Physical activity increases synovial fluid in ankle tendon sheaths: an adjustment of MR Criteria is needed.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the amount of fluid in synovial sheaths of the ankle before and after running. Our hypothesis was that this amount would increase and that the threshold for what is normally acceptable should be adjusted after physical activity. METHODS: Twenty-one healthy volunteers (n = 42 ankles) ran for 40 min on a treadmill. They underwent 3 T MRI before and immediately after running using a dedicated ankle coil. The images were stored and subsequently measured in a standardized way and independently read by two readers for fluid in the tendon sheaths in the retro and inframalleolar area. Statistics were performed for each tendon (Wilcoxon signed rank test), and also for the pooled data. Intraclass correlation coefficients were calculated. RESULTS: For reader 1, for all tendons the values after running increased without reaching statistical significance. For reader 2 this was not the case for all tendons but for most. When all the data were pooled (n = 800 measurements), the statistical difference before and after running was significant (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Data pre and post-running show a trend of increasing synovial fluid, however, not significant for each individual tendon. The pooled data for all tendons, (n = 800) show a statistically significant increase after running (p < 0.001). The clinical implication is that the threshold for normally acceptable fluid should be adjusted if the patient undergoes an MR study after recent physical activity.

Improved automated early detection of breast cancer based on high resolution 3D micro-CT microcalcification images.

BACKGROUND: The detection of suspicious microcalcifications on mammography represents one of the earliest signs of a malignant breast tumor. Assessing microcalcifications' characteristics based on their appearance on 2D breast imaging modalities is in many cases challenging for radiologists. The aims of this study were to: (a) analyse the association of shape and texture properties of breast microcalcifications (extracted by scanning breast tissue with a high resolution 3D scanner) with malignancy, (b) evaluate microcalcifications' potential to diagnose benign/malignant patients. METHODS: Biopsy samples of 94 female patients with suspicious microcalcifications detected during a mammography, were scanned using a micro-CT scanner at a resolution of 9 µm. Several preprocessing techniques were applied on 3504 extracted microcalcifications. A high amount of radiomic features were extracted in an attempt to capture differences among microcalcifications occurring in benign and malignant lesions. Machine learning algorithms were used to diagnose: (a) individual microcalcifications, (b) samples. For the samples, several methodologies to combine individual microcalcification results into sample results were evaluated. RESULTS: We could classify individual microcalcifications with 77.32% accuracy, 61.15% sensitivity and 89.76% specificity. At the sample level diagnosis, we achieved an accuracy of 84.04%, sensitivity of 86.27% and specificity of 81.39%. CONCLUSIONS: By studying microcalcifications' characteristics at a level of details beyond what is currently possible by using conventional breast imaging modalities, our classification results demonstrated a strong association between breast microcalcifications and malignancies. Microcalcification's texture features extracted in transform domains, have higher discriminating power to classify benign/malignant individual microcalcifications and samples compared to pure shape-features.

Repeatability and reproducibility of ADC measurements: a prospective multicenter whole-body-MRI study.

OBJECTIVES: Multicenter oncology trials increasingly include MRI examinations with apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) quantification for lesion characterization and follow-up. However, the repeatability and reproducibility (R&R) limits above which a true change in ADC can be considered relevant are poorly defined. This study assessed these limits in a standardized whole-body (WB)-MRI protocol. METHODS: A prospective, multicenter study was performed at three centers equipped with the same 3.0-T scanners to test a WB-MRI protocol including diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). Eight healthy volunteers per center were enrolled to undergo test and retest examinations in the same center and a third examination in another center. ADC variability was assessed in multiple organs by two readers using two-way mixed ANOVA, Bland-Altman plots, coefficient of variation (CoV), and the upper limit of the 95% CI on repeatability (RC) and reproducibility (RDC) coefficients. RESULTS: CoV of ADC was not influenced by other factors (center, reader) than the organ. Based on the upper limit of the 95% CI on RC and RDC (from both readers), a change in ADC in an individual patient must be superior to 12% (cerebrum white matter), 16% (paraspinal muscle), 22% (renal cortex), 26% (central and peripheral zones of the prostate), 29% (renal medulla), 35% (liver), 45% (spleen), 50% (posterior iliac crest), 66% (L5 vertebra), 68% (femur), and 94% (acetabulum) to be significant. CONCLUSIONS: This study proposes R&R limits above which ADC changes can be considered as a reliable quantitative endpoint to assess disease or treatment-related changes in the tissue microstructure in the setting of multicenter WB-MRI trials. KEY POINTS: • The present study showed the range of R&R of ADC in WB-MRI that may be achieved in a multicenter framework when a standardized protocol is deployed. • R&R was not influenced by the site of acquisition of DW images. • Clinically significant changes in ADC measured in a multicenter WB-MRI protocol performed with the same type of MRI scanner must be superior to 12% (cerebrum white matter), 16% (paraspinal muscle), 22% (renal cortex), 26% (central zone and peripheral zone of prostate), 29% (renal medulla), 35% (liver), 45% (spleen), 50% (posterior iliac crest), 66% (L5 vertebra), 68% (femur), and 94% (acetabulum) to be detected with a 95% confidence level.

Pseudo-tear appearance of the Achilles tendon on MR imaging in normal volunteers.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to confirm our clinical observation that a pseudo-tear appearance of the Achilles tendon is commonly seen on MRI and is of no clinical relevance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-one ankles were imaged on a 3 T MR system, and PD weighted images with fat saturation were obtained in three orthogonal planes (TR, 2969 ms; TE, 30 ms; NA, 2; slice thickness, 2.5 mm). Volunteer exclusion criteria were symptoms of Achilles tendon pathology (such as acute or chronic posterior heel pain), history of trauma or surgery of the Achilles tendon. Internal signal of the Achilles tendon on axial and sagittal images was assessed independently by two observers. Internal signal of the Achilles tendon was classified from homogenously dark to different degree of hyperintense signal, where 0 means no internal hyperintensity, 1-minimal hyperintensity, 2-moderate and 3-marked. Descriptive statistics were calculated. Correlation between the two readers was also assessed. Two fresh cadavers were used in this study, one specimen being sliced in the sagittal plane and one specimen being dissected by an experienced anatomist. RESULTS: Twenty one volunteers (8 men, 13 women), mean age of 24.7 years (19-43 years) were included in the study. On sagittal images both raters appreciated any degree of hyperintense signal in 59% of tendons. On axial images any degree of hyperintensity was seen in almost half of the cases (46 vs. 49%). Minimal hyperintensities were seen most commonly. Cohen's kappa coefficient for sagittal images was 0.964 (almost perfect agreement); for axial images 0.764 (substantial agreement). The anatomical studies demonstrated that the Achilles tendon is made up of different components that are partially separated and twist around each other explaining the pseudo-tear appearance. CONCLUSION: The Achilles tendon is frequently not homogenously dark in normal volunteers as would be expected. Hyperintense signal is common in the long and short axis and related to the underlying anatomical features.

Fluid distribution in ankle tendon sheaths in healthy volunteers: MRI findings.

PURPOSE: To assess normal distribution of fluid in the tendon sheaths of the ankle. METHODS: 21 healthy volunteers were evaluated. Bilateral ankle MRI was performed on a 3T unit with PD-weighted images with fat saturation. The images were interpreted by two radiologists separately, and the short-axis dimension of fluid amount was measured. Bland-Altman plots and correlation plots were used to assess consistency between readers. RESULTS: There were 13 men and 8 women. The mean age was 24.7 years. Fluid in the retromalleolar part of the peroneus longus was seen in three ankles of three volunteers and in the inframalleolar part in three ankles of three volunteers. Fluid in the retromalleolar part of the peroneus brevis was seen in four ankles of three volunteers and in the inframalleolar part in three ankles of two volunteers. Fluid in the retromalleolar part of the tibialis posterior was seen in 37 ankles of 20 volunteers and in the inframalleolar part in 38 ankles of 21 volunteers Fluid in the retromalleolar part of the flexor digitorum was seen in 14 ankles of eight volunteers and in the inframalleolar part in 11 ankles of eight volunteers Fluid in the retromalleolar part of the flexor hallucis longus was seen in 23 ankles of 16 volunteers and in the inframalleolar part in 17 ankles of 11 volunteers. CONCLUSION: Fluid is common in the retro- and inframalleolar parts of the medial tendons. Fluid is virtually absent in the peroneal tendons and anterior tendon sheaths in normal volunteers.

Pseudo-tear appearance of the posterior tibiotalar ligament on fluid-sensitive sequences.

PURPOSE: This study aimed at studying the MR imaging appearance of the tibiotalar ligament in asymptomatic volunteers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fourty-two ankles were imaged on a 3T MR system using proton density weighted images with fat saturation (TR, 2969 ms; TE 30 ms; NA, 2; slice thickness, 2.5 mm). Subjects with acute ankle conditions or history of previous trauma were not included in the study group. Images were obtained in the three orthogonal planes. The posterior tibiotalar ligament was assessed on coronal imaging, by consensus of two radiologists. The signal intensity was recorded as isointense, hypointense, or hyperintense relative to muscle. The morphology of the ligament was classified as homogenous or striated. Descriptive statistics were obtained. RESULTS: There were 8 men and 14 women with a mean age of 24.7 years (range 19-43 years). The ligaments were classified as hyperintense in 30/42 (70%) of ankles and isointense in 9/42 (21%) of ankles. A striated appearance was seen in 34/42 (80%) of ankles. CONCLUSION: The posterior deep deltoid ligament is commonly hyperintense. It is usually striated although it can be homogeneously hyperintense. This appearance simulates a tear.

Fluid distribution in ankle and midfoot joints: MR findings in asymptomatic volunteers.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to assess the amount of fluid in the joints of the ankle and midfoot on MR imaging in asymptomatic volunteers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-one healthy asymptomatic volunteers (42 ankles) were evaluated with MRI imaging. There were 13 men and 8 women. The mean age was 24.7 years (19-42 years). MR imaging was performed on a 3T MR system using proton density weighted images with fat saturation (TR 2969, TE 30 ms, NA 2, slice thickness 2.5 mm). Images were obtained in three orthogonal planes. The images were interpreted by two radiologists in two sessions. The maximum size of the joint effusion was measured in one plane. Descriptive statistics and variation between interpretation sessions were calculated. RESULTS: Fluid in the anterior tibiotalar joint had a mean size of 2.0 mm (0.0-5.5 mm), in the posterior tibiotalar joint 3.1 mm (0.0-6.3 mm), in the talonavicular joint 0.7 mm (0.0-2.9 mm), and in the anterolateral recess 2.0 mm (0.0-4.3 mm). Fluid in the posterior aspect of the posterior subtalar joint had a mean size of 2.6 mm (0.0-9.4 mm), in the anterior aspect of the posterior subtalar joint 1.9 mm (0.0-6.6 mm), at the middle subtalar joint 0.1 mm (0.0-1.7 mm), and at the anterior subtalar joint 1.6 mm (0.0-6.0 mm). Fluid in the tibiofibular joint had a mean height of 8.1 mm (0.0-16.4 mm). CONCLUSION: In asymptomatic volunteers, moderate to large amounts of fluid were common in all joint recesses of ankle and midfoot, and most pronounced in the anterior and posterior tibiotalar joint, anterolateral recess, and posterior subtalar joint. This should not be mistaken for evidence of a pathological condition.

Bone scan findings in erythromelalgia.

The use of hyaluronic acid nanoshells has been proposed to encapsulate prodrugs and exploit the mechanisms of interactions between living cells, like endocytes or cancer cells and hyaluronic acid, which is a natural component of the extracellular matrix. In this review we describe the potential and the limits of this promising research trend and discuss the theoretical advantages of such an engineering approach. Is it a possible scalability to increase the efficacy and biodegradability of molecules like contrast media and radiotracers especially for neuroradiology and nuclear medicine studies.

Potential Heating Effect in the Gravid Uterus by Using 3-T MR Imaging Protocols: Experimental Study in Miniature Pigs.

Purpose To determine the changes in temperature within the gravid miniature pig uterus during magnetic resonance (MR) imaging at 3 T. Materials and Methods The study received ethics committee approval for animal experimentation. Fiber-optic temperature sensors were inserted into the fetal brain, abdomen, bladder, and amniotic fluid of miniature pigs (second trimester, n = 2; third trimester, n = 2). In the first trimester (n = 2), the sensors were inserted only into the amniotic fluid (three sacs per miniature pig, for a total of six sacs). Imaging was performed with a 3-T MR imager by using different imaging protocols in a random order for animal, each lasting approximately 15 minutes. The first regimen consisted of common sequences used for human fetal MR examination, including normal specific absorption rate (SAR). The second regimen consisted of five low-SAR sequences, for which three gradient-echo sequences were interspersed with two diffusion-weighted imaging series. Finally, a high-SAR regimen maximized the radiofrequency energy deposition (constrained by the 2-W per kilogram of body weight SAR limitations) by using five single-shot turbo spin-echo sequences. Differences in temperature increases between the three regimens and between the three trimesters were evaluated by using one-way analysis of variance. The maximum cumulative temperature increase over 1 hour was also evaluated. Results Low-SAR regimens resulted in the lowest temperature increase (mean ± standard deviation, -0.03°C ± 0.20), normal regimens resulted in an intermediate increase (0.31°C ± 0.21), and high-SAR regimens resulted in the highest increase (0.56°C ± 0.20) (P < .0001). Mean temperature increase in the third trimester was 0.38°C ± 0.27, with no significant differences compared with the first (0.23°C ± 0.27) and second (0.25°C ± 0.32) trimesters (P = .07). The cumulative temperature increase over 1-hour imaging time with high SAR can reach 2.5°C. Conclusion In pregnant miniature pigs, the use of 3-T magnets for diagnostic MR imaging with normal SAR regimens does not lead to temperature increases above 1°C if imaging time is kept below 30 minutes. Longer imaging time, especially with high-SAR regimens, can lead to an increase of 2.5°C. (©) RSNA, 2015 Online supplemental material is available for this article.

High-resolution CT of the sternoclavicular joint and first costochondral synchondrosis in asymptomatic individuals.

OBJECTIVE: To assess CT features of the sternoclavicular joint (SCJ) and first costochondral junction in asymptomatic patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 66 patients transverse and coronal oblique high-resolution multiple detector CT images of the SCJ and first costochondral junction were obtained. Images were reviewed by consensus of two radiologists. Joint space width was measured at three levels, and osteophytes, geodes, and erosions were evaluated. Variants and degree of ossification were noted. Statistical analysis consisted of Shapiro-Wilk test, Pearson's test, and paired sample t test. RESULTS: There were 34 men and 32 women with a mean age of 60 years (age range, 17-98 years). The width of the joint spaces showed a normal distribution. There was no significant difference between the left and right sides. On coronal images the joint space was wider superiorly and on transverse images posteriorly. There was a trend toward decreasing joint space with age, although it did not reach significance (p > 0.05). Clavicular osteophytes were seen in 16 out of 66 patients (24 %) and sternal osteophytes in 16 out of 66 patients. Clavicular geodes were seen in 10 out of 66 patients (15 %) and sternal geodes in 14 out of 66 patients (14 %). No erosions were seen. Clefts of the first costochondral junction were seen in 31 out of 66 patients (47 %). CONCLUSION: In asymptomatic patients, there is no significant asymmetry of the SCJ. The joint spaces did not significantly decrease with age, although such a trend could be observed. Pronounced joint space narrowing with large geodes and osteophytes was not seen. Clefts of the first costochondral junction are common and not significant.

Contrast agent and radiation dose reduction in abdominal CT by a combination of low tube voltage and advanced image reconstruction algorithms.

OBJECTIVES: To assess image quality in abdominal CT at low tube voltage combined with two types of iterative reconstruction (IR) at four reduced contrast agent dose levels. METHODS: Minipigs were scanned with standard 320 mg I/mL contrast concentration at 120 kVp, and with reduced formulations of 120, 170, 220 and 270 mg I/mL at 80 kVp with IR. Image quality was assessed by CT value, dose normalized contrast and signal to noise ratio (CNRD and SNRD) in the arterial and venous phases. Qualitative analysis was included by expert reading. RESULTS: Protocols with 170 mg I/mL or higher showed equal or superior CT values: aorta (278-468 HU versus 314 HU); portal vein (205-273 HU versus 208 HU); liver parenchyma (122-146 HU versus 115 HU). In the aorta, all 170 mg I/mL protocols or higher yielded equal or superior CNRD (15.0-28.0 versus 13.7). In liver parenchyma, all study protocols resulted in higher SNRDs. Radiation dose could be reduced from standard CTDIvol = 7.8 mGy (6.2 mSv) to 7.6 mGy (5.2 mSv) with 170 mg I/mL. CONCLUSION: Combining 80 kVp with IR allows at least a 47 % contrast agent dose reduction and 16 % radiation dose reduction for images of comparable quality. KEY POINTS: • There is a balance between image quality, contrast dose and radiation dose. • Iterative reconstruction has a major, positive impact on this balance. • Both contrast dose and radiation dose can be reduced in abdominal CT. • The trade-off can be quantitatively described by a 3D model. • Contrast and radiation dose can be tailored according to specific safety concerns.

Segond fracture: involvement of the iliotibial band, anterolateral ligament, and anterior arm of the biceps femoris in knee trauma.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the involvement of the iliotibial band (ITB), the anterolateral ligament (ALL), and the anterior arm of the biceps femoris in MRI-diagnosed Segond fracture and to evaluate other associated findings of Segond fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the MRI of 13 cases of Segond fracture. The studies included proton density-weighted, T2-weighted, and proton density-weighted with fat saturation images in the three planes. We studied 2 cadaveric specimens with emphasis on the ALL. One cadaveric specimen was dissected while the other was sectioned in the sagittal plane. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 36 years (range, 17-52). There were 7 men and 6 women. The mean size of the Segond bone fragment was 8 × 10 × 2 mm. The distance from the tibia varied from 2 to 6 mm. Associated findings included anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear (n = 13), medial collateral ligament (MCL) tear (n = 8), meniscocapsular tear of the posterior horn of the medial meniscus (n = 5), and posterolateral corner involvement (n = 4). Bone marrow edema involved the mid-lateral femoral condyle and the posterior tibial plateau on both the medial and the lateral side. Edema at the Segond area was seen, but was limited. Fibular head edema was also seen. The ITB (11 out of 13) and ALL (10 out of 13) inserted on the Segond bone fragment. The anterior arm of the biceps tendon did not insert on the Segond fracture. CONCLUSION: Associated findings of Segond fracture include ACL tear, MCL tear, medial meniscus tear, and posterolateral corner injury. Both the ITB and the ALL may be involved in the Segond avulsion. The anterior arm of the biceps femoris tendon is not involved.

Correlative bone imaging in a case of Schnitzler's syndrome and brief review of the literature.

UNLABELLED: Schnitzler's syndrome is a rare disease characterized by a monoclonal IgM (or IgG) paraprotein, a nonpruritic urticarial skin rash, and 2 (or 3) of the following: recurrent fever, objective signs of abnormal bone remodeling, elevated CRP level or leukocytosis, and a neutrophilic infiltrate on skin biopsy. It responds well to treatment with the interleukine-1-inhibitor anakinra. We report the bone scintigraphy and MRI findings in a 45 years old man with this syndrome and compare them with data from the literature. CONCLUSION: None of the imaging findings are specific, but they lead to a differential diagnosis including infiltrative diseases (e.g. systemic mastocytosis or Erdheim-Chester disease) and dysplastic diseases (e.g. melorheostosis, Camurati-Engelmann disease or van Buchem disease). The bone scintigraphy pattern may be very suggestive of the correct diagnosis and of bone involvement in this syndrome.

High-resolution 3D micro-CT imaging of breast microcalcifications: a preliminary analysis.

BACKGROUND: Detection of microcalcifications on mammograms indicates the presence of breast lesion, and the shapes of the microcalcifications as seen by conventional mammography correlates with the probability of malignancy. This preliminary study evaluated the 3D shape of breast microcalcifications using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) and compared the findings with those obtained using anatomopathological analysis. METHODS: The study analyzed breast biopsy samples from 11 women with findings of suspicious microcalcifications on routine mammograms. The samples were imaged using a micro-CT (SkyScan 1076) at a resolution of 35 µm. Images were reconstructed using filtered back-projection and analyzed in 3D using surface rendering. The samples were subsequently analyzed by the pathology service. Reconstructed 3D images were compared with the corresponding histological slices. RESULTS: Anatomopathological analysis showed that 5 of 11 patients had ductal breast carcinoma in situ. One patient was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma.Individual object analysis was performed on 597 microcalcifications. Malignant microcalcifications tended to be thinner and to have a smaller volume and surface area, while their surface area-to-volume ratio was greater than that of benign microcalcifications. The structure model index values were the same for malignant and benign microcalcifications. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to use micro-CT for quantitative 3D analysis of microcalcifications. This high-resolution imaging technique will be valuable for gaining a greater understanding of the morphologic characteristics of malignant and benign microcalcifications. The presence of many small microcalcifications can be an indication of malignancy. For the larger microcalcifications, 3D parameters confirmed the more irregular shape of malignant microcalcifications.

Bony palmar ridges of the phalanges of the human fingers.

PURPOSE: On imaging studies, bony ridges can be seen at the palmar aspect of the phalanges of the fingers. Our purpose was to address the following: (1) which structures insert on to the ridges and what is the histological appearance? (2) Is there a difference between the different fingers? (3) Is there a correlation between the ridges and age? MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two observers retrospectively evaluated 270 radiographs (135 men; 135 women; mean age 44 years), and 33 CT scans (22 men; 11 women; mean age 46 years). Three cadaveric hands were also studied. The ridges were graded using a 4-point scale. A Chi-square test was used to compare the different fingers (p < 0.05) and to study the prominence of the ridges in relation to age (p < 0.05). RESULTS: On histology with routine stains the A2 pulley was inserted on the ridges of the proximal phalanx, and the flexor superficialis and A4 pulley on the ridges of the middle phalanx. On histology, the insertion showed a transition zone consisting of fibrocartilage. The prominence of the ridges was significantly different between fingers with III and IV categorized higher than II and III. There was a significant correlation with age for all fingers except for the middle phalanx of II and III. CONCLUSION: The bony palmar ridges have characteristics of enthesophytes. They correspond to the insertion site of the A2 pulley, and the flexor superficialis tendon and A4 pulley, at the proximal and middle phalanx, respectively. The ridges become more prominent with age, and their prominence is different between the fingers with III and IV categorized higher than II and V.

Use of eXIA 160 XL for contrast studies in micro-computed tomography: experimental observations.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the time course of contrast enhancement of spleen, liver, and blood using eXIA 160 XL in healthy mice. eXIA 160 XL was intravenously injected in C57bl/6 mice (n  =  12) at a dose of 0.1 mL/20 g (16 mg iodine [I]/20 g) (n  =  6) or 0.2 mL/20 g (32 mg I/20 g) (n  =  6). The distribution was analyzed by repeated micro-computed tomographic scans up to 48 hours after contrast administration. Images were analyzed using Amide software. Regions of interest were drawn in the spleen, liver, and left ventricle. Contrast enhancement was measured and expressed as a function of time. Peak contrast enhancement of the spleen was reached at 30 minutes, and peak contrast enhancement of the liver occurred 45 minutes after 16 mg I/20 g. Given that this contrast was found to be rather low in the spleen in comparison with former eXIA 160 products, experiments were done at a higher dose. However, the 32 mg I/20 g dose was lethal for mice. Enhancement inside the heart lasts for 1 hour. Administration of eXIA 160 XL results in long-lasting blood pool contrast with higher contrast enhancement in heart and liver in comparison with eXIA 160; however, the administered dose should be limited to 16 mg I/20 g.

Pseudo-tendinopathy on MRI of the navicular and tarsometatarsal parts of the tibialis posterior tendon: A study in normal individuals.

PURPOSE: To determine the normal thickness and MRI appearance of the Tibialis Posterior Tendon near the navicular insertion in normal volunteers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: By using a 3T MRI system 41 ankles were imaged, and PD weighted images with fat saturation were acquired in the three orthogonal planes. Symptoms of tendon pathology and history of trauma or surgery of the tendon were used as volunteer exclusion criteria. Two different measurement points were determined to evaluate hyperintensity and thickness. Two radiologists assessed the internal signal of the Tibialis Posterior Tendon independently by using axial and coronal images. Tendon hyperintensity was classified from homogenously dark to different degrees of hyperintense signal, where 0 means no internal hyperintensity, 1 - minimal hyperintensity, 2 - moderate and 3 - marked. Correlations between the two observers were obtained by Cohen's kappa. Descriptive statistics were also obtained. RESULTS: Eight men and 13 women (total 21) volunteers, age range 19-43(average 24.7)years were included in the study. At measurement point-1 on the coronal images, observer-1 and observer-2 evaluated hyperintensity (mostly minimal) respectively in 90.5% and 95.3% of tendons with a Cohen's kappa coefficient of 0.701 (moderate agreement) for the right foot and in 60% and 70% of tendons with a Cohen's kappa coefficient of 0.624 (moderate agreement) for the left foot. On axial images both observers assessed hyperintensity (mostly marked) in 100% of the tendons with a coefficient of 0.763 (moderate agreement) for the right foot, and in 95% of tendons with a coefficient of 0.839 (strong agreement) for the left foot. At measurement point-2 on coronal images, both observers rated any degree of hyperintensity in 33.3% of tendons with a coefficient of 1.00 (perfect agreement) for the right foot, in 38.9% of tendons with a coefficient of 0.766 (moderate agreement) for the left foot. On axial images both observers evaluated hyperintensity (mostly minimal) in 100% of tendons with a kappa coefficient of 0.702 (moderate agreement) for the right foot, in 95% of tendons with a coefficient of 0.790 (moderate- to strong agreement) for the left foot. CONCLUSION: The Tibialis Posterior Tendon, near the navicular insertion (navicular tendon and tarsometatarsal tendon), exhibits an apparent thickening and most importantly hyperintensity which should be regarded as a normal finding, and not lead to an erroneous diagnosis of tendinopathy. This observation was almost always the case for the navicular insertion and less so for the tarsometatarsal tendon.

Whole-Body MRI for the Detection of Recurrence in Melanoma Patients at High Risk of Relapse.

Introduction: No standard protocol for surveillance for melanoma patients is established. Whole-body magnetic resonance imaging (whole-body MRI) is a safe and sensitive technique that avoids exposure to X-rays and contrast agents. This prospective study explores the use of whole-body MRI for the early detection of recurrences. Material and Methods: Patients with American Joint Committee on Cancer Staging Manual (seventh edition; AJCC-7) stages IIIb/c or -IV melanoma who were disease-free following resection of macrometastases (cohort A), or obtained a durable complete response (CR) or partial response (PR) following systemic therapy (cohort B), were included. All patients underwent whole-body MRI, including T1, Short Tau Inversion Recovery, and diffusion-weighted imaging, every 4 months the first 3 years of follow-up and every 6 months in the following 2 years. A total body skin examination was performed every 6 months. Results: From November 2014 to November 2019, 111 patients were included (four screen failures, cohort A: 68 patients; cohort B: 39 patients). The median follow-up was 32 months. Twenty-six patients were diagnosed with suspected lesions. Of these, 15 patients were diagnosed with a recurrence on MRI. Eleven suspected lesions were considered to be of non-neoplastic origin. In addition, nine patients detected a solitary subcutaneous metastasis during self-examination, and two patients presented in between MRIs with recurrences. The overall sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy were, respectively, 58%, 98%, 58%, 98%, and 98%. Sensitivity and specificity for the detection of distant metastases was respectively 88% and 98%. No patient experienced a clinically meaningful (>grade 1) adverse event. Conclusions: Whole-body MRI for the surveillance of melanoma patients is a safe and sensitive technique sparing patients' cumulative exposure to X-rays and contrast media.

Prevalence of chondrocalcinosis in the temporomandibular joint in patients with chondrocalcinosis of the knee or wrist.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of TMJ chondrocalcinosis on head CT scans in patients with chondrocalcinosis of the knee or wrist. METHODS AND MATERIALS: 227 patients with radiological evidence of calcifications on knee or wrist radiographs had a head CT scan obtained for unrelated purposes. CT scans were retrospectively reviewed for the presence of temporomandibular crystal deposition. Prevalence, bilaterality, age and gender distribution were determined. RESULTS: 41 of 227 (18%) of patients had TMJ chondrocalcinosis. TMJ chondrocalcinosis was more common in females (17%) than males (1%). It was more commonly unilateral (68%) than bilateral (32%). CONCLUSION: In patients with peripheral calcific disease, the TMJ is more commonly involved than previously reported and this is more common in females compared to males.

Time-course of contrast enhancement in spleen and liver with Exia 160, Fenestra LC, and VC.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the time-course of contrast-enhancement in spleen and liver using Exia 160 in comparison with Fenestra LC and VC in healthy mice. PROCEDURES: Healthy C57bl/6 mice were used in this study. Fenestra LC and VC was administered intravenously at a dose of 0.1 ml/20 g or 0.2 ml/20 g. Exia 160 at a dose of 0.05 ml/20 g or 0.1 ml/20 g. Each animal underwent a micro-CT scan before contrast injection (baseline) and immediately after contrast injection. Additional scans were performed at 1, 2, 3, 4, 24, and 48 h after contrast administration. The mice who received Exia 160 were also scanned after 15, 30, and 45 min. RESULTS: The peak enhancement of Exia 160 occurred after 15 min for the spleen and after 30 min for the liver. CONCLUSIONS: Exia 160 allows rapid spleen and liver enhancement. The high iodine content results in small injection volumes.