Magnetic Resonance Imaging Scoring System Research Articles

Iterative decomposition of water and fat with echo asymmetry and least‐squares estimation (IDEAL) of the wrist and finger at 3T: Comparison with chemical shift selective fat suppression images

To compare fat-suppressed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) quality using iterative decomposition of water and fat with echo asymmetry and least-squares estimation (IDEAL) with that using chemical shift selective fat-suppressed T1-weighted spin-echo (CHESS) images for evaluating rheumatoid arthritis (RA) lesions of the hand and finger at 3T. MRI was performed in eight healthy volunteers and eight RA patients with a 3.0T MR system (Signa HDxt GE healthcare) using an eight-channel knee coil. FS-CHESS-T1-SE and IDEAL imaging were acquired in the coronal planes covering the entire structure of the bilateral hands with a slice thickness of 2 mm. In the RA patients both images were obtained after intravenous gadolinium administration. Image quality was evaluated on a five-point scale (1 = excellent to 5 = very poor). Synovitis and bone marrow contrast uptake on MR images were reviewed by two musculoskeletal radiologists using the Rheumatoid Arthritis MRI Scoring System (RAMRIS) of the Outcome Measures in Rheumatoid Arthritis Clinical Trials (OMERACT) group. IDEAL showed uniform FS unaffected by magnetic field inhomogeneity and challenging geometry of hand and fingers, while CHESS-T1-SE often showed FS failure within the first metacarpal joint, tip of the finger, and ulnar aspect of the wrist joint. Overall image quality was significantly better with IDEAL than CHESS-T1-SE images (4.43 vs. 3.43, P < 0.01). Interobserver agreement (κ value) for synovitis and bone marrow contrast uptake was good to excellent with IDEAL (0.74-0.91, 0.62-0.89, respectively). IDEAL could compensate for the effects of field inhomogeneities, providing uniform FS of the hand and finger than did the CHESS-T1-SE sequence.

Predictive validity of within-grade scoring of longitudinal changes of MRI-based cartilage morphology and bone marrow lesion assessment in the tibio-femoral joint – the MOST study

In order to increase sensitivity to detect longitudinal change, recording of within-grade changes was introduced for cartilage morphology and bone marrow lesion (BML) assessment in semiquantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scoring of knee osteoarthritis (OA). The aim of this study was to examine the validity provided by within-grade scoring. The Multicenter Osteoarthritis (MOST) study is a longitudinal study of subjects with or at risk of knee OA. Baseline and 30 months MRIs were read according to the modified Whole-Organ Magnetic Resonance Imaging Score (WORMS) system including within-grade changes for cartilage and BMLs. We tested the validity of within-grade changes by whether the 30-month changes in cartilage and BML assessment were predicted by baseline ipsi-compartmental meniscal damage and malalignment, factors known to affect cartilage loss and BMLs, using ordinal logistic regression. 1867 Knees (from 1411 participants) were included. Severe medial meniscal damage predicted partial grade (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 4.4, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 2.2, 8.7) but not ≥full grade (aOR 1.3, 95% CI 0.8, 2.2) worsening of cartilage loss and predicted both, partial grade (aOR 9.6, 95% CI 3.6, 25.1) and ≥full grade (aOR 5.1, 95% CI 3.2, 8.2) worsening of BMLs. Severe, but not moderate, malalignment predicted ipsi-compartmental within-grade (medial cartilage damage: aOR 5.5, 95% CI 2.6, 11.6; medial worsening of BMLs: aOR 4.9, 95% CI 2.0, 12.3) but not full grade worsening of BMLs and cartilage damage. Within-grade changes in semiquantitative MRI assessment of cartilage and BMLs are valid and their use may increase the sensitivity of semiquantitative readings in detecting longitudinal changes in these structures.

Factors Associated with Meniscal Extrusion in Knees with or at Risk for Osteoarthritis: The Multicenter Osteoarthritis Study

To assess the associations of meniscal tears, knee mal-alignment, cartilage damage, knee effusion, and body mass index with meniscal extrusion. The Multicenter Osteoarthritis study is an observational study of individuals who have or are at risk for knee osteoarthritis (OA). The HIPAA-compliant protocol was approved by the institutional review boards of all participating centers, and written informed consent was obtained from all patients. All subjects with available baseline knee radiographs and magnetic resonance (MR) images were included. MR imaging assessment of meniscal morphologic characteristics, meniscal position, and cartilage morphologic characteristics with use of the Whole-Organ Magnetic Resonance Imaging Score system was performed by two musculoskeletal radiologists. Cross-sectional associations of severity of meniscal tears, knee malalignment, tibiofemoral cartilage damage, knee effusion, and body mass index with meniscal extrusion were assessed by using logistic regression, with multiadjustments when testing each predictor. A total of 1527 subjects (2131 knees; 2116 medial and 2106 lateral menisci) were included. Medially, meniscal tears, varus malalignment, and cartilage damage were associated with meniscal extrusion, with odds ratios (ORs) of 6.3 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.0, 8.0), 1.3 (95% CI: 1.1, 1.7), and 1.8 (95% CI: 1.4, 2.2), respectively. Laterally, meniscal tears, valgus malalignment, and cartilage damage were associated with meniscal extrusion, with ORs of 10.3 (95% CI: 7.1, 14.9), 2.2 (95% CI: 1.5, 3.2), and 2.0 (95% CI: 1.3, 2.9), respectively. Meniscal tears are not the only factors associated with meniscal extrusion; other factors include knee malalignment and cartilage damage. Meniscal extrusion is probably an effect of the complex interactions among joint tissues and mechanical stresses involved in the OA process.

Effect of very early treatment in rheumatoid arthritis on bone oedema and synovitis, using magnetic resonance imaging

Objective: To evaluate the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of hand involvement before and 1 year after treatment in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA).Method: MRI of the dominant hand was performed in 22 patients fulfilling the new criteria for early RA. The patients were divided into three groups. Nine had very early RA (VERA; disease duration < 3 months), seven had early RA (ERA; disease duration < 6 months), and six had established RA (ESTRA; disease duration > 12 months). The MRI protocol consisted of fat-suppressed T2, and plain and contrast-enhanced T1-weighted sequences. Assessment of bone marrow oedema, synovitis, and bone erosions was performed by the OMERACT RA MRI scoring system. Patients were treated with methotrexate (MTX) 0.2 mg/kg/body weight/week and prednisone 7.5 mg/day. Clinical assessment was evaluated using the Disease Activity Score for 28 joint indices (DAS28).Results: After treatment, a significant decrease was observed: (a) in DAS28 of VERA (6.2 ± 0.9 vs. 2.4 ± 1.2), ERA (5.3 ± 0.8 vs. 2.8 ± 1.0), and ESTRA patients (5.7 ± 8.0 vs. 2.7 ± 0.7; p < 0.05); (b) in bone oedema (16.77 ± 13.78 vs. 5.88 ± 6.31) and synovitis (12.44 ± 6.44 vs. 2.88 ± 3.25) of VERA patients; and (c) in synovitis (7.57 ± 6.32 vs. 1.42 ± 1.81) of ERA patients (p < 0.05). No significant difference was found in erosions in any group.Conclusion: Bone marrow oedema and synovitis decrease significantly when RA is diagnosed and treated early. MRI is useful in the early detection of these changes. MTX treatment resulted in a significant decrease in DAS28 score and significant improvement in bone oedema and synovitis.

A prospective study on MRI findings and prognostic factors in athletes with MTSS

In medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS) bone marrow and periosteal edema of the tibia on the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is frequently reported. The relationship between these MRI findings and recovery has not been previously studied. This prospective study describes MRI findings of 52 athletes with MTSS. Baseline characteristics were recorded and recovery was related to these parameters and MRI findings to examine for prognostic factors. Results showed that 43.5% of the symptomatic legs showed bone marrow or periosteal edema. Absence of periosteal and bone marrow edema on MRI was associated with longer recovery (P = 0.033 and P = 0.013). A clinical scoring system for sports activity (SARS score) was significantly higher in the presence of bone marrow edema (P = 0.027). When clinical scoring systems (SARS score and the Lower Extremity Functional Scale) were combined in a model, time to recovery could be predicted substantially (explaining 54% of variance, P = 0.006). In conclusion, in athletes with MTSS, bone marrow or periosteal edema is seen on MRI in 43,5% of the symptomatic legs. Furthermore, periosteal and bone marrow edema on MRI and clinical scoring systems are prognostic factors. Future studies should focus on MRI findings in symptomatic MTSS and compare these with a matched control group.

A new magnetic resonance imaging scoring system for perilymphatic space appearance after intratympanic gadolinium injection, and its clinical application

To establish a new magnetic resonance imaging scoring system for diagnosing endolymphatic hydrops. A total of 214 ears of 107 patients were categorised into five groups: no symptoms, Ménière's disease, sudden deafness, delayed endolymphatic hydrops and other ear disorders. Gadolinium distribution within the labyrinth was scored separately and quantitatively by two radiologists. Multiple independent-sample non-parametric tests, Bayesian discriminant analysis, multivariate logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic curve analyses were performed. The derived scoring model was highly accurate for diagnosing Ménière's disease and delayed endolymphatic hydrops. Two magnetic resonance imaging scoring methods for the perilymphatic space were proposed for the diagnosis of endolymphatic hydrops: a pre-1 value (a new variable that predicts individual probability) of more than 0.3982299, or a sum of all labyrinth component scores of less than 14.5. A convenient method is proposed which offers reliable radiological diagnostic criteria for Ménière's disease and delayed endolymphatic hydrops.

Significant improvement in synovitis, osteitis, and bone erosion following golimumab and methotrexate combination therapy as compared with methotrexate alone: A magnetic resonance imaging study of 318 methotrexate-naive rheumatoid arthritis patients

To evaluate the effects of golimumab on inflammation/structural damage detected by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methotrexate (MTX)-naive RA patients (n = 637) were randomized to placebo plus MTX, golimumab 100 mg plus placebo, golimumab 50 mg plus MTX, or golimumab 100 mg plus MTX (subcutaneous golimumab every 4 weeks). Of these, 318 patients participated in an MRI substudy. MRIs (contrast-enhanced; 1.5T) of the wrist and second through fifth metacarpophalangeal joints of the dominant hand were obtained at baseline and weeks 12 and 24. MRIs were scored by 2 independent readers (blinded to image sequence/chronology, patient identity, and treatment group) for synovitis, bone edema/osteitis, and bone erosions using the Rheumatoid Arthritis Magnetic Resonance Imaging Scoring (RAMRIS) system. Radiographs (hands, wrists, forefeet at baseline and week 28) were scored by 2 other readers (blinded as above) using the modified Sharp/van der Heijde (SvdH) scoring system. Changes from baseline were compared between treatment groups (two-sided analysis of variance on van der Waerden normal scores). At weeks 12 and 24, combined therapy with golimumab plus MTX versus placebo plus MTX significantly improved RAMRIS scores for synovitis (mean -1.92 versus 0.14 [P < 0.001] at week 12; -2.45 versus -1.04 [P < 0.001] at week 24), osteitis (mean -1.82 versus 0.56 [P < 0.001] at week 12; -2.27 versus -0.32 [P < 0.001] at week 24), and bone erosion (mean -0.40 versus 0.24 [P = 0.016] at week 12; -0.40 versus -0.24 [P = 0.010] at week 24). Results of sensitivity analyses (no missing doses/data and using linear extrapolation) were generally consistent with results of the primary analyses. Changes in SvdH scores among the MRI substudy patients at week 28 showed no significant difference between golimumab plus MTX therapy and placebo plus MTX (mean 0.49 versus 0.92; P = 0.19). Radiographic SvdH scores demonstrated inhibition of structural damage progression by treatment with golimumab plus MTX as compared with placebo plus MTX in the overall study population but required double the number of patients (637 versus 318) and double the length of followup (28 versus 12 weeks) as needed for MRI to demonstrate this. Improvements in inflammation (synovitis and osteitis) and erosions with golimumab plus MTX therapy exceeded those with placebo plus MTX therapy from week 12 onward, confirming the overall clinical/radiologic findings. MRI was more sensitive than conventional radiography in detecting the progression of erosions.

How Good is the Correlation Between Early Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Late MRI in Infants with Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopaty (HIE) Treated with Hypothermia?

Background: MRI in the second week of life predicts brain damage in HIE. However, little is known about MRI in the first days of life and the changes that may account with hypothermia. Aims: To assess: 1) the correlation between early (first 4 days) and late (second week of life) application of a specifically designed MRI scoring system; 2) the relationship between DWI and conventional MRI scores; 3) the correlation between MRI scores and HIE clinical severity and death. Methods: 49 newborns with HIE evaluated for hypothermia at 3 university-based centers in Spain were included. An attempt was made to image the patients as soon as they were stable and a second scan was performed during the second week of life. Each MRI study was evaluated, blinded to clinical data, using an empirical MRI scoring system. The severity of HIE was graded by a scale particularly designed for this purpose. Results: 37/49 newborns underwent at least one MRI scan. 46 MRI scans were obtained (16 early scans including DWI and 30 late scans). We found a relationship between early and late MRI severity (rs 0.852; p=0.04). DWI correlated with both early (rs=0.770; p< 0.0001) and late MRI scores (rs=0.777; p=0.0014). Furthermore, the MRI score correlated with the clinical score of HIE (p=0.011) and mortality (p=0.02). Conclusions: This preliminary study shows the feasibility of using an early MR scoring system to assess brain damage in the first few days after birth. Follow-up studies will establish its predictive value for neurodevelopmental outcome.

Hypoxic-Ischemic Injury: Utility of Susceptibility-Weighted Imaging

Magnetic resonance imaging is increasingly used to assess neonatal hypoxic-ischemic injury, and several scoring systems were developed to predict neurologic outcomes in these patients. We examined the magnetic resonance imaging studies of 33 neonates/infants who manifested acute perinatal hypoxic-ischemic injuries. Using a seven-point susceptibility-weighted imaging categorical grading scale, each patient received a "prominence of vein" score, which was dichotomized into a "normal" or "abnormal" group. Six-month outcomes were assessed using the Pediatric Cerebral Performance Category Scale. We then determined whether "prominence of vein" scores correlated with neurologic outcomes in patients with hypoxic-ischemic injuries, and compared these results with the Barkovich magnetic resonance imaging scoring system. Patients with "normal" "prominence of vein" scores demonstrated better outcomes (mean Pediatric Cerebral Performance Category Scale value = 2) than patients with "abnormal" "prominence of vein" scores (mean Pediatric Cerebral Performance Category Scale value = 4). The dichotomized "prominence of vein" groups demonstrated correlations with the Barkovich magnetic resonance imaging scores of the proton density-weighted basal ganglia, watershed, and combined basal ganglia/watershed regions. The susceptibility-weighted imaging categorical grading scale may aid in predicting neurologic outcomes after hypoxic-ischemic injuries.

Development and Preliminary Validation of a Magnetic Resonance Imaging Joint Space Narrowing Score for Use in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Potential Adjunct to the OMERACT RA MRI Scoring System

To develop and validate a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) method of assessment of joint space narrowing (JSN) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Phase A: JSN was scored 0-4 on MR images of 5 RA patients and 3 controls at 15 wrist sites and 2nd-5th metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints by 8 readers (7 once, one twice), using a preliminary scoring system. Phase B: Image review, discussion, and consensus on JSN definition, and revised scoring system. Phase C: MR images of 15 RA patients and 4 controls were scored using revised system by 5 readers (4 once, one twice), and results compared with radiographs [Sharp-van der Heijde (SvdH) method]. Phase A: Intraobserver agreement: intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) = 0.99; smallest detectable difference (SDD, for mean of readings) = 2.8 JSN units (4.9% of observed maximal score). Interobserver agreement: ICC = 0.93; SDD = 6.4 JSN units (9.9%). Phase B: Agreement was reached on JSN definition (reduced joint space width compared to normal, as assessed in a slice perpendicular to the joint surface), and revised scoring system (0-4 at 17 wrist sites and 2nd-5th MCP; 0: none; 1: 1-33%; 2: 34-66%; 3: 67-99%; 4: ankylosis). Phase C: Intraobserver agreement: ICC = 0.90; SDD = 6.8 JSN units (11.0%). Interobserver agreement: ICC = 0.92 and SDD = 6.2 JSN units (8.7%). The correlation (ICC) with the SvdH radiographic JSN score of the wrist/hand was 0.77. Simplified approaches evaluating fewer joint spaces demonstrated similar reliability and correlation with radiographic scores. An MRI scoring system of JSN in RA wrist and MCP joints was developed and showed construct validity and good intra- and interreader agreements. The system may, after further validation in longitudinal data sets, be useful as an outcome measure in RA.

Update on Research and Future Directions of the OMERACT MRI Inflammatory Arthritis Group

The OMERACT Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Task Force has developed and evolved the psoriatic arthritis MRI score (PsAMRIS) over the last few years, and at OMERACT 10, presented longitudinal evaluation by multiple readers, using PsA datasets obtained from extremity MRI magnets. Further evaluation of this score will require more PsA imaging datasets. As well, due to improved image resolution since the development of the original rheumatoid arthritis MRI scoring system (RAMRIS), the Task Force has worked on semiquantitative assessment of joint space narrowing, and developed a reliable method as a potential RAMRIS addendum, although responsiveness will need to be evaluated. One of the strengths of MRI is the ability to detect subclinical synovitis, so the group worked on obtaining low disease activity/clinical remission datasets from a number of international centers and presented cross-sectional findings. Subsequent longitudinal evaluation of this unique resource will be a major continuing focus for the group.

Patterns of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Bone Erosion in Rheumatoid Arthritis — Which Bones Are Most Frequently Involved and Show the Most Change?: Figure 1.

To investigate by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) which bones in wrists and metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints most frequently show bone erosions, and which most frequently demonstrate erosive progression, in early and established rheumatoid arthritis (RA). MRI datasets from 258 RA patients [126 with early RA (disease duration < 6 months)] were analyzed, of whom 223, including 126 with early RA, had 1-year followup MRI. All patients had MRI of one wrist, whereas 86 patients had additional images of 2nd-5th MCP joints, and 46 patients additional images of the contralateral wrist. MRI were evaluated blinded by one reader, according to the OMERACT RA MRI scoring system (RAMRIS) for erosions, and presence/absence of erosions was noted in each bone, as was presence/absence of erosive progression. The capitate, ulna, lunate, triquetrum, and scaphoid were the 5 bones with both most frequent baseline erosions and most frequently demonstrated erosive progression. No bones were without erosions. Patterns of erosions and progression were similar in early and established RA. No major difference between dominant and nondominant wrists was detected. In the fingers, the 2nd-3rd MCP joint most frequently displayed erosions and erosive progression. The distribution and frequency of bone erosion and erosive progression as detected by MRI in RA wrists and MCP joints were identified. No pattern differences between early versus established disease and dominant versus nondominant sides were detected. No bones showed erosive progression. Thus, no self-evident simplification of the RAMRIS erosion score was identified. Bone involvement patterns may be considered, when joints are selected for MRI protocols for clinical trials and practice.

Synovitis and Osteitis Are Very Frequent in Rheumatoid Arthritis Clinical Remission: Results from an MRI Study of 294 Patients in Clinical Remission or Low Disease Activity State

In rheumatoid arthritis (RA), radiographic progression may occur despite clinical remission. This may be explained by subclinical inflammation. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides a greater sensitivity than clinical examination and radiography for assessing disease activity. Our objective was to determine the MRI characteristics of RA patients in clinical remission or low disease activity (LDA) state. Databases from 6 cohorts were collected from 5 international centers. RA patients in clinical remission according to Disease Activity Score28-C-reactive protein (DAS28-CRP < 2.6; n = 213) or LDA-state (2.6 ≤ DAS28-CRP < 3.2; n = 81) with available MRI data were included. MRI were assessed according to the OMERACT RA MRI scoring system (RAMRIS). 70% women, median age 55 (interquartile range, IQR 43-63) years, disease duration 2.3 (IQR 0.7-5.1) years, DAS28-CRP 2.2 (IQR 1.8-2.6), Simplified Disease Activity Index, SDAI, 3.9 (IQR 1.9-6.5), Clinical Disease Activity Index, CDAI, 3.1 (IQR 1.5- 5.8), rheumatoid factor/anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide positivity 57%/54%, presence of radiographic erosions: 66%. Wrist and metacarpophalangeal MRI (MCP-MRI) data were available for 287 and 241 patients, respectively. MRI inflammatory activity in wrist and/or MCP joints was observed in the majority [synovitis: 95%, bone edema (osteitis): 35%] of patients. The median (IQR) RAMRIS score was 6 (3-9) for synovitis and 0 (0-2) for osteitis. Synovitis and osteitis were not less frequent in DAS28 clinical remission (synovitis/osteitis 96%/35%) than LDA (91/36). A trend towards lower frequencies of osteitis in patients in SDAI and CDAI remission was observed. Subclinical inflammation was identified by MRI in the majority of RA patients in clinical remission or LDA state. This may explain structural progression in such patients. Further work is required to understand the place of modern imaging in future remission criteria.

The value of magnetic resonance sialography and magnetic resonance imaging versus conventional sialography of the parotid gland in the diagnosis and staging of Sjögren’s syndrome

IntroductionThe conventional sialography (CS) and minor salivary gland biopsy have been considered the cornerstones of the diagnosis of Sjögren’s syndrome (SS). However, they are invasive and with risk of complications to the patient. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been widely replacing conventional invasive examinations. They provide insufficient data for diagnosing and staging SS, because while they address the detection and diagnosis of parenchymal salivary gland disease they do not assess duct abnormalities. The introduction of magnetic resonance sialography (MRS) protocol was the first step towards non-ionizing non-invasive technique enables a more accurate assessment of the duct system. Moreover, it is postulated that the combined use of MRI and MRS is useful for the assessment of damaged salivary glands in SS. Aim of workThis preliminary study aimed to assess the role and efficacy of MRS and MRI in imaging the parotid gland in SS patients’ and to compare their results with that of CS in the diagnosis and staging of SS. Patients and methodsThe parotid gland was examined by MRS, MRI and CS in 15 SS patients. Scoring system for overall branching pattern, ductal system staging, sialectasis for both CS and MRS was used. MRI scoring system for glandular parenchymal pattern, size and contour and lymph node was used. ResultsThis revealed non-significant difference between CS and MRS findings in the diagnosis and staging of SS. Furthermore, no statistically significant correlation was found between the clinical and SS stage in both CS and MRS. On the other hand, a statistically significant positive correlation was found between the clinical findings and the MRI parenchymal stages. Moreover, MRS showed higher sensitivity and diagnostic accuracy values than CS. Combining the MRS and MRI abnormalities, 100% sensitivity diagnostic accuracy values were achieved in the diagnosis and staging of SS. The inter-observer agreement was higher in MRS than in CS and was perfect in MRI. ConclusionIn this preliminary study, MRS showed a higher sensitivity and accuracy in diagnosing and staging SS and may safely and securely replace CS. MRI and MRS give information on different aspects of glandular and duct pathology; therefore, both should be performed when examining the parotid glands in SS patients.

Perinatal Events and Early Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Therapeutic Hypothermia

The incidence of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is 1 to 2 in 1000 live births. A number of randomized controlled trials have demonstrated that therapeutic hypothermia reduces death or severe disability in neonates with HIE, and this therapy is used in many centers. The pattern of brain injury and its severity assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is commonly used as a predictor of outcome among infants with HIE. Therapeutic hypothermia has been associated with a reduction of lesions in the basal ganglia or thalamus in comparison with noncooled infants, and treated neonates are more likely to have normal scans. MRI findings have been predictive of later neuromotor abnormalities. The relationship between perinatal events and MRI findings in neonates treated with therapeutic hypothermia has not been assessed. The overall aim of this ongoing cohort study was to compare the relationship between the pattern and severity of HIE brain injury and perinatal events assessed by early MRI among infants with and without therapeutic hypothermia. Perinatal events evaluated included decreased fetal movements and sentinel (acute asphyxial) events. MRI was performed in neonates with HIE; 35 received therapeutic hypothermia and 25 were untreated. An MRI scoring system was used to categorize predominant injury patterns as watershed (WS) or basal ganglia/thalamus(BG/T) or normal as well as a dichotomous outcome of normal-mild injury versus moderate-severe brain injury. Compared with untreated neonates, treated neonates had significantly less extensive brain injury to WS and BG/T regions and a significantly higher proportion of normal imaging (P = 0.02 for all comparisons). Among treated infants, there was a significantly reduced frequency of both BG/T-predominant injury (relative risk, 0.29; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.10–0.81; P = 0.01) and the dichotomous outcome of moderate-severe brain injury (odds ratio, 0.16; 95% confidence interval, 0.05–0.52; P = 0.002). Following treatment of neonates with sentinel events, there was a decrease in BG/T-predominant injury and an increase in normal imaging. All neonates with decreased fetal movements had some degree of injury, despite hypothermia; the most common (>80%) was WS-predominant injury. In addition to confirming previous reports that therapeutic hypothermia reduces brain injury among neonates with HIE, these findings suggest that perinatal factors may serve as important indicators of response to treatment.

Hip Osteoarthritis MRI Scoring System (HOAMS): reliability and associations with radiographic and clinical findings

To develop a semiquantitative MRI-based scoring system (HOAMS) of hip osteoarthritis (OA) and test its reliability and validity. Fifty-two patients with chronic hip pain were included. 1.5T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed on all patients. Pelvic radiographs were scored according to the Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) system. Clinical outcomes were assessed by the hip osteoarthritis outcome score (HOOS). MRIs were analyzed using a novel whole-joint MRI score that incorporated 13 articular features. Reliability was determined on a random subset of 15 cases. Weighted-kappa statistics and overall agreement were used as a measure of intra- and inter-observer reliability. Associations between MRI features and radiographic OA severity were calculated using Cochran-Armitage test for trend. Ordinal logistic regression was used to assess associations between MRI features and severity of pain and functional limitation. Distribution of radiographic grading was: KL 0=12 (27%), KL 1=11 (25%), KL 2=14 (32%), KL3=5 (11%) and KL 4=2 (5%). Intra-reader reliability for the different features ranged from 0.18 (cysts) to 0.85 (cartilage). Inter-reader reliability ranged between 0.15 (cysts) and 0.85 (BMLs). Low kappas were due to low frequencies of some features as overall percent agreement was good to excellent (83.8% and 83.1%). There was a strong association between MRI-detected lesions and radiographic severity (P=0.002). Non-significant trends were observed between MRI features and clinical outcomes. MRI-based semiquantitative assessment of the hip shows adequate reliability. Presence of more severe MRI-detected intraarticular pathology shows a strong association with radiographic OA. The results suggest possible associations between MRI-detected pathology and clinical symptoms.

The Reliability and Validity of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Assessment of Chronic Lateral Epicondylitis

Lateral epicondylitis is a painful condition affecting the proximal enthesis of the extensor carpi radialis brevis tendon. Although magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been highlighted as an important diagnostic tool, to our knowledge no previous study has established the observer reliability of MRI for lateral epicondylitis or the relationship between MRI abnormalities of the common extensor origin and the patient's clinical assessment. Twenty-one consecutive subjects with a clinical diagnosis of chronic lateral epicondylitis were assessed. An MRI scoring system was used to grade the degree of tendinosis and length of tendon separation of the common extensor origin from the lateral epicondyle. Three independent musculoskeletal radiologists, who were blinded to patient clinical severity, scored images separately. Each scored the images on 3 separate occasions. Clinical symptoms were assessed using the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) and Upper Extremity Functional Scale clinical measures. Maximum pain levels were scored on a visual analog scale, and objective assessment was made with grip strength. Moderate or severe signal changes consistent with tendinosis were observed in 18 of 21 patients. Significant inter-observer reliability and intra-observer agreement were demonstrated for MRI interpretation of grade of tendinosis and length of tendon separation. Significant negative correlation was found between the length of tendon separation and both the QuickDASH and maximum pain levels. Magnetic resonance imaging is a reliable tool in determining radiological severity of lateral epicondylitis. However, the severity of MRI signal changes does not positively correlate with symptoms. These findings question the validity of MRI in the assessment of lateral epicondylitis.

Subchondral Cystlike Lesions Develop Longitudinally in Areas of Bone Marrow Edema–like Lesions in Patients with or at Risk for Knee Osteoarthritis: Detection with MR Imaging—The MOST Study

To assess the association of prevalent bone marrow edema-like lesions (BMLs) and full-thickness cartilage loss with incident subchondral cyst-like lesions (SCs) in the knee to evaluate the bone contusion versus synovial fluid intrusion theories of SC formation. The Multicenter Osteoarthritis study is a longitudinal study of individuals who have or are at risk for knee osteoarthritis. The HIPAA-compliant protocol was approved by the institutional review boards of all participating centers, and written informed consent was obtained from all participants. Magnetic resonance images were acquired at baseline and 30-month follow-up and read semiquantitatively by using the Whole-Organ Magnetic Resonance Imaging Score system. The tibiofemoral and patellofemoral joints were subdivided into 14 subregions. BMLs and SCs were scored from 0 to 3. Cartilage morphology was scored from 0 to 6. The association of prevalent BMLs and full-thickness cartilage loss with incident SCs in the same subregion was assessed by using logistic regression with mutual adjustment for both predictors. A total of 1283 knees were included. After adjustment for full-thickness cartilage loss, prevalent BMLs showed a strong and significant association with incident SCs in the same subregion, with an odds ratio of 12.9 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 8.9, 18.6). After adjustment for BMLs, prevalent full-thickness cartilage loss showed a significant but much less important association with incident SCs in the same subregion (odds ratio, 1.4; 95% CI: 1.0, 2.0). There was no apparent relationship between severity of full-thickness cartilage loss at baseline and incident SCs. Prevalent BMLs strongly predict incident SCs in the same subregion, even after adjustment for full-thickness cartilage loss, which supports the bone contusion theory of SC formation.

Longitudinal assessment of cyst-like lesions of the knee and their relation to radiographic osteoarthritis and MRI-detected effusion and synovitis in patients with knee pain

IntroductionThe purpose of the present study was to determine the prevalence of cystic lesions and cyst-like bursitides in subjects with frequent knee pain and to assess their relation to radiographic osteoarthritis (OA) severity; to describe bilaterality and size fluctuation of the lesions over 6 months; and to assess relations between the prevalence of synovium-lined lesions communicating with the joint capsule and severity of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-detected effusion and synovitis.MethodsOne hundred and sixty-three subjects (total 319 knees) aged 35 to 65 with chronic, frequent knee pain were included. Imaging with 3 Tesla MRI was performed at baseline and 6-month follow-up with the same protocols as those used in the Osteoarthritis Initiative. Severity of radiographic OA was assessed using the Kellgren-Lawrence grade (0 to 4). Severity of effusion and synovitis was graded 0 to 3 based on the Whole Organ Magnetic Resonance Imaging Score system. The associations of cysts and cyst-like bursitides and severity of radiographic OA, MRI-detected effusion and synovitis were analyzed using logistic regression controlling for clustering by person. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to determine whether there was a significant change in the size of lesions between baseline and follow-up.ResultsAt least one lesion (any type) was present in 222 (70%) knees. The most prevalent lesions were popliteal cysts (40%, 128/319), followed by subgastrocnemius bursitis (15%, 49/319) and proximal tibiofibular joint cysts (8%, 26/319). Bilateral lesions were seen in 49% of the subjects. Only popliteal cysts and subgastrocnemius bursitis showed a significant change in size (P < 0.001). No trend was observed between prevalence of any of the cyst-like lesions analyzed and the increasing radiographic OA severity. Increasing prevalence of subgastrocnemius bursitis was associated with increasing severity of effusion (P = 0.0072) and synovitis (P = 0.0033).ConclusionsNone of the cyst-like lesions analyzed seems to be a marker of radiographic OA severity in knees with chronic frequent pain. Subgastrocnemius bursitis may be used as a marker of effusion/synovitis severity. Bilateral cyst-like lesions are relatively commonly observed in people with chronic knee pain.

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