Bone Marrow Lesions Research Articles

Quantitative bone marrow lesion, meniscus, and synovitis measurement: current status.

Imaging plays a pivotal role in osteoarthritis research, particularly in epidemiological and clinical trials of knee osteoarthritis (KOA), with the ultimate goal being the development of an effective drug treatment for future prevention or cessation of disease. Imaging assessment methods can be semi-quantitative, quantitative, or a combination, with quantitative methods usually relying on software to assist. The software generally attempts image segmentation (outlining of relevant structures). New techniques using artificial intelligence (AI) or deep learning (DL) are currently a frequent topic of research. This review article provides an overview of the literature to date, focusing primarily on the current status of quantitative software-based assessment techniques of KOA using magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. We will concentrate on the imaging evaluation of three specific structural imaging biomarkers: bone marrow lesions (BMLs), meniscus, and synovitis consisting of effusion synovitis (ES) and Hoffa's synovitis (HS). A brief clinical and imaging background review of osteoarthritis evaluation, particularly relating to these three structural markers, is provided as well as a general summary of the software methods. A summary of the literature with respect to each KOA assessment method will be presented overall as well as with respect to each specific biomarker individually. Novel techniques, as well as future goals and directions using quantitative imaging assessment, will be discussed.

Clinical features of multiple myeloma with bone plasmacytomas

Background . Multiple myeloma (MM) is a plasma cell tumour, which could be followed by formation of bone plasmacytomas. Bone plasmacytoma is plasma cells proliferate, developed in a medullar cavity, which could destroy cortical layer of a bone and escape to the surrounding tissues. Biological characteristics of tumour substrate hypothetically could influence the clinical course of MM. Aim . To compare clinical and laboratory parameters of newly diagnosed MM depending on the presence or absence of bone plasmacytomas. Materials and methods . A retrospective study included 40 patients with newly diagnosed MM aged from 24 to 63 years. 21 patients are diagnosed with bone plasmacytomas. In another 19 patients MM proceeded without plasmacytomas. As an induction therapy all patients were treated with bortezomib-containing regimens. 10 patients were also received immunomodulatory drugs. 34 patients underwent autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (auto-HSCT). Results . When comparing laboratory parameters at the onset of MM, patients with bone plasmacytomas showed minor lesion of bone marrow, higher haemoglobin concentration and low paraprotein secretion. When comparing MM clinical parameters it turned out that the frequency of achieving a significant antitumor response after induction therapy was reliably lower in patients with bone plasmacytomas: 28.6 % versus 68.4 % (p = 0.038). Auto-HSCT made it possible to deepen the antitumor response in group of patients with bone plasmacytomas. On +100 day auto-HSCT significant antitumor response was registered in 52.6 % of patients. For correct assessment of antitumor response the dynamics of plasmacytoma measurements is very important. When using only the data of immunochemical analysis for response assessment, the frequency of achieving a significant antitumor response is overestimated, this is not an adequate reflection of clinical situation. Conclusion . MM with bone plasmacytomas has some clinical and laboratory features. Auto-HSCT is highly efficient method of treatment of this patient cohort. Assessment of antitumor response in patients with bone plasmacytomas only by the data of immunochemical analysis is insufficient and may serve as a reason for choosing the wrong therapeutical tactics.

Diagnostic performance of integrated whole-body 18F-FDG PET/MRI for detecting bone marrow involvement in indolent lymphoma: Comparison with 18F-FDG PET or MRI alone.

To investigate the diagnostic performance of integrated whole-body 18F-FDG PET/MRI for detecting bone marrow involvement (BMI) in indolent lymphoma compared with 18F-FDG PET or MRI alone. Patients with treatment-naive indolent lymphoma who underwent integrated whole-body 18F-FDG PET/MRI and bone marrow biopsy (BMB) were prospectively enrolled. Agreement between PET, MRI, PET/MRI, BMB, and the reference standard was assessed using kappa statistics. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of each method were calculated. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to determine the area under the curve (AUC). AUCs of PET, MRI, PET/MRI, and BMB were compared using the DeLong test. Fifty-five patients (24 males and 31 females; mean age: 51.1 ± 10.1 years) were included in this study. Of these 55 patients, 19 (34.5%) had BMI. Two patients were upstaged as extra bone marrow lesions were detected via PET/MRI. 97.1% (33/34) of participants were confirmed as BMB-negative in the PET-/MRI-group. PET/MRI (parallel test) and BMB showed excellent agreement with the reference standard (k = 0.843, 0.918), whereas PET and MRI showed moderate agreement (k = 0.554, 0.577). The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, PPV, and NPV for identifying BMI in indolent lymphoma were 52.6%, 97.2%, 81.8%, 90.9%, and 79.5%, respectively, for PET; 63.2%, 91.7%, 81.8%, 80.0%, and 82.5%, respectively, for MRI; 89.5%, 100%, 96.4%, 100%, and 94.7%, respectively, for BMB; and 94.7%, 91.7%, 92.7%, 85.7%, and 97.1%, respectively, for PET/MRI (parallel test). According to ROC analysis, the AUCs of PET, MRI, BMB, and PET/MRI (parallel test) for detecting BMI in indolent lymphomas were 0.749, 0.774, 0.947, and 0.932, respectively. The DeLong test showed significant differences between the AUCs of PET/MRI (parallel test) and those of PET (P = 0.003) and MRI (P = 0.004). Regarding histologic subtypes, the diagnostic performance of PET/MRI for detecting BMI in small lymphocytic lymphoma was lower than that in follicular lymphoma, which was in turn lower than that in marginal zone lymphoma. Integrated whole-body 18F-FDG PET/MRI showed excellent sensitivity and accuracy for detecting BMI in indolent lymphoma compared with 18F-FDG PET or MRI alone, demonstrating that 18F-FDG PET/MRI is an optimal method and a reliable alternative to BMB. ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05004961 and NCT05390632).

The value of different involvement patterns of the knee "synovio-entheseal complex" in the differential diagnosis of spondyloarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoarthritis: an MRI-based study.

To explore the different involvement patterns of the knee "synovio-entheseal complex (SEC)" on MRI in patients with spondyloarthritis (SPA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and osteoarthritis (OA). This study retrospectively included 120 patients (male:female, 55:65) with a mean age of 39.20years diagnosed with SPA (n = 40), RA (n = 40), and OA (n = 40) at the First Central Hospital of Tianjin between January 2020 and May 2022. Six knee entheses were assessed by two musculoskeletal radiologists according to the SEC definition. Bone marrow lesions associated with entheses include bone marrow edema (BME) and bone erosion (BE), which were classified as entheseal or peri-entheseal based on their relationship to the entheses. Three groups (OA, RA, and SPA) were established to characterize the location of enthesitis and the different SEC involvement patterns. Inter-group and intra-group differences were analyzed using the ANOVA or chi-square tests, and the inter-class correlation coefficient (ICC) test was used to determine inter-reader agreement. The study contained a total of 720 entheses. The SEC-based analysis revealed different involvement patterns in three groups. The OA group had the most abnormal signals in tendons/ligaments (p = 0.002). The RA group had considerably greater synovitis (p = 0.002). The majority of peri-entheseal BE was identified in the OA and RA groups (p = 0.003). Furthermore, entheseal BME in the SPA group was significantly different from those in the other two groups (p < 0.001). SEC involvement patterns differed in SPA, RA, and OA, which is important for differential diagnosis. SEC should be used as a whole evaluation method in clinical practice. • The "synovio-entheseal complex (SEC)" explained differences and characteristic alterations in the knee joint in patients with spondyloarthritis (SPA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and osteoarthritis (OA). • The various SEC involvement patterns are crucial for differentiating SPA, RA, and OA. • When "knee pain" is the only symptom, a detailed identification of characteristic alterations in the knee joint of SPA patients may help timely treatment and delay the structural damage.

Short-Term Effects of Genicular Artery Embolization on Symptoms and Bone Marrow Abnormalities in Patients with Refractory Knee Osteoarthritis

PurposeTo evaluate the short-term outcomes of genicular artery embolization (GAE) for knee osteoarthritis (OA) with and without bone marrow lesion (BML) and/or subchondral insufficiency fracture of the knee (SIFK). Materials and MethodsThis single-institution prospective observational pilot study analyzed 24 knees in 22 patients with mild to moderate knee OA, including 8 knees without BML, 13 knees with BML, and 3 knees with both BML and SIFK. The area and volume of BMLs on magnetic resonance images were measured before and after GAE. Baseline and postoperative pain and physical function were assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS) and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). ResultsGAE significantly reduced the BML area and volume 3 months after embolization in the knees with BML (both P < .0005). GAE significantly decreased the VAS scores at 3 and 6 months after embolization in patients without BML (both P = .04) and those with BML (both P = .01). GAE also lowered the WOMAC scores 3 months after embolization in patients without and with BML (P = .02 and P = .0002, respectively). However, GAE did not significantly alter the BML area and volume (both P = .25), VAS scores (P = 1.00), and WOMAC scores (P = .08) in patients with BML and SIFK at 3 months after GAE. ConclusionsThis observational pilot study suggested that GAE effectively reduces the BML area and volume and improves pain and physical function in patients with knee OA accompanied by BML but is inefficacious in those with both BML and SIFK.

Do imaging findings modify the effect of non-surgical treatment in patients with knee and hip osteoarthritis? A systematic literature review

ObjectivesTo review the available evidence on diagnostic imaging findings in knee and hip osteoarthritis (OA) as treatment effect modifiers in non-surgical OA interventions.MethodsMEDLINE, Embase and The Cochrane Central Register of...

Ferumoxytol: Another Exciting Addition to the Growing Field of Bone Marrow Imaging.

Ferumoxytol: Another Exciting Addition to the Growing Field of Bone Marrow Imaging.

Bone marrow lesions in osteoarthritis: From basic science to clinical implications

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent musculoskeletal disease characterized by multiple joint structure damages, including articular cartilage, subchondral bone and synovium, resulting in disability and economic burden. Bone marrow lesions (BMLs) are common and important magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features in OA patients. Basic and clinical research on subchondral BMLs in the pathogenesis of OA has been a hotspot. New evidence shows that subchondral bone degeneration, including BML and angiogenesis, occurs not only at or after cartilage degeneration, but even earlier than cartilage degeneration. Although BMLs are recognized as important biomarkers for OA, their exact roles in the pathogenesis of OA are still unclear, and disputes about the clinical impact and treatment of BMLs remain. This review summarizes the current basic and clinical research progress of BMLs. We particularly focus on molecular pathways, cellular abnormalities and microenvironmental changes of subchondral bone that contributed to the formation of BMLs, and emphasize the crosstalk between subchondral bone and cartilage in OA development. Finally, potential therapeutic strategies targeting BMLs in OA are discussed, which provides novel strategies for OA treatment.

A Successful Bisphosphonates Monotherapy in Spinal Form of Paediatric Chronic Recurrent Multifocal Osteomyelitis (CRMO)—Case Report

Chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis (CRMO) is a non-infectious inflammatory disorder resulting from the multifocal bone and bone marrow lesions with periodic relapses and remissions and with an uncertain prognosis. Treatment options in CRMO are based on expert opinion and relatively small groups of patients. A nine-year-old female patient with no significant past medical history presented with compression fractures and multifocal bone lesions in the thoracic and lumbar spine, as shown in imaging (CT, MRI). Densitometry revealed a diffuse decrease in bone density. Based on the patient's clinical image and above examinations, the other possible aetiologies-infectious (including tuberculosis), neoplasms, Langerhans cell histiocytosis-were ruled out, which led to eventual final diagnosis-CRMO. The patient was successfully treated with pamidronate infusion initiated in cycles over three consecutive days every 3 months. In addition to clinical improvement, there was a significant remission of inflammation and bone structure healing assessed by MRI after four treatment cycles. Intravenous bisphosphonates usage seems to be a good therapeutic option in CRMO paediatric patients with spinal localization of the lesions complicated by compressive fractures. However, more data, based on larger patient populations, are needed to provide a detailed paediatric CRMO treatment algorithm.

Old age promotes retinal fibrosis in choroidal neovascularization through circulating fibrocytes and profibrotic macrophages

BackgroundRetinal fibrosis affects 40–70% of neovascular age-related macular degeneration patients. This study investigated the effect of ageing on subretinal fibrosis secondary to choroidal neovascularization and the mechanism of action.MethodsSubretinal fibrosis was induced in young (2.5-month) and aged (15–16-month) C57BL/6J mice using the two-stage laser protocol. Five and 30 days later, eyes were collected and stained for CD45 and collagen-1 and observed by confocal microscopy. Fibrocytes (CD45+collagen-1+) were detected in the bone marrow (BM), blood and fibrotic lesions by flow cytometry and confocal microscopy, respectively. BM-derived macrophages (BMDMs) were cultured from young and aged mice with or without TGF-β1 (10 ng/mL) treatment. The expression of mesenchymal marker αSMA (Acta2), fibronectin (Fn1) and collagen-1 (Col1a1) was examined by qPCR and immunocytochemistry, whereas cytokine/chemokine production was measured using the Luminex multiplex cytokine assay. BM were transplanted from 22-month (Ly5.2) aged mice into 2.5-month (Ly5.1) young mice and vice versa. Six weeks later, subretinal fibrosis was induced in recipient mice and eyes were collected for evaluation of fibrotic lesion size.ResultsUnder normal conditions, the number of circulating fibrocytes (CD45+collagen-1+) and the expression levels of Tgfb1, Col1a1, Acta2 and Fn1 in BMDMs were significantly higher in aged mice compared to young mice. Induction of subretinal fibrosis significantly increased the number of circulating fibrocytes, enhanced the expression of Col1a1, Acta2 and Fn1 and the production of soluble urokinase plasminogen activator surface receptor (suPAR) but decreased the production of CXCL10 in BMDMs. BMDMs from aged subretinal fibrosis mice produced significantly higher levels of VEGF, angiopoietin-2 and osteopontin than cells from young subretinal fibrosis mice. The subretinal fibrotic lesion in 15–16-month aged mice was 62% larger than that in 2.5-month young mice. The lesion in aged mice contained a significantly higher number of fibrocytes compared to that in young mice. The number of circulating fibrocytes positively correlated with the size of subretinal fibrotic lesion. Transplantation of BM from aged mice significantly increased subretinal fibrosis in young mice.ConclusionsA retina–BM–blood–retina pathway of fibrocyte/macrophage recruitment exists during retinal injury. Ageing promotes subretinal fibrosis through higher numbers of circulating fibrocytes and profibrotic potential of BM-derived macrophages.

Selection of Knees With Subsequent Cartilage Thickness Loss Based on Magnetic Resonance Imaging Semiquantitative Grading: Data From the Osteoarthritis Initiative Foundation for the National Institutes of Health Biomarker Cohort.

To investigate which magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based articular pathologies are predictive of subsequent medial femorotibial compartment quantitative cartilage thickness loss and therefore suitable for enrichment of clinical trials with participants showing a high likelihood for structural progression. Semiquantitative MRI Osteoarthritis Knee Score (MOAKS) assessments at baseline and quantitative cartilage thickness measurements at baseline and year-2 follow-up were performed in 599 participants (age 62 years; body mass index 31 kg/m2 ; 59% female) from the Osteoarthritis Initiative-based Foundation for the National Institutes of Health Osteoarthritis Biomarkers Consortium. Knees were classified as medial femorotibial compartment (MFTC) progressors or nonprogressors based on MFTC cartilage thickness change (smallest detectable change threshold -111 μm). Logistic regression was used to investigate the association between baseline presence and severity of MFTC MOAKS pathologies with subsequent MFTC progression. The standardized response mean (SRM) was computed to estimate the sensitivity to change that can be achieved when selecting knees based on MOAKS pathologies. Presence of MFTC MOAKS cartilage damage (odds ratio [OR] 2.77 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.76, 4.36]), MFTC bone marrow lesions (OR 2.69 [95% CI 1.89, 3.83]), medial meniscus extrusion or damage (OR 2.21 [95% CI 1.37, 3.55]), as well as MOAKS severity subscales for cartilage and meniscus damage were associated with subsequent progression. The SRM was greater in knees with than in knees without the presence of these pathologies and was associated with the severity of those pathologies. MRI-based grading of articular pathologies makes it possible to specifically select progressor knees suitable for inclusion in clinical trials but also to identify knees in which treatment is not indicated (e.g., knees without cartilage damage despite presence of radiographic osteoarthritis).

Associations Between Dietary Intake of Vitamin K and Changes in Symptomatic and Structural Changes in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis.

To investigate associations of dietary vitamin K intake with changes in knee symptoms and structures in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Participants with symptomatic knee OA were enrolled (n=259) and followed up for 2 years (n=212). Baseline dietary vitamin K intake was calculated from a validated food frequency questionnaire. Knee symptoms were assessed by using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores. Knee cartilage defects, bone marrow lesions, and effusion-synovitis volume were measured from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. Univariable and multivariable linear regressions were used for analyses. A higher vitamin K intake quartile was significantly associated with a greater decrease in the total WOMAC score and dysfunction score over 24 months. The subgroup analyses showed in patients with severe baseline visual analog scale (VAS) pain that a higher vitamin K intake quartile was associated with more improvement in all WOMAC scores. There were no overall significant associations between vitamin K intake and changes in MRI features. In subgroup analysis, vitamin K intake was negatively associated with changes in tibiofemoral, patellar, and total cartilage defects in participants with a severe baseline radiographic grade and was negatively associated with change in total and patellar cartilage defects in participants with severe baseline VAS pain and in female patients. The association of higher vitamin K intake with decreased knee symptoms over 24 months in patients with knee OA suggests that clinical trials examining the effect of vitamin K supplementation for knee OA symptoms are warranted. Whether there is an effect on knee structure is unclear.

Metabolic syndrome and the progression of knee osteoarthritis on MRI

Metabolic osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the proposed clinical phenotypes defined by the existence of metabolic syndrome (MetS). This study aimed to (1) investigate whether MetS and its components are associated with progression of knee OA magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features, and (2) to evaluate the interaction of MetS with menopause and progression of MRI features. 682 women from the Rotterdam Study who participated in a sub-study with knee MRI data available and 5-year follow-up were included. Tibiofemoral (TF) and patellofemoral (PF) OA features were assessed with the MRI Osteoarthritis Knee Score. MetS was quantified by the MetS severity Z-score. Generalized estimating equations were used to evaluate associations between MetS and menopausal transition and progression of MRI features. MetS severity at baseline was associated with progression of osteophytes in all compartments, bone marrow lesions (BMLs) in the PF compartment, and cartilage defects in the medial TF compartment. Waist circumference was associated with progression of osteophytes in all compartments and cartilage defects in the medial TF compartment. High-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol levels were associated with progression of osteophytes in the medial and lateral TF compartment and glucose levels with osteophytes in the PF and medial TF compartment. No interactions were found between MetS with menopausal transition and MRI features. Women with higher MetS severity at baseline showed progression of osteophytes, BMLs, and cartilage defects, indicating more structural knee OA progression after 5 years. Further studies are required to understand whether targeting MetS components may prevent the progression of structural knee OA in women.

A nomogram based on radiological features of MRI for predicting the risk of severe pain in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee.

This study aimed to develop and validate a nomogram for predicting the risk of severe pain in patients with knee osteoarthritis. A total of 150 patients with knee osteoarthritis were enrolled from our hospital, and nomogram was established through a validation cohort (n = 150). An internal validation cohort (n = 64) was applied to validate the model. Eight important variables were identified using the Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and then a nomogram was developed by Logistics regression analysis. The accuracy of the nomogram was determined based on the C-index, calibration plots, and Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves. Decision curves were plotted to assess the benefits of the nomogram in clinical decision-making. Several variables were employed to predict severe pain in knee osteoarthritis, including sex, age, height, body mass index (BMI), affected side, Kellgren-Lawrance (K-L) degree, pain during walking, pain going up and down stairs, pain sitting or lying down, pain standing, pain sleeping, cartilage score, Bone marrow lesion (BML) score, synovitis score, patellofemoral synovitis, bone wear score, patellofemoral bone wear, and bone wear scores. The LASSO regression results showed that BMI, affected side, duration of knee osteoarthritis, meniscus score, meniscus displacement, BML score, synovitis score, and bone wear score were the most significant risk factors predicting severe pain. Based on the eight factors, a nomogram model was developed. The C-index of the model was 0.892 (95% CI: 0.839-0.945), and the C-index of the internal validation was 0.822 (95% CI: 0.722-0.922). Analysis of the ROC curve of the nomogram showed that the nomogram had high accuracy in predicting the occurrence of severe pain [Area Under the Curve (AUC) = 0.892] in patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). The calibration curves showed that the prediction model was highly consistent. Decision curve analysis (DCA) showed a higher net benefit for decision-making using the developed nomogram, especially in the >0.1 and <0.86 threshold probability intervals. These findings demonstrate that the nomogram can predict patient prognosis and guide personalized treatment.

What Factors are Associated With Conversion to Knee Arthroplasty After Subchondroplasty?

Subchondral bone marrow lesions identified on knee MRI are believed to play a role in osteoarthritis-associated pain. The subchondroplasty procedure is an arthroscopically assisted procedure for treating such lesions to avoid larger procedures such as knee arthroplasty. However, the survivorship free of conversion to arthroplasty and the factors associated with an increased likelihood of conversion of subchondroplasty to arthroplasty have not been well defined. We performed this study to (1) determine the 5-year survivorship of subchondroplasty free from conversion to knee arthroplasty (unicompartmental or total) and (2) identify variables that were associated with progression to knee arthroplasty after a subchondroplasty procedure. In all, 216 patients who underwent a subchondroplasty procedure performed by one surgeon with subchondroplasty experience at a single-center, multilocation facility between September 2014 and August 2017 were retrospectively evaluated to estimate survivorship free from conversion to knee arthroplasty at 5 years. The mean ± SD age and BMI at the time of subchondroplasty procedure were 59 ± 11 years and 33 ± 8 kg/m 2 , respectively; 60% (129 of 216) of the patients were women. Other variables collected were smoking status and grade and location of chondral lesions. The electronic medical record was reviewed to determine whether the patient had a knee arthroplasty after subchondroplasty. Survivorship free from conversion to knee arthroplasty at 5 years was calculated from a Kaplan-Meier survivorship estimator. Factors associated with progression to knee arthroplasty were examined using t-tests and chi-square analyses. Variables showing evidence of an association with knee arthroplasty were explored further using a Kaplan-Meier survivorship estimator (n = 190). Kaplan-Meier survivorship free from conversion to knee arthroplasty was 73% (95% CI 67% to 79%) at 5 years after subchondroplasty. We found that age older than 50 years and Grade 4 chondral lesions were associated with conversion to knee arthroplasty. Patients with a Grade 4 chondral lesion had 5-year survivorship of 62% (95% CI 54% to 71%) and 59% (95% CI 50% to 69%) for those older than 50 years with a Grade 4 chondral lesion. Currently, we recommend a detailed, informed discussion of the risks versus benefits with patients who are considering a subchondroplasty procedure, particularly patients aged 50 years and older and those with Grade 4 chondral lesions. Future randomized trials, including those that compare the subchondroplasty procedure with arthroscopy alone or nonoperative management options, are still needed to confirm the efficacy and role of the subchondroplasty procedure in patients with knee osteoarthritis, because only such prospective studies can determine the success of the procedure. Level IV, therapeutic study.

Tissue Integration of Calcium Phosphate Compound after Subchondroplasty: 4-Year Follow-Up in a 76-Year-Old Female Patient

Subchondroplasty is a new minimally invasive surgical technique developed to treat bone marrow lesions (BML) and early osteoarthritis (OA). During the procedure, engineered calcium phosphate compound (CPC) is injected. It is claimed by the manufacturer that during the healing process, the CPC is replaced with new bone. The purpose of this study was to verify the replacement of CPC with new bone after subchondroplasty for the first time in humans. A 76-year old woman was referred for resistant medial knee pain. Standing radiographs showed varus knee OA and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed BML. She was treated with subchondroplasty of medial femoral condyle. Excellent relief of pain was achieved after procedure. Afterwards, the pain worsened, the radiographs confirmed the OA progression and the patient was treated with a total knee arthroplasty (TKA) 4 years after primary procedure. The resected bone was examined histologically and with micro-computed tomography (CT). Histologically, bone trabeculae of subcortical bone were embedded in the amorphous mass. However, no signs of CPC resorption and/or bone replacement have been found with micro-CT. In short term, excellent pain relief could be expected after the subchondroplasty procedure. However, there was no replacement of CPC with bone and the technique probably did not influence the natural process of knee OA.

Bone Marrow Lesions in Athletic Stress Injuries: An Overview

This article discusses the presumed pathophysiology of osseous sport-related stress changes, the optimal imaging strategy for detecting the lesions, and the progression of the lesions as seen on magnetic resonance imaging. It also describes some of the most common stress-related injuries in athletes by anatomical location and introduces some new concepts in the field.

Risk of leptomeningeal metastasis in children with parameningeal rhabdomyosarcoma with intracranial spread

Introduction. Soft tissue tumors account for up to 8 % of all malignant neoplasms in children. According to the international histological classification, about 150 different morphological variants of soft tissue tumors have been registered, of which 45 % are rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS). Most often, RMS occurs in early childhood – the average age of patients at the time of diagnosis is 5 years. The incidence rate of RMS is 0.9 per 100,000 children. In 25 % cases, the initial diagnosis reveals distant metastasis to the lungs, bones, bone marrow, and 8 % – leptomeningeal metastasis. More than 7 % of patients with localized parameningeal RMS develop leptomeningeal metastasis, according to the Rhabdomyosarcoma Study Group. Purpose of the study – report the incidence, prognosis of leptomeningeal metastasis and treatment outcomes in children with intracranial spread of RMS. Materials and methods. The study included 45 patients aged 1 to 17 years with a diagnosis of RMS of parameningeal localization with intracranial spread, who received special treatment from 2003 to 2020. The study included 6 (20 %) patients in whom the tumor developed in early childhood (up to 3 years). The boys predominated – 25 (55.5 %) in the study. The primary tumor spread to the orbit in 7 (15 %) cases, the skull base in 7 (15 %) cases, the middle ear in 4 (8 %) cases, the nasopharynx in 3 (6 %) cases, and the brain substance was affected in 16 (35 %). Metastases in regional lymph nodes were determined in 7 (15 %) patients. Multiple metastatic lesions of bones and bone marrow – 4 (9 %) cases, leptomeningeal metastases – in 2 (4 %). 45 (100 %) patients received drug treatment according to the protocols approved by the Academic Council of the Research Institute of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology at N. N. Blokhin National Medical Research Centerof Oncology, Ministry of Health of Russia. Radiation therapy was performed in 33 (74 %) patients, while total focal dose of 50 Gy was administered to the primary tumor. Affected lymph nodes of the neck were irradiated in 10 (23 %) patients, total focal dose is 45.0 Gy. Surgical treatment was performed in 15 (34 %) patients. Multicomponent treatment was performed in 15 (34 %) patients. Results. During the observation period from 12 months to 14 years, 21 (49 %) patients are alive. 21 (51 %) patients died from tumor progression, 1 (2 %) died from complications of special treatment. Conclusions. The treatment of this group of patients is one of the urgent problems of pediatric oncology, which is based on polychemotherapy, supplemented by intrathecal administration of anticancer drugs and craniospinal irradiation. The development of new therapies requires a multidisciplinary approach to achieve a significant improvement in the survival of children with leptomeningeal metastases RMS of parameningeal localization.

Bone Marrow Changes and Lesions of Diabetic Foot and Ankle Disease: Conventional and Advanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

Diabetic foot and ankle complications contribute to substantial mortality and morbidity. Early detection and treatment can lead to better patient outcomes. The primary diagnostic challenge for radiologists is distinguishing Charcot's neuroarthropathy from osteomyelitis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the preferred imaging modality for assessing diabetic bone marrow alterations and for identifying diabetic foot complications. Several recent technical advances in MRI, such as the Dixon technique, diffusion-weighted imaging, and dynamic contrast-enhanced imaging, have led to improved image quality and increased capability to add more functional and quantitative information.We discuss the bone marrow abnormalities encountered in daily radiologic assessment: osteopenia, reactive bone marrow edema-like signal, insufficiency fractures, Charcot's neuroarthropathy, osteomyelitis, serous marrow atrophy, digital ischemia, and bone infarcts, along with their pathophysiology and the conventional and advanced imaging techniques used for a comprehensive marrow evaluation.

Advances in Bone Marrow Imaging: Strengths and Limitations from a Clinical Perspective.

Conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) remains the modality of choice to image bone marrow. However, the last few decades have witnessed the emergence and development of novel MRI techniques, such as chemical shift imaging, diffusion-weighted imaging, dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI, and whole-body MRI, as well as spectral computed tomography and nuclear medicine techniques. We summarize the technical bases behind these methods, in relation to the common physiologic and pathologic processes involving the bone marrow. We present the strengths and limitations of these imaging methods and consider their added value compared with conventional imaging in assessing non-neoplastic disorders like septic, rheumatologic, traumatic, and metabolic conditions. The potential usefulness of these methods to differentiate between benign and malignant bone marrow lesions is discussed. Finally, we consider the limitations hampering a more widespread use of these techniques in clinical practice.