Retrospective interobserver agreement on diagnoses of 4th and 5th carpometacarpal fracture-dislocation and hamate fracture in plain X-ray - Is CT essential after ulnar carpometacarpal pain?

OBJECTIVE: To determine interobserver agreement and reliability of different radiological parameters in the assessment of fracture-dislocation of the 4th and 5th carpometacarpal joints (FD CMC 4-5) and associated hamate fracture on radiographs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective, consecutive case series of 53 patients diagnosed with FD CMC 4-5. Emergency room diagnostic radiology images were reviewed by four independent observers. The reviews included assessment of radiological patterns and parameters in relation to CMC fracture-dislocations and associated injuries previously described in the literature, to analyze their diagnostic power (specificity and sensitivity) and reproducibility (interobserver reliability). RESULTS: Among 53 patients, mean age 35.3 years, dislocation of the 5th CMC joint was present in 32/53 (60%) of patients, mostly (11/32 [34%]) associated with 4th CMC dislocation and base of 4th and 5th metacarpal fracture. The most common presentation of hamate fracture, in 4/18 (22%), was associated with combined 4th and 5th CMC dislocation and base of metacarpal fracture. Computed tomography (CT) was performed in 23 patients. Performing CT scan was significantly associated with hamate fracture diagnosis (p < 0.001). Interobserver agreement was slight (0-0.641) for most of the parameters and diagnoses. Sensitivity ranged from 0 to 0.61. Overall, the described parameters had low sensitivity. CONCLUSION: Radiological parameters described for assessment of fracture-dislocation of the 4th and 5th CMC joints and associated hamate fracture have a slight interobserver agreement index in plain X-ray and low sensitivity for diagnostic assessment. These results suggest the need for emergency medicine diagnostic protocols that include CT scan for such injuries. GOV IDENTIFIER: NCT04668794.

Redefining dysferlinopathy phenotypes based on clinical findings and muscle imaging studies.

BACKGROUND: The most frequent phenotypes of dysferlin myopathy are limb-girdle muscular dystrophy 2B (LGMD2B) and Miyoshi myopathy (MM). Our objective was to find clinical or MRI markers to differentiate phenotypes of dysferlin myopathy regardless of initial symptoms. METHODS: This retrospective study included 29 patients with confirmed mutations in the DYSF gene (14 MM, 12 LGMD2B, 1 asymptomatic hyperCKemia, and 2 symptomatic carriers). All underwent an annual clinical examination (Medical Research Council scale), functional status assessment, and creatine kinase, pulmonary, and cardiac testing. For research purposes, we performed lower limb MRI studies in all 29 patients to identify the pattern of muscle impairment and to quantify involvement. Statistical correlations between MRI findings and phenotype, disease duration, and functional status were determined. RESULTS: The mean clinical follow-up was 6.4 +/- 5.7 years. No significant differences were found in the rate of progression, functional prognosis, or mutations between patients with MM and patients with LGMD2B. The MRI pattern of muscle involvement was the same for patients with MM and patients with LGMD2B. The adductor magnus and gastrocnemius medialis were the first to be impaired in both phenotypes. The progression of muscle involvement correlated with clinical status. CONCLUSIONS: Splitting dysferlin myopathy into separate phenotypes does not reveal significant differences in terms of rate of progression, prognosis, genotype, or MRI pattern. The finding that proximal and distal muscles are already impaired in the MRI at onset in both MM and LGMD2B favors grouping all phenotypes under the term dysferlin myopathy.

Solución del caso 13. Macrodistrofia lipomatosa del pie asociada a lipomatosis del nervio plantar / No disponible

No disponible

[Imaging findings in chondroblastoma]. / Manifestaciones radiológicas del condroblastoma.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the imaging findings, with special emphasis on the magnetic resonance (MRI) findings and the clinical and radiological presentation of chondroblastoma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a retrospective study of 18 patients (12 men and 6 women; mean age, 19 years) diagnosed with chondroblastoma. All patients underwent plain-film radiography, 16 underwent MRI, and 12 underwent CT. We evaluated the location, size, pattern of bone destruction, calcification of the tumor matrix, periosteal reaction, signal intensity on T1- and T2-weighted sequences, and the presence of bone or soft-tissue edema. RESULTS: The lesions were located in the distal femur (n = 6), proximal humerus (n = 5), ilium (n = 3), proximal femur, proximal tibia, patella, and scapula. Mean lesion diameter was 3.5 cm (range: 1 to 10 cm). A calcified tumor matrix was observed in 50% of the cases and a periosteal reaction was seen in 44%. MRI showed a homogeneous intramedullary lesion that was isointense to muscle on T1-weighted sequences. On T2-weighted sequences, the signal intensity was more variable and was always heterogeneous. Perilesional edema affecting the bone and/or soft tissues was demonstrated in 94% of the cases and is a distinctive finding for this tumor. CONCLUSIONS: Chondroblastoma should be suspected in a young patient with an osteolytic epiphyseal lesion. It is usually a localized lesion that often shows calcification of the tumor matrix and periosteal reaction. CT and especially MRI are useful in the study of the extension of the lesion and in the characterization of this tumor. Chondroblastoma typically shows bone edema, periosteal reaction, and soft-tissue edema.

Manifestaciones radiológicas del condroblastoma / Imaging findings in chondroblastoma

Objetivo. Describir los hallazgos radiológicos, en especial los de la resonancia magnética (RM), y el cuadro clínico-radiológico del condroblastoma. Material y métodos. Se trata de un estudio retrospectivo de 18 pacientes con diagnóstico de condroblastoma. El grupo de pacientes estaba formado por 12 hombres y 6 mujeres. Su edad media era de 19 años. Todos fueron estudiados con radiología convencional; se practicó tomografía computarizada (TC) en 12 y RM en 16 casos. Se valoró la localización, tamaño, patrón de destrucción ósea, calcificación de la matriz tumoral, reacción perióstica y la señal en secuencias potenciadas en T1 y T2, así como la presencia de edema óseo o de partes blandas. Resultados. Las lesiones estaban localizadas en el fémur distal (n = 6), el húmero proximal (n = 5), ilíaco (n = 3), el fémur proximal, la tibia proximal, la rótula y la escápula. Su diámetro varió entre 1 y 10 cm, con una media de 3,5 cm. Se observó calcificación de la matriz tumoral en el 50% de los casos y reacción perióstica en el 44%. La RM mostró una lesión intramedular homogénea e isointensa respecto al músculo en T1. En T2 la señal es más variable y siempre heterogénea. El edema perilesional, óseo o de partes blandas se demostró en el 94% de los casos y constituye un hallazgo distintivo de este tumor. Conclusiones. El condroblastoma debe sospecharse en un paciente joven con una lesión osteolítica epifisaria. Suele tratarse de una lesión geográfica que, a menudo, muestra calcificación de su matriz y reacción perióstica. La TC y especialmente la RM facilitan el estudio de extensión y contribuyen a la caracterización de este tumor. El condroblastoma muestra típicamente edema óseo, reacción perióstica y edema de partes blandas (AU)

Objective. To describe the imaging findings, with special emphasis on the magnetic resonance (MRI) findings and the clinical and radiological presentation of chondroblastoma. Material and methods. This is a retrospective study of 18 patients (12 men and 6 women; mean age, 19 years) diagnosed with chondroblastoma. All patients underwent plain-film radiography, 16 underwent MRI, and 12 underwent CT. We evaluated the location, size, pattern of bone destruction, calcification of the tumor matrix, periosteal reaction, signal intensity on T1- and T2-weighted sequences, and the presence of bone or soft-tissue edema. Results. The lesions were located in the distal femur (n = 6), proximal humerus (n = 5), ilium (n = 3), proximal femur, proximal tibia, patella, and scapula. Mean lesion diameter was 3.5 cm (range: 1 to 10 cm). A calcified tumor matrix was observed in 50% of the cases and a periosteal reaction was seen in 44%. MRI showed a homogeneous intramedullary lesion that was isointense to muscle on T1-weighted sequences. On T2-weighted sequences, the signal intensity was more variable and was always heterogeneous. Perilesional edema affecting the bone and/or soft tissues was demonstrated in 94% of the cases and is a distinctive finding for this tumor. Conclusions. Chondroblastoma should be suspected in a young patient with an osteolytic epiphyseal lesion. It is usually a localized lesion that often shows calcification of the tumor matrix and periosteal reaction. CT and especially MRI are useful in the study of the extension of the lesion and in the characterization of this tumor. Chondroblastoma typically shows bone edema, periosteal reaction, and soft-tissue edema (AU)

Yield point in prediction of compressive behavior of lumbar vertebral body by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry.

The aims of the present study were to evaluate the influence of bone mineral content (BMC) and density on the behavior of the lumbar vertebra during compression and to determine critical points during compression. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and compression tests were performed on 44 vertebral bodies obtained from 22 cadavers. The results of the study indicate that bone mineral content measured by DXA were strongly correlated with ultimate failure load (r = 0.53, p < 0.001), ultimate failure stress (r = 0.581, p < 0.001), and toughness (r = 0.632, p < 0.001). Correlation with the yield point (r = 0.543, p < 0.001) was also significant. Bone mineral density showed similar results with ultimate failure load (r = 0.742, p < 0.001), ultimate failure stress (r = 0.742, p = 0.001), toughness (r = 0.673, p < 0.001), and yield point (r = 0.693, p < 0.001). The correlation between elastic parameters and DXA were suggestive but not quite significant. BMC was not related significantly with stiffness or Young's modulus. There was no correlation between bone mass and vertebral deformation parameters. In conclusion, bone mass and bone density appear to have a clear relationship to ultimate parameters and yield point. The relation with the yield point might be critical because it marks the beginning of the plastic region and signals the appearance of the first trabecular fractures.

[Comparative study of echocardiography and magnetic resonance imaging in the assessment of left ventricular mass]. / Estudio comparativo entre métodos ecocardiográficos y de resonancia magnética en el cálculo de la masa ventricular izquierda.

AIM OF THE STUDY: Echocardiography is a widely applied technique for the estimation of left ventricular mass, although magnetic resonance is considered as a reference method for this purpose. Both techniques were compared in the present study and the usefulness of a simplified method of calculation by magnetic resonance was also tested. METHODS: Left ventricular mass was determined in 42 patients by M-mode echocardiography by the application of two equations: the so-called Penn's convention and that proposed by the American Society of Echocardiography. Magnetic resonance studies were also performed, left ventricular mass being estimated from an anatomical method (summation of contiguous transverse ventricular slices) that was considered as a reference, and also by means of a geometrical method (planimetry on a single longitudinal view). RESULTS: Echocardiographic studies were judged as technically inadequate in 3/42 (7%) patients, while magnetic resonance was performed in all cases. Comparison between each echocardiographic method and the anatomical method of magnetic resonance showed a coefficient correlation of r = 0.70 (Penn's convention formula), and r = 0.71 (American Society of Echocardiography), with an overestimation being observed, particularly with Penn's convention method. The geometrical method of magnetic resonance showed an excellent correlation with the anatomical technique (r =0.93). CONCLUSIONS: Magnetic resonance is more applicable for the estimation of left ventricular mass than M-mode echocardiography, with the latter showing an overestimation when compared with magnetic resonance, particularly with the Penn's convention method. A simplified method of geometrical estimation of left ventricular mass by magnetic resonance is a reliable alternative to the anatomical method.

Nonseptic monoarthritis: imaging features with clinical and histopathologic correlation.

Diagnosis of septic arthritis requires aspiration and analysis of joint fluid. However, nonseptic articular disorders are fairly common and represent a significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Such disorders include gout, Milwaukee shoulder, rapidly destructive articular disease, amyloid arthropathy, hemophilic arthropathy, primary synovial osteochondromatosis, pigmented villonodular synovitis, neuropathic arthropathy, and foreign-body synovitis. The clinical signs of articular disease, which include pain, swelling, and limitation of motion, are often nonspecific and can overlap with those of osseous or extraarticular disorders. Many articular processes have characteristic radiologic appearances that allow definitive diagnosis. Radiography is an important part of the evaluation of patients with articular disease. However, magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is the method of choice for characterizing the various disorders and assessing the full extent of osseous, chondral, and soft-tissue involvement. MR imaging can exquisitely demonstrate joint effusions, synovial proliferation, articular cartilage abnormalities, subchondral bone, ligaments, muscles, and juxtaarticular soft tissues. Although a wide spectrum of noninfectious processes may involve the joints, careful analysis of the imaging findings and correlation of these findings with the patient's clinical history can suggest a more specific diagnosis in most cases. Awareness and understanding of the underlying histopathologic findings aids in interpretation of MR images.

[Acute myocardial infarct studied by magnetic resonance with gadolinium-DTPA contrast compared to echocardiography]. / Estudio del infarto agudo de miocardio mediante resonancia magnética de contraste con gadolinio-DTPA en comparación con la ecocardiografía.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Gadolinium-DTPA used as a contrast agent in magnetic resonance imaging allows the detection and quantification of the necrotic area in acute myocardial infarction. The aim of the present study is to assess the value of this method for the diagnosis of myocardial infarction in comparison with clinical and echocardiographic data. METHODS: Contrast magnetic resonance imaging and echocardiographic studies were performed on 16 patients during the first week after admission for acute myocardial infarction. Necrotic and total myocardial mass were calculated from magnetic resonance images and this was compared to the extension of the myocardial infarction assessed by electrocardiography and the peak level of total creatinine-phosphokinase serum enzyme. The number and localization of myocardial segments showing contrast uptake was related to segments with contractile abnormalities at the echocardiographic exam. RESULTS: The mean value of the mass of myocardial necrosis calculated from the total area of gadolinium-DTPA uptake in each patient was 25 g (range: 2-67 g), corresponding to 17% of the total myocardial mass (range: 1-45%). This value correlated with the peak serum level of total creatinine-phosphokinase enzyme (r = 0.714; p < 0.003) and with the number of Q waves present at the electrocardiogram (r = 0.69; p < 0.005). A very good agreement between the location of the myocardial infarction by ECG, echocardiography and magnetic resonance was evidenced, and a satisfactory correlation existed between myocardial segments with gadolinium-DTPA uptake and akinetic echocardiographic segments (kappa = 0.65). CONCLUSIONS: The detection and quantitation of the necrotic area in the acute myocardial infarction with gadolinium-DTPA contrast magnetic resonance shows a good correlation with clinical and echocardiographic data.

Hydatid pulmonary embolism from a ruptured mediastinal cyst: high-resolution computed tomography, angiographic, and pathologic findings.

Hydatid disease is a parasitic infestation caused by the larval stage of a tapeworm of the genus Echinococcus. This report describes an extremely rare complication of echinococcal disease in which severe pulmonary hypertension developed after massive hydatid pulmonary embolism.

MR imaging of benign soft-tissue masses of the foot and ankle.

Approximately 75% of all biopsy-proved soft-tissue masses of the foot and ankle are benign tumors or nontumoral lesions representing a variety of histologic types. In some cases, it may be difficult if not impossible to identify the lesion; however, careful analysis of the magnetic resonance (MR) imaging findings and correlation of these findings with the patient's clinical history can usually suggest a more specific diagnosis, particularly in the most common benign tumors of the foot (e.g., fibromatosis, cavernous hemangioma) and in nonneoplastic soft-tissue lesions such as Morton neuroma, ganglion cyst, and plantar fasciitis. In addition, a specific diagnosis can almost always be made in patients with pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) or giant cell tumor (GCT) of the tendon sheath. The MR imaging appearance of PVNS consists of multiple synovial lesions with low or intermediate signal intensity on T1-weighted images and low signal intensity on T2-weighted and gradient-echo images. GCTs of the tendon sheath usually have areas of low signal intensity on both T1- and T2-weighted images due to the paramagnetic effect of hemosiderin. Awareness and understanding of the underlying pathologic findings in lesions of the foot and ankle aid in MR imaging interpretation.

The normal and pathologic ischiorectal fossa at CT and MR imaging.

A wide spectrum of disease processes involve the ischiorectal fossa, including congenital and developmental lesions; inflammatory, traumatic, and hemorrhagic conditions; primary tumors; and pathologic processes outside the ischiorectal fossa with secondary involvement. Both computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging are useful in the definitive diagnosis of these pathologic conditions, with MR imaging being the modality of choice because of its superior contrast resolution and multiplanar capability. In Gartner duct cyst, both CT and MR imaging demonstrate a well-defined, round mass; in tailgut cyst, CT demonstrates a well-defined retrorectal mass with a solid or cystic appearance. MR imaging in particular plays a major role in the assessment of fistula in ano, infection, and hematoma. Lipoma and pelvic plexiform neurofibroma typically have low attenuation and high signal intensity at CT and MR imaging, respectively. Recurrent rectal tumor appears at both modalities as an irregular soft-tissue mass with or without central necrosis in the presacral space, perineum, or pelvic sidewall. Familiarity with the imaging features and differential diagnoses of various ischiorectal pathologic processes will facilitate prompt, accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Comparison of morphologic assessment of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy by magnetic resonance versus echocardiographic imaging.

To compare the value of echocardiography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the assessment of the amount and extent of hypertrophy in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HC) and, second, to correlate the degree of hypertrophy, as assessed by MRI, with clinical and electrocardiographic parameters, 30 consecutive patients (16 men and 14 women, aged 20 to 74 years) with HC were studied. Measurements of left ventricular wall thickness were performed at 11 predetermined segments (5 basal, 5 midventricular, and 1 apical) by 2-dimensional echocardiography and MRI. Two parameters derived from MRI studies were considered as indicators of the degree and extent of hypertrophy: (1) mean of the measured wall thickness at the 11 segments, and (2) the number of segments with thickness > 15 mm. Results showed that, from a total of 330 myocardial segments, thickness could be measured by echocardiography in 221 (67%), whereas MRI allowed measurement of 320 segments (97%). When compared with clinical and electrocardiographic data, no correlation was found regarding mean wall thickness and number of hypertrophied segments by MRI except for the presence of an abnormal electrocardiographic repolarization pattern. It is concluded that MRI allows a better assessment of the degree and extension of left ventricular hypertrophy than echocardiography in HC. Despite the precise information on hypertrophy provided by MRI, the amount and degree of hypertrophy bears no correlation with most of the clinical data in these patients.

Bilateral blindness in Takayasu's disease.

We report the case of a 61-year-old woman who presented bilateral blindness at the age of nineteen. Although she did not receive any treatment, she did not present any other symptoms through 40 years of follow-up. After reviewing the literature, we have not found any case of bilateral blindness as the first manifestation of TD without further progression of the disease despite the absence of treatment.