Bone Tumor Risk Stratification and Management System: A Consensus Guideline from the ACR Bone Reporting and Data System Committee.

The assessment and subsequent management of a potentially neoplastic bone lesion seen at diagnostic radiography is often complicated by diagnostic uncertainty and inconsistent management recommendations. Appropriate clinical management should be directed by risk of malignancy. Herein, the ACR-sponsored Bone Reporting and Data System (Bone-RADS) Committee, consisting of academic leaders in the fields of musculoskeletal oncology imaging and orthopedic oncology, presents the novel Bone-RADS scoring system to aid in risk assignment and provide risk-aligned management suggestions. When viewed in the proper clinical context, a newly identified bone lesion can be risk stratified as having very low, low, intermediate, or high risk of malignancy. Radiographic features predictive of risk are reviewed include margination, pattern of periosteal reaction, depth of endosteal erosion, pathological fracture, and extra-osseous soft tissue mass. Other radiographic features predictive of histopathology are also briefly discussed. To apply the Bone-RADS scoring system to a potentially neoplastic bone lesion, radiographic features predictive of risk are each given a point value. Point values are summed to yield a point total, which can be translated to a Bone-RADS score (1-4) with corresponding risk assignment (very low, low, intermediate, high). For each score, evidence-based and best practice consensus management suggestions are outlined. Examples of each Bone-RADS scores are presented, and a standardized diagnostic radiography report template is provided.

Developmental hip dysplasia and hip ultrasound frequency in a large American payer database.

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is an important contributor to musculoskeletal morbidity, but effective strategies to screen for DDH remain controversial. The current utilization of hip ultrasound (US) screening for DDH in the United States is not defined. This study utilized Optum's de-identified Clinformatics® Data Mart, a large commercial and Medicare Advantage claims database. The frequency of DDH and hip US utilization was estimated using billing data on an average of 2.9 million relevant beneficiaries included annually from 2007 through 2017. A total of 6806 DDH cases were identified with an average annual prevalence of 1.7 per 1000 infants, which was stable during the study period. Girls were more likely to be screened and diagnosed with DDH, comprising 72% of DDH cases with an OR of 2.55 (95% CI 2.42-2.69), p < 0.001. Hip US screening was employed in 0.9% of the infant population on average but increased substantially from 2007 (0.4%) to 2017 (2.2%). Most common billing diagnoses included hip deformity (27.4%), breech delivery (20.4%), and physical exam abnormality (17.7%). The average imaging costs per patient for all screened children was $108.94. Insurance claims reflect the current American practice of selective hip US with relative adherence to American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines based on reported diagnoses. While hip US utilization increased during the study period, prevalence of DDH diagnoses did not increase. Our results suggest that expansion of hip US screening may not effectively increase DDH detection although further investigation is needed to ascertain optimal screening strategies to improve patient outcomes.

Establishing a magnetic resonance safety program.

Establishing a magnetic resonance (MR) safety program is crucial to ensuring the safe MR imaging of pediatric patients. The organizational structure includes a core safety council and broader safety committee comprising all key stakeholders. These groups work in synchrony to establish a strong culture of safety; create and maintain policies and procedures; implement device regulations for entry into the MR setting; construct MR safety zones; address intraoperative MR concerns; guarantee safe scanning parameters, including complying with specific absorption rate limitations; adhere to national regulatory body guidelines; and ensure appropriate communication among all parties in the MR environment. Perspectives on the duties of the safety council members provide important insight into the organization of program oversite. Ultimately, the collective dedication and vigilance of all MR staff are crucial to the success of a safety program.

Progression of Plaque Burden of Intracranial Atherosclerotic Plaque Predicts Recurrent Stroke/Transient Ischemic Attack: A Pilot Follow-Up Study Using Higher-Resolution MRI.

BACKGROUND: Patients with intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD) have a high frequency of stroke recurrence. However, there has been little investigation into the prognostic value of higher-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (HR-MRI). PURPOSE: To investigate the use of intracranial atherosclerotic plaques features in predicting risk of recurrent cerebrovascular ischemic events using HR-MRI. STUDY TYPE: Prospective. POPULATION: Fifty-eight patients with acute/subacute stroke (N = 46) or transient ischemic attack (N = 12). FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE: A 3.0 T, 3D time-of-flight gradient echo sequence and T1- and T2-weighted fast spin echo sequences with 0.31 x 0.39 mm2 in-plane resolution, twice (with >3 months between scans) following the initial event. ASSESSMENT: Patients were also followed clinically for recurrent ischemic events for up to 48 months or until a subsequent event occurred. The degree of stenosis, plaque burden (PB), minimal lumen area (MLA), and contrast enhancement ratio were assessed at each scanning session and the percentage change of each over time was calculated. STATISTICAL TESTS: Univariable and multivariable Cox regression analyses were used to calculate the hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for predicting recurrent events. RESULTS: The mean time interval between baseline and follow-up MRI scans was 6.2 ± 4.1 months. After the second MRI scan, 20.7% of patients (N = 12) had experienced ipsilateral recurrent TIA/stroke within 10.9 ± 9.2 months. Univariable analyses showed that baseline triglyceride, percentage change of PB, and progression of PB were significantly associated with recurrent events (all P < 0.05). Multivariable Cox regression indicated that progression of PB (HR, 6.293; 95% CI, 1.620-24.444; P < 0.05) was a significant independent imaging feature for recurrent ischemic events. DATA CONCLUSION: Progression of PB was independently associated with recurrent ischemic cerebrovascular events. HR-MRI may help risk stratification of patients at risk of recurrent stroke. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 4.

Lipoblastoma: computed tomographic and magnetic resonance imaging features correlate with tumor behavior and pathology.

BACKGROUND: Lipoblastoma is a rare benign neoplasm of immature fat cells in children. Imaging appearances are frequently complex, sometimes simulating liposarcoma. OBJECTIVE: To characterize features of lipoblastoma on MRI and CT in comparison with recurrence risk. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We identified cases via retrospective review of histopathology-proven lipoblastoma cases in a large referral database and a pediatric medical center. Two radiologists scored CT and MRI on the basis of lesion features. RESULTS: We included a total of 56 children (32 boys and 24 girls) with a mean age of 2.6 years (range 0.1-13 years). Extremity lesions were most common (27%), followed by neck (19%), gluteal region (18%), chest (14%) and mesentery (14%). Children most commonly presented with painless masses (73%), followed by dyspnea (9%), distension (9%) and pain (7%). Non-adipose soft-tissue components were identified on CT and MRI in 78% of cases. Significant (moderate or marked) septations were noted in 59% and enhancement in 35%. Compartmental invasion was present in 43% of cases. Of paraspinal cases, 38% involved the neural foramina or central canal. Lesion complexity did not significantly correlate with age. Recurrence was observed in 9% of cases and was significantly correlated with compartmental invasion (correlation: 0.303, P=0.009) and septation complexity (correlation: 0.227, P=0.038) on initial imaging. CONCLUSION: Although lipoblastoma is a fat-containing entity, many lesions demonstrate marked complexity and local infiltration that resemble liposarcoma, which is exceedingly rare in younger children. Compartmental invasion and thicker septations appear to confer greater risk of recurrence following resection.

Optimizing Radiology Reading Room Design: The Eudaimonia Radiology Machine.

Physical and mental stressors on radiologists can result in burnout. Although current efforts seek to target the issues of burnout and stress for radiologists, the impact of their physical workspace is often overlooked. By combining evidence-based design, human factors, and the architectural concept of the Eudaimonia Machine, we have developed a redesign of the radiology reading room that aims to create an optimal workspace for the radiologist. Informed by classical principles of well-being and contemporary work theory, Eudaimonia integrates concerns for individual wellness and efficiency to create an environment that fosters productivity. This layout arranges a work environment into purposeful spaces, each hosting tasks of varying degrees of intensity. The improved design addresses the radiologist's work requirements while also alleviating cognitive and physical stress, fatigue, and burnout. This new layout organizes the reading room into separate areas, each with a distinct purpose intended to support the range of radiologists' work, from consultation with other health care providers to reading images without interruption. The scientific principles that undergird evidence-based design and human factors considerations ensure that the Eudaimonia Radiology Machine is best suited to support the work of the radiologists and the entire radiology department.

Diagnostic journey and impact of enzyme replacement therapy for mucopolysaccharidosis IVA: a sibling control study.

BACKGROUND: Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) IVA, also known as Morquio A syndrome, is a rare autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disorder caused by a deficiency in the enzyme N-acetylgalactosamine-6-sulfatase. Early recognition, diagnosis, and treatment of this progressive, multisystem disease by enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) can lead to improved outcomes and reduced mortality. METHODS: This report documents the diagnostic journey and treatment with ERT of three siblings with MPS IVA. Clinical outcome measures included growth, endurance, imaging, cardiac, respiratory, ophthalmology, and laboratory evaluations. RESULTS: Three siblings, diagnosed at 14.7, 10.1, and 3.2 years of age, demonstrated clinical improvement with weekly infusions of 2.0 mg/kg elosulfase alfa (Vimizim®, BioMarin Pharmaceutical, Novato, CA, USA). Patient 1 (oldest sibling) and Patient 2 (middle sibling) experienced a diagnostic delay of 8 years 7 months and 4 years after symptom onset, respectively. All three patients demonstrated improvements in growth, 6-min walk distance, joint range of motion, and respiratory function after 30 months of ERT. The treatment was well tolerated without any adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: This case series highlights the importance of early recognition of the clinical and imaging findings that are initially subtle in MPS IVA. Early treatment with ERT is necessary to slow irreversible disease progression and improve patient outcomes. The oldest sibling experienced improvements in mobility despite severe symptoms resulting from a late diagnosis. When evaluating patients with skeletal anomalies, imaging multiple body regions is recommended. When findings such as anterior beaking of vertebrae or bilateral femoral head dysplasia are present, MPS IVA should be included in the differential diagnosis. Newborn screening must be considered for early detection, accurate diagnosis, and initiation of treatment to reduce morbidity.

Solitary long-bone epiphyseal lesions in children: radiologic-pathological correlation and epidemiology.

BACKGROUND: Solitary epiphyseal lesions are rare and present with nonspecific imaging features. Knowledge regarding etiologies of pediatric epiphyseal lesions is limited to small studies. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the relative incidence of pathologies affecting the pediatric epiphysis based on biopsy-proven cases with imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of imaging studies including the terms "biopsy" or "resection" and entities known to affect the epiphysis and cross-referenced these with pathology reports, recording the relevant clinical data. Two radiologists performed comprehensive imaging review and recorded relevant features. RESULTS: Forty-nine children and adolescents met inclusion criteria. The long-bone epiphyseal lesion etiologies included chondroblastoma (n=22, 45%), nonspecific nonmalignant pathology (n=11, 22%), osteomyelitis (n=9, 18%), lymphoma (n=2, 4%) and 1 case of each of aneurysmal bone cyst, chondrosarcoma, enchondroma, hemangioendothelioma, and non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis. Median age was 13.1 years old (range 1.5-18.6 years). We performed comparative analysis of the two most common lesions in our series, chondroblastoma and osteomyelitis. Chondroblastoma was significantly more likely to be peripherally located (94% vs. 33%, P=0.002) and to demonstrate a discrete T1-weighted hypointense rim (94% vs. 33%, P=0.002); there were no significant differences in enhancement or intrinsic signal properties. Children with chondroblastoma were older (15.1 years vs. 7.3 years, P=0.001), and chondroblastoma lesions were significantly larger, with mean maximum lesion diameter of 25 mm (interquartile range [IQR] 20-30) vs. 12 mm (IQR 11-18) (P=0.001) and lesion volumes of 4.4 mL (IQR 2.4-7.9) vs. 0.4 mL (IQR 0.2-1.4) (P=0.01). CONCLUSION: This study reports the relative frequency of pathology of pediatric solitary epiphyseal lesions and describes several features that might assist in differentiating between chondroblastoma and osteomyelitis.

Evaluation of chronic carotid artery occlusion by non-contrast 3D-MERGE MR vessel wall imaging: comparison with 3D-TOF-MRA, contrast-enhanced MRA, and DSA.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the accuracy of a non-contrast MR vessel wall imaging technique, three-dimensional motion-sensitized driven equilibrium prepared rapid gradient echo (3D-MERGE) for diagnosing chronic carotid artery occlusion (CCAO) characteristics compared with 3D time-of-flight (TOF) MRA, and contrast-enhanced MRA (CE-MRA), using digital subtraction angiography (DSA) as a reference standard. METHODS: Subjects diagnosed with possible CCAO by ultrasound were retrospectively analyzed. Patients underwent 3.0-T MR imaging with 3D-MERGE, 3D-TOF-MRA, and CE-MRA followed by DSA within 1 week. Diagnostic accuracy of occlusion, occlusion site, and proximal stump condition were assessed independently on 3 MRI sequences and DSA. Agreement of the above indicators was evaluated in reference to DSA. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-four patients with 129 suspected CCAO (5 with bilateral occlusions) met the inclusion criteria for our study. 3D-MERGE demonstrated a sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 97.0%, 86.7%, and 94.6%, respectively, with excellent agreement (Cohen's κ = 0.85; 95% CI, 0.71, 0.94) for diagnosing CCAO in reference to DSA. 3D-MERGE was superior in diagnosing CCAO compared with 3D-TOF-MRA (Cohen's κ = 0.61; 95% CI, 0.42, 0.77) and similar to CE-MRA (Cohen's κ = 0.93; 95% CI, 0.86, 1.00). 3D-MERGE also had excellent agreement compared with DSA for assessing occlusion sites (Cohen's κ = 0.85; 95% CI, 0.71, 0.97) and stump condition (Cohen's κ = 0.83; 95% CI, 0.71, 0.94). Moreover, 3D-MERGE provided additional information regarding the occluded segment, such as distal lumen collapse and vessel wall lesion components. CONCLUSION: 3D-MERGE can reliably assess chronic carotid occlusive characteristics and has the ability to identify other vessel wall features of the occluded segment. This non-contrast MR vessel wall imaging technique is promising for assessment of CCAO. KEY POINTS: • Excellent agreement was found between 3D-MERGE and DSA for assessing chronic carotid artery occlusion, occlusion site, and proximal stump condition. • 3D-MERGE was shown to be a more accurate and efficient tool than 3D-TOF-MRA to detect the characteristics of the occluded segment. • 3D-MERGE provides not only luminal images for characterizing the proximal characteristics of occlusion but also vessel wall images for assessing the distal lumen and morphology of occlusion segment, which might help clinicians to optimize the treatment strategy for patients with chronic carotid artery occlusion.

Gaucher disease status and treatment assessment: pilot study using magnetic resonance spectroscopy bone marrow fat fractions in pediatric patients.

OBJECTIVE: To assess magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) bone marrow fat fractions' ability to discern between untreated Gaucher disease patients and healthy controls based on assessment of bone marrow infiltration and evaluate response to enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) on serial imaging. METHODS: This retrospective case-controlled study compared conventional MRI and bone marrow MRS findings in six pediatric and young adult Gaucher disease patients with age- and sex-matched controls, examining femoral neck and lumbar spine bone marrow fat fractions and bone marrow burden (BMB) scores. Separate analysis of six patients with serial imaging on ERT was performed with analysis of fat fractions, BMB scores, organ volumes, and serum chitotriosidase. RESULTS: Untreated patients had significantly lower femoral and lumbar spine fat fractions than controls (0.32 versus 0.67, p = 0.041 and 0.17 versus 0.34, p = 0.041, respectively). Total BMB scores were significantly higher in patients (8.0 versus 3.5, p = 0.015). In patients on ERT with average follow-up of 3.5 years, femoral neck fat fraction was the sole significant predictor of treatment duration (R square: 0.804, p < 0.001) when adjusted for age. Femoral neck fat fraction also correlated with lumbar spine fat fraction, liver volume and chitotriosidase (p < 0.05). MRS test-retest reliability was excellent (Pearson correlations: 0.96, 0.99; p-values <0.001). BMB inter-rater reliability was good overall with an intra-class correlation coefficient of 0.79 for total score, although lumbar spine score reliability was poor at 0.45. CONCLUSION: MRS-derived bone marrow fat fractions appear capable of detecting Gaucher disease severity and monitoring treatment-related changes as a predictor of ERT duration in pediatric and young adult patients.

Diagnostic and Interventional Imaging Services are Significant Sources of Medicare Revenue for Highly Reimbursed Nonradiologist Providers.

INTRODUCTION: Nonradiologist providers increasingly perform diagnostic imaging examinations and imaging-guided interventions traditionally performed by radiologists, which have raised concerns regarding appropriate utilization and self-referral. The purpose of this study was to assess the contribution of imaging studies to Medicare reimbursements for highly compensated nonradiologist providers in specialties often performing imaging studies. METHODS: The Medicare Provider Utilization and Payment Database was queried for provider information regarding overall reimbursement for providers in anesthesiology, cardiology, emergency medicine, neurology, obstetrics and gynecology, orthopedic surgery, neurology, and vascular surgery. Information regarding imaging studies reported and payment amounts were extracted for the 25 highest-reimbursed providers. Data were analyzed for relative contribution of imaging payments to overall medical Medicare payments. RESULTS: Significant differences between numbers of imaging studies, types of imaging, and payment amounts were noted based on provider specialty (p < 0.001). Highest-reimbursed cardiologists received the greatest percentage of Medicare payments from imaging (18.3%) followed by vascular surgery (11.6%), obstetrics and gynecology (10.9%), orthopedic surgery (9.6%), emergency medicine (8.7%), neurology (7.8%), and anesthesiology (3.2%) providers. Mean imaging payments amongst highly reimbursed nonradiologists were greatest for cardiology ($578,265), vascular surgery ($363,912), and orthopedic surgery ($113,634). Amongst highly reimbursed specialists, most common nonradiologist imaging payments were from ultrasound (45%) and cardiac nuclear medicine studies (40%). CONCLUSIONS: Nonradiologist performed imaging payments comprised substantial proportions of overall Medicare reimbursement for highly reimbursed physicians in several specialties, especially cardiology, vascular surgery, and orthopedic surgery. Further investigation is needed to better understand the wider economic implications of nonradiologist imaging study performance and self-referral beyond the Medicare population.

Cost-Effectiveness Analysis in Pediatric Imaging: The Evidence (or Lack Thereof) Thus Far.

OBJECTIVE: To systematically review all published cost-effectiveness analyses (CEAs) of imaging technologies in children. METHODS: We identified all CEAs involving fetal and pediatric imaging included in a publicly available repository of CEAs published since 1976. Information on publication characteristics, methods, costs, quality of life weights, and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) was recorded for each article. RESULTS: Of 480 diagnostic CEAs, only 10 focused on fetal and pediatric imaging. The 10 studies reported 43 quality of life weights based on previously published adult data (n = 20, 46.5%); pregnant women perspective (n = 11, 25.6%), and treating physician perspective (n = 12, 27.9%). None of the studies elicited quality of life weights from children nor took into consideration the postnatal impact of disease on family's quality of life. All studies used a health care payer perspective without incorporating patients' incurred cost such as loss wages or travel related cost. Of 37 ICERs, 7 (18.9%) were cost saving and 6 (16.2%) were more expensive and less effective. The remaining ICERs ranged from $1,400 per quality-adjusted life-year (MRI versus ultrasound in newborns with moderate risk of occult spinal dysraphism) to $10,000,000 per quality-adjusted life-year (CT versus no imaging in children at low risk for craniosynostosis). CONCLUSION: There is a striking paucity of cost-effectiveness studies evaluating imaging technologies in children. Existing studies do not incorporate the patient and family perspectives regarding utilities (eg, impact of child's disease on families' quality of life) or cost (eg, loss wages, travel, time off). Future studies should elicit and incorporate the impact of disease on families to better reflect real-world scenarios.

Whole-body magnetic resonance imaging of pediatric cancer predisposition syndromes: special considerations, challenges and perspective.

Cancer predisposition syndromes increase the incidence of tumors during childhood and are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Imaging is paramount for ensuring early detection of neoplasms, impacting therapeutic interventions and potentially improving outcome. While conventional imaging techniques involve considerable exposure to ionizing radiation, whole-body MRI is a radiation-free modality that allows continuous imaging of the entire body and has increasingly gained relevance in the surveillance, diagnosis, staging and monitoring of pediatric patients with cancer predisposition syndromes. Nevertheless, widespread implementation of whole-body MRI faces several challenges as a screening tool. Some of these challenges include developing clinical indications, variability in protocol specifications, image interpretation as well as coding and billing practices. These factors impact disease management, patient and family experience and research collaborations. In this discussion we review the aforementioned special considerations and the potential direction that might help overcome these challenges and promote more widespread use of whole-body MRI in children with cancer predisposition syndromes.

Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Elbow in Children: MRI Findings of Instability.

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to investigate the performance of MRI criteria for predicting instability of osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) lesions of the elbow in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS. This retrospective study included 41 children with 43 OCD lesions of the elbow who underwent an MRI examination between April 1, 2010, and May 31, 2018. Two radiologists blinded to clinical outcomes reviewed MRI studies to determine the presence or absence of joint effusion, osteochondral defect, intraarticular body, overlying cartilage changes, subchondral bone disruption, rim of high signal intensity on T2-weighted images, cysts, marginal sclerosis, and perilesional bone marrow edema. The stability of OCD lesions was determined with clinical follow-up and surgical findings as reference standards. Mann-Whitney U, chi-square, Fisher exact, and Cochran-Armitage tests were used to compare MRI findings between stable and unstable OCD lesions. RESULTS. There were 20 stable and 23 unstable OCD lesions. An osteochondral defect (p = 0.01), intraarticular body (p < 0.001), overlying cartilage changes (p = 0.001), subchondral bone plate disruption (p = 0.02), and hyperintense rim (p = 0.01) were significantly more common in unstable than stable OCD lesions. However, only osteochondral defect and intraarticular body were 100% specific for OCD instability. There was no significant difference between stable and unstable OCD lesions in the presence of joint effusion (p = 0.10), cysts (p = 0.45), marginal sclerosis (p = 0.70), or perilesional bone marrow edema (p = 1.00). CONCLUSION. MRI findings of OCD instability of the elbow include an osteochondral defect, intraarticular body, overlying cartilage changes, subchondral bone disruption, and rim of high signal intensity on T2-weighted MR images.

Imaging of non-neuronopathic Gaucher disease: recent advances in quantitative imaging and comprehensive assessment of disease involvement.

Gaucher disease is an inherited metabolic disorder resulting in deficiency of lysosomal enzyme ß-glucocerebrosidase causing the accumulation of abnormal macrophages ("Gaucher cells") within multiple organs, most conspicuously affecting the liver, spleen, and bone marrow. As the most common glycolipid metabolism disorder, it is important for radiologists encountering these patients to be familiar with advances in imaging of organ and bone marrow involvement and understand the role of imaging in clinical decision-making. The recent advent of commercially available, reliable, and reproducible quantitative MRI acquisitions to measure fat fractions prompts revisiting the role of quantitative assessment of bone marrow involvement. This manuscript reviews the diverse imaging manifestations of Gaucher disease and discusses more optimal quantitative approaches to ascertain solid organ and bone marrow involvement with an emphasis on future applications of other quantitative methods including elastography.

Culprit intracranial plaque without substantial stenosis in acute ischemic stroke on vessel wall MRI: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Intracranial atherosclerotic plaque is associated with ischemic strokes without substantial stenosis, and needs better characterization. We aim to investigate the clinical significance of intracranial plaque without substantial stenosis by high resolution vessel wall MRI (vwMRI) through a systematic review of existing studies. METHODS: Studies investigating intracranial arterial atherosclerotic plaques without substantial stenosis in acute ischemic stroke patients using vwMRI were systematically identified by searching the PubMed and Medline database and article reference lists. Study characteristics were recorded, the methodological quality of eligible studies was assessed, relevant clinical data were extracted, and collective data was analyzed. RESULTS: Twenty-one studies were identified as eligible. 463 patients were included without stenosis of the intracranial arteries, and 651 patients were included with stenosis <50%. The prevalence of intracranial plaque revealed by vwMRI among acute/subacute ischemic stroke patients with non-stenotic Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) was 50.6% (95% confidence interval (CI), 46.1%-55.1%). The prevalence of <50% MRA stenotic culprit plaque among acute/subacute ischemic stroke patients with a clinical diagnosis of intracranial atherosclerosis was 51.2% (95% CI, 38.4%-64.0%). Plaques features, including wall enhancement, positive remodeling, intraplaque hemorrhage, plaque location and eccentricity, were associated with acute stroke, progressive motor deficits and unfavorable overall functional outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Intracranial high-risk plaque with zero or mild degree of stenosis is more prevalent than previously acknowledged, and is associated with ischemic stroke and unfavorable outcome. VwMRI can identify the high-risk plaque features, which may act as a promising tool to better risk stratify these patients.

Proximal radius fractures in children: evaluation of associated elbow fractures.

BACKGROUND: Additional fractures occur in association with proximal radius fractures, but the extent of these secondary injuries has not been systematically assessed. OBJECTIVE: To ascertain the frequency and nature of additional fractures associated with proximal radius injuries in a large pediatric cohort. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Radiographs meeting search criteria for proximal radius fracture during a 5-year period were reviewed. Fracture characteristics and the coexistence of additional elbow fractures were recorded and analyzed. The retrospective review was compared with initial interpretation and a blinded review by two pediatric musculoskeletal radiologists. RESULTS: Four hundred ninety-four proximal radius fractures were included. The radial neck was the most common fracture site (89%). Neck fractures occurred in younger patients (mean: 7.3 years) than head fractures (mean: 13.3 years) (P<0.001). Additional elbow fractures occurred in 39%, most commonly at the olecranon (22%). Additional fractures occurred in younger patients (mean: 7.2 years) than isolated proximal radius fractures (mean: 8.5 years) (P<0.001). Elbow joint effusion and complete or displaced radius fractures were each associated with additional elbow fractures (P<0.001). When compared with initial interpretation, 25% of additional fractures were not identified on initial radiographs, of which 44% were occult retrospectively. Fracture identification demonstrated excellent inter-reader reliability (interclass correlation coefficient [ICC]: 0.88, 0.94), but joint effusion interobserver agreement was only fair (ICC: 0.52, 0.41). CONCLUSION: Proximal radius fractures in children often occur in association with other elbow fractures, most commonly involving the olecranon. Enhanced awareness of these fracture patterns, especially in the setting of joint effusion or complete and displaced radius fractures, may improve detection to guide appropriate management.

Imaging Assessment of Partial Liquid Ventilation in Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia.

Partial liquid ventilation is proposed as an alternative ventilation strategy to reduce surface tension, increase alveolar recruitment, and decrease inflammation. Studied in acute respiratory distress and other indications, liquid ventilation is being revisited for infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Perfluorooctyl bromide used for liquid ventilation is radiopaque, allowing radiographic visualization of lung liquid ventilation patterns that may provide additional insight into pulmonary pathophysiology. Current protocols utilize reduced liquid dosing, resulting in unique imaging features. We discuss optimal radiographic technique and report initial ultrasound evaluation results. With renewed interest in partial liquid ventilation, it may be helpful for pediatric radiologists to familiarize themselves with the clinical use and radiographic appearance of liquid ventilation material.

Intracranial Aneurysm Wall Enhancement Associated with Aneurysm Rupture: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: Aneurysm wall enhancement (AWE) on magnetic resonance vessel wall imaging has been proposed as an imaging marker of aneurysm wall inflammation and instability. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to summarize the association between AWE and aneurysm rupture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a comprehensive literature search of studies evaluating the association between AWE and aneurysm rupture. We abstracted the following study data: study design, patient demographics, aneurysm characteristics, MRI protocols, and AWE assessment. We performed meta-analysis using a random-effects model. Study heterogeneity was assessed by using the Cochrane Q and I2 statistic, and publication bias was examined by using the Begg-Mazumdar test. RESULTS: Five studies with 492 subjects met eligibility for systematic review. We found a significant positive overall association between AWE and aneurysm rupture, with an odds ratio (OR) of 34.26 (95% confidence interval [CI] 10.20-115.07, p < 0.001). No significant heterogeneity (Q = 5.38, p = 0.25; I2 = 26%) or publication bias (p = 1.000) was present. In the separate analysis of circumferential AWE and aneurysm rupture, we identified marked heterogeneity across studies (Q = 21.23, p < 0.001; I2 = 86%). Further subgroup analysis considering the effect of aneurysm size showed that the strength of association between circumferential AWE and aneurysm rupture was significant in small aneurysms (<7 mm), with an OR of 26.12 (95% CI 6.11-111.75, p < 0.001), but limited in large aneurysms (OR = 0.56, 95% CI [0.21, 1.44], p = 0.23). CONCLUSION: AWE on magnetic resonance vessel wall imaging is significantly and independently associated with aneurysm rupture and may become a promising imaging marker to predict aneurysm behavior and identify high-risk aneurysms.