S3-Guideline non-traumatic adult femoral head necrosis.

INTRODUCTION: The treatment of adult non-traumatic avascular necrosis of the femoral head (AVN; N-ANFH) within an estimated incidence of 5000-7000 cases per annum in Germany remains a challenge. Risk factors include steroids, alcohol abuse, chemotherapy and immunosuppressive medication, but a genetic predisposition has been suggested. Early diagnosis of this often bilateral disease process is essential for successful conservative or joint preserving surgical management. In this review, we present the update German consensus S3 guideline "diagnosis and management for N-ANFH" as a concise summary. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This systematic review is based on the published literature from January 1, 1970 to April 31, 2013 (German and English language). Inclusion criteria were systematic reviews, meta-analyses and relevant peer review publications. We identified a total of 3715 related publications, of which 422 were suitable according to the SIGN criteria, but only 159 fulfilled our inclusion criteria. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Clinical suspicion of N-ANFH mandates radiographic evaluation. If radiographs are normal MRI scans are recommended, which should be evaluated according to the ARCO-classification. Differential diagnoses include transient osteoporosis, bone bruise, insufficiency fracture and destructive arthropathy. Untreated, subchondral fractures commonly occur within 2 years, during which the risk for contralateral involvement is high-thereafter unlikely. Conservative management with Ilomedin and Alendronat can be tried, but other pharmacological or physical treatments are inappropriate. No specific joint preserving procedure can be recommended, but core decompression should be considered in early stages if necrosis is <30 %. In ARCO stages IIIc or IV total hip arthroplasty (THA) should be contemplated, which offers similar outcome compared to osteoarthritis. Young age is the main risk factor for higher revision rates after THA for N-ANFH.

[S3 Guideline. Part 1: Diagnosis and Differential Diagnosis of Non-Traumatic Adult Femoral Head Necrosis]. / S3-Leitline. Teil 1: Diagnostik und Differenzialdiagnostik der atraumatischen Femurkopfnekrose (aFKN) des Erwachsenen.

Non-traumatic femoral head necrosis (FHN) is primarily a disease of the middle-aged adult. Early diagnosis, at a time with lacking or minimal clinical symptoms, is mandatory to consider conservative therapy or joint preserving operations as a therapeutic option. The new German S3 guideline about diagnosis and therapy of FHN is a cooperative effort of five professional medical societies, overall headed by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Orthopädie und Orthopädische Chirurgie (DGOOC). This review (part I/III) cites and explains the statements of the S3 guideline as agreed on the use of imaging methods for diagnosis of FHN. A diagnostic algorithm is presented. FHN clinically has to be considered in case of equivocal pain of a hip joint with a minimum of 6 weeks duration, when risk factors can be revealed, groin pain at clinical investigation, limping, pain or limitation of movement in case of load, and no obvious differential diagnoses. Is an FHN clinically suspected, primarily radiographs of the pelvis ap and a Lauenstein projection of the hip involved should be carried out. When the radiographs are normal, an MRI of the hips should follow routinely. MRI allows the diagnosis of FNH with high accuracy. Furthermore, MRI reveals the site and the size of the necrotic area involved and evaluates the integrity of the joint surface and subchondral fractures. When ARCO stage II (ARCO: Association Research Circulation Osseous) is diagnosed and MRI does not allow one to determine the joint surface with certainty, a CT of the hip joints should be performed. The S3 guideline explains and recommends the use of the ARCO classification. Although, this classification of 1993 is still largely based on radiographs, the pragmatic use of an "extended" version seems reasonable. Today, classical radiographic criteria like impression of the joint surface and subchondral fractures ("crescent sign") are better to be evaluated by MRI, in cases of subtle findings MRI is even surpassed by CT. The extent of the necrosis in the femoral head as well as the size of the surface area involved is best revealed with MRI. Additionally, in the era of cross sectional imaging a stage "0" seems obsolete. The guideline also addresses practically important considerations about the differential diagnosis of misleading MRI findings. This especially holds true for bone marrow oedema in the femoral head which may be misinterpreted. The differentiating features between FHN, transient bone marrow oedema and destructive arthropathy are discussed.

[MRI-based measurement of muscle damage after minimally invasive hip arthroplasty]. / MRT-basierte Messung des Muskelschadens nach minimal-invasiver Hüftprothesenimplantation.

Muscle trauma in minimally invasive hip arthroplasty using a direct anterior approach was assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in 25 patients preoperatively, as well as 6 months after total hip replacement. The MRI evaluation included the measurement of changes in muscle cross-sectional area (CSA = atrophy) and fatty infiltration of the muscles. Using MRI, preoperatively existing and operatively caused muscle tissue damage could be detected by assessing changes in muscle CSA and fatty infiltration. Even preoperatively, a muscular atrophy and fatty infiltration could be demonstrated in the diseased hip. Using the minimally invasive direct anterior approach, a postoperative significantly reduced CSA and significantly increased fatty degeneration was detected for the M. tensor fasciae latae and the M. glutaeus minimus. No increased damage of the M. glutaeus medius could be detected.

Whole-body multislice computed tomography (MSCT) improves trauma care in patients requiring surgery after multiple trauma.

OBJECTIVES: Whole-body multislice helical CT becomes increasingly important as a diagnostic tool in patients with multiple injuries. Time gain in multiple-trauma patients who require emergency surgery might improve outcome. The authors hypothesised that whole-body multislice computed tomography (MSCT) (MSCT trauma protocol) as the initial diagnostic tool reduces the interval to start emergency surgery (tOR) if compared to conventional radiography, combined with abdominal ultrasound and organ-focused CT (conventional trauma protocol). The second goal of the study was to investigate whether the diagnostic approach chosen has an impact on outcome. METHODS: The authors' level 1 trauma centre uses whole-body MSCT for initial radiological diagnostic work-up for patients with suspected multiple trauma. Before the introduction of MSCT in 2004, a conventional approach was used. Group I: data of trauma patients treated with conventional trauma protocol from 2001 to 2003. Group II: data from trauma patients treated with whole-body MSCT trauma protocol from 2004 to 2006. RESULTS: tOR in group I (n=155) was 120 (90-150) min (median and IQR) and 105 (85-133) min (median and IQR) in group II (n=163), respectively (p<0.05). Patients of group II had significantly more serious injuries. No difference in outcome data was found. 14 patients died in both groups within the first 30 days; five of these died within the first 24 h. CONCLUSION: A whole-body MSCT-based diagnostic approach to multiple trauma shortens the time interval to start emergency surgery in patients with multiple injuries. Mortality remained unchanged in both groups. Patients of group II were more seriously injured; an improvement of outcome might be assumed.

[Hilar cholangiocarcinoma (Klatskin's tumor): up-to-date radiologic diagnosis, intervention and treatment possibilities]. / Der Klatskin-Tumor: Moderne radiologische Diagnostik, Interventions- und Therapiemöglichkeiten.

HISTORY AND ADMISSION FINDINGS: A 53-year-old man with jaundice was referred with suspected cholangiocarcinoma of the porta hepatis. He was found to be in a reduced general and nutritional condition. Cholinesterase was decreased, total bilirubin, GOT, GPT and alkaline phosphatase were increased. INVESTIGATIONS: Abdominal contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed a centrally located and contrast-enhancing mass at the proximal common hepatic duct. Metastases were not detectable. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography showed a stenosis of the proximal common hepatic duct. An additional magnetic resonance tomography with cholangio-pancreatography confirmed the centrally located tumor as well as the stenosis of the common hepatic duct. DIAGNOSIS, TREATMENT AND COURSE: The diagnostic tests were suggestive of a stage IV cholangiocarcinoma of the porta hepatis (Klatskin's tumor). The origin was subsequently proven histologically. There was no evidence of intra- or extrahepatic metastases. An interventional embolization of the right portal vein was performed preoperatively to stimulate the growth of the left hepatic lobe. But before surgery could take place a percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography and biliary drainage had to be done followed by an extended right-sided hemihepatectomy. During a 12 month follow-up no recurrence was observed. CONCLUSION: Klatskin's tumor is rare and requires interdisciplinary collaboration. Recent developments in diagnostic, interventional and surgical methods result in a better prognosis.

Computer-assisted quantification of interstitial lung disease associated with rheumatoid arthritis: preliminary technical validation.

PURPOSE: To validate a threshold-based prototype software application (MeVis PULMO 3D) for quantification of chronic interstitial lung disease (ILD) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) using variable threshold settings for segmentation of diseased lung areas. METHODS: Twenty-two patients with rheumatoid arthritis were included and underwent thin-section CT (4x1.25mm collimation). CT scans were assessed by two observers for extent of ILD (EoILD), and twice by MeVis PULMO 3D for each protocol. MeVis PULMO 3D used four segmentation threshold (ST) settings (ST=-740, -780, -800 and -840HU). Pulmonary function tests were obtained in all patients. Statistical evaluation used 95% limits of agreement (LoA) and linear regression analysis. RESULTS: There was total concordance between the software measurements. Interobserver agreement was good (LoA=-28.36 to 17.58%). EoILD by readers correlated strongly with DL(CO) (r=-0.702, p<0.0001) and moderately with FVC (r=-0.523, p=0.018). There was close correlation between readers and MeVis PULMO 3D with best results for ST <780HU (EoILD vs. MeVis PULMO 3D: r=0.650 for ST=-800 and -840HU, respectively; p=0.002). MeVis PULMO 3D correlated best with DL(CO) at ST of -800HU (r=-0.44, -0.49, -0.58 and -0.57 for ST=-740, -780, -800 and -840, respectively; p=0.007-0.05) and moderately with FVC (r=-0.44, -0.51, -0.59 and -0.45 for ST=-740, -780, -800 and -840), respectively; p=0.007-0.05). CONCLUSION: The MeVis PULMO 3D system used holds promise to become a valuable instrument for quantification of chronic ILD in patients with RA when using the threshold value of -800HU, with evidence of the closest correlations, both with human observers and physiologic impairment.

Interstitial lung disease associated with collagen vascular disorders: disease quantification using a computer-aided diagnosis tool.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate a computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) tool compared to human observers in quantification of interstitial lung disease (ILD) in patients with collagen-vascular disorders. A total of 52 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (n=24), scleroderma (n=14) and systemic lupus erythematosus (n=14) underwent thin-section CT. Two independent observers assessed the extent of ILD (EoILD), reticulation (EoRet) and ground-glass opacity (EoGGO). CAD assessed EoILD twice. Pulmonary function tests were obtained. Statistical evaluation used 95% limits of agreement and linear regression analysis. CAD correlated well with diffusing capacity (DL(CO)) (R= -0.531, P<0.0001) and moderately with forced vital capacity (FVC) (R= -0.483, P=0.0008). There was close correlation between CAD and the readers (EoILD vs. CAD: R=0.716, P<0.0001; EoRet vs. CAD: R=0.69, P<0.0001). Subgroup analysis including patients with minimal EoGGO (<15%) strengthened the correlations between CAD and the readers, readers and PFT, and CAD and PFT. EoILD by readers correlated strongly with DL(CO) (R= -0.705, P<0.0001) and moderately with FVC (R= -0.559, P=0.0002). EoRet correlated closely with DL(CO) and moderately with FVC (DL(CO): R= -0.663; FVC: R = -0.436; P

[MRI after renal transplantation with dysfunctional allograft: are there typical diagnoses in the early and late postoperative phases?]. / MRT bei Nierentransplantatdysfunktion: Gibt es typische Diagnosen im frühen und späten postoperativen Verlauf?

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the different MRI diagnoses in the early and late post-operative period after renal transplantation with dysfunctional allograft. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Due to unknown transplant dysfunction, 49 patients (30-male, 19 female) received a total of 74 MRI studies. According to the date of examination all MRI studies were divided in an early (< or = 60 days, ETP) and a late post-transplant time period (> 60 days, LTP). All MRI studies were performed on 1.5 T MRI systems using a standardised imaging protocol consisting of a morphological (pre- and post-contrast enhanced T (1)- and T (2)-weighted TSE sequences), a vascular (contrast-enhanced 3D MRA) and a urographical part (Flash 3D sequences). Frequencies of diagnoses in ETP and LTP, and diagnoses within each transplant time period were analysed. RESULTS: 44/74 MRI studies were performed in ETP, 30/74 in LTP. In total 80 diagnoses were obtained: Renal artery stenosis (ETP, n = 21; LTP, n = 5), renal vein stenosis (ETP, n = 2), renal vein thrombosis (ETP, n = 2), renal perfusion defect (ETP, n = 11), rejection (ETP, n = 1; LTP, n = 2), abscess (ETP, n = 1), urinary outflow obstruction (LTP, n = 4), without MRI pathology (ETP, n = 11; LTP, n = 20). Renal artery stenosis was the most prevalent diagnosis in ETP, and a more frequent finding in ETP compared to LTP (p < 0.05). Renal perfusion defects were more frequent in ETP than in LTP (p < 0.05). In the ETP vascular diseases (34/49 diagnoses) were more frequent (p < 0.05) than uropathological diseases (0/49 diagnoses). CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that vascular diseases are a more frequent occurrence in the early post-operative course after renal transplantation than uropathological diseases. However, a transplant follow-up MRI study needs to contain a morphological, vascular and functional imaging part to answer combined clinical questions.

Non-invasive imaging in a rare case of main pulmonary artery aneurysm.

Report of an incidental chest X-ray finding of a large vessel dilation at the root of the ascending aorta in a 65-year-old female patient while pre-operative routine diagnostic. Due to prior allergic reaction to iodine contrast agent, non-invasive imaging was performed with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), where the rare finding of a large aneurysm of the left pulmonary artery was diagnosed. Initial considerations of a surgical intervention were turned down as no clinical symptoms or risk factors were apparent.

[Imaging of avascular necrosis of the femoral head in adults]. / Bildgebung der aseptischen Femurkopfnekrose des Erwachsenen.

The aim of diagnostic imaging procedures in avascular femoral head necrosis is to provide the patient with a stage-adapted therapy. Therefore, a differentiated diagnostic work-up is needed. Native radiography of the hip in two planes is still the first step. Over the past years, the diagnosis of femoral head necrosis has experienced tremendous improvement due to the use of MRI and CT scans. Because of these improvements the correct stage can be diagnosed early and the appropriate therapy can be initiated immediately. Today, MRI is the most sensitive diagnostic imaging procedure. CT scans can be particularly useful to exclude subchondral fractures. The use of bone scintigraphy is restricted to exceptional cases. In Europe, the ARCO classification of avascular femoral head necrosis has been widely accepted. It is essential here to define subtypes according to the localisation and the extent of the necrosis, because both have major influence on the prognosis of the disease and therefore also for the therapeutic strategy. In this overview, we describe the specific characteristics of the different diagnostic imaging procedures and illustrate them with appropriate imaging material. At the end of the article an algorithm for diagnostic imaging procedures in avascular femoral head necrosis for daily orthopaedic practice is proposed.

Accessory joints between basiocciput and atlas/axis in the median plane.

To explore the many osseous irregularities that are found in the area between the basiocciput, the anterior arch of the atlas and the tip of the dens axis we studied 99 cadaver specimens using magnetic resonance tomography (MRT), computed tomography (CT), median saw-cut sections, and histological sections. Additionally, "dry" specimens of the skull (n = 110), atlas (n = 56), and axis (n = 33) were investigated. In the median plane, the dry and cadaver specimens exhibited osteoarthritis-related osseous outgrowths and osteophytes of the articular surfaces of the median atlanto-axial joint (n = 63), and the presence of congenitally developed free ossicles (n = 22) and of third occipital condyles (n = 3). The largest osteophytes (giant osteophytes) (n = 4) of the anterior arch of the atlas formed osseous contact zones with the basiocciput that were visible histologically as real joints and were designated accessory median atlanto-occipital joints. The third occipital condyles also formed osseous contact zones, visible histologically as real joints, with the anterior arch of the atlas or with the tip of the dens, and were designated accessory atlanto-occipital or occipito-odontoid joints. Frequent free ossicles, incorporated into the accessory joint, were found by histological examination to be covered with hyaline cartilage.

[Individualized dose requirement for spiral-CT analysis of the abdomen]. / Individueller Dosisbedarf bei Spiral-CT-Untersuchungen des Abdomens.

PURPOSE: To search for individualized scan protocols that provide adequate diagnostic information with minimal radiation exposure for abdominal CT in adults. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Beginning with standard settings (120 kVp, 200 mA, 0.75 s, CTDI (w = 11.7 mGy)), which are in the lowest quartile of the actual German radiation dose survey, 119 adults were examined using a single-row detector helical CT with 8 mm collimation and a pitch of 1.5. The individualized scan protocol was defined by repeating the reference scan up to 3 times with different radiation doses following a predefined iteration scheme. The image qualities with standard dose and with individualized dose were assessed independently by 3 radiologists blinded to the exposure parameters. The individualized dose was correlated with the diameter of the patients. RESULTS: The patient diameters varied from 16 to 35 cm and correlated with individualized radiation doses CTDI (w) from 6.4 to 17.6 mGy. We found an exponential correlation (y = 52.3 x e (0.05 x); r(2) = 0.48; p < 0.001) between required tube current (mA) and a. p. diameter (cm) in the epigastric region in adults. CONCLUSION: Maintaining constant exposure parameters results in unnecessary radiation exposure in patients with a diameter of less than 27 cm measured in anterior-posterior direction in the epigastric area. The radiation exposure in adult abdominal CT can be reduced up to 45 % by individualized selection of the tube current without adversely affecting diagnostic performance.

[Deep neck infections and mediastinitis]. / Tiefe Halsinfektionen und Mediastinitis. Eine schwerwiegende Komplikation nach schwieriger endotrachealer Intubation.

Deep neck infections and subsequent mediastinitis can occur as lethal complications after endotracheal intubation. A 53 year old female patient developed a neck abscess and mediastinitis due to esophageal perforation after endotracheal intubation. Neck and mediastinal exploration were performed as primary surgical treatment in cooperation with thoracic surgeons. Drainage tubes for neck and mediastinum were inserted and irrigated frequently. The abscess cavity was re-examined twice after primary surgery. Microbiological tests were performed at regular intervals to guarantee appropriate antibiotic therapy. This case demonstrates the importance of early and extensive surgical intervention and the necessity of interdisciplinary cooperation in treating such infections.

[Osteochondral lesions of the talus -- indications for MRI with a contrast agent]. / Osteochondrale Läsionen am Talus - Indikationen zur MRT mit Kontrastmittel.

AIM: This study aims to establish the indication for a pre- and postoperative MRI examination with an intravenous contrast agent in patients with an osteochondral lesion of the talus. METHODS: 20 patients with an osteochondral lesion of the talus in the different stages according to DiPaola were prospectively examined preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively by an MRI investigation with an i. v. contrast agent. The Weber ankle score was determined pre- and postoperatively. A correlation was calculated between MRI and arthroscopic findings of an osteochondral lesion (Spearman-rho). RESULTS: There was a significant correlation among the radiological, the MRI and the arthroscopically determined locations. With regard to staging only 12 out of 20 lesions were staged correctly by MRI using arthroscopy as a gold standard. Due to metal artifacts and morphological changes the postoperative MRI could not be used for staging. CONCLUSION: A preoperative MRI investigation is indicated in patients with ankle pain of unknown origin, a normal radiograph and a suspected osteochondral lesion of the talus. MRI is not indicated to determine the localization and the stage of an osteochondral lesion. A postoperative MRI is only necessary for the exclusion of a secondary pathology.

Adrenal tumors: how to establish malignancy ?

Discerning malignancy in adrenal tumors largely influences disease management and is, therefore, of utmost importance to both patient and physician. Clinical presentation (e.g. virilization) and baseline hormonal evaluation (e.g. high serum DHEAS) are occasionally of great value but usually provide only limited help in predicting malignancy. The probability of malignancy is clearly related to tumor size, as almost all lesions <3 cm are benign whereas a diameter of >6 cm indicates a high risk of malignancy. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) both contribute significantly to the characterization of adrenal masses. If the attenuation of a homogeneous mass with smooth border is 10 Hounsfield units or less in unenhanced CT the diagnosis of a lipid rich adenoma is established. Similarly, enhancement washout of more than 50% in CT at 10-15 min suggests a benign lesion. In MRI both rapid contrast enhancement after gadolinium followed by rapid washout and signal intensity loss using opposed-phase image in chemical shift analysis also indicate the presence of an adenoma. In contrast, adrenal carcinomas--but also pheochromocytomas--typically present as inhomogeneous lesion with intermediate-to-high intensity on T2 images in MRI. Margins and enhancement after contrast media in CT are irregular in adrenal carcinoma. Other imaging techniques either offer little additional information (NP-59 scintigraphy) or have not yet been fully established (positron emission tomography). Fine needle aspiration/cut biopsy is at present restricted to patients with a known extra-adrenal malignancy and suspected adrenal metastasis as the only evidence of disseminated disease. Adrenal tumors classified as benign undergo follow-up imaging to assess tumor growth. If an increase in diameter of >1 cm is seen, surgical removal is recommended. Even after tumor removal the diagnosis of dignity may remain difficult. Diagnostic scores together with new immunohistological markers are the methods of choice to assess malignancy. In conclusion, an interdisciplinary approach with a structured use of available diagnostic tools is needed to classify adrenal tumors correctly.

[Perineal hernia: an undescribed complication following operative repair of vault vaginal prolaps]. / Ausgedehnte perineale Hernie bei Zustand nach wiederholter operativer Therapie eines Vaginalprolapses.

The presented case reports the treatment of a 80-year-old V gravida IV para suffering from a large perineal hernia and rectocele after vaginal hysterectomy and subsequently performed threefold colpocleisis due to recurrent vault vaginal prolaps.[nl]Since perioperative morbidity and mortality of geriatric patients differ not significantly from thoses of younger women age should not be used as an argument to withhold elderly organ preserving operative strategies with low recurrence rates.

Transient bone marrow edema syndrome progressing to avascular necrosis of the hip - a case report and review of the literature.

Transient bone marrow edema syndrome (TMES) is a rare disease of unknown etiology. Diagnosis is made by exclusion. There is still controversy as to whether TMES is considered to be a reversible form of avascular necrosis (AVN), a disease entity of its own or a form of non-traumatic algodystrophy. We here describe the extremely rare occurrence of three cases of TMES that progressed to AVN.