Isolated adductor longus avulsion in a young semi-professional football player: Imaging contribution and therapeutic considerations.

Adductor longus injuries are usually observed at the proximal musculo-tendinous junction, but isolated tendinous ruptures (i.e., avulsion) at the origin on the pubic bone are uncommon. In this article, we report a new case of isolated adductor longus avulsion that occurred in a young athlete and was treated with conservative therapy. An 18 years old semi-professional football player, in the attempt to reach the ball with his right leg, reported acute pain and functional limitation in his left adductor area. Clinical examination showed tenderness on palpation associated with mild swelling. Manual strength testing of adductor muscles showed weakness and elicited moderate pain in the proximal groin region near the pubic bone. The diagnostic evaluations (ultrasound [3-14 MHz linear probe] and magnetic resonance imaging [1.5 Tesla magnetic field]), performed a few days after the event, showed a complete isolated avulsion of the proximal adductor longus tendon associated with a fluid collection, with a gap of about 9.5 mm from its insertion on the pubic bone. Degenerative alterations (sub-chondral sclerosis, bone edema, erosions, cortical irregularities, calcifications) were found. These findings were crucial in the treatment choice because conservative management is suggested when the gap is below 1 cm and when no important displacement of proximal torn tendon's end at dynamic ultrasound is appreciated. A structured rehabilitation protocol was implemented, allowing the player to come back to his full athletic activity after 146 days. Return to play was allowed when several subjective and objective parameters were fully satisfied (full hip range of motion, pain-free football-specific activities, less than a 5%-10% difference in hip adduction strength between the injured and uninjured legs, advanced anatomical healing of the adductor longus tendon seen on diagnostic exams, and Hip And Groin Outcome Score [HAGOS] scores similar to baseline data). This case report emphasizes the importance of diagnostic imaging and clinical assessments in the management of an adductor longus avulsion with short retraction (about 1 cm). Both imaging techniques are non-invasive and without risks, allow contra-lateral examination and may guide in the treatment choice; moreover, they significantly influence the post-care approach by enabling to fine-tune a safe return to full athletic activity with minor re-injury rate. While US can be used as primary imaging modality, MRI offers a higher level of accuracy.

How Do Football Playing Positions Differ in Body Composition? A First Insight into White Italian Serie A and Serie B Players.

The present study aimed to investigate how playing positions differ in specific body composition variables in professional soccer players with respect to specific field zones and tactical lines. Five hundred and six Serie A and B professional soccer players were included in the study and analyzed according to their playing positions: goalkeepers (GKs), central backs (CBs), fullbacks (FBs), central midfielders (MIDs), wide midfielders (WMs), attacking midfielders (AMs), second strikers (SSs), external strikers (ESs), and central forwards (CFs), as well as their field zones (central and external) and tactical lines (defensive, middle, and offensive). Anthropometrics (stature and body mass) of each player were recorded. Then, body composition was obtained by means of bioelectric impedance analysis (BIA). GKs and CFs were the tallest and heaviest players, with no differences from each other. Likewise, GKs and CFs, along with CBs, were apparently more muscular (for both upper and lower limbs) and fatter at the same time compared with the other roles. Overall, players of the defensive line (CBs and FBs), along with those playing in central field zones (CBs, MIDs, AMs, SSs, and CFs), were significantly (p < 0.05) superior in almost all anthropometric and body composition variables than those of middle and offensive line and external zones, respectively.

Are Football Players More Prone to Muscle Injury after COVID-19 Infection? The "Italian Injury Study" during the Serie a Championship.

INTRODUCTION: Football was the first sport to resume competitions after the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) lockdown and promptly the hypothesis was raised of a potential relationship between the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and musculoskeletal injuries in athletes. This study aimed to confirm the association between SARS-CoV-2 infection and muscle strain injury in a large population of elite football players and to investigate if the COVID-19 severity level could affect the risk of injury. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study involving 15 Italian professional male football teams was performed during the Italian Serie A 2020-2021 season. Injuries and SARS-CoV-2 positivity data were collected by team doctors through an online database. RESULTS: Of the 433 included players, we observed 173 SARS-CoV-2 infections and 332 indirect muscle strains. COVID-19 episodes mostly belonged to severity level I and II. The injury risk significantly increased after a COVID-19 event, by 36% (HR = 1.36, CI95% 1.05; 1.77, p-value = 0.02). The injury burden demonstrated an 86% increase (ratio = 1.86, CI95% 1.21; 2.86, p-value = 0.005) in the COVID-19 severity level II/III versus players without a previous SARS-CoV-2 infection, while level I (asymptomatic) patients showed a similar average burden (ratio = 0.92, CI95% 0.54; 1.58, p-value = 0.77). A significantly higher proportion of muscle-tendon junction injuries (40.6% vs. 27.1%, difference = 13.5%, CI95% 0.002%; 26.9%, p-value = 0.047) was found when comparing level II/III versus Non-COVID-19. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms the correlation between SARS-CoV-2 infection and indirect muscle injuries and highlights how the severity of the infection would represent an additional risk factor.

Perceptual and Biochemical Responses in Relation to Different Match-Day +2 Training Interventions in Soccer Players.

The aim of this study was to examine the impact of two different post-match training interventions on the subsequent recovery of perceptual and biochemical parameters after the game. In a crossover design, eight sub-elite players underwent a soccer-specific training (SST) and an active recovery (AR) regimen on the second day after a match (+48 h). Muscle soreness as well as muscle damage (creatine kinase, CK), inflammatory (C-reactive protein and interleukin 6), immunological (e.g., lymphocytes, neutrophils, and monocytes), and endocrine (cortisol) markers were obtained at baseline (-72 h), immediately after (0 h), and 72 h post-match (+72 h). AR promoted a higher restoration of muscle soreness values (P = 0.004, η2 p = 0.49) together with a better restoration of CK within 72 h post-match compared with SST (P = 0.04, η2 p = 0.36). Conversely, no significant (P > 0.05, η2 p < 0.91) differences were observed in the recovery timeframe of inflammatory, immunological, and endocrine responses between SST and AR. Overall, AR elicited a quicker muscle soreness and CK restoration compared to SST intervention at 72 h post-match. Such information provides novel evidence-based findings on the appropriateness of different recovery strategies and may aid to improve the practitioners' decision-making process when two consecutive games are played within 3 days.

[Employees in professional European football: comparison of the personnel structure in sports medicine, sports sciences and physiotherapy between Bundesliga, La Liga, Serie A and Premier League]. / Mitarbeiter im professionellen europäischen Fußball ­ Vergleich der Personalstruktur in der Sportmedizin, -wissenschaft und Physiotherapie zwischen der Bundesliga, La Liga, Serie A und der Premier League.

INTRODUCTION: Regional and league-specific differences in injury risk and time loss have been observed in professional European football. Besides time of play or different pre-season preparations, possible reasons may also include medical and sport-scientific support. A survey of what UEFA deems to be the best four football clubs has therefore been conducted to investigate the personnel status in the fields of medicine, physiotherapy, massage, sports science and athletic and "strength and conditioning" coaching in order to compare the Erste Bundesliga with the first leagues of the other countries. METHODS: The study is based on a survey of all 78 teams in the highest football leagues of Germany (Bundesliga), Spain (La Liga), Italy (Serie A) and England (Premier League). The teams were contacted directly and a questionnaire concerning their personnel deployment in the different fields was handed out. RESULTS: The Bundesliga was found to have a significantly lower total number of employees compared with the other European leagues (6.9 vs. 11.02; p < 0.0001). The number of physicians in the Bundesliga is significantly higher (2.2 vs. 1.76; p = 0.0259), but the number of physicians dedicating more than 80 % of their total medical practice to the team was significantly lower in the Bundesliga (0.2 vs. 1.45; < 0.0001). In the group of physiotherapists (1.8 vs. 3.6; p < 0.001), massage therapists (2.1 vs. 2.69; p = 0.0094), sports scientists (0.3 vs. 1.12; p < 0.0001) and athletic and "strength and conditioning" coaches (0.5 vs. 1.83; p < 0.0001), there were also significant differences between the staff structure in the Bundesliga compared with the grouped results of the other leagues. CONCLUSION: The personnel structure and the personnel employment in the Bundesliga in sports medicine and sports sciences differs significantly from La Liga, Serie A and the Premier League with the latter three leagues having more personnel and the personnel having closer ties to their teams. Further investigation is necessary to find out if this may be a reason for the differences in injury rates observed between these leagues. A special focus should be placed on country-specific differences in the professions including education and scope of work.

Effect of pre-season training phase on anthropometric, hormonal and fitness parameters in young soccer players.

The aims of the study were to investigate 1) the effect of 8 weeks of PSP training on anthropometrics, salivary hormones and fitness parameters in youth soccer players, 2) the correlations between fitness and hormonal parameters, and 3) the impact of the experience of the coach and his methodology of training on these parameters. Weight, height, BMI, pubertal development (PDS), salivary Cortisol (sC), salivary Testosterone (sT), salivary sDHEAS, intermittent tests (VO2max), and countermovement jump test (CMJ) modifications of 35 youth soccer players (age: 14±0 yrs; BMI: 20.8±1.8 k/m2) from two Italian clubs ("Lupa Frascati" -LF-; "Albalonga" -AL) were analysed. A significant (p<0.05) time by club effect was observed in sC (F(1,31) = 9.7, ES = 1.13), sT (F(1,31) = 4.2, ES = 0.74), CMJ (F(1,28) = 26.5, ES = 1.94), and VO2max (F(1,28) = 8.5, ES = 1.10). Statistical differences (p<0.05) in weight (F(1,32) = 25.5, ES = 0.11), sC (F(1,31) = 32.1, ES = 1.43), sT/sC ratio (F(1,31) = 10.1, ES = 0.97), sDHEAS/sC ratio (F(1,31) = 6.3, ES = 0.70), and VO2max (F(1,28) = 64.3, ES = 1.74) were found within time factor. Between clubs, differences (p<0.05) in sC (F(1,32) = 8.5, ES = 1.17), sT (F(1,31) = 4.2, ES = 0.74), CMJ (F(1,28) = 26.5, ES = 1.50), and VO2max (F(1,28) = 8.5, ES = 1.10) were found. CMJ was inversely correlated with sDHEAS (r = -0.38) before PSP, while Δ of CMJ showed significant correlations with Δ of sC (r = 0.43) and ΔVO2max was inversely correlated with ΔBMI (r = -0.54) and ΔsC (r = -0.37) in all subjects. Considering each single club, ΔVO2max showed correlations with ΔBMI (r = -0.45) in AL, while ΔCMJ showed correlations with ΔPDS (r = 0.72) in LF club. Since the PSP is often limited training time to simultaneously develop physical, technical and tactical qualities, an efficient method to distribute the training load is important in youth soccer players to increase the performance and to avoid injuries.

Dark Chocolate Intake Positively Modulates Redox Status and Markers of Muscular Damage in Elite Football Athletes: A Randomized Controlled Study.

Intensive physical exercise may cause increase oxidative stress and muscular injury in elite football athletes. The aim of this study was to exploit the effect of cocoa polyphenols on oxidative stress and muscular injuries induced by intensive physical exercise in elite football players. Oxidant/antioxidant status and markers of muscle damage were evaluated in 24 elite football players and 15 controls. Furthermore, the 24 elite football players were randomly assigned to either a dark chocolate (>85% cocoa) intake (n = 12) or a control group (n = 12) for 30 days in a randomized controlled trial. Oxidative stress, antioxidant status, and muscle damage were assessed at baseline and after 30 days of chocolate intake. Compared to controls, elite football players showed lower antioxidant power and higher oxidative stress paralleled by an increase in muscle damage markers. After 30 days of dark chocolate intake, an increased antioxidant power was found in elite athletes assuming dark chocolate. Moreover, a significant reduction in muscle damage markers (CK and LDH, p < 0.001) was observed. In the control group, no changes were observed with the exception of an increase of sNox2-dp, H2O2, and myoglobin. A simple linear regression analysis showed that sNox2-dp was associated with a significant increase in muscle damage biomarker release (p = 0.001). An in vitro study also confirmed that polyphenol extracts significantly decreased oxidative stress in murine myoblast cell line C2C12-derived. These results indicate that polyphenol-rich nutrient supplementation by means of dark chocolate positively modulates redox status and reduced exercise-induced muscular injury biomarkers in elite football athletes. This trial is registered with NCT03288623.

Safety of dorsal wrist arthroscopy portals: A magnetic resonance study.

In wrist arthroscopy, the standard dorsal portals are the most commonly used. However, their placement can be associated with injuries to the neurovascular structures of the radiocarpal joint. The present study assessed and compared the distance of commonly used dorsal portals to radial and ulnar neurovascular structures. Forty patients (20 males, 20 females) were evaluated with T1-weighted spin-echo (SE) magnetic resonance (MR) sequences. We measured the distance between 1-2 and 3-4 portals and radial vascular bundle and the nearest branch of the superficial branch of radial nerve (SBRN). We also measured the distance between 4 and 5, 6/U and 6/R and ulnar vascular bundle and the nearest branch of the dorsal ulnar nerve (DUN). The median age of patients was 39 years (95% IC 36.97-43.32 years). The 3-4 portal was farther away from the vascular structure than the 1-2 portal (P < 0.0001), 4-5 portal (P = 0.008), 6/R (P < 0.0001), and 6/U portals (P < 0.0001). Moreover, the 3-4 portal was farther away from the nerve branch than the 1-2 portal (P < 0.0001), 4-5 portal (P < 0.0001), 6/R (P < 0.0001), and 6/U portals (P < 0.0001). No statistical significant differences were found between the two genders. The 3-4 and 4-5 portals are the farthest away from the neurovascular structures, and likely reduce the risk to damage these structures. On the other hand, the 1-2 and 6/U portals likely increase the risk of neurovascular damage, because of their proximity to neurovascular structures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic study; Level III.

Preoperative local staging of endometrial cancer: the challenge of imaging techniques and serum biomarkers.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to prospectively evaluate and compare the accuracy of high-frequency TVS and of two type of MRI (dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI or diffusion-weighted MRI), in association with HE4 in preoperative endometrial cancer (EC) staging. STUDY DESIGN: Starting from January 2012 to February 2015, all patients with EC at prior endometrial biopsy, referred to the Division of Gynaecologic Oncology of the University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome, were prospectively included in the study. All of them underwent complete surgical staging hysterectomy and bilateral oophorectomy, pelvic and lumboaortic lymphadenectomy, according to 2011 NCCN guidelines. The day before surgery, patients underwent to transvaginal ultrasonography (TVS), HE4 serum dosage, and using a computer-based random procedure, to dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (Group A) or to diffusion-weighted MRI (Group B), to assess myometrial invasion and cervical involvement. RESULTS: Starting from January 2012 to February 2015, a total of 79 patients were considered for the analysis and randomly divided into Group A (n = 38) and Group B (n = 41). Regarding myometrial invasion, MRI and TVS resulted comparable in terms of preoperative detection. Concerning the cervical infiltration, the association between TVS and HE4 is characterized by a better preoperative diagnostic validity (TVS + HE4 96.3 vs. 91 % for MRI and 85 % for the TVS). CONCLUSION: Our results, even the low number of enrolled patients, are promising and may lead to a greater efficiency and lower health care costs in identifying those women who require radical surgery and pelvic lymphadenectomy and should be addressed, in specialized centers.

Phenotypical heterogeneity linked to adipose tissue dysfunction in patients with Type 2 diabetes.

Adipose tissue (AT) inflammation leads to increased free fatty acid (FFA) efflux and ectopic fat deposition, but whether AT dysfunction drives selective fat accumulation in specific sites remains unknown. The aim of the present study was to investigate the correlation between AT dysfunction, hepatic/pancreatic fat fraction (HFF, PFF) and the associated metabolic phenotype in patients with Type 2 diabetes (T2D). Sixty-five consecutive T2D patients were recruited at the Diabetes Centre of Sapienza University, Rome, Italy. The study population underwent clinical examination and blood sampling for routine biochemistry and calculation of insulin secretion [homoeostasis model assessment of insulin secretion (HOMA-ß%)] and insulin-resistance [homoeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and adipose tissue insulin resistance (ADIPO-IR)] indexes. Subcutaneous (SAT) and visceral (VAT) AT area, HFF and PFF were determined by magnetic resonance. Some 55.4% of T2D patients had non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD); they were significantly younger and more insulin-resistant than non-NAFLD subjects. ADIPO-IR was the main determinant of HFF independently of age, sex, HOMA-IR, VAT, SAT and predicted severe NAFLD with the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC)=0.796 (95% confidence interval: 0.65-0.94, P=0.001). PFF was independently associated with increased total adiposity but did not correlate with AT dysfunction, insulin resistance and secretion or NAFLD. The ADIPO-IR index was capable of predicting NAFLD independently of all confounders, whereas it did not seem to be related to intrapancreatic fat deposition; unlike HFF, higher PFF was not associated with relevant alterations in the metabolic profile. In conclusion, the presence and severity of AT dysfunction may drive ectopic fat accumulation towards specific targets, such as VAT and liver, therefore evaluation of AT dysfunction may contribute to the identification of different risk profiles among T2D patients.

Cryoablation of lung malignancies recurring close to surgical clips following surgery: Report of three cases.

BACKGROUND: Minimally ablative therapies are now available for the treatment of lung malignancies. However, selection of the appropriate technique is not always easy and requires accurate preoperative planning. AIMS: To describe the treatment of lung tumors with cryoablation. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: We report three cases of lung malignancies that recurred close to surgical clips after surgical treatment, successfully treated by cryoablation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An initial freezing cycle was performed for 10 min, followed by a 5-min thawing cycle, and an additional 10-min freezing cycle. A final 5-min thaw was necessary to remove the needle from the iceball formed during the freezing cycle. RESULTS: The procedures were completed successfully with no signs of surgical-clip misplacement, and excellent ablation of the lesions. CONCLUSION: Cryoablation is a relatively new procedure that potentially permits the local treatment of lung tumors with minimal loss of lung parenchyma.

Early intervertebral disc degeneration changes in asymptomatic weightlifters assessed by t1ρ-magnetic resonance imaging.

STUDY DESIGN: Case-control study. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate early intervertebral disc degeneration quantified by T1ρ- and T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in asymptomatic weightlifters compared with a healthy control group matched for sex and age. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Athletes consistently recruit or transfer high levels of repetitive forces through the spine, and MRI has documented a higher rate of intervertebral disc degeneration in athletes compared with matched controls. This study aims to analyze the potential role of T1ρ-MRI in the assessment of early degenerative changes occurring in intervertebral discs of young asymptomatic weightlifters compared with healthy controls. METHODS: Twenty-six asymptomatic young male weightlifters versus a sedentary control group matched for age and sex, both having no lower back pain nor any spinal symptoms, underwent MRI (1.5 T). Degenerative grade was assessed using T2-weighted images, according to the Pfirrmann scale. T1ρ mapping and values in the nucleus pulposus (n=130) were obtained. Differences in T1ρ value between among the groups and linear regression analyses with degenerative grade were determined. RESULTS: Pfirrmann degenerative grade did not show significant differences among groups. Instead, T1ρ values were significantly lower in the lumbar spine of weightlifters compared with controls (P<0.05). T1ρ values decreased linearly with degenerative grade. CONCLUSION: T1ρ values were significantly lower in athletes compared with a sedentary matched control group showing differences in intervertebral disc degeneration onset among individuals with lifestyle and environmental factors leading to back pain. T1ρ can be potentially used as a valid clinical tool to identify early changes in intervertebral disc on the verge of new emerging intervertebral discs regenerative strategies and treatments. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

Bilateral transrenal ureteral occlusion by means of n-butyl cyanoacrylate and AMPLATZER vascular plug.

AMPLATZER vascular plug is a widely used embolic agent. In the present paper, we present a case of an 86-year-old female patient who underwent bilateral ureteral occlusion by means of AMPLATZER vascular plug II coupled to n-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA) because of recurring pyelonephritis following cystectomy with subsequent bilateral ureterosigmoidostomy (sec. Mainz type II).

Role of whole-body diffusion-weighted MRI in detecting bone metastasis.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare the results of whole-body diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance (DW-MR) imaging with staging based on computed tomography (CT) and nuclear scintigraphy using Tc99m results as the standard of reference. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Seventeen patients with known malignant tumours were included in the study. The thorax and the abdomen were imaged using breath-hold diffusion-weighted imaging and T1-weighted imaging sequences in the coronal plane. Location and size of osseous metastases were documented by two experienced radiologists. Whole-body DW-MR imaging findings were compared with results obtained at skeletal scintigraphy and CT bone survey. RESULTS: The mean examination time for whole-body DW-MR imaging was 25.5 min. All bone metastases regardless of the size were identified with whole-body DW-MR imaging; MR imaging depicted more bone metastases than CT. Skeletal scintigraphy depicted osseous metastases in 13 patients (with greater sensitivity to the lower limb), whereas whole-body DW-MR imaging revealed osseous metastases in 13 patients (with greater sensitivity to the spine). DW-MR did not show good results for detection of rib cage metastases. The additional osseous metastases seen with MR imaging were confirmed at follow-up examinations and some had a change in therapy. MR identified 22% more metastatic lesions when compared to bone scintigraphy and 119% when compared to CT. Bone scintigraphy identified 80% more metastatic lesions when compared to CT. On a per-patient basis, whole-body DW-MR imaging revealed sensitivity and specificity values of 100%. CONCLUSION: Whole-body DW-MR imaging was more sensitive in the detection of osseous metastases than were skeletal scintigraphy and CT bone survey.

Temperature monitoring and lesion volume estimation during double-applicator laser-induced thermotherapy in ex vivo swine pancreas: a preliminary study.

Tissue temperature distribution plays a crucial role in the outcome of laser-induced thermotherapy (LITT), a technique employed for neoplasias removal. Since recent studies proposed LITT for pancreatic tumors treatment, assessment of temperature and of its effects around the laser applicator could be useful to define optimal laser settings. The aims of this work are temperature monitoring and measurement of ablated tissue volume in an ex vivo porcine pancreas undergoing double-applicator LITT. A three-dimensional numerical model is implemented to predict temperature rise and volumes of ablated tissue in treated pancreas. Experiments are performed to validate the model, with two modalities: (1) 12-fiber Bragg grating sensors are adopted to monitor the heating and cooling during LITT at several distances from the applicators tip, and (2) 1.5-T MR imaging is used to estimate the ablated volume. Experimental data agree with theoretical ones: at 2 mm from both applicators tips, the maximum temperature increase is approximately 60 °C downward from the tips, while it increases of about 40 °C and 30 °C, respectively, at the level and upward from the tips. This behavior occurs also at other distances, proving that the tissue downward from the tip is mostly heated. Furthermore, the estimated volume with MRI agrees with theoretical one (i.d., 0.91 ± 0.09 vs. 0.95 cm(3)). The encouraging results indicate that the model could be a suitable tool to choose the optimal laser settings, in order to control the volume of ablated tissue.

MRI role in morphological and functional assessment of the levator ani muscle: use in patients affected by stress urinary incontinence (SUI) before and after pelvic floor rehabilitation.

OBJECTIVE: Pelvic floor dysfunctions affect a very high proportion of female population. Magnetic resonance imaging is the only technique able to provide a multiplanar overview of pelvic organs and muscles without the use of ionizing radiation. The aim of our prospective study is to objectively evaluate the effectiveness of perineal re-education applying MR technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 22 patients affected by stress urinary incontinence were enrolled in our prospective study. They underwent urogynaecological, urodynamic examinations, and a questionnaire about symptoms (ICIQ-UI) to investigate the degree of their interference with daily activities. Then they underwent a morphological and dynamic MR exam. RESULTS: The pre-perineal rehabilitation MR examinations showed an asymmetry of the levator ani muscle in 87% of patients; the remaining 13% showed a muscular bilateral volume reduction. In the group with unilateral defect, the muscle total volume had values between 15 and 21 cm3. Its overall volume was 34.2% smaller on the defective side (9.28±0.26 cm3) compared to the normal side (12.64±12.31 cm3, P<0.001). In patients with a bilateral impairment, the muscle was replaced by fibro-fatty tissue, without a significant asymmetry between the two sides. The post-perineal rehabilitation MR tests showed three different degrees of response to therapy, with a "complete response" found in 67% of patients and no response in 13%. CONCLUSIONS: MR is an useful tool in the management of patients affected by stress urinary incontinence with indication for perineal rehabilitation. Its objective data allow to distinguish different types of response to therapy and, consequently, different outcomes in terms of additional treatments.

Percutaneous lung biopsies: performance of an optical CT-based navigation system with a low-dose protocol.

OBJECTIVES: To compare patients' radiation exposure, technical feasibility, imaging quality and complication rate of percutaneous lung biopsies (PLBs) performed with a low-dose (LD) CT protocol under guidance of an optical navigation system. METHODS: Fifty-two consecutive patients with suspected malignant lung lesions were enrolled and randomised into group 1 (PLBs under the guidance of the navigation system) and group 2 (PLBs under the guidance navigation system with an LD protocol). Patients' demographics, lesion features, procedure-related variables and CT image quality for group 2 were recorded and compared. RESULTS: Technical success was 100 % in both groups. The radiation dose to patients' chest was significantly lower in group 2 than in group 1 (group 1: mean TDLP 206 ± 59 mGy·cm, ~ 3.5 ± 1.0 mSv; group 2: 54.2 ± 46.2 mGy·cm, ~ 0.92 ± 0.78 mSv; P < 0.0001). The PNX rate was 12 % in group 1 and 11.1 % in group 2. The haemoptysis rate was 8.0 % in group 1 and 3.7 % in group 2. CT image quality obtained in group 2 was always rated as adequate and as excellent in 15 cases (56.0 %). CONCLUSIONS: An optical navigation system with LD CT protocol is useful for performing lung biopsies with decreased patient radiation exposure. KEY POINTS: • Navigation systems are useful tools in percutaneous imaging-guided procedures. • For lung biopsies, low-dose (LD) CT protocols may be used. • Combining LD protocols with optical CT navigation results in significantly reduced radiation exposure.

Stature estimation from scapular measurements by CT scan evaluation in an Italian population.

This study evaluated the correlation between scapula size and stature and developed standard equations in order to estimate stature by CT scan evaluation. A total of 200 healthy Italian subjects (100 men and 100 women, mean age 64.2±12.8years) underwent thoracic CT scan evaluation during pulmonary screening in our department; we measured the stature of each patient with standard anthropometric instruments and then analyzed images to calculate the longitudinal scapular length (LSL) and the transverse scapular length (TSL). The correlation between stature and each parameter measured was analyzed by dividing the population into two groups, males and females, and was examined by simple regression analysis using Pearson's correlation coefficient (r). Each anthropometric variable showed a significant difference between males and females (p value <0.001). The correlation coefficients (r-values) were LSL=0.74 and TSL=0.51 in males and LSL=0.70 and TSL=0.48 in females. In both sexes the r-values showed a significant correlation between stature and LSL. Our study demonstrates that scapulae can be used for stature estimation; in our sample LSL was found to have a better correlation with stature then TSL. hm=4.247*LSL+93.74 and hf=4.031*LSL+92.38 are the formulae that provide the most accurate stature assessment in males and females respectively.

Retrograde fluoroscopy-guided trans-urethral exchange of ureteral stents: Comparison of direct grasping vs. modified snare.

BACKGROUND: Several different techniques including guide-wire lasso, simple snare, modified snare (MS) and direct grasping (DG), are available for retrograde ureteral stent retrieval and exchange. Choice among them is not always easy and depends on many different factors, including the local level of expertise. OBJECTIVE: To compare the MS and DG during retrograde exchange of double-J ureteral stent under fluoroscopic guidance. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: 66 patients (36 men and 30 women; mean age 66.6 years) needing retrograde ureteral stent exchange were included. All stents were previously placed through an anterograde way. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Time needed to grasp each single stent was recorded as well as the complications. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Fisher's test was used to compare procedural time in both groups; P < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: 102 stents were exchanged. Mean time was 4.46 min for DG and 7.81 min for MS (P = 0.029). No significant complications were encountered. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to the MS, the DG is easier, quicker, and less expensive.