Radiological Evolution Research Articles

MENISCAL RECONSTRUCTION WITH SEMITENDINOSUS TENDON AUTOGRAFT COMBINED TO COLLAGEN MEMBRANE: TECHNIQUE NOTE AND LITERATURE REVIEW

Objectives The authors describe a technique for meniscal reconstruction using an autologous semitendinosus graft combined to collagen membrane to treat a 39 yrs-old male patient with post-medial meniscectomy syndrome and show its results. Methods The tendon was duplicated and its ends were sutured with high-strength sutures and attached to an adjustable button on each side. The collagen membrane was sutured circumferentially to the graft and bone marrow aspirated was injected under the membrane. By arthroscopy, bone tunnels were drilled at the insertion of the meniscal roots with a retrograde drill. The graft was inserted in the meniscal position, fixed into root tunnels by the adjustable buttons and sutured to the joint capsule using inside-out and outside-in sutures. Results The patient was evaluated at 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively and showed good clinical and radiological evolution, being asymptomatic at final evaluation. At MRI, there were a meniscal integration of the graft and no degenerative changes. Conclusion The described technique showed to be reproducible and an alternative to treat symptomatic patients undergoing previous meniscectomy. Besides, it may be performed along concomitant procedures like osteotomy, ligament reconstruction and chondral repair.

Unveiling the radiological odyssey: Navigating the interstitial with artificial intelligence.

This study examines the radiological and clinical evolution of a case involving mixed idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis, utilizing conventional CT imaging and artificial intelligence tool. Through a series of exams and clinical assessments, the patient was followed for over 3 years, highlighting the challenge in differentiating these interstitial pathologies and the importance of a multidisciplinary approach. The radiological progression towards pulmonary fibrosis was correlated with clinical symptoms, emphasizing the significance of early diagnosis and regular follow-up. The combined use of advanced technologies offers a more comprehensive framework in managing complex lung diseases, enhancing the quality of care and understanding of interstitial pathologies.

Characteristics and temporal evolution of asymptomatic diffusion-weighted imaging lesions in patients with cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL).

The role of asymptomatic diffusion-weighted imaging-positive (aDWI+) lesions in cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) patients remains unclear, and their radiographic features may differ from those of symptomatic diffusion-weighted imaging-positive (sDWI+) lesions. We aimed to investigate the clinicoradiographic characteristics of aDWI+ lesions in CADASIL patients. We conducted a retrospective analysis using data from the Taiwan CADASIL Registry. aDWI+ lesions were defined as incidentally detected DWI+ lesions without corresponding acute neurological deficits. We compared the baseline clinical characteristics of patients with and without aDWI+ lesions and analyzed their radiological features and evolution in relation to sDWI+ lesions. Among 154 enrolled patients (mean age 62 ± 10 years), 17 (11%) had aDWI+ lesions. Baseline clinical characteristics were similar in the two groups, but those with aDWI+ lesions had more lacunes (median 8 vs. 2), multiple cerebral microbleeds (CMBs; 85% vs. 40%), and anterior temporal white matter hyperintensity (WMH; 47% vs. 14%). Multivariable analysis showed that aDWI+ lesions were associated with anterior temporal WMH (odds ratio 5.7, 95% confidence interval 1.5-21.0) after adjusting for multiple lacunes, multiple CMBs, and total WMH score. Compared to sDWI+ lesions, aDWI+ lesions were more often small infarcts (<1 cm; 89% vs. 23%) and less likely to involve the corticospinal tract (11% vs. 96%). Among the 11 aDWI+ lesions with follow-up magnetic resonance imaging, seven became microinfarcts, three became lacunes, and one disappeared. aDWI+ lesions in CADASIL are not uncommon and are associated with higher burdens of small vessel disease and anterior temporal WMH. Further research is needed to assess their long-term impact on CADASIL.

Radiological follow-up of osteonecrosis lesions in children and adolescents with Hodgkin lymphoma.

Osteonecrosis (ON) is a common complication of glucocorticoid-based Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) treatment, but the natural evolution and prognosis of ON lesions remain poorly understood. We describe the radiological evolution of ON lesions identified in a Nordic population-based cohort of paediatric HL patients. Magnetic resonance images of suspected ON lesions were centrally reviewed to confirm ON diagnosis and grade the ON lesions according to the Niinimäki classification. The study included 202 ON lesions in 46 patients, of which 77 were joint lesions. Follow-up images were available for 146/202 lesions, with a mean follow-up time of 28 months. During follow-up, 71% of the lesions remained stable, 26% improved or resolved, and 3% progressed. A higher ON grade at diagnosis was associated with a lower likelihood of spontaneous resolution. The likelihood for resolution of ON decreased by 50% for each year of added patient age, when adjusted for sex, ON location, and symptoms. Hip ON showed less spontaneous improvement compared with other joints, and the risk for surgery was 13-fold in hip ON. Grades 3-4 joint ON has the potential to either progress or resolve, warranting follow-up in patients with severe symptoms. Research on secondary prevention should be directed at grade 3-4 joint ON.

Predictors of the presence of radiological abnormalities 6 months after severe COVID-19 pneumonia

BackgroundSARS-CoV-2 pneumonia can cause significant long-term radiological changes, even resembling pulmonary fibrosis. However, the risk factors for these long-term effects are unknown. This study aims to assess radiological abnormalities and their possible risk factors six months after hospital discharge due to COVID-19 pneumonia.Material and methodsThis cross-sectional study in a tertiary hospital included adults admitted for COVID-19 pneumonia from March 2020 to February 2021, who underwent high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scans of the chest six months after hospital discharge. The primary outcome was radiological abnormalities on HRCT, while the main explanatory variables were drawn from the patient’s medical history along with the disease course, analytical indicators, and the treatment received during admission.ResultsThe 189 included patients had a mean age of 61.5 years; 70.9% were male, and hypertension was the main comorbidity (45%). About two-thirds (67.2%) presented acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Most (97.9%) received systemic corticosteroid therapy, and 81% presented pathological findings on HRCT, most commonly ground glass (63.5%), followed by bronchial dilatation (36%) and subpleural bands (25.4%). The multivariable analysis showed that age was the main risk factor, associated with most radiological changes. Other factors were the duration of corticosteroid therapy for ground glass (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.020) as well as a longer stay in the intensive care unit (ICU) (aOR 1.290) and high levels of IL-6 for bronchial dilation (aOR 1.002). ConclusionRadiological involvement of the lungs six months after COVID-19 pneumonia is frequent, especially ground glass. Elderly patients with prolonged ICU admission and a significant inflammatory response measured by IL-6 are more likely to present worse radiological evolution and are candidates for radiological follow-up after COVID-19 pneumonia.

Radiological evolution of pituitary hyperplasia in primary hypothyroidism and its differentiation from nonfunctioning pituitary adenoma coexisting with primary hypothyroidism.

In a patient with elevated thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH, >50 µIU/ml) with sellar mass, it is crucial to differentiate isolated pituitary hyperplasia (IPH) from primary hypothyroidism coexisting with nonfunctioning pituitary adenoma (PHCNFPA) pre-operatively to avoid unwarranted surgery in the former condition. Here, we describe patients having pituitary mass/enlargement with markedly elevated TSH (>50 µIU/ml) and attempt to find the differentiating features between IPH and PHCNFPA. This is a retrospective study conducted at a tertiary care center. Case records of patients presenting between January 2020 and December 2022 with elevated TSH (>50 µIU/ml) for whom magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the sella was available were reviewed. Demographic details, symptomatology, clinical examination findings, thyroid function tests, data on pituitary hormonal excess and deficiencies, MRI findings, and details regarding levothyroxine supplementation were noted. Based on the final diagnosis, the patients were categorized into two groups: PHCNFPA and IPH. Five and 11 patients were diagnosed with PHCNFPA and IPH, respectively. The median (IQR) age at presentation of patients with PHCNFPA was significantly higher than that of IPH patients [37 (28-60.5) vs. 21 (10-21.5) years, p: 0.002]. A longer duration of hypothyroid symptoms was noted in the IPH group whereas visual field defects and corticotropin deficiency were more frequent and the pituitary lesion size was greater in PHCNFPA. Thyroid function tests were not different between the two groups. The pituitary enlargement in IPH was initially an increase in pituitary height that progressed to symmetrical nipple-, dome- or tent-shaped enlargement. Besides this characteristic enlargement pattern, isointense appearance on T1-weighted and T2-weighted images, homogeneous contrast enhancement, and prompt regression of pituitary lesion with levothyroxine replacement were characteristic of IPH whereas heterogeneous enhancement, cystic/hemorrhagic change, and ≥Knosp III invasion were characteristic of PHCNFPA. Peripheral rim enhancement and Knosp I-II parasellar extension were not uncommon in patients with IPH and did not distinguish it from PHCNFPA. The present study reports the radiological evolution of IPH and a unique series of PHCNFPA along with the distinguishing characteristics between them.

Osteosynthesis by locking plate for proximal tibial fractures

IntroductionTreatment of proximal tibial fractures is known to be difficult. We report our own experience of the treatment of these fractures and evaluate our results. The hypothesis was that the clinical and radiological results were good. Material and MethodFrom January 2004 to October 2008, fourteen AO-type 41A2–3 and C1 fractures have been treated with a LCP locking plate (8 women and 6 men, average age 60.42). Plating was performed either with an open approach or a minimal invasive approach. Clinical and radiological follow-up was carried out looking for range of motion of the knee joint and autonomy level. ResultsMean follow-up was 32.63 months (12–70). Range of motion was maintained with a mean arch of 117.5° Autonomy was maintained in all cases. Professional, domestic and sports activities were unchanged. No infection or general complication occurred. Bone fusion was obtained in all cases after an average of 13.28 weeks. 6° of valgus deformation, already seen immediately postoperatively was observed once. Secondary displacement was observed in 6 cases, with an average of 2.83° Discussion-conclusionWe report good radiological results, with only one initial malalignment. The hypothesis was confirmed. However, X-ray analysis at consolidation shows 6 secondary displacements, without any satisfactory explanation. Though the clinical consequences of these malunions are minimal. Osteosynthesis with plate, in the sight of this study, yields good clinical results. Radiological evolution concerning the evolution of bone axes puts the emphasis on careful operative technique and adequate time to weight bearing. Level of evidenceretrospective study, IV

Primary central nervous system lymphomas in immunocompromised patients require specific response criteria.

Immunosuppression is a well-established risk factor for primary central nervous system lymphomas (PCNSLs), which present in this context distinct radiological characteristics. Our aim was to describe the radiological evolution of treated PCNSL in immunocompromised patients and suggest adapted MRI response criteria. We conducted a multicenter retrospective study of patients from the French LOC, K-Virogref and CANCERVIH network databases and enrolled adult immunocompromised patients with newly diagnosed PCNSL. We evaluated the baseline, intermediate, end-of-treatment and follow-up MRI data of 31 patients (9 living with HIV, 16 with solid organ transplantation and 6 with an autoimmune disease under chronic immunosuppressive therapy). At baseline, 23/30 (77%) patients had necrotic lesions with ring enhancement and 28% of the lesions were hemorrhagic. At the end of the first-line treatment, 12/28 (43%) patients could not be classified according to the IPCG criteria. Thirteen of 28 (46%) patients still harbored contrast enhancement, and 11/28 (39%) patients had persistent large necrotic lesions with a median diameter of 15mm. These aspects were not associated with a pejorative outcome and progressively diminished during follow-up. Six patients relapsed; however, we failed to identify any neuroimaging risk factors on the end-of-treatment MRI. In immunocompromised patients, PCNSLs often harbor alarming features on end-of-treatment MRI, with persistent contrast-enhanced lesions frequently observed. However, these aspects seemed to be related to the necrotic and hemorrhagic nature of the lesions and were not predictive of a pejorative outcome. Specific response criteria for this population are thereby proposed.

Serious injuries of Lisfranc joint: A retrospective multicenter study of 141 patients

IntroductionLisfranc joint injuries are common and often underdiagnosed. They occur during trauma of various mechanisms, high or low energy. Their management is difficult because of the wide spectrum of lesions and the management of associated lesions, particularly in the emergency stage. Their surgical treatment remains controversial. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the management of Lisfranc injuries and to study their clinical, functional and radiologic evolution. We also wanted to assess the consequences of these lesions on the patient's quality of life. Material and methodsThis was a retrospective multicenter study of 141 patients over 16 years at the time of the trauma. The patients included had presented a Lisfranc injury from January 2010 to June 2018. The epidemiological characteristics, the type of osteosynthesis, and the immediate and radiographic results at the last follow-up were collected. Functional assessment was analyzed by telephone review using the SF12, FAAM and AOFAS scores. ResultsAn associated M2 base fracture was found in almost 50 % of cases. A closed reduction and fixation was made in 25 % of cases. There was 69 % pins fixation. The reduction was not anatomical in 1/3 of the cases and was more difficult to achieve with an associated fracture. The FAAM score was statistically superior in the patients with internal fixation by screws compared to the treatment by pins. We found 18 % early complications. At least 1 year after the injury, C2M2 osteoarthritis was found in 45 % of patients. DiscussionContrary to what is recommended in the literature, this study reported a high rate of osteosynthesis by pins whereas screws and plates were more recommended. Open reduction was also recommended and was the strategy of choice in this study. An M2 fracture was often associated with Lisfranc dislocations. The quality of reduction was essential and was better with open reduction and screw fixation.

Factors associated with referrals for directly observed treatment and unsuccessful treatment.

<sec id="st1"><title>OBJECTIVE</title>To describe the characteristics of people indicated for directly observed treatment (DOT) in Spain, and the factors associated with unsuccessful treatment.</sec><sec id="st2"><title>METHODS</title>This was a multicentre observational study based on a prospective follow-up of patients over 18 years old diagnosed with TB between 2006 and 2019 from the registry of the Programa Integrado de Investigación en Tuberculosis (PII-TB). Sociodemographic and clinical variables were collected. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) were calculated for the indication of DOT and for having an unsuccessful treatment.</sec><sec id="st3"><title>RESULTS</title>A total of 7,883 patients were included. The indication of DOT was associated with being homeless (aOR 5.93, 95% CI 3.03-11.59), inactivity status (aOR 2.55, 95% CI 2.02-3.23), alcohol consumption (aOR 1.94, 95% CI 1.51-2.48), parenteral drug use (aOR 1.77, 95% CI 1.06-2.95) and HIV diagnosis (aOR 1.96, 95% CI 1.16-3.29). Unsuccessful treatment was associated with having an HIV diagnosis (aPR 2.31, 95% CI 1.31-4.08), having a worse clinical and radiological evolution (clinical progression: APR 15.59, 95% CI 8.21-29.60; radiological progression: aPR 12.84, 95% CI 6.46-25.52), need for hospitalisation (aPR 1.73, 95% CI 1.10-2.73), unsatisfactory tolerability (aPR 2.82, 95% CI 1.49-5.29), the existence of difficulties in understanding the prescribed treatment (aPR 1.92, 95% CI 1.21-3.06), as well as worse treatment satisfaction (aPR 7.27, 95% CI 4.32-12.24).</sec><sec id="st4"><title>CONCLUSION</title>The prioritisation of vulnerable populations is a key aspect to carry out the new Global Plan to End TB 2023-2030. In these groups DOT indication should be increased to ensure adherence and patient follow-up and outcomes.</sec>.

Rapidly Progressive Osteoarthritis of the Hip: A Prospective Study.

Background: Rapidly progressive osteoarthritis of the hip (RPOH) is a rare syndrome that involves the femoral head and acetabulum. Methods: We analyzed the incidence of RPOH in 2022. The inclusion criteria included a clinical history of pain for 1-6 months and a decrease in joint space of > 2 mm within one year or a decrease in joint space by 50% in that time accompanied by femoral and/or acetabular bone destruction. Exclusion: There are no other destructive arthropathies and no evolutionary radiological image sequence. Results: There were 15 patients, 16 hips, an incidence around 3.17%, a 1:1 laterality ratio, and 1 bilateral affected. The mean average age is 77.35 years. The male/female ratio is 1:2. The average BMI is 31.2. The time of the onset of the symptoms to the patient's diagnosis is 5 months. The functionally modified Harris scale (MHS) had an average score of 30 points. They had surgery hip arthroplasty with a cementless cup in all cases, a revision cup in one of them, and a double mobility cup in the other, with the stem cemented three times. There were no post-surgical complications. Functionally was achieved at 3 months. The average MHS is 70 at 12 months. The average MHS is 85. Conclusions: RPOH is an idiopathic entity characterized by great clinical involvement and rapid radiological evolution. It is most common in women around 77 years of age. The bone quality requires surgical alternatives to implants, and it has good functional recovery post-surgery.

Microwave Ablation in the Thermal Treatment of Hepactocellular Carcinoma: Case Report

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) stands as one of the most prevalent malignant tumors [1], and is the cause of over one million deaths annually worldwide [2]. While surgical resection remains the preferred treatment for early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in well-compensated cirrhosis patients, thermal ablation techniques offer a credible non-surgical option. Their minimal invasiveness, high tolerability, safety, established efficacy in local disease control, virtually unlimited repeatability, and cost-effectiveness render them valuable alternatives. Microwave ablation (MWA) of HCC appears to be a safe and effective treatment. Here we report a case of 53-year-old male, followed for hepatitis C complicated by compensated cirrhosis, During the follow up, Laboratory tests found liver function tests were eleveted, α-fetoprotein (AFP) was normal. Abdominal ultrasound showed a focal hepatic mass straddling segments VI and VIII, rounded, well-limited, with heterogeneous hyperechoic echostructure, and splenomegaly. Contrast-enhanced abdominal computed tomography showed a chronic liver desease with a focal lesion straddling segments VI and VIII, oval, tissue-like, hypodense in the center, measuring 50x41mm, with signs of early arterial enhancement consistent with HCC characteristics and signs of portal hypertension and a multicystic kidney. Hepatic MRI revealed a chronic liver disease straddling segments VII and VIII of a hepatic lesion measuring 23x 22mm classified as Li-RADS 4 with signs of portal hypertension and splenomegaly. Based on these results, the patient was diagnosed as HCC with well compensated cirrhosis, and in view of the fact that he had only a single lesion and was in functional grade A of Child-Pugh classification and staged as BCLC-A in the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) staging system, the patient benefited from microwave ablation for his HCC, with good clinical, biological and radiological evolution. Microwave Ablation (MWA) emerges ..........

Development of Collateral Vessels after Anterior Circulation Large Vessel Occlusion in Pediatric Arterial Ischemic Stroke Relates to Stroke Etiology: A Longitudinal Study.

The characteristics of large vessel occlusion (LVO) in the acute phase of pediatric arterial ischemic stroke and their natural history according to stroke etiology are poorly explored. This studied aimed at describing the prevalence and the radiological evolution of LVO in pediatric AIS. This single-center retrospective study included consecutive non-neonate children with acute arterial ischemic stroke, intracranial proximal LVO in the anterior circulation (MCA, anterior cerebral artery, and/or ICA), and clinical and imaging follow-up for at least 18 months, during a 9-year period. Intracranial LVO was observed in 24.8% of patients with anterior circulation arterial ischemic stroke and adequate follow-up (n = 26/105), with a median age of 4.2 years (IQR 0.8-9), sex ratio 1.16. The main stroke etiology associated with LVO was unilateral focal cerebral arteriopathy (n = 12, 46%). During follow-up, a specific pattern of unilateral poststroke anastomotic bridge was observed in 8/26 patients, with the poststroke development of nonperforating collaterals forming a bridge in bypass of the LVO site with visible distal flow, within a median delay of 11 months. The development of unilateral poststroke anastomotic bridge was only observed in patients with unilateral focal cerebral arteriopathy. No patient with this pattern experienced stroke recurrence or further progressive vascular modifications. After stroke, the development of unilateral poststroke anastomotic bridge is specifically observed in children with focal cerebral arteriopathy, appearing in the first year after stroke. This clinical-radiologic pattern was not associated with stroke recurrence or arterial worsening, differentiating it from progressive intracranial arteriopathy, such as Moyamoya angiopathy.

Chronic Osteomyelitis of the Tibia in Children: About 01 Cases

Introduction: Chronic osteomyelitis is a chronic infection of the bone and marrow. It evolves in a tenacious and recurrent manner. Observation: 15 year old boy, not in school, without known ATCD, admitted for painful swelling of the left leg in whom the onset of the disease dates back to 04 years marked by pain in the left leg associated with a fever. On the locomotor examination we noted a painful swelling of the left leg with 03 fistulous orifices on the anteromedial aspect of the left leg; leaking foul-smelling pus. He benefited from a pus sample for a cytobacteriological study, a sequestrectomy, curettage and abundant washing with hydrogen peroxide and physiological serum. The postoperative course was simple. The patient was seen again at 10 months and he presented a good clinical, biological and radiological evolution. Conclusion: Chronic osteomyelitis mainly affects the young population. Pandiaphysitis with sequestra remains its clinical forms which pose enormous therapeutic problems.

Opposed evolution of the osseous and soft parts of progestin-associated osteomeningioma after progestin intake discontinuation.

Numerous studies have confirmed a strong association between progestins and meningiomas and the regression and/or stabilization of meningiomas after discontinuation of treatment. Osteomeningiomas represent a small subgroup of meningiomas that appear to be more common among progestin-related meningiomas. However, the specificity of the behavior of this subset of meningiomas after discontinuation of progestin has not yet been assessed. Thirty-six patients (mean age 49.5 years) who presented with at least one progestin-related osteomeningioma (48 tumors total) were identified from a prospectively collected database of patients and had been referred to our department for meningioma and had documented use of cyproterone acetate, nomegestrol acetate, and/or chlormadinone acetate. Hormonal treatment was stopped at the time of diagnosis for all the patients, and the clinical and radiological evolution of this subgroup of tumors was evaluated. For half of the 36 patients, treatment was prescribed for signs of hyperandrogenism, such as hirsutism, alopecia, or acne. Most lesions were spheno-orbital (35.4%) or frontal (31.2%). Although the tissular part of the meningioma shrank in 77.1% of cases, the osseous part exhibited discordant behavior with 81.3% showing volume progression. The combination of estrogens, as well as the prolonged duration of progestin treatment, seems to increase the risk of progression of the osseous part after treatment discontinuation (p = 0.02 and p = 0.028, respectively). No patient required surgical treatment at diagnosis or during the study. These results show that while the soft intracranial part of progestin-related osteomeningioma tumor is the most likely to regress after treatment discontinuation, the bony part is more likely to increase in volume. These findings suggest the need for careful follow-up of these patients, especially those with tumors near the optical apparatus.

Femoroacetabular Impingement and the Effect of Osteochondroplasty on Hip Osteoarthritis Prevention: The Pandora's Box Opening Process.

This study was conducted to assess the effect of osteochondroplasty on osteoarthritis (OA) prevention, comparing radiological evolution between identical hips from the same patient who had undergone unilateral surgery. We retrospectively reviewed radiological evolution between hips with similar shape from the same patient who had undergone unilateral surgery. In all, 56 FAI patients (112 hips) with a mean age of 42.18 ± 9.16 years and had undergone unilateral arthroscopy treatment have been included. Four independent researchers measured Wiberg, Acetabular and Alpha angles, Extrusion index, and Tönnis classification preoperatively to verify that operated and non-operated hips had the same shape. OA evolution was assessed by joint space width (JSW) in 3 different articular points and Tönnis classification. No preoperative anatomical differences were present between groups (P > 0.05). At the end of follow-up (31.9 months), a decrease of JSW in the 3 points measured was found in OP hips (OP vs. N-OP; P < 0.01). These results were correlated with changes in the proportion of patients who progressed to grade III in Tönnis classification (from 1.3% preoperative to 23.2% at the end of follow-up). Osteochondroplasty and labrum procedures were not associated with OA prevention. The OP hips showed a faster OA degeneration, which was not seen in the N-OP. These results will encourage hip surgeons to perform further investigations to avoid the "Pandora's Box Opening Process."

Clinical Outcomes After Polyurethane Meniscal Scaffolds Implantation Remain Stable Despite a Joint Space Narrowing at 10-Year Follow-Up

To report the clinical outcomes, radiologic evolution, and survivorship of a series of patients affected by the postmeniscectomy syndrome and treated with a polyurethane scaffold at a minimum 10-year follow-up. In addition, the radiologic evolution of these patients was also assessed. All the patients operated on with a polyurethane meniscal scaffold implantation to treat postmeniscectomy syndrome from 2008 to 2011 were prospectively followed. Clinical evaluations and radiologic studies were assessed at the preoperative period, at 5-year follow-up, and at minimum 10-year follow-up. Clinical outcomes were based on patient-reported outcomes (e.g., the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, International Knee Documentation Committee, Lysholm, and Tegner). Radiographical evaluation of the joint-space narrowing was done in the Rosenberg view. Failure was defined as patients who required surgery to remove the scaffold or those patients who needed surgery for a total or partial knee replacement. Twenty-one of 27 patients, with a mean age of 56 ± 9.8 years, were available for the final follow-up. The mean follow-up was 11.8 (range, 10-12.7) years. Six patients were lost to follow-up. All functional scores showed a significant improvement (P < .001) at the 5- and 10-year follow-up. The exception was the Tegner score, which remained stable. The joint-space width was maintained from the preoperative period (1.9 ± 1.2 mm) up to the 5-year follow-up (1.3 ± 1.5 mm, P= .3) and decreased by the last evaluation (0.6 ± 1.2 mm, P= .001) at the last follow-up. Two (9.5%) of 21 patients were converted to a total knee replacement during the study period. None of the other patients needed revision surgery during the study period. The polyurethane meniscal scaffold provides significant and stable pain relief over time and improved functional outcomes at a minimum of 10 years after surgery. However, degenerative changes progressed in the treated compartment, with a joint-space narrowing over the 10-year period. Level IV, retrospective case series.

Radiological and Functional Pulmonary Evolution in Post-COVID-19 Patients: An Observational Study.

COVID-19 has generated a scenario for global health with multiple systemic impairments. This retrospective study evaluated the clinical, radiological, and pulmonary functional evolution in 302 post-COVID-19 patients. Regarding post-COVID-19 pulmonary symptoms, dry cough, dyspnea, and chest pain were the most frequent. Of the associated comorbidities, asthma was more frequent (23.5%). Chest tomography (CT) initially showed a mean pulmonary involvement of 69.7%, and evaluation in the subsequent months showed improvement in the evolutionary image. With less than six months post-pathology, there was a commitment of 37.7% from six to twelve months it was 20%, and after 12 months it was 9.9%. As for most of the sample, 50.3% of the patients presented CT normalization less than six months after infection, 23% were normalized between six and twelve months, and 5.2% presented with normalized images after twelve months, with one remaining. A percentage of 17.3% maintained post-COVID-19 pulmonary residual sequelae. Regarding spirometry, less than six months after pathology, 59.3% of the patients presented regular exam results, 12.3% had their function normalized within six to twelve months, and 6.3% had normal exam results twelve months after their post-pathology evaluation. Only 3.6% of the patients still showed some alteration during this period.

A multicenter study of radiologically isolated syndrome in children and adolescents: Can we predict the course?

ObjectivesTo evaluate clinical characteristics, imaging features and etiological profile of Radiologically Isolated Syndrome (RIS) along with clinical and radiological follow-up. MethodsDemographic, clinical and radiological data of patients younger than 18 years fulfilling the criteria for RIS were retrospectively analyzed. RIS was defined by the detection of lesions meeting the revised 2010 McDonald Criteria for dissemination in space on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the absence of any symptoms of demyelinating disease or an alternative cause for the MRI findings. ResultsThere were total 69 patients (38 girls, 31 boys). The median age at index MRI was 15.7 years, and median follow-up time was 28 months. The most common reason for neuroimaging was headache (60.9%). A first clinical event occurred with median 11 months in 14/69 (20%) of cases. Those with oligoclonal bands (OCB) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and follow-up longer than 3 years were more likely to experience a clinical event (p<0.05): 25% of those with OCB manifested clinical symptoms within the first year and 33.3% within the first two years compared to 6.3% and 9.4%, respectively in those without OCB. Radiological evolution was not associated with any variables: age, sex, reason for neuroimaging, serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level, elevated IgG index, OCB positivity, total number and localization of lesions, presence of gadolinium enhancement, achievement of 2005 criteria for DIS and duration of follow-up. ConclusionChildren and adolescents with RIS and CSF OCB should be followed-up for at least 3 years in order to detect any clinical symptoms suggestive of a demyelinating event. Because disease-modifying treatments are not approved in RIS and no consensus report justifies their use especially in pediatric RIS, close follow-up of OCB-positive patients is needed for early recognition of any clinical event and timely initiation of specific treatment.

Nonprogrammable Shunts for Communicating Hydrocephalus and Three-Dimensional Volumetry: A Retrospective Analysis

Although the use of different types of valves have been extensively studied in shunt surgeries for communicating hydrocephalus (cHC), a consensus about the valve type remains absent. The objective of this study is to evaluate our results with the primary placement of non-programmable valves (NPV) for this indication. We retrospectively analyzed all first NPV implanted between 2014-2020 for cHC. We studied the revision rate, clinical outcome described by modified Ranking Scale (mRS) and radiological evolution using Evans index (EI) and ventricular volumes 3D-semiautomatic segmentation (vv-3DSAS). Forty-one patients were shunted for post-hemorrhagic (61%), post-traumatic (24.4%) and tumoral (14.6%) hydrocephalus (HC). Mean age was 65 years (range 25-89yrs). Overall, 59 procedures were performed including 18 revision surgeries in 12 patients (29.3%). Underlying reason for first shunt revision were valve type related: valve dysfunction, overdrainage, underdrainage and non-valve type related: malpositioning, infection, shunt migration. The shunt-related revision rate was 17.1%. Twenty-eight patients (68.3%) had an mRS improvement of 1 or more points. We found a good correlation between ventricle volumes (VV) and EI and a significant reduction in VV measured by EI and vv-3DSAS was observed. However, the mRS improvement was not correlated with a reduction of ventricle volumes. Overall, our results in terms of shunt revisions as well as clinical and radiological evolution are comparable with the literature for NPV. vv-3DSAS can be used and could be useful to detect small changes in VV in patients with cHC.