Stress Fracture of the Trapezoid in a Professional Tennis Player.

Background: Repetitive microtrauma can lead to trapezoid and second metacarpal stress fractures in racket sport players. Nontraumatic trapezoid stress fractures are rare and difficult to diagnose. To our knowledge, only 3 cases had been reported as of May 2023. We report the fourth case of a nontraumatic sports-related trapezoid stress fracture and only the second case in a tennis player. Case Report: A 29-year-old professional and right hand-dominant male tennis player presented with right hand and wrist pain for 3 weeks. He complained of dorsal wrist tenderness proximal to the base of the second metacarpal that was exacerbated by extension of the index finger. Initial radiographs were normal, but magnetic resonance imaging of the wrist showed a stress fracture of the trapezoid bone and base of the second metacarpal. The patient was treated conservatively with a wrist brace, cessation of sports activities, and modification of his training routine. The patient was asymptomatic at 1-year follow-up. Conclusion: This case highlights the relationship between trapezoid and second metacarpal stress fractures in athletes. A high index of suspicion for trapezoid stress fractures should be maintained and included in every differential diagnosis for athletes, especially racket sport players presenting with wrist pain. To avoid future injuries, clinicians should not only treat the fracture but also address the risk factors predisposing to this injury.

An isolated rupture of the anterolateral ligament of the knee: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: The anterolateral ligament (ALL) is a controversial ligament in the knee that may play a significant role in knee stability. It is difficult to identify on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) imaging and is often injured in conjunction with other ligaments, such as the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and medial collateral ligament. CASE PRESENTATION: This is a unique case of an isolated ALL tear in a 48-year-old woman who presented with severe left knee pain, swelling, and inability to bear weight during a yoga session. Physical examination showed swelling and tenderness at the lateral aspect of the femoral condyle, with increased pain on varus stress testing. Radiographs revealed normal osseous structures with the absence of traumatic bone lesions. MRI revealed an intact meniscus, cruciate, and collateral ligaments, but a rupture of the ALL at its femoral origin. Diagnosis of isolated ALL rupture of the left knee was made, and the patient was treated conservatively with icing, rest, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Physiotherapy was started 2 weeks post-injury, and return to sports was allowed at the sixth week. Upon last follow-up, the patient had excellent functional outcomes and was satisfied with the treatment. Physical examination showed a stable knee with negative Lachman and pivot shift tests. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first case of isolated ALL rupture to be reported. DISCUSSION: The paper highlights the rarity of isolated ALL injuries and the difficulty in diagnosing them. Conservative treatment can be successful for isolated ALL injuries, with physiotherapy playing an essential role in rehabilitation.In conclusion, isolated ALL injuries are rare and can be challenging to diagnose. Conservative treatment with physiotherapy can lead to successful outcomes. Further research is needed to understand the role of the ALL in knee stability and to determine optimal treatment options.

Prostate MRI using a rigid two-channel phased-array endorectal coil: comparison with phased array coil acquisition at 3 T.

BACKGROUND: To compare image quality, lesion detection and patient comfort of 3T prostate MRI using a combined rigid two-channel phased-array endorectal coil and an external phased-array coil (ERC-PAC) compared to external PAC acquisition in the same patients. METHODS: Thirty three men (mean age 65.3y) with suspected (n = 15) or biopsy-proven prostate cancer (PCa, n = 18) were prospectively enrolled in this exploratory study. 3T prostate MRI including T2-weighted imaging (T2WI) and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) was performed using an ERC-PAC versus PAC alone, in random order. Image quality, lesion detection and characterization (biparametric PI-RADSv2.1) were evaluated by 2 independent observers. Estimated signal-to-noise ratio (eSNR) was measured in identified lesions and the peripheral zone (PZ). Patient comfort was assessed using a questionnaire. Data were compared between sequences and acquisitions. Inter/intra-observer agreement for PI-RADS scores was evaluated. RESULTS: Twenty four prostate lesions (22 PCa) were identified in 20/33 men. Superior image quality was found for ERC-PAC compared to PAC for T2WI for one observer (Obs.1, p < 0.03) and high b-value DWI for both observers (p < 0.05). The sensitivity of PI-RADS for lesion detection for ERC-PAC and PAC acquisitions was 79.2 and 75% for Obs.1, and 79.1 and 66.7%, for Obs.2, without significant difference for each observer (McNemar p-values ≥0.08). Inter-/intra-observer agreement for PI-RADS scores was moderate-to-substantial (kappa = 0.52-0.84). Higher eSNR was observed for lesions and PZ for T2WI and PZ for DWI using ERC-PAC (p < 0.013). Most patients (21/33) reported discomfort at ERC insertion. CONCLUSION: Despite improved image quality and eSNR using the rigid ERC-PAC combination, no significant improvement in lesion detection was observed, therefore not supporting the routine use of ERC for prostate MRI.

Sexual Dimorphism in Laryngeal Volumetric Measurements Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

The objective of this study is to investigate the dimensional and volumetric measurements in the thyroarytenoid (TA) muscle in men and women using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The hypothesis is that there is a gender-related difference in these measurements. A retrospective chart review of 76 patients who underwent MRI of the neck at the American University of Beirut Medical Center was conducted. The dimension and volume of the right and left TA muscle were measured on axial and coronal planes short tau inversion recovery images. Male and female groups were compared with respect to demographic data and MRI findings using parametric and nonparametric tests. The mean length of the thyro-arytenoid muscle in males was larger than that in females on the right (males 2.44 [0.29] cm vs females 1.70 [0.22] cm) and on the left (males 2.50 [0.28] cm vs females 1.72 [0.24] cm) reaching statistical significance (P < .001). The mean width of the thyro-arytenoid muscle in males was larger than that in females on the right (males 0.68 [0.13] cm vs females 0.59 [0.11] cm) and on the left (males 0.68 [0.12] cm vs females 0.57 [0.12] cm) reaching statistical significance (P < .001). The mean height of the thyro-arytenoid muscle in males was larger than that in females on the right (males 1.05 [0.21] cm vs females 0.95 [0.12] cm) and on the left (males 1.05 [0.21] cm vs females 0.95 [0.12] cm) reaching statistical significance (P < .01 on the right and P < .05 on the left). The volume of the thyroarytenoid muscle in males was larger than that in females on the right (males 0.86 [0.25] mL vs females 0.48 [0.15] mL) and on the left (males 0.89 [0.27] mL vs females 0.48 [0.17] mL) reaching statistical significance (P < .001). The results of this investigation clearly indicate a significant difference in these measurements between men and women.

Hepatocellular carcinoma detection in liver cirrhosis: diagnostic performance of contrast-enhanced CT vs. MRI with extracellular contrast vs. gadoxetic acid.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the diagnostic performance of contrast-enhanced CT vs. MRI with extracellular contrast agents (EC-MRI) vs. MRI with gadoxetic acid (EOB-MRI) for HCC detection in patients with liver cirrhosis using liver explant as the reference. The additional value of hepatobiliary phase (HBP) post Gadoxetic acid was also assessed. METHODS: Two-hundred seventy-seven consecutive patients who underwent liver transplantation over a 9 year period and imaging within 90 days of were retrospectively included. Imaging consisted in CT (n = 100), EC-MRI (n = 77) and EOB-MRI (n = 100), the latter subdivided into dynamic EOB-MRI and full EOB-MRI (dynamic+HBP). Three radiologists retrospectively categorized lesions ≥ 1 cm using the LI-RADSv2017 algorithm. Dynamic EOB-MRI was re-evaluated with the addition of HBP. Results were correlated with explant pathology. RESULTS: Pathology demonstrated 265 HCCs (mean size 2.1 ± 1.4 cm) in 177 patients. Per-patient sensitivities were 86.3% for CT, 89.5% for EC-MRI, 92.8% for dynamic EOB-MRI and 95.2% for full EOB-MRI (pooled reader data), with a significant difference between CT and dynamic/full EOB-MRI (p = 0.032/0.002), and between EC-MRI and full EOB-MRI (p = 0.047). Per-lesion sensitivities for CT, EC-MRI, dynamic EOB-MRI and full EOB-MRI were 59.5%,78.5%,69.7% and 76.8%, respectively, with a significant difference between MRI groups and CT (p-range:0.001-0.04), and no difference between EC-MRI and dynamic EOB-MRI (p = 0.949). For HCCs 1-1.9 cm, sensitivities were 34.4%, 64.6%, 57.3% and 67.3%, respectively, with all MRI groups significantly superior to CT (p ≤ 0.01) and full EOB-MRI superior to dynamic EOB-MRI (p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: EOB-MRI outperforms CT and EC-MRI for per-patient HCC detection sensitivity, and is equivalent to EC-MRI for per-lesion sensitivity. MRI methods outperform CT for detection of HCCs 1-1.9 cm. KEY POINTS: • MRI is superior to CT for HCC detection in patients with liver cirrhosis. • EOB-MRI outperforms CT and MRI using extracellular contrast agents (EC-MRI) for per-patient HCC detection sensitivity, and is equivalent to EC-MRI for per-lesion sensitivity. • The addition of hepatobiliary phase images improves HCC detection when using gadoxetic acid.

Diffusion and perfusion MRI quantification in ileal Crohn's disease.

OBJECTIVES: To quantify intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM)-DWI and dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE)-MRI parameters in normal and abnormal ileal segments in Crohn's disease (CD) patients and to assess the association of these parameters with clinical and MRI-based measurements of CD activity. METHODS: In this prospective study, 27 CD patients (M/F 18/9, mean age 42 years) underwent MR enterography, including IVIM-DWI and DCE-MRI. IVIM-DWI and DCE-MRI parameters were quantified in normal and abnormal small bowel segments, the latter identified by the presence of inflammatory changes. MRI parameter differences between normal and abnormal bowel were tested using Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. IVIM-DWI and DCE-MRI parameters were correlated with clinical data (C-reactive protein, Harvey-Bradshaw Index), conventional MRI parameters (wall thickness, length of involvement) and MRI activity scores (MaRIA, Clermont). Diagnostic performance of (combined) parameters for differentiation between normal and abnormal bowel was determined using ROC analysis. RESULTS: The DCE-MRI parameters peak concentration Cpeak, upslope, area-under-the-curve at 60s (AUC60), Ktrans and ve were significantly increased (p<0.023), while IVIM-DWI parameters perfusion fraction (PF) and ADC were significantly decreased (p<0.001) in abnormal bowel segments. None of the DCE-MRI and IVIM-DWI parameters correlated with clinical parameters (p>0.105). DCE-MRI parameters exhibited multiple significant correlations with wall thickness (Cpeak, upslope, AUC60, Ktrans; r range 0.431-0.664, p<0.025) and MaRIA/Clermont scores (Cpeak, AUC60, Ktrans; r range 0.441-0.617, p<0.021). Combined Ktrans+ve+PF+ADC showed highest AUC (0.963) for differentiation between normal and abnormal bowel, while ADC performed best for individual parameters (AUC=0.800). CONCLUSIONS: DCE-MRI and IVIM-DWI, particularly when used in combination, are promising for non-invasive evaluation of small bowel CD. KEY POINTS: • IVIM-DWI and DCE-MRI parameters were significantly different between normal and abnormal bowel segments in CD patients. • DCE-MRI parameters showed a significant association with wall thickness and MRI activity scores. • Combination of IVIM-DWI and DCE-MRI parameters led to the highest diagnostic performance for differentiation between normal and abnormal bowel segments, while ADC showed the highest diagnostic performance of individual parameters.

Age-related changes affecting the cricoarytenoid joint seen on computed tomography.

We conducted a retrospective chart review to compare four characteristics-cricoarytenoid joint ankylosis, narrowing, erosion, and density increases-in patients younger and older than 65 years. Our study population was made up of 100 patients, who were divided into two groups on the basis of age. The younger group (<65 yr) comprised 49 patients (27 men and 22 women), and the older group (≥65 yr) was made up of 51 patients (25 men and 26 women). Findings on computed tomography (CT) of the neck were used to determine whether each of the four characteristics was present or absent. Overall, we found only one statistically significant difference between the two groups: ankylosis was significantly more common in the older group (p = 0.036). When we looked further at the side of these anatomic changes, we found that the older group had significantly more right-sided and left-sided ankylosis than did the younger group (p = 0.026 for both), as well as significantly more left-sided narrowing (p = 0.028) (some patients had bilateral involvement). When we analyzed age as a continuous variable, older age was again associated with significantly more ankylosis (p = 0.047) and narrowing (p = 0.011). We conclude that CT can be useful for assessing radiologic changes in the cricoarytenoid joint in elderly patients during the workup of dysphonia and abnormal movement of the vocal folds.

Advanced Diffusion-weighted Imaging Modeling for Prostate Cancer Characterization: Correlation with Quantitative Histopathologic Tumor Tissue Composition-A Hypothesis-generating Study.

Purpose To correlate quantitative diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) parameters derived from conventional monoexponential DWI, stretched exponential DWI, diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI), and diffusion-tensor imaging (DTI) with quantitative histopathologic tumor tissue composition in prostate cancer in a preliminary hypothesis-generating study. Materials and Methods This retrospective institutional review board-approved study included 24 patients with prostate cancer (mean age, 63 years) who underwent magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, including high-b-value DWI and DTI at 3.0 T, before prostatectomy. The following parameters were calculated in index tumors and nontumoral peripheral zone (PZ): apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) obtained with monoexponential fit (ADCME), ADC obtained with stretched exponential modeling (ADCSE), anomalous exponent (α) obtained at stretched exponential DWI, ADC obtained with DKI modeling (ADCDKI), kurtosis with DKI, ADC obtained with DTI (ADCDTI), and fractional anisotropy (FA) at DTI. Parameters in prostate cancer and PZ were compared by using paired Student t tests. Pearson correlations between tumor DWI and quantitative histologic parameters (nuclear, cytoplasmic, cellular, stromal, luminal fractions) were determined. Results All DWI parameters were significantly different between prostate cancer and PZ (P < .012). ADCME, ADCSE, and ADCDKI all showed significant negative correlation with cytoplasmic and cellular fractions (r = -0.546 to -0.435; P < .034) and positive correlation with stromal fractions (r = 0.619-0.669; P < .001). ADCDTI and FA showed correlation only with stromal fraction (r = 0.512 and -0.413, respectively; P < .045). α did not correlate with histologic parameters, whereas kurtosis showed significant correlations with histopathologic parameters (r = 0.487, 0.485, -0.422 for cytoplasmic, cellular, and stromal fractions, respectively; P < .040). Conclusion Advanced DWI methods showed significant correlations with histopathologic tissue composition in prostate cancer. These findings should be validated in a larger study. © RSNA, 2017 Online supplemental material is available for this article. An earlier incorrect version of this article appeared online. This article was corrected on November 10, 2017.

Imaging of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Response After 90Y Radioembolization.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to discuss the imaging modalities and response criteria used for assessing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) response to 90Y radioembolization, as well as the imaging appearances of treated tumors. CONCLUSION: An understanding of the appearance of HCC after 90Y radioembolization is crucial for accurate evaluation of treatment response. Residual tumor necrosis and enhancement are essential for assessing response. Multiparametric MRI, including DWI and perfusion imaging, plays an emerging role in response assessment and outcome prediction.

Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging for transition zone prostate cancer: essential findings, limitations, and future directions.

OBJECTIVE: Review the multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) findings of transition zone (TZ) prostate cancer (PCa) using T2-weighted imaging (T2WI), diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), and dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) MRI and to integrate mpMRI findings with clinical history, laboratory values, and histopathology. CONCLUSION: TZ prostate tumors are challenging to detect clinically and at MRI. mpMRI using the combination of sequences has the potential to improve accuracy of TZ cancer detection and staging.

Structural and Anatomic Laryngeal Measurements in Geriatric Population Using MRI.

OBJECTIVE: The study aims to evaluate the changes in volume and dimensions of the thyroarytenoid (TA) muscle in the elderly using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). STUDY DESIGN: This is a retrospective study. METHODS: The neck MRIs of 40 adult patients aged less than 65 years old and 40 patients aged 65 years old and above were compared. Demographic data included age and gender. The length, width, and height of the TA muscle as well as its volume were measured on each side, right and left, in both groups. RESULTS: The differences in the mean length, width, and height of TA muscle were not statistically significant between the two groups on either right or left side. Similarly, there was no statistically significant difference in the mean volume of the TA muscles between the two groups on either side as well. The mean volume of the right and left TA muscles in those aged less than 65 years was 0.65 ± 0.26 mL and 0.69 ± 0.30 mL, respectively. The mean volume of the right and left TA muscles in the elderly group was 0.72 ± 0.31 mL and 0.72 ± 0.32 mL, respectively. CONCLUSION: Using MRI, there are no dimensional or volumetric changes in TA muscles with aging.

Thyroarytenoid muscle uptake and attenuation in PET/CT in elderly.

The objective of this study is to compare uptake and attenuation on positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) imaging modality at the thyroarytenoid muscle between subjects aged less and older than 65 years old. The study design is retrospective chart review. The setting is academic medical center. PET/CT images of 60 patients aged less than 65 years old and 60 patients aged more than 65 years old were selected. Demographic data were collected. Both the groups were compared with respect to the maximum standardized uptake value (SUV max) and CT attenuation of bilateral thyroarytenoid muscles. The mean SUV max of the right thyroarytenoid muscle was 2.09 ± 0.8 in the group of patients aged less than 65 years old compared to 1.9 ± 0.6 in the group of patients aged more than 65 years old. For the left thyroarytenoid muscle, the mean SUV max in the first and second groups was, respectively, 2 ± 0.6 and 1.9 ± 0.6. The differences were not statistically significant. As for the CT attenuation, the mean value at the right thyroarytenoid muscle in the first and second groups was, respectively, 31.2 ± 0.8 HU and 20.8 ± 14.4 HU (p < 0.05). At the left thyroarytenoid muscle, the mean value was, respectively, 29.6 ± 9.9 and 22.8 ± 15 (p < 0.05). This study suggests that CT attenuation measurements can be used for objectively assessing the change in the density of aging thyroarytenoid muscle.