The gut microbiome modulates associations between adherence to a Mediterranean-style diet, abdominal adiposity, and C-reactive protein in population-level analysis.

BACKGROUND: Adherence to a Mediterranean-style dietary pattern is likely to have variable effects on body composition, but the impact of gut microbiome on this relationship is unknown. OBJECTIVES: To examine the potential mediating effect of the gut microbiome on the associations between Alternate Mediterranean Diet (aMed) scores, abdominal adiposity, and inflammation in population-level analysis. DESIGN: In a community-based sample aged 25 to 83 y (n = 620; 41% female) from Northern Germany, we assessed the role of the gut microbiome, sequenced from 16S rRNA genes, on the associations between aMed scores, estimated using validated food-frequency questionnaires, magnetic resonance imaging-determined visceral (VAT) and subcutaneous (SAT) adipose tissue and C-reactive protein (CRP). RESULTS: Higher aMed scores were associated with lower SAT (-0.86 L (95% CI: -1.56, -0.17), P = 0.01), VAT (-0.65 L (95% CI: -1.03,-0.27), P = 0.01) and CRP concentrations (-0.35 mg/L; ß: -20.1% (95% CI: 35.5, -1.09), P = 0.04) in the highest versus lowest tertile after multivariate adjustment. Of the taxa significantly associated with aMed scores, higher abundance of Porphyromonadaceae mediated 11.6%, 9.3%, and 8.7% of the associations with lower SAT, VAT, and CRP, respectively. Conversely, a lower abundance of Peptostreptococcaceae mediated 13.1% and 18.2% of the association with SAT and CRP levels. Of the individual components of the aMed score, moderate alcohol intake was associated with lower VAT (-0.2 (95% CI: -0.4, -0.1), P =0.01) with a higher abundance of Oxalobacteraceae and lower abundance of Burkholderiaceae explaining 8.3% and 9.6% of this association, respectively. CONCLUSION: These novel data suggest that abundance of specific taxa in the Porphyromonadaceae and Peptostreptococcaceae families may contribute to the association between aMed scores, lower abdominal adipose tissue, and inflammation.

Association of Plasma Zinc and Copper with Body Composition, Lipids and Inflammation in a Cross-Sectional General Population Sample from Germany.

We aimed to relate circulating plasma zinc and copper to a broad spectrum of adiposity-related traits in a cross-sectional Northern German study (n = 841, 42% female, age: 61 ± 12 years). Zinc and copper were measured by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Subcutaneous (SAT) and visceral (VAT) adipose tissue and liver fat were derived from 534 and 538 participants, respectively, via magnet resonance imaging. Associations were assessed using multivariable-adjusted linear regression analysis. An increase per one standard deviation (SD) in zinc was associated with direct linear increases in body mass index (BMI) (1.17%; 95% confidence interval (95%CI) 0.15-2.20%), waist circumference (0.85%; 95%CI 0.04-1.67%) and waist-to-hip ratio (0.64%; 95%CI 0.18-1.09%). A 1-SD increment in copper was directly associated with BMI (1.64%; 0.41-2.88%) and waist circumference (1.22%; 95%CI 0.25-2.20%) but not waist-to-hip ratio. Independent of fat intake, zinc displayed associations with VAT (5.73%; 95%CI 2.04-9.56%) and with liver fat (3.84%; 95%CI 1.49-6.25%), the latter association being also independent of BMI. Copper was directly associated with SAT (4.64%; 95%CI 0.31-9.15%) before accounting for BMI, but showed no association with VAT or liver fat. Observed associations suggest a possible relevance of zinc and copper to adiposity. Particularly zinc displayed associations with traits of abdominal adiposity and liver fat.

Refining critical structure contouring in STereotactic Arrhythmia Radioablation (STAR): Benchmark results and consensus guidelines from the STOPSTORM.eu consortium.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: In patients with recurrent ventricular tachycardia (VT), STereotactic Arrhythmia Radioablation (STAR) shows promising results. The STOPSTORM.eu consortium was established to investigate and harmonise STAR treatment in Europe. The primary goals of this benchmark study were to standardise contouring of organs at risk (OAR) for STAR, including detailed substructures of the heart, and accredit each participating centre. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Centres within the STOPSTORM.eu consortium were asked to delineate 31 OAR in three STAR cases. Delineation was reviewed by the consortium expert panel and after a dedicated workshop feedback and accreditation was provided to all participants. Further quantitative analysis was performed by calculating DICE similarity coefficients (DSC), median distance to agreement (MDA), and 95th percentile distance to agreement (HD95). RESULTS: Twenty centres participated in this study. Based on DSC, MDA and HD95, the delineations of well-known OAR in radiotherapy were similar, such as lungs (median DSC = 0.96, median MDA = 0.1 mm and median HD95 = 1.1 mm) and aorta (median DSC = 0.90, median MDA = 0.1 mm and median HD95 = 1.5 mm). Some centres did not include the gastro-oesophageal junction, leading to differences in stomach and oesophagus delineations. For cardiac substructures, such as chambers (median DSC = 0.83, median MDA = 0.2 mm and median HD95 = 0.5 mm), valves (median DSC = 0.16, median MDA = 4.6 mm and median HD95 = 16.0 mm), coronary arteries (median DSC = 0.4, median MDA = 0.7 mm and median HD95 = 8.3 mm) and the sinoatrial and atrioventricular nodes (median DSC = 0.29, median MDA = 4.4 mm and median HD95 = 11.4 mm), deviations between centres occurred more frequently. After the dedicated workshop all centres were accredited and contouring consensus guidelines for STAR were established. CONCLUSION: This STOPSTORM multi-centre critical structure contouring benchmark study showed high agreement for standard radiotherapy OAR. However, for cardiac substructures larger disagreement in contouring occurred, which may have significant impact on STAR treatment planning and dosimetry evaluation. To standardize OAR contouring, consensus guidelines for critical structure contouring in STAR were established.

Redefining Unilateral Pulmonary Edema after Mitral Valve Surgery on Chest X-ray Imaging Using the RALE Scoring System.

Introduction: Unilateral pulmonary edema (UPE) is a potential complication after mitral valve surgery (MVS), and its cause is not yet fully understood. Definitions are inconsistent, and previous studies have reported wide variance in the incidence of UPE. This research aims at the evaluation of the Radiographic Assessment of Lung Edema (RALE) score concerning assessment of UPE after MVS in order to provide an accurate and consistent definition of this pathology. Methods and Results: Postoperative chest X-ray images of 676 patients after MVS (minimally invasive MVS, n = 434; conventional MVS, n = 242) were retrospectively analyzed concerning presence of UPE. UPE was diagnosed only after exclusion of other pathologies up until the eighth postoperative day. RALE values were calculated for each patient. ROC analysis was performed to assess diagnostic performance. UPE was diagnosed in 18 patients (2.8%). UPE occurred significantly more often in the MI-MVS group (p = 0.045; MI-MVS n = 15; C-MVS n = 3). Postoperative RALE values for the right hemithorax (Q1 + Q2) > 12 and the right-to-left RALE difference ((Q1 + Q2) - (Q3 + Q4)) > 13 provide a sensitivity of up to 100% and 94.4% and a specificity of up to 88.4% and 94.2% for UPE detection. Conclusion: The RALE score is a practical tool for assessment of chest X-ray images after MVS with regard to UPE and provides a clear definition of UPE. In addition, it enables objective comparability when assessing of the postoperative course. The given score thresholds provide a sensitivity and specificity of up to 94%. Further, UPE after MVS seems to be a rather rare pathology with an incidence of 2.6%.

Radiosurgery for ventricular tachycardia (RAVENTA): interim analysis of a multicenter multiplatform feasibility trial.

BACKGROUND: Single-session cardiac stereotactic radiation therapy (SBRT) has demonstrated promising results for patients with refractory ventricular tachycardia (VT). However, the full safety profile of this novel treatment remains unknown and very limited data from prospective clinical multicenter trials are available. METHODS: The prospective multicenter multiplatform RAVENTA (radiosurgery for ventricular tachycardia) study assesses high-precision image-guided cardiac SBRT with 25 Gy delivered to the VT substrate determined by high-definition endocardial and/or epicardial electrophysiological mapping in patients with refractory VT ineligible for catheter ablation and an implanted cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). Primary endpoint is the feasibility of full-dose application and procedural safety (defined as an incidence of serious [grade ≥ 3] treatment-related complications ≤ 5% within 30 days after therapy). Secondary endpoints comprise VT burden, ICD interventions, treatment-related toxicity, and quality of life. We present the results of a protocol-defined interim analysis. RESULTS: Between 10/2019 and 12/2021, a total of five patients were included at three university medical centers. In all cases, the treatment was carried out without complications. There were no serious potentially treatment-related adverse events and no deterioration of left ventricular ejection fraction upon echocardiography. Three patients had a decrease in VT episodes during follow-up. One patient underwent subsequent catheter ablation for a new VT with different morphology. One patient with local VT recurrence died 6 weeks after treatment in cardiogenic shock. CONCLUSION: The interim analysis of the RAVENTA trial demonstrates early initial feasibility of this new treatment without serious complications within 30 days after treatment in five patients. Recruitment will continue as planned and the study has been expanded to further university medical centers. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT03867747 (clinicaltrials.gov). Registered March 8, 2019. Study start: October 1, 2019.

Clinical Value of Using Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback Before Elective CT Coronary Angiography to Reduce Heart Rate and the Need for Beta-Blockers.

The value of biofeedback before elective coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) to reduce patients' heart rates (HR) was investigated in the current work. Sixty patients who received CCTA to exclude coronary artery disease were included in our study and separated into two groups: with biofeedback (W-BF) and without biofeedback (WO-BF). The W-BF group used a biofeedback device for 15 min before CCTA. HR was determined in each patient at four measurement time points (MTP): during the pre-examination interview (MTP1), positioning on the CT patient table before CCTA (MTP2), during CCTA image acquisition (MTP3), and after completing CCTA (MTP4). If necessary, beta-blockers were administered in both groups after MTP2 until a HR of less than 65 bpm was achieved. Two board-certified radiologists subsequently assessed the image quality and analyzed the findings. Overall, the need for beta-blockers was significantly lower in patients in the W-BF group than the WO-BF group (p = 0.032). In patients with a HR of 81-90, beta-blockers were not required in four of six cases in the W-BF group, whereas in the WO-BF group all patients needed beta-blockers (p = 0.03). The amount of HR reduction between MTP1 and MTP2 was significantly higher in the W-BF compared to the WO-BF group (p = 0.028). There was no significant difference between the W-BF and WO-BF groups regarding image quality (p = 0.179). By using biofeedback prior to elective CCTA, beta-blocker use could be decreased without compromising CT image quality and analysis, especially in patients with an initial HR of 81-90 bpm.

Spectral cardiac CT in acute stroke patients.

Cardiac CT obtained in acute ischemic stroke patients can facilitate timely detection of cardiac sources of embolism and guide secondary prevention strategies. Spectral CT exploiting the simultaneous acquisition of separate higher-energy and lower-energy photon spectrum datasets has the potential to improve contrast between thrombi and cardiac structures. This study aimed to investigate the diagnostic value of spectral cardiac CT compared to conventional CT for the detection of cardiac thrombi in acute stroke patients. Patients with acute ischemic stroke undergoing spectral cardiac CT were retrospectively included. Conventional CT images, virtual 55 keV monoenergetic (monoE55), z-effective (zeff), and iodine density images were evaluated for the presence of thrombi. Diagnostic certainty was rated on a 5-point Likert scale. Contrast ratios were calculated for all reconstructions. 63 patients with 20 thrombi were included. Four thrombi were missed on conventional images but detected on spectral reconstructions. MonoE55 achieved the highest scores for diagnostic certainty. Contrast ratios were highest on iodine density images, followed by monoE55, conventional and zeff (p < 0.005). Spectral cardiac CT adds diagnostic benefit for the detection of intra-cardiac thrombi in acute ischemic stroke patients compared to conventional CT.

Long-term characterization of MRI-morphologic alterations after active motion-compensated liver SBRT: a multi-institutional pooled analysis.

BACKGROUND: Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) is an effective therapeutic approach in patients with liver metastases. However, long-term changes in hepatic normal tissue have to be taken into account in multimodal treatment regimes. Magnetic-resonance-imaging (MRI) based morphologic liver alterations (MMA) after liver SBRT have been analyzed longitudinally. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 57 patients treated with gantry-based or robotic-based SBRT of 69 treatment volumes of liver metastases, who had long-term follow-up (FU) ≥6 months were included in this retrospective analysis. Post-SBRT MMAs were contoured on each contrast-enhanced-T1-weighted (T1w) MRI-sequence. Morphologic/volumetric data of the liver and MMAs were evaluated longitudinally, including the dependency on treatment-related factors of the planning target volume (PTV) and liver. RESULTS: The median FU time was 1 year [6-48 months]. 66 of 69 treatment volumes developed MMAs (mean 143.8 ± 135.1 ccm at first appearance). 31.8% of MMAs resolved completely during FU. Of the persisting MMAs 82.2%/13.3% decreased/increased in size until last available FU. Morphological characterization of the MMAs at first appearance included 75% hypointense and 25% hyperintense T1w-MRI-based appearances. Hypointense as compared to hyperintense appearance was significantly associated with a higher mean liver dose EQD2α/ß=3 Gy (p = 0.0212) and non-significantly greater MMA size. Variance analysis demonstrated a significant reduction of MMA and total liver volume after SBRT (p < 0.0001). The volume reduction decelerated longitudinally for both MMA (p < 0.0001) and liver size (p = 0.0033). Radiation doses (PTV-BEDα/ß=3 Gy and 10 Gy) were not significantly associated with MMA volume reduction. SBRT of liver metastases with mean liver dose EQD2α/ß=3 Gy > 18 Gy were characterized by greater MMA volumes (p = 0.0826) and steeper MMA reduction gradients during FU than those with EQD2α/ß=3 Gy ≤ 18 Gy (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Radiogenic MMAs either completely resolve or usually decrease in volume with pronounced reduction during short-term FU. This course was independent of the MMA's morphological appearance. Further, increased mean liver dose was associated with greater MMA size and a greater gradient of MMA size reduction during FU.

Determinants of bone mass in older adults with normal- and overweight derived from the crosstalk with muscle and adipose tissue.

Lower bone mass in older adults may be mediated by the endocrine crosstalk between muscle, adipose tissue and bone. In 150 community-dwelling adults (59-86 years, BMI 17-37 kg/m2; 58.7% female), skeletal muscle mass index, adipose tissue and fat mass index (FMI) were determined. Levels of myokines, adipokines, osteokines, inflammation markers and insulin were measured as potential determinants of bone mineral content (BMC) and density (BMD). FMI was negatively associated with BMC and BMD after adjustment for mechanical loading effects of body weight (r-values between -0.37 and -0.71, all p < 0.05). Higher FMI was associated with higher leptin levels in both sexes, with higher hsCRP in women and with lower adiponectin levels in men. In addition to weight and FMI, sclerostin, osteocalcin, leptin × sex and adiponectin were independent predictors of BMC in a stepwise multiple regression analysis. Muscle mass, but not myokines, showed positive correlations with bone parameters that were weakened after adjusting for body weight (r-values between 0.27 and 0.58, all p < 0.01). Whereas the anabolic effect of muscle mass on bone in older adults may be partly explained by mechanical loading, the adverse effect of obesity on bone is possibly mediated by low-grade inflammation, higher leptin and lower adiponectin levels.

Analysis of the adiponectin paradox in healthy older people.

BACKGROUND: It remains unknown why adiponectin levels are associated with poor physical functioning, skeletal muscle mass and increased mortality in older populations. METHODS: In 190 healthy adults (59-86 years, BMI 17-37 kg/m2 , 56.8% female), whole body skeletal muscle mass (normalized by height, SMI, kg/m2 ), muscle and liver fat were determined by magnetic resonance imaging. Bone mineral content (BMC) and density (BMD) were assessed by dual X-ray absorptiometry (n = 135). Levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), insulin, inflammation markers, leptin and fibroblast growth factor 21 were measured as potential determinants of the relationship between adiponectin and body composition. RESULTS: Higher adiponectin levels were associated with a lower SMI (r = -0.23, P < 0.01), BMC (r = -0.17, P < 0.05) and liver fat (r = -0.20, P < 0.05) in the total population and with higher muscle fat in women (r = 0.27, P < 0.01). By contrast, IGF-1 showed positive correlations with SMI (r = 0.33), BMD (r = 0.37) and BMC (r = 0.33) (all P < 0.01) and a negative correlation with muscle fat (r = -0.17, P < 0.05). IGF-1 was negatively associated with age (r = -0.21, P < 0.01) and with adiponectin (r = -0.15, P < 0.05). Stepwise regression analyses revealed that IGF-1, insulin and leptin explained 18% of the variance in SMI, and IGF-1, leptin and age explained 16% of the variance in BMC, whereas adiponectin did not contribute to these models. CONCLUSIONS: Associations between higher adiponectin levels and lower muscle or bone mass in healthy older adults may be explained by a decrease in IGF-1 with increasing adiponectin levels.

Clinical Evaluation of Non-Contrast-Enhanced Radial Quiescent-Interval Slice-Selective (QISS) Magnetic Resonance Angiography in Comparison to Contrast-Enhanced Computed Tomography Angiography for the Evaluation of Endoleaks after Abdominal Endovascular Aneurysm Repair.

PURPOSE: Contrast-enhanced (CE) angiographic techniques, such as computed tomographic angiography (CE-CTA), are most commonly used for follow-up imaging after endovascular aneurysm repair. In this study, CE-CTA and non-CE QISS-MRA were compared for the first time for assessing endoleaks and aneurysms at follow-up after abdominal EVAR. METHODS: Our study included 20 patients (17 male, median age 79.8 years) who underwent radial QISS-MRA and CE-CTA after EVAR at their first follow-up examination. Two interventional radiologists evaluated datasets from both techniques in each patient concerning presence of endoleaks, types of endoleaks, aneurysm diameter, and image quality. Interobserver and intermodal agreement were assessed with Cohen's Kappa. RESULTS: Image quality was rated as excellent or good for both modalities by both observers. Ferromagnetic embolization materials cause hyperdense artifacts in CE-CTA causing aneurysm sac diameter measurements to be inaccurate by up to 1 cm. Type 2 endoleaks with low-flow characteristics in CE-CTA were overlooked compared to radial QISS-MRA. Compared to CE-CTA, all endoleaks after abdominal EVAR were detected and classified correctly on QISS-MRA. The interobserver agreement between CE-CTA and QISS-MRA was almost perfect, except for type 2 endoleaks, where agreement was substantial. Intermodal aneurysm diameter correlate "very strongly" for both observers. CONCLUSIONS: Radial QISS-MRA is a contrast agent free technique for diagnosing and monitoring all types of endoleaks and aneurysms in patients after abdominal EVAR. It provides information about specific clinical questions concerning aneurysm diameter and presence and types of endoleaks without radiation exposure and the side effects associated with iodine-based contrast agents.

TAVR for All? The Surgical Perspective.

In spite of the noninferiority of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in high- and intermediate-risk patients, there are still obstacles that need to be overcome before the procedure is further expanded and clinically integrated. The lack of evidence on the long-term durability of the bioprostheses used for TAVR remains of particular concern. In addition, surgery may be preferred over TAVR in patients with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) or with concomitant pathologies such as other valve diseases (mitral regurgitation/tricuspid regurgitation), aortopathy, and coronary artery disease. In this review, we discuss and summarize relevant data from clinical trials, current trends, and remaining obstacles, and provide our perspective on the indications for the expansion of TAVR.

Magnetic resonance imaging-based diagnosis of aortitis preceding development of a thoracic aneurysm in a patient with giant cell arteritis: a case report.

Background: Inflammatory manifestation in the aortic arch can be a complication of giant cell arteritis (GCA), potentially requiring surgical therapy in the case of aneurysmatic dilatation. Case summary: We report the case of a 73-year-old female patient with GCA in whom a typical appearance of arteritis was visualized on magnetic resonance imaging of the superficial temporal arteries. Additionally, ectasia (4.7 cm) of the ascending aorta with a mural rim of increased contrast media uptake was detected at the time of the initial diagnosis, which is an indicator of aortitis. While the diameter had only minimally increased in a computed tomography angiography (CTA) examination after 8 months, a subsequent CTA revealed an increased diameter of 5.8 cm and maximum at the level of the ascending aorta another 22 months later, indicating urgent surgery to replace the ascending aorta. Discussion: Magnetic resonance imaging can detect silent, generalized manifestations of GCA such as severe aortitis, which may possibly lead to aneurysmatic dilatation, urging closer follow-up imaging. Detection of the ongoing process and subsequent follow-up imaging protects patients by avoiding rupture.

Extensive intrathoracic and intraperitoneal splenosis mimicking mesothelioma: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Splenosis is the heterotopic autotransplantation of splenic tissue after severe splenic trauma and/or splenectomy. The epidemiology is elusive, but splenosis is frequently misdiagnosed as malignant tumors of gastrointestinal, gynecological, or hematological origin before the correct diagnosis is ultimately found. We herein report a rare case of combined, extensive intraabdominal and intrathoracic splenosis initially presenting as pleural mesothelioma. CASE PRESENTATION: A 63-year-old Caucasian male presented with dyspnea and recurring thoracic pain. Initial X-ray and computed tomography scans showed disseminated intrathoracic and intraabdominal lesions. Consequently, thoracoabdominal mesothelioma or a polytopically metastasized cancer of unknown origin was suspected. A thorough examination of the patient's medical history and contrast-enhanced ultrasound by a skilled examiner revealed the diagnosis of extensive abdominal and thoracic splenosis as a consequence of an abdominal gunshot wound with a ruptured diaphragm several decades earlier. Timely diagnosis by noninvasive measures prevented the patient from potential complications of harmful diagnostic procedures, including nuclear imaging and biopsies. The patient is currently treated for hepatitis C and chronic obstructive lung disease, whereas no specific treatment for splenosis is required. CONCLUSIONS: We present a case of rare intrathoracic and intraperitoneal splenosis mimicking mesothelioma. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound and thorough patient history were used for diagnosis and prevented this patient from having to undergo potentially harmful diagnostics. Splenosis can occur after splenic trauma and, consequently, needs to be considered as a rare differential diagnosis to malignant tumors of various origins when a matching patient history is obtained.

Non-contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging for characterization of Fontan associated liver disease.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the ability of non-contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques to characterize Fontan associated liver disease (FALD) in adolescent and adult Fontan patients. METHODS: Fontan patients (n = 29) and healthy controls (n = 13) underwent an MRI protocol with T1, T2 and Apparent Diffusion Coefficient (ADC) mapping. Routine FALD screening included abdominal ultrasound and laboratory testing. RESULTS: Median follow-up after Fontan operation was 15.1 (IQR 12.0-16.8) years. Distinct differences in tissue characteristics were visualized. T1 and T2 relaxation times were prolonged in Fontan patients, particularly of the right lobe (T1: 745 (IQR 715-784) ms vs. 586 (IQR 555-602) ms, p < 0.001; T2: 63 (IQR 59-64) ms vs. 58 (IQR 56-60) ms, p = 0.002). Left lobe ADC was lower in Fontan patients (1.10 (IQR 1.06-1.18) x 10-3 mm2/s vs. 1.23 (IQR 1.19-1.29) x 10-3 mm2/s, p < 0.001). T2 mapping was able to differentiate between controls and Fontan patients with different FALD severity. Right lobe T2 was higher in patients with moderate or severe in comparison to those with no or mild changes and healthy controls (64 (IQR 61-67) ms vs. 60 (IQR 59-63) ms vs. 58 (IQR 56-60) ms, p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Non-contrast enhanced MRI methods are able to visualize regional differences in liver tissue characteristics. T1 and T2 relaxation times were prolonged in Fontan patients suggestive of fibrosis or congestive hepatopathy, while reduced ADC might reflect impaired microperfusion. These methods have promising clinical potential for detection of liver abnormalities in Fontan patients. The usefulness of T2 mapping to grade FALD severity merits further investigation.

Does the primary soft-tissue sarcoma configuration predict configuration of recurrent tumors on magnetic resonance imaging?

BACKGROUND: Soft-tissue sarcomas (STS) are rare malignancies of the soft tissue. PURPOSE: To assess whether the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) configuration of primary STS can predict the configuration of a recurring tumor and whether the MRI configuration of multiple recurrences differs in one and the same patient. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty-nine patients with histologically proven recurrent STS were included in this retrospective study and underwent pre- and post-treatment MRI. Three main configurations of primary and recurrent tumors were identified: polycyclic/multilobulated; ovoid/nodular; and streaky. RESULTS: Sixty recurrent lesions were detected: 34 ovoid/nodular; 15 polycyclic/multilobulated; and 11 streaky. Five recurrences were multifocal and eight were bifocal. Of 39 patients, 28 (71.8%) presented one recurrence within the MRI follow-up period (P = 0.006); in 10 patients (25.6%), up to three different configurations of recurring STS were identified in one patient. Recurrences of polycyclic/multilobulated primaries were mostly ovoid/nodular (48%; P = 0.003) or polycyclic/multilobulated (37%; P = 0.014), and recurring ovoid/nodular STS significantly most often showed the same configuration as the primary tumor (85%; P < 0.001). Primary STS with a streaky configuration recurred in all three configurations in roughly equal proportions. Homogeneity/heterogeneity and tumor borders are significantly associated with the configuration of recurrences. CONCLUSION: Primary STS configuration may help predict recurrent tumor configuration when the primary STS had a polycyclic/multilobulated or ovoid/nodular configuration. However, recurrent STS configuration can also differ from primary STS configuration, especially when the primary STS had a streaky configuration, rendering recurrent STS difficult to predict. Different configurations of recurrent STS in one and the same patient are common.