MRI Reports Research Articles

Rare Mesenchymal Tumors of the Pelvis: Imaging and Pathologic Correlation

Most pelvic tumors originate from the organs. Less commonly, tumors can arise from the various anatomic pelvic compartments and are comprised of mesenchymal tissue: muscles, connective tissue, vessels, lymphatics, and fat. Among some of the rarer entities are benign tumors (eg, angiomyxoma, cellular angiofibroma, and desmoid fibromatosis), malignant tumors (eg, sarcoma), and tumors that can manifest as benign or malignant (eg, solitary fibrous tumor or nerve sheath tumor). Because these tumors are uncommon and often manifest with nonspecific clinical features, imaging (usually MRI) is an initial step in the evaluation. Radiologists interpreting these images are asked to help narrow the differential diagnosis and assess the likelihood of malignancy for treatment planning. Thus, the MRI report should include the imaging features that would indicate the underlying tissue histology for pathologic diagnosis as well as a description of the anatomic extent and pattern of growth. The authors describe multiple locally aggressive benign and malignant mesenchymal tumors and highlight characteristic clinical and imaging features that enable the radiologist to narrow the differential diagnosis. The anatomic spaces of the pelvis are reviewed with illustrations to aid the radiologist in describing these tumors, which often span multiple pelvic compartments. Tumor appearance at T2-weighted, diffusion-weighted, and postcontrast MRI is summarized and illustrated with correlation at CT or fluorodeoxyglucose PET/CT, when available. MRI features that correspond to specific types of tissue (eg, myxoid, fibrous, or vascular) are highlighted and correlated with images from pathologic evaluation. Online supplemental material is available for this article.©RSNA, 2021.

Abstract 9899: Sex-Related Differences in Severe Cerebral Edema Development in Comatose Cardiac Arrest Patients

Introduction: Previous studies have shown that women have poorer neurological outcomes than men following out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). However, those studies focused on survival, a measure that may be confounded by withdrawal of life-sustaining therapy (WLST) decisions. We sought to assess sex differences in severe cerebral edema development following cardiac arrest. Methods: Data from adult OHCA patients presenting between 2007-2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients with multiple concomitant acute neurologic dysfunctions were excluded. Severe cerebral edema was classified as herniation or more than minimal ventricular effacement in MRI or CT radiology reports. Arrest types were categorized as shockable (VT/VF) or non-shockable (PEA, asystole). Poor outcomes were defined as Cerebral Performance Category > 3 at discharge. Multivariable backward stepwise logistic regression was performed. Results: 359 patients met our inclusion criteria. Demographics, imaging and clinical outcomes are summarized in Table 1. Women were more likely than men to have a non-shockable initial rhythm (P=0.003) and develop severe cerebral edema (P=0.005). Backwards stepwise logistic regression of an initial model including age, sex, rhythm, witnessed arrest and TTM-treatment, produced a final model that showed younger age (P<0.001), female sex (P=0.01), and non-shockable rhythm (P<0.001) as significant predictors of severe cerebral edema development. Patients with severe cerebral edema had worse outcomes (89/91 vs 176/268, P<0.001), and greater in-hospital mortality (82/91 vs 166/268, P<0.001), with a higher proportion of deaths due to brain death (15/82 vs 3/166 P<0.001). Conclusion: For OHCA patients who are initially comatose, women are more likely than men to have non-shockable rhythms and severe cerebral brain edema. These differences may be responsible for the poorer discharge outcomes that have been observed by other studies.

MRI based morphological examination of the placenta.

Ultrasound is widely used as the initial diagnostic imaging modality during pregnancy with both high spatial and temporal resolution. Although MRI in pregnancy has long focused on the fetus, its use in placental imaging has greatly increased over recent years. In addition to the possibilities of evaluating function, MRI with a wide field of view and high contrast resolution allows characterization of placental anatomy, particularly in situations that are difficult to specify with ultrasound, especially for suspected placenta accreta. MRI also appears to be a particularly useful examination for the anatomical evaluation of the placenta independent of maternal body habitus or fetal position. Indeed, surprisingly little attention is paid to the placenta in MRI when the indication for the examination is fetal. Thus, some aspects of the placenta seem to us to be important to be recognized by the radiologist and to be described on the MRI report. In this review, we will describe MRI sequences used for, and common features seen in, imaging of i) the normal placenta, ii) abnormal aspects of the placenta that should be identified on MRI performed for fetal reason, and iii) placental anomalies for which placental MRI may be indicated.

BI-RADS Reading of Non-Mass Lesions on DCE-MRI and Differential Diagnosis Performed by Radiomics and Deep Learning.

BackgroundA wide variety of benign and malignant processes can manifest as non-mass enhancement (NME) in breast MRI. Compared to mass lesions, there are no distinct features that can be used for differential diagnosis. The purpose is to use the BI-RADS descriptors and models developed using radiomics and deep learning to distinguish benign from malignant NME lesions.Materials and MethodsA total of 150 patients with 104 malignant and 46 benign NME were analyzed. Three radiologists performed reading for morphological distribution and internal enhancement using the 5th BI-RADS lexicon. For each case, the 3D tumor mask was generated using Fuzzy-C-Means segmentation. Three DCE parametric maps related to wash-in, maximum, and wash-out were generated, and PyRadiomics was applied to extract features. The radiomics model was built using five machine learning algorithms. ResNet50 was implemented using three parametric maps as input. Approximately 70% of earlier cases were used for training, and 30% of later cases were held out for testing.ResultsThe diagnostic BI-RADS in the original MRI report showed that 104/104 malignant and 36/46 benign lesions had a BI-RADS score of 4A–5. For category reading, the kappa coefficient was 0.83 for morphological distribution (excellent) and 0.52 for internal enhancement (moderate). Segmental and Regional distribution were the most prominent for the malignant group, and focal distribution for the benign group. Eight radiomics features were selected by support vector machine (SVM). Among the five machine learning algorithms, SVM yielded the highest accuracy of 80.4% in training and 77.5% in testing datasets. ResNet50 had a better diagnostic performance, 91.5% in training and 83.3% in testing datasets.ConclusionDiagnosis of NME was challenging, and the BI-RADS scores and descriptors showed a substantial overlap. Radiomics and deep learning may provide a useful CAD tool to aid in diagnosis.

A case of moderate depression with somatic symptoms and incidental finding of retrocerebellar arachnoid cyst

Arachnoid cysts are benign space-occupying brain lesions that contain cerebrospinal fluid which is mostly congenital in origin. Cases are mostly detected incidentally on neuro-imaging and neuropsychiatric manifestations are less common and under-recognized. Arachnoid cyst sometimes may be associated with seizure, headache, cranial nerve deficits, hydrocephalus, etc. A 23-year-old married female from rural India presented with headache, insomnia, low mood, lethargy, persisting for the past 6 months without any obvious stress factors. She also informed that she had few episodes of unresponsiveness without any features such as tongue biting, confusion, injury, or involuntary micturition and defecation. Her EEG report was within normal limit and MRI report confirmed the presence of Retro-cerebellar Arachnoid cyst in and around midline. Detail neurological and ophthalmological examination was done and findings were within normal limits. She was treated with Amitriptyline, Pregabalin, and Paracetamol. Psychotherapy was initiated for adequate management of her depressive symptoms and responded well. It can be emphasized that patients who are reporting with symptoms such as headache a detail evaluation should be done to find out organic etiology. Depressive and cognitive symptoms and its association with arachnoid cyst may depend upon the location of the lesion and further research is required to establish its causal relationship.

Preoperative ultrasound accurately characterizes surgically confirmed extracranial spinal accessory nerve injuries.

To determine the accuracy of preoperative ultrasound and MRI in surgically confirmed spinal accessory nerve injuries and present the benefits of a multimodality image review. A retrospective review of 38 consecutive patients referred to a peripheral nerve surgical practice at an academic teaching hospital with surgically confirmed spinal accessory nerve injuries. All cases were reviewed for patient demographics, date and cause of injury, preoperative EMG, and surgical diagnosis and management. Additionally, prospective interpretation of preoperative ultrasound and MRI reports were reviewed for concordance or discordance with the surgical diagnosis. Iatrogenic injury was present in 37 (97%) cases and most commonly a result of an excisional lymph node biopsy (68%). Surgically confirmed spinal accessory nerve injury diagnoses consisted of 25 (66%) stump neuromas and 13 (34%) incomplete nerve injuries. Nine months was the average time from injury to surgery. Twenty-nine patients underwent preoperative ultrasound and/or MRI evaluation: 12 ultrasound only, 10 MRI only, and seven with both ultrasound and MRI. Eighteen (95%) preoperative ultrasound reports compared to four (24%) preoperative MRI reports were concordant with the surgical diagnosis. In the seven cases with both preoperative ultrasound and MRI, six had discordant ultrasound and MRI imaging diagnoses for which the ultrasound was concordant with the surgical diagnoses in all cases. Preoperative ultrasound more accurately characterizes spinal accessory nerve injuries compared to MRI and should serve as the modality of choice when a spinal accessory nerve injury is suspected.

The Clinical Significance of Maximum Tumor Diameter on MRI in Men Undergoing Radical Prostatectomy or Definitive Radiotherapy for Locoregional Prostate Cancer

The Clinical Significance of Maximum Tumor Diameter on MRI in Men Undergoing Radical Prostatectomy or Definitive Radiotherapy for Locoregional Prostate Cancer

1053 Comparing MRI Parameters in Quantifying Patellofemoral Instability

Abstract Aim Patellofemoral instability is where various stabilising factors of the patellofemoral joint undergo pathomorphological changes. It has an incidence rate of 5.8 per 100,000 in UK and has been associated with osteoarthritis[1]. Variations in the factors that stabilise the patellofemoral joint can be observed on MRI including measurements of the trochlea in relation to the patella, the femur and soft tissue changes. This study aims to compare different measures used to detect and quantify patellofemoral instability on MRIs and to look for any significant difference in their use both in isolation and together. Method 109 MRI reports of 78 patients diagnosed with patellofemoral instability were reviewed and all quantitative and qualitative parameters reported were inputted in a data table. Quantitative elements known as the Dejour protocol included the trochlear sulcus angle, patellar tilt angle, tibial tuberosity-trochlear groove distance and the Insall-Salvati ratio. Qualitative factors involved facet changes, patellar position, and any damage to soft tissue. Results It was found that the Insall-Salvati ratio greater than 1.2 and the patellar tilt angle of greater than 11 degrees irregular ranges had the greatest incidence in the MRI reports found 77.1% and 87.6% respectively in MRIs that reported them. Conclusions There is a discrepancy between quantitative parameters in their correlation with patellofemoral instability for the MRI reports observed. [1]: Ye Q, Yu T, Wu Y, Ding X, Gong X. Patellar instability: the reliability of magnetic resonance imaging measurement parameters. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. 2019;20(1).

A proof of concept report of ASL MRI and 18F-FDG pet in limbic encephalitis

Autoimmune limbic encephalitis (LE) is a condition characterized by seizures and cognitive dysfunction. Fluorine-18 Fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG PET) has proved to be an important diagnostic and prognostic tool because it may detect brain metabolism in the earlier phases of the disease. Two main 18F-FDG PET patterns have been reported: a neurodegenerative one and a mixed hypermetabolic/hypometabolic. Arterial Spin Labelling (ASL) MRI reveals brain perfusion, that matches brain metabolism because they are strongly coupled.

Case Report on: Dandy Walker Malformation Syndrome

Introduction: Dandy Walker Syndrome is a congenital brain malformation that affects the cerebellum and the fluid filled areas that accompany it. The cerebellum is a part of the brain that deals with movement coordination as well as cognition and behavior.
 Case Presentation: The male patient 8 year old who was apparently admitted in A.V.B.R.H on 18/8/2019 is diagnosed with a known case of dandy walker malformation and came with the complaints of headache since 4 days, fever since 3 days, vomiting since 5 days and 3 episodes of seizures. All the necessary blood investigations has been done. The CT scan as well as MRI reports has shown that large posterior fossa cyst with open communication with fourth ventricle with hypoplastic left cerebellar hemisphere and no visualized cerebellar vermis. Before taking this case, information was given to the patients and their relatives and Informed consent was obtained from patient as well as relatives.
 Therapeutic Intervention: The patient was treated with NSAIDS, antibiotics, anticonvulsant, antiemetic and antacid and physical therapy to help keep muscle strength and flexibility The patient underwent VP shunt head circumference assessed regularly, vital signs hourly, provided vitamins enriched diet as per dietician’s order assisted dressing for drainage and physical therapy. Conclusion: The patient was admitted in A.V.B.R.H in a critical condition with the diagnosis of dandy walker syndrome, after providing the required treatment by the health care team members of hospital the patient condition was improved and satisfactory.

Seeing the whole picture: Added value of MRI for extraperitoneal findings in CRS-HIPEC candidates

PurposeIn colorectal cancer (CRC) patients the selection of suitable cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic peritoneal chemotherapy (CRS-HIPEC) candidates is based on the location and extent of peritoneal metastases (PM) and presence of extraperitoneal metastases. MRI is increasingly being used to accurately assess the extent of PM, however, the significance of extraperitoneal findings in these scans has never been evaluated before. MethodsCRC patients who had undergone an additional MRI scan after standard work-up with CT for preoperative staging between January 2016–January 2020 were selected. CT and MRI reports were reviewed for new abdominopelvic extra-peritoneal findings on MRI (MR-EPF) and MR-EPFs concerning lesions previously indicated as equivocal (uncertain benign/malignant) on CT. Reference standard were surgical results or follow-up imaging. ResultsIn 158 included patients 60 MR-EPFs (in 58/158 patients) were noted: twenty-six (43%) were new findings and thirty-four (57%) were equivocal findings on CT. Of the 34 equivocal findings 27 were ‘rejected/less likely malignant’ and 7 ‘confirmed/more likely malignant’ based on MRI. In 29 patients (18%) the MR-EPFs had direct influence on treatment planning. Three patients (2%), eligible for CRS-HIPEC on CT, were deemed inoperable due to MR-EPFs. ConclusionMRI had an added value in more than a third of the patients due to abdominopelvic extraperitoneal findings that were undetected or indeterminate on CT and therefore influenced the treatment in a substantial part of the patients. Combined with the known accurate detection of peritoneal disease on MRI, MRI seems a logical addition to the diagnostic workup of potential CRS-HIPEC candidates.

Comprehensive rehabilitation of Supraspinatus tear: A case study of post-op fracture stiffness

The disorders of the upper extremity and the shoulder is extremely common accounting for 30 % of people who experience shoulder pain and stiffness at some stage of their ageing. A high incidence of shoulder dysfunction is seen in people in recent trends. Shoulder stiffness is the main complication after fracture shoulder immobilization, and Diabetes Mellitus contribute to the frozen shoulder, which is the most typical complication in Diabetes mellitus patients. A case of lateral clavicle fracture with chief complaints of pain on the right shoulder, stiffness around the joint and reduced range of motion was reported to the outpatient physiotherapy department for rehabilitation. A proper assessment was done, and the differential diagnosis was frozen shoulder with supraspinatus tendon tear was reported. The patient also had a reduced range of motion of shoulder abduction and lateral rotation due to frozen shoulder. The investigation of MRI report stated that there is a partial supraspinatus tendon tear. Medical examination of the frozen shoulder confirms the diagnosis. A combination of non-pharmacological treatment with exercises, NSAID and exercise therapy, was planned. He was successfully treated with the combination of physical therapy treatment with the electrotherapy modalities and shoulder girdle mobilization. Comprehensive therapeutic exercises include mobilization of soft tissue using Cyriax technique, peripheral joint mobilization to improve controlled ROM. Mobilization of soft tissue along with home exercise supports patients suffering from frozen shoulder. The treatment primarily aimed at relieving pain and increasing range of motion and thus improving the quality of life in the patient. Only manual therapy alone does not give satisfactory results along with electrotherapeutic modality with proper dose work on the patient.

Facilitating Surveillance of Incidental Findings Using a Novel Reporting Template: Proof of Concept in Patients With Pancreatic Abnormalities.

To determine the surveillance impact of utilizing a discrete field in structured radiology reports in patients with incidental pancreatic findings. We implemented a dictation template containing a discrete structured field element to auto-trigger listing of patients with incidental pancreatic findings on a pancreas clinic registry in the electronic health record. We isolated CT and MRI reports with incidental pancreatic findings over a 24-month period. We stratified patients by presence or absence of the discrete field element in reports (flagged versus unflagged) and evaluated the impact of report flagging on likelihood of clinic follow-up, follow-up imaging, endoscopic ultrasound, surgical intervention, genetics referral, obtaining pathologic diagnosis, and time interval between index imaging to various outcomes. Patients with flagged reports were more likely to be seen or discussed in a pancreas clinic compared with those with unflagged reports (189 of 376, 50.3% versus 79 of 474, 16.7%; P <. 001). Patients with flagged reports were more likely to get follow-up imaging than patients with unflagged reports (188 of 376, 50.0% versus 121 of 474, 25.5%; P < .001) and were more likely to undergo appropriate management of actionable findings compared with patients in the unflagged group (23 of 62, 37.1% versus 28 of 129, 21.7%; P= .036). Implementation of a structured discrete field element for reporting of patients with incidental pancreatic findings had positive impact on surveillance measures and can be applied in other organ systems with established surveillance guidelines to standardize patient care.

Abstract 24 - A departmental review of the quality of information contained in multiparametric prostate MRI requests and reports

Abstract 24 - A departmental review of the quality of information contained in multiparametric prostate MRI requests and reports

Arthroscopic repair of inferior glenoid labrum tears (Down Under lesions) produces similar outcomes to other glenoid tears.

Inferior glenoid labral tears are an uncommon but distinct shoulder injury. Only a small number of studies have reported outcomes following arthroscopic repair. The aim of the current study was to report minimum 2-year outcomes following inferior labral repair and to compare outcomes and risk factors associated with the injury to non-inferior labral tears. Whether preoperative MRI or MRA identified inferior labral tears was also assessed. A prospective study of 162 consecutive patients undergoing arthroscopic glenoid labral repair, excluding isolated superior labral tears, was conducted. Of the 130 patients available for follow-up, 18 (13.7%) had an inferior labral tear ("Down Under lesion"), the remainder had anterior, posterior or mixed anterior/posterior lesions that did not include the inferior pole. Mean follow-up time for theDown Under group was 44months (SD 10, range 27-57), and 30months (SD 14, range 4-60) for the non-Down Under group. Postoperative outcomes included the Oxford Shoulder Instability Score and recurrent instability. Associations between Down Under lesions and injury mechanism, instability at presentation, recurrent instability and family history were assessed with multivariable logistic regression. Preoperative MRI or MRA reports by radiologists were examined to determine if Down Under lesions were identified. Oxford Shoulder Instability Scores indicated that most patients in both groups had little pain or shoulder problems postoperatively (average Oxford Score 41; 48 = no symptoms). Oxford Scores were not significantly different between the Down Under and non-Down Under groups. Four patients (22.2%) in the Down Under group had recurring symptoms (pain and instability) compared to 12 (10.6%) in the non-Down Under group; this difference was not statistically significant (adjusted OR 1.09, 95% CI 0.19,4.77). Family history of shoulder instability was positively associated with a Down Under lesion (adjusted OR 5.0, 95%CI 1.51,16.7). MRI or MRA identified 52.9% of Down Under lesions. Down Under lesions were an infrequent type of glenoid labral injury, yet postoperative outcomes were similar to other labral tears. Patients with Down Under lesions had a significant risk factor due to family history of shoulder instability. MRI and MRA could not reliably identify Down Under lesions. Level III.

Image and report quality of outpatient MRI examinations : Evaluation of organizational, technical and report-related parameters in patients with arthroscopically secured rotator cuff rupture

MRI is commonly used to diagnose and assess prognosis for rotator cuff (RM) pathology in addition to history and clinical examination. This study investigates the image and report quality of shoulder MRIs with regard to prognosis-relevant parameters in outpatients who subsequently underwent surgical treatment for RM rupture. Using adefined questionnaire, both the MR images and the original reports of 94patients were evaluated by an experienced radiologist with regard to referral information, MRI technology and quality of the MRI reports. Questions or comments on RC were noted in 39% (general practitioners) and 48% (orthopaedics/UCH) of referrals. In MRI reports with the diagnosis "complete rupture of the RC", no information on the size of the defect was available in 47% of cases. In 18 and 30% of the reports, respectively, afatty infiltration of the RM musculature or atrophy of the musculature was mentioned. When apartial RC rupture (n = 25) was diagnosed; the depth diameter (< or > 50% of the tendon thickness) was determined in only one case. The protocol recommendations valid today for MRI diagnostics of the shoulder were implemented in 60% of the examinations. According to the evaluating radiologist, 93-97% of the available MRI examinations were able to answer prognostic-relevant questions of an RC rupture. The questions by physicians referring to the MRI examination of ashoulder with asubsequently arthroscopically verified RC rupture were predominantly unspecific or insufficient. In the radiological reports of these MRI examinations, prognosis-relevant parameters could not be extracted in sufficient form and number, although the MRI technique would have allowed this.

The Technical Value of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Ultrasonography in Identifying Characterization of Ovarian Cysts

An accurate diagnosis of ovarian cysts is of utmost importance to determine the timely treatment to preservefertility.We sought to determine the effectiveness of ultrasonography and MRI modalities for diagnosing themost common ovarian lesions and differentiate between benign and malignant lesions in order to guidepatients to appropriate treatment. This study was conducted on 94 women, the age group between 14-70years, in the period of January 2020 to October 2021. Were all women suffering from abdominal pain,swelling, nausea or vomiting and bleeding and irregular menstrual cycle. Was suspected clinically in thepresence of lesions in the ovary was confirmed by tests of ultrasound and magnetic resonance. The entirecases were subjected to transvaginal and transabdominal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imagingto assess ovarian lesions in terms of content (somatic, cystic solid), nodules, septal characteristics, wallthickness, vascular lesion and ascites.In USG, there were 16% cases of malignant ovarian lesion and 84%cases had benign lesions. MRI reports showed that 10.6% cases had malignant ovarian lesions and 89.4%cases had benign lesions. Findings of USG with HPE have 100.0% sensitivity, 89.1% specificity and 91.07%diagnostic accuracy. In MRI findings with HPE have 100.0% sensitivity, 100% specificity, and 100.0%diagnostic accuracy. MRI had high specificity and more accuracy value in terms of diagnostic performancethan USG. The ultrasonography diagnostic value in case of characterization of adnexal mass lesion wassignificantly lower than in the MRI.

144. Recognizing patients in whom CT-myelography detects additional level of stenosis compared to MRI

<h3>BACKGROUND CONTEXT</h3> In patients with lumbar spinal stenosis, it is crucial for clinicians to identify all symptomatic levels. Prior studies have demonstrated that CT-myelography has a greater sensitivity in revealing stenosis (94.4%) compared to MRI (75.9%). CT-myelograms demonstrate weight-bearing changes as opposed to single position and single time point changes on MRI. However, CT-myelography is invasive, requiring injection of contrast dye into the thecal sac. <h3>PURPOSE</h3> The purpose of this study is to identify patients in whom additional levels of stenosis are likely to be recognized by a CT-myelogram following an MRI scan. <h3>STUDY DESIGN/SETTING</h3> Retrospective observational cohort at a single multi-surgeon spine center. <h3>PATIENT SAMPLE</h3> Patients ≥45 years old who had an MRI followed by a CT-myelogram within 6 months with a diagnosis of stenosis, spondylolisthesis, or degenerative scoliosis. <h3>OUTCOME MEASURES</h3> Additional levels of moderate to severe stenosis identified on CT-myelogram vs MRI. <h3>METHODS</h3> Medical records were reviewed to collect standard demographic and surgical data and to note if patients were deemed to have single-level or multi-level stenosis clinically. MRIs and CT-Myelograms obtained within six months of each other were reviewed and each lumbar level was recorded as mild, moderate, or severe based on the radiologist's report. Fisher's exact test was performed with change in recorded level of stenosis from MRI to CT-Myelogram as the primary outcome of interest. <h3>Results</h3> Of 207 patients, 139 (67%) had clinically reported multilevel stenosis and 68 (33%) had single-level stenosis. CT-Myelogram identified a greater proportion of additional stenotic levels in patients with clinically reported multilevel stenosis (80/139, 58%) compared to patients with single-level stenosis (27/68, 40%, p=0.018). When classifying patients based on MRI findings of stenosis instead of clinical diagnosis, 90 (43%) patients had multi-level stenosis, and 117 (56%) had single-level stenosis. In patients with radiologist-reported multilevel stenosis, CT-myelogram also identified a greater proportion of additional stenotic levels (55/90, 61%) compared to patients with radiologist-reported single level stenosis (52/117, 44%, p=0.025). <h3>Conclusions</h3> CT myelography is significantly more likely to provide valuable additional information in patients with multilevel stenosis as compared to patients with single level stenosis. This finding was consistent regardless of whether the distinction of single-level or multilevel stenosis was determined by clinical diagnosis or based solely off the MRI report. <h3>FDA DEVICE/DRUG STATUS</h3> This abstract does not discuss or include any applicable devices or drugs.

Occipital condylar avulsion fractures in the acute trauma setting: Stable or unstable injury?

Occipital condylar avulsion fractures are considered potentially unstable, associated with craniocervical dissociation spectrum injuries, and thought to carry a relatively high mortality rate based on the current literature. The purpose of this study was to identify patient with acute, occipital condylar avulsion fractures and evaluate for the incidence of concomitant cervical osteoligamentous trauma and craniocervical dissociation spectrum injury on cervical spine CT and MRI. Patients who suffered an inferomedial occipital condylar avulsion fracture were identified retrospectively using Nuance mPower software. Cervical spine CT and MRI reports performed within 48h for this patient cohort were then reviewed by two CAQ certified neuroradiologists. Confirmation of an occipital condylar avulsion fracture was recorded along with any concomitant craniocervical junction injury. Relevant clinical history, including management and outcomes, was recorded for each patient. Thirty-four patients were identified with an inferomedial fracture of the occipital condyle. Of the 85% of patients who underwent cervical MRI, all but one patient demonstrated a 'negative' MRI without major craniocervical junction ligamentous injury. These patients were treated conservatively with external bracing without persistent neurologic deficits upon 4-month follow-up. Inferomedial fractures of the occipital condyle are currently classified as potentially unstable fractures based on the Anderson classification system. Our data suggest that an isolated occipital condylar avulsion fracture without an additional C1-C2 fracture or widening of the atlanto-occipital joint space is likely a stable injury that can be treated conservatively with excellent clinical outcomes.

Postoperative lumbar spine MRI: How well does a radiology report that raises suspicion for infection correlate with true clinical infection?

IntroductionInterpretation of a lumbar spine MRI in the immediate postoperative period is challenging, as postoperative tissue enhancement and fluid collections may be mistaken for infection. Radiology reports may use ambiguous language, creating a clinical problem for a surgeon in determining whether a patient needs treatment with antibiotics or revision surgery. Moreover, retrospective criticism of management in instances of a true infection may lead to medicolegal ramifications. MethodsA retrospective review of patients undergoing posterior-approach lumbar decompressive surgery with or without fusion over a 30-month period identified those undergoing postoperative MRI within 10 weeks of surgery. Patients initially operated upon for infection were excluded. The MRI reports were analyzed for language describing findings suspicious for infection and those of these with true infections were identified. ResultsOf 487 patients undergoing posterior lumbar spine decompression surgery, 68 (14%) had postoperative MRI within 10 weeks. Of these, the radiology reports raised suspicion for infection in 20 (29%), of which 2 (10%) patients had a true infection. Two patients underwent reoperation for new motor deficit from seroma/hematoma. Of 63 patients who had MRI to evaluate complaints of back and/or leg pain without new motor deficits, the MRI significantly altered management in 3 patients (4.8%). ConclusionRadiology reports of postoperative lumbar spine MRIs frequently use language that raises suspicion for infection; but it is uncommon, however, that these patients harbor true infections. A radiology report describing possible infectious findings may not be considered significant without corroboration with other laboratory and clinical data.