Does femoroacetabular impingement syndrome affect range of motion? A systematic review with meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: It is unclear whether femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) affect hip range of motion (ROM). SOURCES OF DATA: We performed a systematic review with meta-analysis searching six electronic databases from inception to March 21, 2022. We included studies assessing hip ROM in FAIS, FAI morphology without symptoms (FAIm), and healthy controls. Mean differences between groups were measured in ROM degrees with 95% confidence interval (CI). AREAS OF AGREEMENT: A total of 17 studies (1702 hips) were included. Comparison of FAIS patients versus healthy controls showed that hip ROM was clinically and statistically reduced in FAIS for internal rotation (90° hip flexion, -8.01°, 95% CI: -11.21, -4.90; 0° hip flexion -6.38°, 95% CI: -9.79, -2.97); adduction (90° hip flexion, -4.74°, 95% CI: -8.13, -1.34); flexion (-5.41°, 95% CI: -7.05, -3.49), abduction (0° hip flexion, -5.76°, 95% CI: -8.38, -3.23), and external rotation (90° hip flexion, -3.5°, 95% CI: -5.32, -1.67) ranging from low to high certainty of evidence. Comparison of FAIm versus healthy controls showed no statistically significant differences in any direction of movement, albeit with uncertainty of evidence. AREAS OF CONTROVERSY: The certainty of evidence was unclear, particularly for asymptomatic FAIm. GROWING POINTS: Hip ROM may be reduced in all directions except extension in FAIS compared to controls. Hip ROM may not be restricted in asymptomatic FAIm. AREAS TIMELY FOR DEVELOPING RESEARCH: Further studies are needed to resolve the uncertainty of evidence about ROM restrictions in asymptomatic FAIm compared to healthy controls.

Lung involvement in children with COVID-19 multisystem inflammatory syndrome.

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) has been reported in increasing numbers, mostly focusing on cardiac dysfunction. Very few studies have evaluated lung involvement in terms of imaging findings, while data regarding pulmonary function in children with MIS-C are not available. The purpose of our study was to evaluate lung involvement in MIS-C by imaging and lung function by structured light plethysmography (SLP) at hospital admission and 6 months afterwards. Spirometry is the gold standard technique to evaluate lung function in children. However, SLP has the advantage of not requiring contact with the patient, offering an effective solution for the evaluation of lung function during the pandemic. To our knowledge this is the first study that aims to investigate pulmonary function by SLP in children with MIS-C.

MRSA Femoral Osteomyelitis from Superinfected Scabies Lesions: A Pediatric Case Report.

Scabies is a skin infestation from the Sarcoptes scabiei. It is considered a public health issue causing concern in developing countries and is considered a "neglected tropical disease" by the World Health Organization (WHO). Scabies skin lesions may cause severe itching and can be the portal of entry for opportunistic and pathogenic bacteria, which can cause serious systemic infections. We report the case of a 3-year-old boy with recurrent scabies infections who presented to the emergency department because of a fever and refusal to walk. Blood tests showed neutrophilic leukocytosis and significantly increased C reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin. Upon medical examination, his right thigh was extremely painful upon palpation, knee flexion was lost and he was unable to stand, so magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed. MRI showed osteomyelitis of metaphysis and distal diaphysis of the right femur with associated subperiosteal purulent collection and concomitant pyomyositis and fasciitis of the distal right thigh. Blood cultures were positive for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The patient received a long course of intravenous antibiotic therapy and his condition slowly improved. Follow-up femur X-ray showed a mixed pattern of erosion and sclerosis at the meta-diaphyseal region and periosteal reaction at the diaphyseal region. This case highlights the importance of early scabies diagnosis even in Western countries where poverty and household overcrowding are uncommon. Early diagnosis, timely initiation of proper treatment and evidence of clinical resolution are important elements to prevent recurrence of infection and serious systemic superinfections even from multi-drug resistant bacteria. Clinical consequences from unrecognized disease or inadequate eradication are preventable.

MR enterography grading of pediatric ileocolonic Crohn disease activity based on a single bowel segment.

BACKGROUND: Ileocolonoscopy with histology has been considered the gold standard for Crohn disease (CD) diagnosis and monitoring. Over the last years, magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) has become more and more popular, representing a valid non-invasive technique. OBJECTIVE: To propose a simplified MRE score, the pediatric CD magnetic resonance index (PCDMRI), based only on the most affected bowel segment, to grade active inflammation in children with CD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two radiologists retrospectively evaluated MRE images of children with histopathology-proven CD. The PCDMRI was based on six mural and perimural variables assessed for the most affected bowel segment (chosen by visual inspection of the key bowel wall imaging findings associated with active inflammation), and five extramural per-examination features. Correlation analysis was performed between both the PCDMRI and the MRE global score (based on all the affected segments) and the pediatric clinical disease activity index (PCDAI), the simple endoscopic score for CD (SES-CD), serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and fecal calprotectin (fC). Inter-reader reproducibility of the scoring system was estimated. Agreement on disease location between MRE and ileocolonoscopy was evaluated. RESULTS: The study involved 42 children for a total of 80 MRE. PCDMRI and global score positively correlated with PCDAI, SES-CD, CRP and fC. Inter-reader reproducibility was 91%. Agreement on disease location was substantial. CONCLUSION: The PCDMRI and the global score resulted equally correlated with the PCDAI, suggesting a high impact of the most affected segment on symptoms. The PDCMRI may be a useful non-invasive tool for a rapid and reproducible grading of the disease activity in children with ileocolonic CD.

Agreement between magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography in the postnatal evaluation of congenital lung malformations: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVES: To compare postnatal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with the reference standard computed tomography (CT) in the identification of the key features for diagnosing different types of congenital lung malformation (CLM). METHODS: Respiratory-triggered T2-weighted single-shot turbo spin echo (ss-TSE), respiratory-triggered T1-weighted turbo field echo (TFE), balanced fast field echo (BFFE), and T2-weighted MultiVane sequences were performed at 1.5 T on 20 patients prospectively enrolled. Two independent radiologists examined the postnatal CT and MRI evaluating the presence of cysts, hyperinflation, solid component, abnormal arteries and/or venous drainage, and bronchocele. Diagnostic performance of MRI was calculated and the agreement between the findings was assessed using the McNemar-Bowker test. Interobserver agreement was measured with the kappa coefficient. RESULTS: CT reported five congenital pulmonary airway malformations (CPAMs), eight segmental bronchial atresias, five bronchopulmonary sequestrations (BPS), one congenital lobar overinflation, one bronchogenic cyst, and three hybrid lesions. MRI reported the correct diagnosis in 19/20 (95%) patients and the malformation was correctly classified in 22/23 cases (96%). MRI correctly identified all the key findings described on the CT except for the abnormal vascularization (85.7% sensitivity, 100% specificity, 100% PPV, 94.1% NPV, 95% accuracy for arterial vessels; 57.1% sensitivity, 100% specificity, 100% PPV, 84.2% NPV, 87% accuracy for venous drainage). CONCLUSIONS: MRI can represent an effective alternative to CT in the postnatal assessment of CLM. In order to further narrow the gap with CT, the use of contrast material and improvements in sequence design are needed to obtain detailed information on vascularization, which is essential for surgical planning. KEY POINTS: • Congenital lung malformations (CLMs) can be effectively studied by MRI avoiding radiation exposure. • Crucial features of CLM have similar appearance when comparing CT with MRI. • MRI performs very well in CLM except for aberrant vessel detection and characterization.

Fetal-MRI prenatal diagnosis of severe bilateral lung hypoplasia: alveolar capillary dysplasia case report.

Alveolar capillary dysplasia with misalignment of pulmonary veins (ACD/MPV) is a rare and lethal developmental disorder of the lung that affect both acinar structure and the intrinsic pulmonary vasculature. We report prenatal and postnatal imaging with histopathological findings of this rare condition. We, first, describe MR imaging features and discuss its role in prenatal imaging.

Myocardial Fatty Foci in Adult Patients with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex: Association with Gene Mutation and Multiorgan Involvement.

PURPOSE: To estimate the association between myocardial fatty foci (MFF) on chest computed tomographic (CT) images and type of gene mutation or multiorgan involvement in patients with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective case-control study was approved by the ethics committee, which waived the need for patient consent. Forty-eight patients with definite TSC (41 women; mean age, 35 years ± 11 [standard deviation]) and 96 age- and sex-matched patients without TSC who had undergone chest CT were evaluated. Two blinded readers independently scored MFF as low-attenuation areas within the myocardium. Patient history, gene mutation, and multiorgan involvement were obtained from clinical records. Cohen κ, Mann-Whitney U, χ(2) or Fisher exact, Kruskal-Wallis, and Spearman statistics were calculated. RESULTS: One or more MFF was detected in 50% (24 of 48) of patients with TSC; however, no MFF was detected in control patients (P < .001). MFFs were oval (62%, 15 of 24) or linear (38%, nine of 24) and involved the left ventricle in 13 patients and both ventricles in 24 patients (mostly the apical or midleft ventricle); median size was 127 mm(2). After four patients with TSC and unknown mutational status (two with MFF) were excluded, MFF was detected in 53% (10 of 19) of patients with TSC1 mutation, 65% (11 of 17) of patients with TSC2 mutation, and 12% (one of eight) of patients with TSC but without an identified mutation (P = .044). MFF presence was associated with brain (P = .011) and multiorgan (P = .008) involvement. The number of MFF per patient correlated with the degree of multiorgan involvement (P = .014). With MFF considered predictive of TSC, 50% (24of 48) sensitivity, 100% (96 of 96) specificity, 100% (24 of 24) positive predictive value, and 80% (96 of 120) negative predictive value were obtained. CONCLUSION: MFF was highly specific for TSC. MFF presence was associated with TSC gene mutations and with brain or multiorgan involvement; their number per patient was correlated with the degree of multiorgan involvement.

Association of aortic wall thickness on contrast-enhanced chest CT with major cerebro-cardiac events.

BACKGROUND: There is a significant association between aortic atherosclerosis and previous major cardiovascular events. Particularly, thoracic aortic atherosclerosis is closely related to the degree of coronary and carotid artery disease. Thus, there is a rationale for screening the thoracic aorta in patients who undergo a chest computed tomography (CT) for any clinical question, in order to detect patients at increased risk of cerebro-cardiovascular (CCV) events. PURPOSE: To estimate the association between either thoracic aortic wall thickness (AWT) or aortic total calcium score (ATCS) and CCV events. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred and forty-eight non-cardiac patients (78 men; 67 ± 12 years) underwent chest contrast-enhanced multidetector CT (MDCT). The AWT was measured at the level of the left atrium (AWTref) and at the maximum AWT (AWTmax). Correlation with clinical CCV patients' history was estimated. The value of AWTmax and of a semi-quantitative ATCS as a marker for CCV events was assessed using receiver-operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis and multivariate regression analysis. RESULTS: Out of 148 patients, 59% reported sedentary lifestyle, 44% hypertension, 32% smoking, 23% hypercholesterolemia, 13% family history of cardiac disease, 12% diabetes, and 10% BMI ≥ 30 kg/m(2); 9% reported myocardial infarction, 8% aortic aneurism, 8% myocardial revascularization, and 2% ischemic stroke. Twenty-six percent of patients had a medium-to-high ATCS. Both AWTmax and AWTref correlated with hypertension and age (P < 0.002). At the ROC analysis, a 4.8 mm threshold was associated to a 90% specificity and an odds ratio of 6.3 (AUC = 0.735). Assuming as threshold the AWTmax median value (4.3 mm) of patients who suffered from at least one CCV event in their history, a negative predictive value of 90%, a RR of 3.6 and an OR of 6.3 were found. At the multivariate regression analysis, AWTmax was the only independent variable associated to the frequency of CCV events. CONCLUSION: Patients with increased thoracic AWTmax on chest MDCT could be considered at risk for CCV disease.

New ways of assessing ovarian cancer response: metabolic imaging and beyond.

In patients with advanced ovarian cancer, it can be challenging to evaluate response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy on computed tomography (CT) due to disseminated small volume disease and serosal disease. In addition, measuring the change in size of tumour burden takes time in order to allow tumour shrinkage. Despite these challenges, serum CA-125 levels and CT are the standard tools for the assessment of treatment response in ovarian cancer. New functional imaging techniques may allow the identification of response earlier and with higher accuracy. In this review article, we describe the current literature on functional imaging techniques in ovarian cancer response assessment, focusing on fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography.

Role of magnetic resonance imaging in evaluation of the activity of perianal Crohn's disease.

AIM: To evaluate the diagnostic ability of contrast-enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in assessment of the activity of perianal fistulas in Crohn's disease (CD) patients, compared to clinical data. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty CD patients (25 men; mean[SD] age: 40.4[12.6] years) with known or suspected perianal fistulas underwent perianal space MRI. Radiological activity of disease was measured as the percentage increase (PI) of ROI values of fistulas in relation to ROI values of healthy local fat, after contrast administration. Clinical activity of disease was defined according to Perianal Disease Activity Index (PDAI) and Fistula Drainage Assessment (FDA). RESULTS: Forty-two patients presented perianal disease at MRI (55 fistulas identified). An association between both fistula's PI and PDAI (Pearson's coefficient 0.512, p<0.0001) and between PI and FDA (p=0.003) was demonstrated. Areas under ROC curves of PI values in relation to PDAI and FDA were respectively 0.876 [95%CI=(0.743-1.00), p<0.001] and 0.784 [95%CI=(0.588-0.980), p=0.003]. A cut-off value of PI, calculated on these preliminary data, correctly classified more than 90% of fistulas. CONCLUSIONS: Contrast-enhanced MRI with PI calculation offered practical information about activity of perianal fistulas and might be helpful in providing a comprehensive evaluation of CD perianal disease.