Calcaneal abnormalities and erosive bone disease associated with sickle cell anemia.

Although the arthritis of sickle cell anemia has generally been considered noninflammatory, published studies suggest the existence of an inflammatory variety. The common association of bone abnormalities with inflammatory arthritis precipitated a radiographic evaluation of 100 patients, chosen at random from those followed at the University of Tennessee Sickle Cell Center. Erosive disease was identified in 14 percent. This was correlated with clinical manifestations in a longitudinal manner. Loss of definition of the cortical margin in the superior aspect of the calcaneus appears to be erosive in nature. It has not been observed previously and may be pathognomonic for sickle cell anemia. Arthrographic and gross pathologic material is presented in support of this hypothesis.

Pelvic extramedullary hematopoiesis.

Extramedullary hematopoiesis is an infrequent cause of thoracic masses. Extrathoracic locations are even less common. We have studied two patients, one with suspected pelvic neoplasm, with technetium-99m sulfur colloid marrow image and transmission computerized tomography. This noninvasive evaluation established the diagnosis of pelvic extramedullary hematopoiesis in both. We recommend a similar diagnostic approach in patients with chronic anemia or other predisposing disease, presenting with a pelvic or abdominal mass.

Geographic distribution of rheumatoid arthritis in ancient North America: implications for pathogenesis.

The fifth centennial of Columbus stimulates renewed interest in New World origins of disease. The earliest documentation of rheumatoid arthritis was in the New World. Subsequent study of its distribution in the New World in antiquity defines localization to a very specific geographic region. The absence of rheumatoid arthritis in 63 archaeological sites surrounding the original "catchment area" and in five Old World sites, with documented spread over time, suggests that it is a vector (microorganism or allergen)-transmitted disease.

Radiologic assessment of bone and joint disease. I. Magnification radiology.

The advantages and limitations of magnification techniques are presented. Optical and geometrical techniques each have their proponents. The geometrical technique has proven valuable in the assessment of trauma, metabolic bone disease, arthritis, osteomyelitis, and neoplasm. It often shows pathology inapparent on conventional radiographs.

Lung abscess and osteomyelitis of rib due to Yersinia enterocolitica.

The first reported case of infection of the lung and bone with Yersinia enterocolitica is described. This organism has only recently been known to infect humans. Although a wide spectrum of diseases has been described, all have appeared to be relatively benign; however, in our case a rapid necrotizing process occurred. Therefore, the aggressive nature of this organism outside its usual surroundings, eg, the gastrointestinal tract, is worth noting.

Noninvasive diagnostic imaging in hemoglobinopathies.

We have provided a global review of the current applications of newer modalities, particularly MR imaging, as applicable to the major manifestations of sickle cell disease, the most common hemoglobinopathy. There is a need for well-designed prospective longitudinal studies utilizing MR imaging to gain further insight into the pathophysiology of this intriguing disease. Additionally, MR imaging, because of lack of ionizing radiation, is ideally suited for long-term sequential studies and may thus provide an objective means for monitoring response to therapy.

A variable resolution x-ray detector for computed tomography: II. Imaging theory and performance.

A computed tomography (CT) imaging technique called variable resolution x-ray (VRX) detection provides variable image resolution ranging from that of clinical body scanning (1 cy/mm) to that of microscopy (100 cy/mm). In this paper, an experimental VRX CT scanner based on a rotating subject table and an angulated storage phosphor screen detector is described and tested. The measured projection resolution of the scanner is > or = 20 lp/mm. Using this scanner, 4.8-s CT scans are made of specimens of human extremities and of in vivo hamsters. In addition, the system's projected spatial resolution is calculated to exceed 100 cy/mm for a future on-line CT scanner incorporating smaller focal spots (0.1 mm) than those currently used and a 1008-channel VRX detector with 0.6-mm cell spacing.

Microfoci of avascular necrosis in sickle cell anemia: pathophysiology of the dot dash pattern.

OBJECTIVE: Definition of the nature of calcaneal "erosions" in sickle cell anemia. METHODS: Skeletons of individuals demonstrated to have had sickle cell anemia were examined for the presence of calcaneal surface discontinuity. RESULTS: Calcaneal and articular surface osseous microinfarction were identified macroscopically and confirmed radiologically by CT. CONCLUSIONS: This appears to be the first macroscopic identification of calcaneal and articular surface osseous microinfarction in sickle cell anemia and explains the osseous pathology that appears so unique to sickle cell anemia.

Antiquity of arthritis: spondyloarthropathy identified in the Paleocene of North America. off.

OBJECTIVE: Determination of the antiquity of spondyloarthropathy by examining the fossil record. METHODS: Fossil collections from the Paleocene and Eocene of North America were systematically examined to determine the occurrence and population frequency of spondyloarthropathy. RESULTS: Spondyloarthropathy was present in three mammalian orders dated at 30 to 50 million years. The frequency was 13% to 50% in the affected genera. CONCLUSIONS: Erosive arthritis of the spondyloarthropathy variety is now documented to have originated at least 40 million years ago in the Paleocene.

Effect of calcitriol and pamidronate in multiple myeloma.

Addition of bisphosphonates to standard treatment of multiple myeloma (MM) decreases bone pain and skeletal events without influencing bone healing. Calcitriol, besides its established effects on bone remodeling and calcium metabolism, has both immunoregulatory and cell differentiating effects in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, low serum calcitriol has been reported in MM. We tested the effects of supportive treatment with calcitriol and pamidronate on bone disease in two stage-III-B MM patients with diffuse bone involvement, normal serum calcium, and low serum calcitriol. Complete blood counts, serum calcium, creatinine, quantitative serum and urine immunoglobulins, and biochemical indices of bone turnover, serum calcidiol, calcitriol, parathyroid hormone, skeletal radiographs, and bone mineral density by dual x-ray absorbtiometry were measured every 1-6 months for 16 months in the first patient and 7 months in the second patient. Both patients showed a dramatic improvement of MM activity and in bone disease documented by serial radiographs in the first patient and by increased bone mineral density (approximately 15%) in the second. The reduced serum calcitriol in both patients and the elevated parathyroid hormone observed in the first patient before treatment returned to normal. Supportive treatment with pamidronate does not induce bone healing in MM. Therefore, the results observed with the addition of calcitriol suggest that this hormone may have contributed to the apparent arrest of the progression of MM and caused stimulation of bone healing.

Hypoparathyroidism counteracts risk factors for osteoporosis.

Although increased bone density has been reported in patients with hypoparathyroidism, it is not known whether hypoparathyroidism can overcome the influence of risk factors for osteoporosis and whether the increased bone density is uniform throughout the entire skeleton or greater in certain regions depending on the bone composition and location. In the current study, bone density was measured in patients with postsurgical hypoparathyroidism and risk factors for osteoporosis. Bone mineral density was determined in eight patients with postsurgical hypoparathyroidism, one with idiopathic hypoparathyroidism, and two with pseudohypoparathyroidism in eight different areas of the skeleton using well established methods: single photon absorptiometry of the radius, dual energy x-ray absorptiometry of the spine, hip, and the whole skeleton, and quantitative computed tomography of the spine. Risk factors for osteoporosis were documented in each subject. The data showed that despite the presence of 1-4 risk factors for osteoporosis, patients with postsurgical hypoparathyroidism had bone mineral density above the normal mean in most locations. The locations with the highest increment were the Ward's triangle and the trochanter area of the proximal femur (dual energy x-ray absorptiometry) (Ward's: Z score + 1.59 +/- 0.57, P < 0.03; trochanter 1.31 +/- 0.42, P < 0.02). The elevation of bone density was not observed in one patient with idiopathic hypoparathyroidism, and variable results were observed in two patients with pseudohypoparathyroidism. Based on these findings, in postsurgical hypoparathyroidism, the bone mineral density is above the normal mean despite the presence of risk factors for osteoporosis, and both cortical and trabecular bone are affected.

Bone scintigraphy and costochondritis.

Four patients with infectious costochondritis were studied with computed tomography (CT) and bone scintigraphy. In all four patients the bone scan detected and accurately localized the sites of involvement. CT did not image bilateral involvement in one patient. Three of the four patients were intravenous drug abusers; in two of these patients, a species of Aspergillus was the offending organism. Therefore, in patients with signs and symptoms of chest wall inflammation, scintigraphy is the most direct route to the diagnosis of costochondritis. This entity is apparently occurring more frequently because of the prevalence of intravenous drug abuse. Bone scintigraphy delineates both the extent of individual costochondral lesions and their multiplicity.

Intraosseous fat necrosis and infarction associated with pancreatitis.

A case of trauma-induced pancreatitis with subsequent intraosseous fat necrosis and infarction is presented. The young patient demonstrated multiple cortical lytic lesions of the lower extremities and bilateral sterile joint effusions. Several radiographic modalities were employed in the workup of his disease. Related findings and pathophysiologic considerations are reviewed.

Tuberculous arthritis of the wrist: differential diagnosis and case report.

Tuberculous arthritis usually occurs in the spine, hip, or knee. Tuberculosis is not usually considered early in the evaluation of monoarticular arthritis of a non- weight-bearing joint. We wish to présent a case in which progressive destruction of the wrist occurred in a patient with minimal symptoms and no systemic complaints, thus emphasizing the insidious nature of the disease. A high index of suspicion is necessary if proper diagnosis and medical management are to be instituted.

Stigma and discrimination against people with schizophrenia related to medical services.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether people with schizophrenia experience discrimination when using health care services. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey in 27 countries in centres affiliated to the INDIGO Research Network, using face-to-face interviews with 777 participants with schizophrenia (62% male and 38% female). We analysed the data related to health issues, including health care, disrespect of mental health staff, and also personal privacy, safety and security, starting a family, pregnancy and childbirth. Discrimination was measured by the Discrimination and Stigma Scale (DISC), which consists of 36 items comprising three sub-scales: positive experienced discrimination; negative experienced discrimination; and anticipated discrimination. RESULTS: More than 17% of patients experienced discrimination when treated for physical health care problems. More than 38% of participants felt disrespected by mental health staff, with higher ratings in the post-communist countries. CONCLUSIONS: Mental health service providers have a key role in decreasing stigma in their provision of health care, and by doing more against stigmatizing and discriminating practices on the therapeutic and organizational level. This will require a change of attitudes and practices among mental and physical health care staff.

The headless bone scan: an uncommon manifestation of metastatic superscan in carcinoma of the prostate.

Five cases of metastatic prostatic carcinoma are presented. In each case, skeletal metastases were extensive, but the calvaria was not involved, resulting in a headless appearance. The mechanism for this scintigraphic manifestation is presented, and its value is emphasized.