Magnetic Resonance Imaging Scoring System Research Articles

Longitudinal Follow-Up Using the Heel Enthesitis Magnetic Resonance Imaging Scoring System (HEMRIS) Shows Minimal Changes in Heel Enthesitis Assessed in Spondyloarthritis and Psoriasis Patients.

Enthesitis is a common clinical feature of spondyloarthritis (SpA). For reliable assessment of enthesitis the Heel Enthesitis Magnetic Resonance Imaging Scoring System (HEMRIS) was developed. The aims of this study were to evaluate changes in HEMRIS over time and to evaluate whether these changes correlated with changes in clinical parameters. This single-center observational study followed patients with SpA and psoriasis, regardless of presence of clinical heel enthesitis, for two years. Clinical evaluation and ankle MRIs were performed annually. Changes in HEMRIS were compared at one-year intervals using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. The association between changes in the HEMRIS with changes in clinical parameters was evaluated using Spearman's correlation coefficient. In total, 38 patients were included. An increase in the inflammatory and structural HEMRIS was identified in, respectively, 12 (17.9%) and 4 (6.0%) patients in one-year intervals. We found non-significant changes in the HEMRIS during longitudinal follow-up. Changes in the HEMRIS did not correlate with changes in local or general disease activity. Our results show that MRI-findings of enthesitis assessed with HEMRIS changed in a small number of patients in a one-year interval in an observational setting. Changes in HEMRIS were not associated with changes in clinical disease activity.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Safety and Bio-Integration of a Fiber-Reinforced Proximal Interphalangeal Joint Fixation Implant: Prospective Multicenter Study with 2-Year Follow-Up

Category: Midfoot/Forefoot; Lesser Toes; Other Introduction/Purpose: Bio-integrative implants, uniquely designed with high mineral fiber content, were developed to encourage paced, gradual degradation while enhancing bio-integrative response. Previous publications demonstrated the safe use of these fiber-reinforced implants in both in vivo preclinical models and in clinical use. The main focus of this study was to assess the longer-term clinical outcomes and to evaluate implant bio-integration, using a newly developed Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scoring system. The device used in this study was a Proximal Interphalangeal Joint (PIPJ) fixation implant. The scoring system implemented in this study was developed based on the review of existing literature describing MRI evaluation of degradable orthopedic implants, concentrating on various local tissue reactions and the implant-to-bone interphase characteristics. Methods: Twenty-four patients were enrolled in this multicentre study, all previously treated for a single hammertoe deformity using the fiber-reinforced, bio-integrative fixation implant. Implant material is composed of continuous reinforcing mineral fibers (SiO2, Na2O, CaO, MgO, B2O3, and P2O5), bound together by a degradable polymer [poly (L-lactide-co-D,L-lactide), PLDLA]) in a 50% w/w ratio. Final study visit took place two years post-operatively. X-ray was used to assess radiographic PIPJ fusion, defined as at least 50% bridging across the osteotomy site. MRI scans were reviewed by an independent radiologist, using a newly developed bio-integration score on a scale of 0-10. The score focused on material bio-integration defined by the evaluation of implant and bone border visibility, and parameters for local tissue response; fluid accumulation, cyst formation and local bone edema. Patient Reported Outcomes of Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain, were also collected. Results were analysed and compared to previously published data. Results: Radiographic PIPJ fusion rate was 96% (n=23) at the 2-year follow-up. MRI was performed and analyzed for all patients. The border between implant and surrounding bone was scored as not visible in 88% of subjects (n=21) and partially visible in remaining 12% (n=3) (100% partially visible at the 1 -year). Mild bone edema was detected in 4% (n=1) (29% at 1-year). The edema findings were not evaluated as adverse implant-related. There were no cyst formation or fluid accumulation findings. The mean bio-integration score was 9.70+-0.69 at the 2-year timepoint (7.71+-0.46 at 1-year). Patient reported outcomes showed improvement from baseline with pain score reduced to 0.04+-0.20 compared to the initial score of 5.3+-2.5 at screening. No implant-related adverse effects were reported. Conclusion: Study results provide evidence of safe bio-integration of the fiber-reinforced implants, with favourable clinical outcome at 2-years follow-up. MRI scans did not detect fluid accumulation, cyst formation or adverse implant-related edema findings. Primarily, these study results represent a first longer-term follow-up for these implants in a clinical setting. The advanced bio-integration results at 2-years corelate well with substantial degradation previously demonstrated in animal models at a similar timepoint. Proven to provide the mechanical strength and safe elimination of the material without adverse local inflammation, this technology shows promising potential to be implemented on broader applications in orthopaedic surgery.

A novel magnetic resonance imaging scoring system for active and chronic changes in children and adolescents with juvenile idiopathic arthritis of the hip

BackgroundHip involvement predicts severe disease in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and is accurately assessed by MRI. However, a child-specific hip MRI scoring system has not been validated.ObjectiveTo test the intra- and interobserver agreement of several MRI markers for active and chronic hip changes in children and young adults with JIA and to examine the precision of measurements commonly used for the assessment of growth abnormalities.Materials and methodsHip MRIs from 60 consecutive children, adolescents and young adults with JIA were scored independently by two sets of radiologists. One set scored the same MRIs twice. Features of active and chronic changes, growth abnormalities and secondary post-inflammatory changes were scored. We used kappa statistics to analyze inter- and intraobserver agreement for categorical variables and a Bland–Altman approach to test the precision of continuous variables.ResultsAmong active changes, there was good intra- and interobserver agreement for grading overall inflammation (kappa 0.6–0.7). Synovial enhancement showed a good intraobserver agreement (kappa 0.7–0.8), while the interobserver agreement was moderate (kappa 0.4–0.5).Regarding acetabular erosions on a 0–3 scale, the intraobserver agreement was 0.6 for the right hip and 0.7 for the left hip, while the interobserver agreement was 0.6 for both hips. Measurements of joint space width, caput–collum–diaphyseal angle, femoral neck–head length, femoral width and trochanteric distance were imprecise.ConclusionWe identified a set of MRI markers for active and chronic changes in JIA and suggest that the more robust markers be included in future studies addressing clinical validity and long-term patient outcomes.

The reliability of Juvenile Arthritis Magnetic Resonance Imaging Scoring system in the evaluation of the shoulder joint in juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

We aimed to evaluate shoulder joint by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using the Juvenile Arthritis Magnetic Resonance Imaging Scoring (JAMRIS) system in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and to compare clinical, laboratory parameters and disease activity scores with MRI parameters. A total of 32 shoulder joints of 20 patients (16 males, 4 females; mean age: 8.9±3.5 years; range, 2.5 to 14 years) with a known diagnosis of JIA and a clinical suspicion of shoulder joint involvement and underwent MRI were included. Reliability was determined by inter- and intra-observer correlation coefficients. Correlation of the clinical and laboratory parameters with JAMRIS scores was done using the non-parametric tests. Sensitivity of clinical examination to detect shoulder joint arthritis was also determined. Of the 32 joints, 27 joints in 17 patients showed MRI changes. Seven joints in five patients fulfilled the definition of clinical arthritis, all revealed MRI changes. In 25 joints without clinical arthritis, early and late MRI changes were seen in 19 (67%) and 12 (48%) joints, respectively. The inter- and intra-observer correlation coefficients for JAMRIS system were excellent. No correlation was found between MRI parameters, clinical, laboratory, and disease activity scores. The sensitivity of clinical examination to detect shoulder joint arthritis was 25.9%. The JAMRIS system is reliable and reproducible to determine shoulder joint inflammation in JIA. Detection of shoulder joint arthritis by clinical examination has a poor sensitivity.

A new logistic regression model for early prediction of severity of acute pancreatitis using magnetic resonance imaging and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II scoring systems

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to develop a new model constructed by logistic regression for the early prediction of the severity of acute pancreatitis (AP) using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) scoring system.MethodsThis retrospective study included 363 patients with AP. The severity of AP was evaluated by MRI and the APACHE II scoring system, and some subgroups of AP severity were constructed based on a combination of these two scoring systems. The length of stay and occurrence of organ dysfunction were used as clinical outcome indicators and were compared across the different subgroups. We combined the MRI and APACHE II scoring system to construct the regression equations and evaluated the diagnostic efficacy of these models.ResultsIn the 363 patients, 144 (39.67%) had systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), 58 (15.98%) had organ failure, and 17 (4.68%) had severe AP. The AP subgroup with a high MRI score and a simultaneously high APACHE II score was more likely to develop SIRS and had a longer hospitalization. The model, which predicted the severity AP by combining extrapancreatic inflammation on magnetic resonance (EPIM) and APACHE II, was successful, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) of 0.912, which was higher than that of any single parameter. Other models that predicted SIRS complications by combining MRI parameters and APACHE II scores were also successful (all P<0.05), and these models based on EPIM and APACHE II scores were superior to other models in predicting outcome.ConclusionsThe combination of MRI and clinical scoring systems to assess the severity of AP is feasible, and these models may help to develop personalized treatment and management.

Effectiveness of a fetal magnetic resonance imaging scoring system for predicting the prognosis of pernicious placenta previa: A retrospective study.

Background: The value of multiple magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) signs in predicting pernicious placenta previa (PPP) with placenta accreta spectrum disorders (PAS) is still controversial. This study aimed to investigate the value of a self-made fetal magnetic resonance imaging scoring system in predicting the different types of PAS in pernicious placenta previa and its associated risk of bleeding. Methods: This retrospective study included 193 patients diagnosed with PPP based on MRI findings before delivery. Based on pathological and intraoperative findings, we divided patients into four groups: non-PAS, placental adhesion, placental implantation, and placenta percreta. Receiver operator characteristic curves of the MRI total score and placental implantation type were drawn using pROC packages in the R Studio environment, and cutoff values of each type were calculated, as well as diagnostic evaluation indexes, such as sensitivity, specificity, and the Youden index. Hemorrhage during surgery was compared between the groups. Results: The boundary value between the non-PAS and placental adhesion was 5.5, that between placental adhesion and placental implantation was 11.5, and that between placental implantation and placenta percreta was 15.5 points. The respective specificities were 0.700, 0.869, and 0.958, and the respective sensitivities were 0.994, 0.802, and 0.577. The Youden indices were 0.694, 0.671, and 0.535, respectively. The median (minimum, maximum) quantities of hemorrhage during the operation in the non-PAS, placental adhesion, placental implantation, and placenta percreta groups were 225 (100, 3700), 600 (200, 6000), 1500 (300, 7000), and 3000 (400, 6300) ml, respectively. Hemorrhage was significantly different between the four groups (p < 0.001). Conclusion: These results suggest that the proposed MRI scoring system could be an effective diagnostic tool for assessing PPP types and predicting the associated bleeding risk.

Intermetatarsal Bursitis, a Novel Feature of Juxtaarticular Inflammation in Early Rheumatoid Arthritis Related to Clinical Signs: Results of a Longitudinal Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study.

Intermetatarsal bursae in the forefeet possess a synovial lining similar to joints and tendon sheaths. Inflammation of these bursae (intermetatarsal bursitis [IMB]) was recently identified as specific for early rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The present study was undertaken to determine if IMB is indeed an RA feature by assessing the following: 1) the association with other local inflammatory measures (synovitis, tenosynovitis, and osteitis), 2) the association with clinical signs, and 3) whether it responds to disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) therapy similarly to other local inflammatory measures. One hundred fifty-seven consecutive early RA patients underwent unilateral contrast-enhanced 1.5T forefoot magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at diagnosis. MRIs were evaluated for IMB presence and for synovitis, tenosynovitis, and osteitis in line with the RA MRI Scoring (RAMRIS) system (summed as RAMRIS inflammation). MRIs at 4, 12, and 24 months were evaluated for IMB presence and size in patients who had IMB at baseline and received early DMARD therapy. Logistic regression and generalized estimating equations were used. Anti-citrullinated protein antibody (ACPA) stratification was performed. Sixty-nine percent of RA patients had ≥1 IMB. In multivariable analysis on bursa level, presence of IMB was independently associated with local presence of synovitis and tenosynovitis, with odds ratios (OR) of 1.69 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.12, 2.57) and 2.83 (95% CI 1.80, 4.44), respectively, but not osteitis. On the patient level, IMB presence was most strongly associated with tenosynovitis (OR 2.92 [95% CI 1.62, 5.24]). IMB presence was associated with local joint swelling (OR 2.7 [95% CI 1.3, 5.3]) and tenderness (OR 1.7 [95% CI 1.04, 2.9]) independent of RAMRIS inflammation. During treatment, IMB size decreased between 0 and 12 months. This decrease associated with decrease in RAMRIS inflammation, which was driven by synovitis decrease. Within ACPA-positive and ACPA-negative RA, similar results were obtained. IMB particularly accompanies inflammation of the synovial lining of joints and tendon sheaths, showed a similar treatment response after DMARD initiation, and associates with typical clinical signs. These findings suggest that IMB represents a frequently present novel RA feature of juxtaarticular synovial inflammation.

Progressive Increase in Sacroiliac Joint and Spinal Lesions Detected on Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Healthy Individuals in Relation to Age.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) plays a pivotal role in spondyloarthritis (SpA) diagnosis. However, a detailed description of MRI findings of the sacroiliac (SI) joints and spine in healthy individuals is currently lacking. This study was undertaken to evaluate the occurrence of MRI-detected SI joint and spinal lesions in healthy individuals in relation to age. Ninety-five healthy subjects (ages 20-49 years) underwent MRI of the SI joints and spine. Bone marrow edema (BME) and structural lesions of the SI joints were scored using the Spondyloarthritis Research Consortium of Canada (SPARCC) method. Spinal inflammatory and structural lesions were evaluated using the SPARCC MRI spine inflammation index and the Canada-Denmark MRI scoring system, respectively. Fulfillment of the Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society definition of a positive MRI for sacroiliitis/spondylitis was reviewed. Findings were compared to MRIs of axial SpA patients from the Belgian Inflammatory Arthritis and Spondylitis cohort. Of the subjects ≥30 years old, 17.2% fulfilled the definition of a positive MRI for sacroiliitis, but this occurred rarely in younger subjects. SI joint erosions (20.0%) and fat metaplasia (13.7%) were detected across all age groups. Erosions were more frequently visualized in subjects ages ≥40 years (39.3%). Spinal BME (35.7%) and fat metaplasia (28.6%) were common in subjects older than 40 years. Nonetheless, only 1 subject had ≥3 corner inflammatory lesions. SI joint and spinal SPARCC scores and total structural lesions scores increased progressively with age. Contrary to what is commonly believed, structural MRI-detected SI joint lesions are frequently seen in healthy individuals. Especially in older subjects, the high occurrence of inflammatory and structural MRI-detected lesions impacts their specificity for SpA, which has important implications for the interpretation of MRIs in patients with a clinical suspicion of SpA.

Association of Subchondral Changes With Age and Clinical Outcome in Patients With Osteochondral Fractures in the Knee: MRI Analysis at 1 to 10 Years Postoperatively.

Background:Predictive factors influencing outcomes after surgical fixation of osteochondral fractures (OCFs) in the knee, particularly time between injury and surgery, have not been determined.Purpose:To report imaging and clinical outcomes after OCF fixation and to assess the association between clinical scores and patient characteristics, lesion morphology, and appearance on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans.Study Design:Case series; Level of evidence, 4.Methods:We assessed the clinical and imaging outcomes of 19 patients after screw fixation for OCFs in the knee at a minimum follow-up of 1 year. Patient characteristics, lesion morphology, and time from trauma to surgery were reviewed for each patient. At final follow-up, patients completed a 100-point visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, Tegner activity scale, Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), and patient satisfaction survey. Postoperative MRI scans were assessed using the MOCART (magnetic resonance observation of cartilage repair tissue), Osteochondral Allograft MRI Scoring System, and bone marrow edema (BME) size.Results:The mean patient age at surgery was 21.3 ± 11.4 years, and the median time from trauma to surgery was 10 days (range, 0-143 days). The refixed OCF fragment failed in 1 (5.3%) patient on the lateral condyle at 15 months postoperatively. The mean follow-up for the remaining 18 patients was 4.7 ± 3.2 years, and postoperative outcomes were as follows: VAS pain score, 9.5 ± 17.9; Tegner score, 4.8 ± 2.3; KOOS–Pain, 85.9 ± 17.6, KOOS-Symptoms, 76.4 ± 16.1; KOOS–Activities of Daily Living, 90.3 ± 19.0; KOOS–Sport, 74.4 ± 25.4; and KOOS–Quality of Life, 55.9 ± 24.7. Overall, 84.2% were satisfied or very satisfied with outcomes. Patient age was significantly associated with KOOS subscale scores and subchondral imaging parameters including BME and presence of subchondral cysts, which in turn were the only imaging variables linked to clinical outcomes (P < .05). Time from injury to surgery was not correlated with clinical or imaging outcomes.Conclusion:Fixation of OCFs yielded acceptable clinical and imaging outcomes at a mean 5-year follow-up with seemingly little influence of delayed surgical treatment. Postoperative subchondral changes were significantly associated with clinical outcomes and were linked to patient age at surgery.

Metabolomics with severity of radiographic knee osteoarthritis and early phase synovitis in middle-aged women from the Iwaki Health Promotion Project: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundOsteoarthritis (OA) is one of the costliest and most disabling forms of arthritis, and it poses a major public health burden; however, its detailed etiology, pathophysiology, and metabolism remain unclear. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the key plasma metabolites and metabolic pathways, especially focusing on radiographic OA severity and synovitis, from a large sample cohort study.MethodsWe recruited 596 female volunteers who participated in the Iwaki Health Promotion Project in 2017. Standing anterior-posterior radiographs of the knee were classified by the Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) grade. Radiographic OA was defined as a KL grade of ≥ 2. Individual effusion-synovitis was scored according to the Whole-Organ Magnetic Resonance Imaging Scoring System. Blood samples were collected, and metabolites were extracted from the plasma. Metabolome analysis was performed using capillary electrophoresis time-of-flight mass spectrometry. To investigate the relationships among metabolites, the KL grade, and effusion-synovitis scores, partial least squares with rank order of groups (PLS-ROG) analyses were performed.ResultsAmong the 82 metabolites examined in this assay, PLS-ROG analysis identified 42 metabolites that correlated with OA severity. A subsequent metabolite set enrichment analysis using the significant metabolites showed the urea cycle and tricarboxylic acid cycle as key metabolic pathways. Moreover, further PLS-ROG analysis identified cystine (p = 0.009), uric acid (p = 0.024), and tyrosine (p = 0.048) as common metabolites associated with both OA severity and effusion-synovitis. Receiver operating characteristic analyses showed that cystine levels were moderately associated with radiographic OA (p < 0.001, area under the curve 0.714, odds ratio 3.7).ConclusionLarge sample metabolome analyses revealed that cystine, an amino acid associated with antioxidant activity and glutamate homeostasis, might be a potential metabolic biomarker for radiographic osteoarthritis and early phase synovitis.

Magnetic resonance imaging characteristics in patients with spondyloarthritis and clinical diagnosis of heel enthesitis: post hoc analysis from the phase 3 ACHILLES trial

ObjectiveTo investigate the imaging characteristics and clinically assess heel enthesitis in spondyloarthritis (SpA) by applying in a post hoc analysis the Heel Enthesitis Magnetic Resonance Imaging Scoring system (HEMRIS) in blinded and centrally-read MRI data from the ACHILLES trial (NCT02771210).MethodsACHILLES included patients (≥18 years) with active psoriatic arthritis or axial SpA with clinical and MRI-positive heel enthesitis refractory to standard treatment. Patients were randomized to receive subcutaneous secukinumab 150/300 mg or placebo. At week 24, patients on placebo were switched to secukinumab treatment. MRI-positive heel enthesitis was confirmed in all patients by local investigators. MRIs were performed at 3 timepoints: screening and weeks 24 and 52. In the present analysis, all MRIs were re-evaluated by 2 blinded central readers in a consensus read fashion for a priori defined MRI parameters based on HEMRIS.ResultsAt screening, 171/204 (83.8%) of patients presented with entheseal inflammation and/or structural damage, considering both the Achilles tendon and plantar fascia. Pathologies were more evident in the Achilles tendon area compared to the plantar aponeurosis. The most frequent pathologies were intra-tendon hypersignal and retrocalcaneal bursitis. The mean total entheseal inflammation score at screening in the Achilles tendon area was 2.99 (N=204) and the mean change (standard deviation [SD]) from screening to weeks 24 and 52 was − 0.91 (1.99) and − 0.83 (2.12) in the secukinumab group vs − 0.48 (1.86) and − 0.80 (1.98) in the placebo-secukinumab group, respectively. The mean total structural damage score at screening was 1.36 (N=204) and the mean change (SD) from screening to weeks 24 and 52 was 0.00 (0.65) and − 0.06 (0.56) in the secukinumab group vs 0.08 (0.48) and 0.04 (0.75) in the placebo-secukinumab group, respectively.ConclusionsBased on the newly developed HEMRIS, entheseal inflammation and/or structural damage was confirmed in 83.3% of ACHILLES patients. Pathologies were more evident in the Achilles tendon area compared to plantar fascia, with the inflammatory parameters being more responsive with secukinumab treatment compared to placebo. The present analysis, with detailed information on individual MRI parameters, contributes to the scientific debate on heel enthesitis.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT02771210.

The value of ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging scoring systems in explaining handgrip strength and functional impairment in rheumatoid arthritis patients: a pilot study

PurposeThe goal of this study is to investigate the relationship between joint inflammation and damage of the wrists and hands, measured by semiquantitative ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging scoring systems, with functional disability and handgrip strength (HGs).Materials and methodsConsecutive adult RA patients with active disease, as defined by a Disease Activity Score 28 joints C-reactive protein (DAS28-CRP) > 3.2, underwent a cross-sectional evaluation comprehensive of a clinimetric assessment, an HGs evaluation, an ultrasound assessment aimed at calculating the UltraSound-CLinical ARthritis Activity (US-CLARA), and a magnetic resonance imaging scored according to the modified Simplified Rheumatoid Arthritis Magnetic Resonance Imaging Score (mod SAMIS). The Spearman’s rho correlation coefficient was used to test the correlations.ResultsSixty-six patients with RA were investigated (age 55.6 ± 12.2 years). The mod SAMIS total score and the US-CLARA had a weak but significant correlation (rho = 0.377, p = 0.0018). Among the mod SAMIS sub-scores, there was a significant relationship between mod SAMIS bone edema (SAMIS-BME) and US-CLARA (rho = 0.799, p < 0.001) and mod SAMIS synovitis (SAMIS synovitis) and US-CLARA (rho = 0.539, p < 0.001). There were also significant negative relationships between the HGs score and the mod SAMIS total score and US-CLARA (rho = − 0.309, p = 0.011 and rho = − 0.775, p < 0.0001, respectively).ConclusionsBME and synovitis have an influence on the function of the upper extremities. The US-CLARA and the mod SAMIS total score are intriguing options for semiquantitative assessment of joint inflammation and damage in RA.

A Study of Temporal Evolution of Morphological Brain Changes on Conventional MRI Sequences and Brain Metabolites on MR Spectroscopy in Infants with Neonatal Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1HMRS) plays an important role in assessment and prognostication of the brain damage due to perinatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). Serial imaging is superior and is more useful especially in the prognostication. The aim of the present study was to assess the Temporal evolution of morphological brain changes on conventional MR imaging sequences and brain metabolites on MRS in deep gray matter as early as possible after birth, their status on follow up MRI scan in first 6 months of life. A prospective observational study was performed between October 2020 and September 2021. 31 full-term neonates with HIE, were included. Two sequential MR studies were performed; a conventional MR imaging, and proton MR spectroscopy for observation in the deep gray matter. Morphological brain changes were studied in the form of MRI scoring system. Followup with clinical examination for neurodevelopmental delay was done in our pediatric neurology clinic at 6 to 7 months of age. Mean MRI score in the first scan was found out to be 5.58 and in the second scan it was around 2.25. 30 subjects out of 31 showed lactate peak in the first scan and on followup imaging 8 out of 30 infants showed persistence of lactate peak (P value &lt; 0.0001), 27 (87.1 %) out of 31 subjects showed increase in NAA/Cr ratio on followup scan and 4 (12.9%) subjects showed decrease in NAA/Cr ratio. 5 out of 31 infants showed developmental delay, one infant expired and 25 infants (80 %) had no significant developmental delay. In conclusion there is significant correlation between persistence of lactate peak, decrease in NAA/Cr ratio and increased MRI score with neurodevelopmental delay.&#x0D; Keywords: Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, Magentic resonance spectroscopy, Lactate peak, NAA/Cr ratio, neurodevelopmental delay, serial MRI.

Outcome Prediction and Inter-Rater Comparison of Four Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging Scoring Systems of Infants with Perinatal Asphyxia and Therapeutic Hypothermia

Introduction: The brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) result is a major predictor for the outcome of term infants with perinatal asphyxia who underwent therapeutic hypothermia. In daily practice, no uniform method is used to assess these images. Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine which MRI-score best predicts adverse outcome at 24 months of age and has the highest inter-rater reliability. Methods: Four MRI scoring systems for term infants with perinatal asphyxia were selected: Rutherford score, Trivedi score, Weeke score, and NICHD NRN score. Experienced blinded raters retrospectively evaluated the brain MR Images of 161 infants using all four scoring systems. Long-term outcome (the composite outcome death or adverse outcome, and its separate components) were routinely assessed by standardized testing at the age of 24 months. The predictive accuracy was assessed by logistic regression analyses and expressed as area under the ROC curve (AUC). The inter-rater reliability of the scores was calculated by the weighted Kappa or intraclass correlation. A sensitivity analysis using only high-quality MRI scans was performed. Results: All four MRI scoring systems demonstrated an AUC of >0.66 for the prediction of adverse outcome and ≥0.80 for the prediction of death. The inter-rater reliability analyses demonstrated the highest reliability for the Weeke and Trivedi scores. When only assessing the high-quality scans, the AUC increased further. Conclusion: All four MRI brain scores proved reliable predictors for an adverse outcome at 24 months of age. The Weeke and Trivedi score demonstrated the highest inter-rater reliability. The use of high-quality MRI further improved prediction.

Bone erosions by MRI in first-degree relatives of patients with RA: an exploratory study.

First-degree relatives (FDR) of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are at increased risk of RA diagnosis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been proposed as a useful tool to detect subclinical synovitis and bone abnormalities as predictors of progression to RA. The presence of grade ≥ 2 bone erosions in RA MRI scoring system (RAMRIS) was reported to be RA-specific. We aim to describe the prevalence and characteristics of MRI findings in RA patients and FDR. A cross-sectional and exploratory study of 60 individuals was performed in 38 RA patients and 22 FDR with hand arthralgia without clinical arthritis and positive rheumatoid factor or anticitrullinated protein antibodies. All patients underwent an MRI and were evaluated for synovitis, bone erosion, and bone marrow edema. We evaluated second to fifth metacarpophalangeal joints of the dominant hand according to RAMRIS. Among the total population, eighteen (30%) subjects had grade ≥ 2 bone erosions, and 42 (70%) had at least one erosion of any grade. In patients with grade ≥ 2 bone erosions, 12 (31.6%) were from RA patients and 6 (27.2%) from FDR (p = 0.72). In patients with erosions of any grade, 26 (68.4%) were from RA patients and 15 (68.2%) were from FDR (p = 0.98). A high prevalence of bone erosions was found in RA patients' FDR who had symptoms without clinical arthritis and positive serology. MRI might be helpful in this population for an early detection of RA-specific erosions. The prognosis and the treatment decisions in these subjects should be elucidated. • First-degree relatives (FDR) of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients with positive serology and joint symptoms constitute a select subpopulation of individuals with an increased risk of developing RA. • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of FDR shows a high prevalence of bone erosions of any grade, grade ≥ 2 erosions, and synovitis. • MRI might be helpful in FDR of RA patients to screen for the presence of RA-specific erosions or clinically undetectable synovitis.

Walking Disabilities in Association With Tenosynovitis at the Metatarsophalangeal Joints: A Longitudinal Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study in Early Arthritis.

ObjectiveThe relationship between functional disability and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) inflammation has been studied for the hands, but has not been well established for the feet, even though walking difficulties are common. Therefore, our objective was to study whether walking difficulties were associated with MRI inflammation at metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joints in early arthritis patients, at diagnosis and during 24 months of follow‐up.MethodsA total of 532 consecutive patients presenting with early arthritis reported on the presence and severity of walking difficulties (Health Assessment Questionnaire question 4a, scale 0–3), and underwent unilateral contrast‐enhanced MRI of MTP joints 1–5 at baseline. In total, 107 patients had clinical and MRI data at follow‐up (4, 12, and 24 months). MRI inflammation (synovitis, tenosynovitis, and osteitis) was scored in line with the Rheumatoid Arthritis Magnetic Resonance Imaging Scoring system. At baseline, the association of walking disability with MRI inflammation was assessed using regression. Longitudinally, the association between a change in walking disability with a change in MRI inflammation was studied with linear mixed models.ResultsAt baseline, 81% of patients with walking disabilities had MRI inflammation at MTP joints, versus 68% without walking disabilities (P < 0.001). Total MRI inflammation (i.e., the sum of tenosynovitis, synovitis, and osteitis) was associated with severity of walking disability (β = 0.023, P < 0.001). Studying the MRI features separately, tenosynovitis, synovitis, and osteitis were all univariably associated with severity of walking disability (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, and P = 0.014, respectively). In multivariable analysis, the association was strongest for tenosynovitis. During follow‐up, a decrease in MTP inflammation was associated with a decrease in walking disability (β = 0.029, P = 0.001); in multivariable analyses only, tenosynovitis was independently associated (β = 0.073, P = 0.049).ConclusionOf the different inflamed tissues in MTP joints, predominantly MRI‐detected tenosynovitis was associated with walking disabilities. Likewise a reduction in tenosynovitis related to a decrease in walking disabilities. These results increase our understanding of the involvement of tenosynovitis in walking disabilities in early arthritis.

Discrete Choice Experiment on a Magnetic Resonance Imaging Scoring System for Temporomandibular Joints in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis.

To determine the relative importance weights of items and grades of a newly developed additive outcome measure called the juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scoring system for the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) (JAMRIS-TMJ). An adaptive partial-profile, discrete choice experiment (DCE) survey using the 1000Minds platform was independently completed by members of an expert group consisting of radiologists and non-radiologist clinicians to determine the group-averaged relative weights for the JAMRIS-TMJ. Subsequently, an image-based vignette ranking exercise was done, during which experts individually rank ordered 14 patient vignettes for disease severity while blinded to the weights and unrestricted to JAMRIS-TMJ assessment criteria. Validity of the weighted JAMRIS-TMJ was tested by comparing the consensus-graded, DCE-weighted JAMRIS-TMJ score of the vignettes with their unrestricted image-based ranks provided by the experts. Nineteen experts completed the DCE survey, and 21 completed the vignette ranking exercise. Synovial thickening and joint enhancement showed higher weights per raw score compared to bone marrow items and effusion in the inflammatory domain, while erosions and condylar flattening showed nonlinear and higher weights compared to disk abnormalities in the damage domain. The weighted JAMRIS-TMJ score of the vignettes correlated highly with the ranks from the unrestricted comparison method, with median Spearman's ρ of 0.92 (interquartile range [IQR] 0.87-0.95) for the inflammation and 0.93 (IQR 0.90-0.94) for the damage domain. A DCE survey was used to quantify the importance weights of the items and grades of the JAMRIS-TMJ. The weighted score showed high convergent validity with an unrestricted, holistic vignette ranking method.

A novel magnetic resonance imaging-based scoring system to predict outcome in neonates born preterm with intraventricular haemorrhage.

AimTo create a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)‐based scoring system specific to neonates born preterm with intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH), which could serve as a reliable prognostic indicator for later development and might allow for improved outcome prediction, individually‐tailored parental counselling, and clinical decision‐making.MethodThis retrospective, two‐center observational cohort study included 103 infants born preterm with IVH (61 males, 42 females; median gestational age 26wks 6d), born between 2000 and 2016. Term‐equivalent MRI was evaluated using a novel scoring system consisting of 11 items. A total MRI score was calculated and correlated with neurodevelopment between 2 years and 3 years of age. Prediction models for outcome were defined.ResultsThe proposed MRI scoring system showed high correlation and strong predictive ability with regard to later cognitive and motor outcome. The prediction models were translated into easy‐to‐use tables, allowing developmental risk assessment.InterpretationThe proposed MRI‐based scoring system was created especially for infants born preterm with IVH and enables a comprehensive assessment of important brain areas as well as potential additional abnormalities commonly associated with IVH. Thus, it better represents the severity of brain damage when compared with the conventional IVH classification. Our scoring system should provide clinicians with valuable information, to optimize parental counselling and clinical decision‐making.

Initial Validation of a Modified MRI Scoring System for Assessing Outcomes after Single-Surface Osteochondral Shell Allograft Transplantation in the Knee.

The Osteochondral Allograft Magnetic Resonance Imaging Scoring System (OCAMRISS) provides a reproducible method for imaging-based grading for osteochondral allograft (OCA) transplants. However, the OCAMRISS does not account for larger whole-surface OCA shell grafts, and has not been validated for assessing outcomes after shell OCA transplantation. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate a modified OCAMRISS for assessing single-surface shell OCAs in the knee based on strength of correlations for a modified OCAMRISS score with graft success and patient-reported outcomes for pain and function. With institutional review board approval and informed patient consent, patients who underwent large single-surface shell OCA transplantation and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exams at 1-year postsurgery were identified from a prospectively enrolled registry. All patients with a minimum of 2 years of clinical follow-up were included in the present study. A modified OCAMRISS, as well as assessment of the percentage of OCA bone incorporation, was used to score each knee. Two radiologists, blinded to patient demographics and outcomes, reviewed all MRIs together to determine a consensus score for each category and %-incorporation for each OCA. Thirteen patients (7 F, 6 M; mean age = 29.8 ± 9.4; mean body mass index = 27.1 ± 5.8); 8 medial femoral condyle, 4 patella, and 1 medial tibial plateau shell OCAs were evaluated. Mean modified OCAMRISS score was 5.2 ± 2.8, range (2-12) and %-integration was 72.7 ± 33.8, range (0-100). Moderate to strong correlations were noted for 1-year modified OCAMRISS total score with final follow-up (FFU) visual analog scale (VAS) pain (r = +0.58) and Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE) function (r = -0.7) scores, and for 1-year %-incorporation with FFU VAS pain (r = -0.76) and SANE function (r = +0.83) scores. The modified OCAMRISS total score and %-incorporation assessments determined at 1 year following single-surface shell OCA transplantation correlate well with initial patient outcomes and have clinical applicability for monitoring patients after large-shell OCA transplants in the knee.

Diagnostic analysis of baseline brain MRI features in infants with congenital cytomegalovirus infection: a simplified scoring system

To characterise the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of infants with congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) and categorise those into a simplified MRI scoring system. Three neuroradiologists reviewed the examinations of 71 infants retrospectively and scored for the presence of a white matter signal abnormality and structural lesion and each MRI was given a score of 0, 1, 2, or 3 for normal, structural abnormality alone, white matter abnormality alone, white matter abnormality plus structural lesion, respectively. Imaging features were outlines according to symptomatology. Chi-square and Spearman's rho were used to test relationships between MRI features and viral loads and MRI score/symptomatic disease respectively. Cohen's Kappa coefficient was used to assess interobserver agreement. Of the 49 abnormal studies, 40% (n=20) were seen in asymptomatic infants. The commonest finding was white matter signal abnormality, followed by cyst formation and polymicrogyria (86%, n=42; 71%, n=35; and 33%, n=16, respectively). Cysts were significantly positively correlated with white matter abnormalities and polymicrogyria. On the MRI score, 31%, 10%, 15%, and 44% obtained a score of 0, 1, 2, and 3, respectively; the MRI score was positively correlated with log-transformed viral loads. Interobserver agreement for the presence of white matter signal abnormality, cyst formation, malformations of cortical development (MCD), and global MRI score was excellent (k=0.82, 0.94, 0.96, and 0.86, respectively). Baseline MRI provides information valuable for treatment decisions, especially in "asymptomatic" infants. The simplified scoring system is easier to use, incorporating solely the imaging findings that are anticipated to have an effect on clinical outcome.