent risk for aortic repair, rupture or dissection is low. Changes of T-cell subsets, presence of polymyalgia rheumatica and increased carotid IMT at disease onset are associated with AD development.

A Novel Deep Learning Based Computer-Aided Diagnosis System Improves the Accuracy and Efficiency of Radiologists in Reading Biparametric Magnetic Resonance Images of the Prostate: Results of a Multireader, Multicase Study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a deep learning based computer-aided diagnosis (DL-CAD) system on radiologists' interpretation accuracy and efficiency in reading biparametric prostate magnetic resonance imaging scans. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We selected 100 consecutive prostate magnetic resonance imaging cases from a publicly available data set (PROSTATEx Challenge) with and without histopathologically confirmed prostate cancer. Seven board-certified radiologists were tasked to read each case twice in 2 reading blocks (with and without the assistance of a DL-CAD), with a separation between the 2 reading sessions of at least 2 weeks. Reading tasks were to localize and classify lesions according to Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) v2.0 and to assign a radiologist's level of suspicion score (scale from 1-5 in 0.5 increments; 1, benign; 5, malignant). Ground truth was established by consensus readings of 3 experienced radiologists. The detection performance (receiver operating characteristic curves), variability (Fleiss κ), and average reading time without DL-CAD assistance were evaluated. RESULTS: The average accuracy of radiologists in terms of area under the curve in detecting clinically significant cases (PI-RADS ≥4) was 0.84 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.79-0.89), whereas the same using DL-CAD was 0.88 (95% CI, 0.83-0.94) with an improvement of 4.4% (95% CI, 1.1%-7.7%; P = 0.010). Interreader concordance (in terms of Fleiss κ) increased from 0.22 to 0.36 (P = 0.003). Accuracy of radiologists in detecting cases with PI-RADS ≥3 was improved by 2.9% (P = 0.10). The median reading time in the unaided/aided scenario was reduced by 21% from 103 to 81 seconds (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Using a DL-CAD system increased the diagnostic accuracy in detecting highly suspicious prostate lesions and reduced both the interreader variability and the reading time.

Detection and PI-RADS classification of focal lesions in prostate MRI: Performance comparison between a deep learning-based algorithm (DLA) and radiologists with various levels of experience.

PURPOSE: To compare the performance of lesion detection and Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) classification between a deep learning-based algorithm (DLA), clinical reports and radiologists with different levels of experience in prostate MRI. METHODS: This retrospective study included 121 patients who underwent prebiopsy MRI and prostate biopsy. More than five radiologists (Reader groups 1, 2: residents; Readers 3, 4: less-experienced radiologists; Reader 5: expert) independently reviewed biparametric MRI (bpMRI). The DLA results were obtained using bpMRI. The reference standard was based on pathologic reports. The diagnostic performance of the PI-RADS classification of DLA, clinical reports, and radiologists was analyzed using AUROC. Dichotomous analysis (PI-RADS cutoff value ≥ 3 or 4) was performed, and the sensitivities and specificities were compared using McNemar's test. RESULTS: Clinically significant cancer [CSC, Gleason score ≥ 7] was confirmed in 43 patients (35.5%). The AUROC of the DLA (0.828) for diagnosing CSC was significantly higher than that of Reader 1 (AUROC, 0.706; p = 0.011), significantly lower than that of Reader 5 (AUROC, 0.914; p = 0.013), and similar to clinical reports and other readers (p = 0.060-0.661). The sensitivity of DLA (76.7%) was comparable to those of all readers and the clinical reports at a PI-RADS cutoff value ≥ 4. The specificity of the DLA (85.9%) was significantly higher than those of clinical reports and Readers 2-3 and comparable to all others at a PI-RADS cutoff value ≥ 4. CONCLUSIONS: The DLA showed moderate diagnostic performance at a level between those of residents and an expert in detecting and classifying according to PI-RADS. The performance of DLA was similar to that of clinical reports from various radiologists in clinical practice.

Multi-detector CT urography: effect of oral hydration and contrast medium volume on renal parenchymal enhancement and urinary tract opacification--a quantitative and qualitative analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of oral hydration and contrast-medium volume on renal enhancement and urinary tract opacification in multi-detector CT urography. METHODS: A total of 192 patients were assigned to different protocols with varying doses of contrast agent with and without oral hydration. The attenuation was measured in the renal parenchyma in the unenhanced, nephrographic and excretory phase, and in the urinary tract in excretory phase imaging, respectively. Opacification of the urinary tract was graded on volume rendered images. RESULTS: Oral hydration did not significantly alter renal parenchymal enhancement in both the nephrographic and the excretory phase (p > 0.001), but significantly decreased mean attenuation of the urinary tract in the excretory phase (p < or = 0.001), and improved continuous opacification of all ureter segments (p < 0.01). Higher volumes of contrast medium improved renal parenchymal enhancement (p < or = 0.001) and continuous opacification of the urinary tract (p < or = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Oral hydration leads to lower attenuation values in the urinary tract but improves the continuous opacification of the tract. Increase in contrast medium volume leads to higher renal parenchymal enhancement as well as to an increased continuous opacification of the urinary tract. Decrease in contrast medium volume cannot be compensated for by oral hydration in terms of parenchymal enhancement.

3 Tesla breast MR imaging as a problem-solving tool: Diagnostic performance and incidental lesions.

PURPOSE: To investigate the diagnostic performance and incidental lesion yield of 3T breast MRI if used as a problem-solving tool. METHODS: This retrospective, IRB-approved, cross-sectional, single-center study comprised 302 consecutive women (mean: 50±12 years; range: 20-79 years) who were undergoing 3T breast MRI between 03/2013-12/2014 for further workup of conventional and clinical breast findings. Images were read by experienced, board-certified radiologists. The reference standard was histopathology or follow-up ≥ two years. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV were calculated. Results were stratified by conventional and clinical breast findings. RESULTS: The reference standard revealed 53 true-positive, 243 true-negative, 20 false-positive, and two false-negative breast MRI findings, resulting in a sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of 96.4% (53/55), 92.4% (243/263), 72.6% (53/73), and 99.2% (243/245), respectively. In 5.3% (16/302) of all patients, incidental MRI lesions classified BI-RADS 3-5 were detected, 37.5% (6/16) of which were malignant. Breast composition and the imaging findings that had led to referral had no significant influence on the diagnostic performance of breast MR imaging (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: 3T breast MRI yields excellent diagnostic results if used as a problem-solving tool independent of referral reasons. The number of suspicious incidental lesions detected by MRI is low, but is associated with a substantial malignancy rate.

Heart rate-reducing therapy with add-on ivabradine and bisoprolol before coronary computed tomographic angiography in a fast-track ambulatory setting.

Objective This study was performed to determine whether add-on oral ivabradine in patients treated with beta blockers 1 hour before coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA) is effective in lowering the heart rate and thus improving CCTA quality. Methods In this single-center cohort study, the data of 294 patients referred for ambulant CCTA were retrospectively screened. Patients with an initial heart rate of ≥75 bpm (n = 112) were pretreated with either a combination of bisoprolol and ivabradine or with bisoprolol alone. Results During the scan, there was no difference in heart rate between the two groups Likewise, there was no significant difference in additionally administered intravenous bradycardic agents, the number of motion artifacts, or the radiation dose. Both drug regimens were tolerated well. Conclusion Additive oral ivabradine 1 hour before CCTA does not result in a further reduction of the heart rate. Consequently, neither movement artifacts nor radiation dose can be reduced. Therefore, pretreatment with ivabradine does not seem reasonably appropriate in an outpatient clinical setting with short patient contact.

Elevated Cardiac Troponin T in Patients With Skeletal Myopathies.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac troponins are often elevated in patients with skeletal muscle disease who have no evidence of cardiac disease. OBJECTIVES: The goal of this study was to characterize cardiac troponin concentrations in patients with myopathies and derive insights regarding the source of elevated troponin T measurements. METHODS: Cardiac troponin T (cTnT) and cardiac troponin I (cTnI) concentrations were determined by using high sensitivity assays in 74 patients with hereditary and acquired skeletal myopathies. Patients underwent comprehensive cardiac evaluation, including 12-lead electrocardiogram, 24-h electrocardiogram, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, and coronary artery computed tomography. cTnT and cTnI protein expression was determined in skeletal muscle samples of 9 patients and in control tissues derived from autopsy using antibodies that are used in commercial assays. Relevant Western blot bands were subjected to liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry for protein identification. RESULTS: Levels of cTnT (median: 24 ng/l; interquartile range: 11 to 54 ng/l) were elevated (>14 ng/l) in 68.9% of patients; cTnI was elevated (>26 ng/l) in 4.1% of patients. Serum cTnT levels significantly correlated with creatine kinase and myoglobin (r = 0.679 and 0.786, respectively; both p < 0.001). Based on cTnT serial testing, 30.1% would have fulfilled current rule-in criteria for myocardial infarction. Noncoronary cardiac disease was present in 23%. Using cTnT antibodies, positive bands were found in both diseased and healthy skeletal muscle at molecular weights approximately 5 kDa below cTnT. Liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry identified the presence of skeletal troponin T isoforms in these bands. CONCLUSIONS: Measured cTnT concentrations were chronically elevated in the majority of patients with skeletal myopathies, whereas cTnI elevation was rare. Our data indicate that cross-reaction of the cTnT immunoassay with skeletal muscle troponin isoforms was the likely cause.

Impact on Image Quality and Radiation Dose of Third-Generation Dual-Source Computed Tomography of the Coronary Arteries.

The aim of this study was to assess the image quality (IQ) and radiation dose of third-generation dual-source computed tomography (CT) coronary angiography (cCTA) in comparison with 64-slice single-source CT. This retrospective study included 140 patients (73 men, mean age 62 ± 11 years) with low-to-intermediate probability of coronary artery disease who underwent either third-generation dual-source cCTA using prospectively electrocardiography-triggered high-pitch spiral acquisition (n = 70) (group 1) or retrospective electrocardiography-gated cCTA on a 64-slice CT system (n = 70) (group 2). Contrast-to-noise and signal-to-noise ratios were measured within the aorta and coronary arteries. Subjective IQ was assessed using a 5-point Likert scale. Effective dose was estimated using specific conversion factors. The contrast-to-noise ratio of group 1 was significantly higher than group 2 at all levels (all p <0.001). Signal-to-noise ratio of group 1 was also significantly higher than group 2 (p <0.05), except for the distal left circumflex artery. Subjective IQ for group 1 was rated significantly better than for group 2 (median score [25th to 75th percentile]: 1 [1 to 2] vs 2 [2 to 3]; p <0.001). The median effective dose was 1.55 mSv (1.09 to 1.88) in group 1 versus 12.29 mSv (11.63 to 14.36) in group 2 (p <0.001) which corresponds to a mean radiation dose reduction of 87.4%. In conclusion, implementation of third-generation dual-source CT system for cCTA leads to improved IQ with significant radiation dose savings.

Psoriatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis: findings in contrast-enhanced MRI.

OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to define typical MRI findings of the wrist and the hand in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighteen PsA and 21 RA patients with arthralgia of the wrist or hand joints underwent gadolinium-enhanced MRI of the wrist and hand. Two experienced radiologists interpreted abnormalities in consensus with respect to periarticular soft-tissue swelling, synovitis with or without effusion, periostitis, bone edema, bone erosions, bone cysts, and tenosynovitis. The distribution of the abnormalities also was evaluated. RESULTS: Erosions were statistically more frequent in patients with RA (p < 0.05). Periostitis was statistically seen more frequently in patients with PsA (p < 0.05). No statistically significant difference was found in the frequency of synovitis, bone marrow edema, bone cysts, and tenosynovitis between the two groups (p > 0.05). The radiocarpal joint, the midcarpal joints, the carpometacarpal joints, and the metacarpophalangeal joints were significantly affected more frequently in patients with RA than in patients with PsA (p < 0.05), whereas the proximal interphalangeal joints were significantly more frequently affected in patients with PsA (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Periostitis and synovitis of the proximal interphalangeal joints are typical MRI findings in patients with PsA, whereas synovitis with erosions of the wrist, the midcarpal joints, the carpometacarpal joints, and the metacarpophalangeal joints are typical findings in patients with RA.

Breast MRI used as a problem-solving tool reliably excludes malignancy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the diagnostic performance of breast MRI if used as a problem-solving tool in BI-RADS 0 cases. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this IRB-approved, single-center study, 687 women underwent high-resolution-3D, dynamic contrast-enhanced breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) between January 2012 and December 2012. Of these, we analyzed 111 consecutive patients (mean age, 51 ± 12 years; range, 20-83 years) categorized as BI-RADS 0. Breast MRI findings were stratified by clinical presentations, conventional imaging findings, and breast density. MRI results were compared to the reference standard, defined as histopathology or an imaging follow-up of at least 1 year. RESULTS: One hundred eleven patients with BI-RADS 0 conventional imaging findings revealed 30 (27%) mammographic masses, 57 (51.4%) mammographic architectural distortions, five (4.5%) mammographic microcalcifications, 17 (15.3%) ultrasound-only findings, and two palpable findings without imaging correlates. There were 15 true-positive, 85 true-negative, 11 false-positive, and zero false-negative breast MRI findings, resulting in a sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of 100% (15/15), 88.5% (85/96), 57.7% (15/26), and 100% (85/85), respectively. Breast density and reasons for referral had no significant influence on the diagnostic performance of breast MRI (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Breast MRI reliably excludes malignancy in conventional BI-RADS 0 cases resulting in a NPV of 100% (85/85) and a PPV of 57.7% (15/26).

MR arthrography of the shoulder: do we need local anesthesia?

PURPOSE: To assess pain intensity with and without subcutaneous local anesthesia prior to intraarticular administration of contrast medium for magnetic resonance arthrography (MRa) of the shoulder. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This single-center study was conducted after an IRB waiver of authorization, between January 2010 and December 2012. All patients provided written, informed consent for the procedure. Our prospectively populated institutional database was searched, based on our inclusion criteria. There were 249 outpatients (178 men and 71 women; mean age, 44.4 years ± 14.6; range, 15-79) who underwent MRa and were enrolled in this study. Patients were excluded if they had received surgery of the shoulder before MRa, had undergone repeated MRa of the same shoulder, and/or had undergone MRa of both shoulders on the same day. Patients were randomly assigned into one of three groups. Patients in group A (n=61) received skin infiltration with local anesthesia. Patients in control group B (n=92) and group C (n=96) did not receive local anesthesia. Pain levels were immediately assessed after the injection for MRa using a horizontal visual analog scale (VAS) that ranged from 0 to 10. To compare the pain scores of the three groups for male and female patients, a two-way analysis of variance was used. A p-value equal to or less than 0.05 was considered to indicate a significant result. RESULTS: Patients who received local anesthesia (group A) showed a mean pain level on the VAS of 2.6 ± 2.3. In patients who did not receive local anesthetics (groups B and C), a mean pain level on the VAS of 2.6 ± 2.2 and 2.7 ± 2.4 were detected, respectively. Between the three groups, no statistically significant difference in pain intensity was detected (p=.960). There were significant differences in subjective pain perception between men and women (p=.009). Moreover, the sex difference in all three groups was equal (p=.934). CONCLUSION: Local anesthesia is not required to lower a patient's pain intensity when applying intra-articular contrast media for MR arthrography of the shoulder. This could result in reduced costs and a reduced risk of adverse reactions, without an impact on patient comfort.

Manual khalifa therapy improves functional and morphological outcome of patients with anterior cruciate ligament rupture in the knee: a randomized controlled trial.

Rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a high incidence injury usually treated surgically. According to common knowledge, it does not heal spontaneously, although some claim the opposite. Regeneration therapy by Khalifa was developed for injuries of the musculoskeletal system by using specific pressure to the skin. This randomized, controlled, observer-blinded, multicentre study was performed to validate this assumption. Thirty patients with complete ACL rupture, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) verified, were included. Study examinations (e.g., international knee documentation committee (IKDC) score) were performed at inclusion (t 0). Patients were randomized to receive either standardised physiotherapy (ST) or additionally 1 hour of Khalifa therapy at the first session (STK). Twenty-four hours later, study examinations were performed again (t 1). Three months later control MRI and follow-up examinations were performed (t 2). Initial status was comparable between both groups. There was a highly significant difference of mean IKDC score results at t 1 and t 2. After 3 months, 47% of the STK patients, but no ST patient, demonstrated an end-to-end homogeneous ACL in MRI. Clinical and physical examinations were significantly different in t 1 and t 2. ACL healing can be improved with manual therapy. Physical activity can be performed without pain and nearly normal range of motion after one treatment of specific pressure.

Axillary vein compression by Langer's axillary arch, an aberrant muscle bundle of the latissimus dorsi.

BACKGROUND: Axillary vein compression is an important differential diagnosis in swelling of the upper extremities besides deep venous thrombosis. CASE REPORT: We present a rare case of axillary vein compression in a 17-year-old female with intermittent swelling and pain of the left arm due to an aberrant muscle bundle of the left latissimus dorsi. After resection of this bundle, which corresponded to Langer's axillary arch, the swelling and pain on the left arm resolved completely. CONCLUSION: In symptomatic patients with axillary vein compression due to Langer's axillary arch, a resection of the muscle bundle is an effective way of treatment.

Routine use of three-dimensional contrast-enhanced moving-table MR angiography in patients with peripheral arterial occlusive disease: comparison with selective digital subtraction angiography.

PURPOSE: To compare the diagnostic accuracy of contrast-enhanced (CE) three-dimensional (3D) moving-table magnetic resonance (MR) angiography with that of selective digital subtraction angiography (DSA) for routine clinical investigation in patients with peripheral arterial occlusive disease. METHODS: Thirty-eight patients underwent CE 3D moving-table MR angiography of the pelvic and peripheral arteries. A commercially available large-field-of-view adapter and a dedicated peripheral vascular phased-array coil were used. MR angiograms were evaluated for grade of arterial stenosis, diagnostic quality, and presence of artifacts. MR imaging results for each patient were compared with those of selective DSA. RESULTS: Two hundred and twenty-six arterial segments in 38 patients were evaluated by both selective DSA and MR angiography. No complications related to MR angiography were observed. There was agreement in stenosis classification in 204 (90.3%) segments; MR angiography overgraded 16 (7%) segments and undergraded 6 (2.7%) segments. Compared with selective DSA, MR angiography provided high sensitivity and specificity and excellent interobserver agreement for detection of severe stenosis (97% and 95%, kappa = 0.9 +/- 0.03) and moderate stenosis (96.5% and 94.3%, kappa = 0.9 +/- 0.03). CONCLUSION: Compared with selective DSA, moving-table MR angiography proved to be an accurate, noninvasive method for evaluation of peripheral arterial occlusive disease and may thus serve as an alternative to DSA in clinical routine.