Sagittal T1-weighted MR Images Research Articles

Uterine Inversion.

HomeRadioGraphicsVol. 43, No. 6 PreviousNext Cases from the Cooky JarFree AccessUterine InversionKaitlin M. Zaki-Metias , Melina Hosseiny, Fardad Behzadi, Patricia BalthazarKaitlin M. Zaki-Metias , Melina Hosseiny, Fardad Behzadi, Patricia BalthazarAuthor AffiliationsFrom the Department of Radiology, Trinity Health Oakland Hospital/Wayne State University School of Medicine, 44405 Woodward Ave, Medical Education, Pontiac, MI 48341 (K.M.Z.M.); Department of Radiology, University of California San Diego, San Diego, Calif (M.H.); Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass (F.B.); and Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Ga (P.B.).Address correspondence to K.M.Z.M. (email: [email protected]).Kaitlin M. Zaki-Metias Melina HosseinyFardad BehzadiPatricia BalthazarPublished Online:May 18 2023https://doi.org/10.1148/rg.230004MoreSectionsPDF ToolsImage ViewerAdd to favoritesCiteTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinked In Uterine inversion, or uterine intussusception, is a rare, potentially life-threatening entity characterized by inversion of the fundus into the uterine cavity, which often manifests as an acute complication of childbirth (1,2). Less commonly, uterine inversion is nonpuerperal, occurring as a result of an endometrial or myometrial mass (2,3). Patients typically present with symptoms that include vaginal bleeding and pelvic pain.At MRI, uterine inversion appears as a U-shaped uterus with loss of the normal convex fundal contour on sagittal images (Fig 1A, 1B) (2). A target configuration may be visualized on axial images, representing the concentric serosa, myometrium, and endometrium (Fig 1C, 1D) (2). MRI is also useful in assessing the cause in patients with nonpuerperal uterine inversion, including submucosal leiomyomas, uterine leiomyosarcomas, and endometrial malignancies. There are four grades of uterine inversion, which are characterized by the degree of inferior bowing of the fundus relative to the cervix and/or vaginal introitus (Fig 2).Figure 1. Uterine inversion in a previously healthy premenopausal female patient with acute onset of pelvic pain and vaginal bleeding. A bleeding vaginal or cervical mass was suspected on physical examination, and pelvic MRI was performed for further evaluation. Sagittal T2-weighted (A) and contrast-enhanced fat-suppressed T1-weighted (B) MR images of the pelvis demonstrate a U-shaped uterus (U) with loss of the normal fundal contour, with protrusion of the fundus into the distended vaginal canal (V), consistent with grade III uterine inversion. The cervix (C) is located superior to the inverted fundus. At the fundus, there is an ill-defined rounded lesion (arrow in A and B) with heterogeneous T1 signal intensity and enhancement with irregular margins, with adjacent heterogeneous T2 signal intensity and increased T1 signal intensity. The findings are most consistent with a hemorrhagic submucosal uterine leiomyoma. Axial T2-weighted (C) and contrast-enhanced fat-suppressed T1-weighted (D) MR images of the pelvis show concentric rings of signal intensity indicating the serosa, myometrium, endometrium, and vagina.Figure 1.Download as PowerPointOpen in Image Viewer Figure 2. Illustration depicts the normal anatomic position of the uterus (A) and the various grades of inversion. Grade I uterine inversion (B) is characterized by inferior bowing of the fundus up to but not beyond the cervix. In grade II uterine inversion (C), the inverted fundus protrudes through the cervix and into the vagina. The uterus is fully inverted and protrudes out of the vagina in grade III uterine inversion (D).Figure 2.Download as PowerPointOpen in Image Viewer Disclosures of conflicts of interest.—K.M.Z.M. Meeting attendance and travel reimbursement from Trinity Health Oakland Hospital. P.B. Editorial board member of RadioGraphics, Association of University Radiologists GE Radiology Research Academic Fellowship, meeting travel reimbursement from the American College of Radiology.K.M.Z.M and P.B. have provided disclosures (see end of article); all other authors have disclosed no relevant relationships.

Characteristics of cervical intervertebral disc signal intensity: an analysis of T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging in 5843 asymptomatic Chinese subjects.

The study aimed to observe cervical intervertebral discs (IVDs) in asymptomatic subjects and to explore the factors associated with cervical intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD). Cervical spine MRI of 5843 subjects was retrospectively analyzed. On the sagittal T2-weighted MR images, the mean signal intensities of the nucleus pulposus were obtained. Standard signal intensity (SSI) of intervertebral discs was defined as the ratio of mean disc signal intensity to mean CSF signal intensity. In subjects under 70years old, the SSI of IVD was lowest at the C5/6 level. In those over 70, the SSI of IVD was similar among the disc levels from C2/3 to C7/T1. The disc SSI decreased significantly with age in both genders. In subjects under 70 years old, the SSI of the discs at each level was higher in females than in males. In those over 70years old, no difference was found in disc SSI between two genders at most disc levels. Logistic regression analysis showed that kyphotic and straight cervical spine, obesity and older age were associated with higher risk of having lower disc SSI. To our knowledge, this is the largest cross-sectional study using MRI-based quantitative assessment to characterize cervical IVDD in asymptomatic subjects. Cervical IVDD was shown to progress with age and significantly correlated with gender, BMI and cervical alignment. Early intervention of related factors may help delay cervical IVDD and prevent future neck and shoulder pain.

Enhancing Annular Fissures and High-Intensity Zones: Pain, Internal Derangement, and Anesthetic Response at Provocation Lumbar Discography.

A high-intensity zone identified on preprocedural MR imaging is known to correlate with pain at provocation lumbar discography. The correlation between enhancing annular fissures and pain at provocation lumbar discography has not been comprehensively evaluated. The purpose of this study was to assess the pain response and imaging features at enhancing annular fissure nonoperated disc levels identified on preprocedural MR imaging with comparison with the high-intensity zone and nonenhancing disc levels in patients referred for provocation lumbar discography. One-hundred nonoperated discs in 44 patients were retrospectively evaluated for an enhancing annular fissure on sagittal postcontrast T1-weighted pre-discogram MR imaging. Enhancing annular fissure discs were graded on the sagittal T2-weighted sequence (Grade 4: like CSF to Grade 1: negative/barely visible) for high-intensity-zone conspicuity. High-intensity-zone detection was performed independently. In the primary assessment, enhancing annular fissure and high-intensity zones were associated with pain response at provocation lumbar discography. Additional analysis included intradiscal anesthetic response and postdiscogram CT appearance. Thirty-nine discs demonstrated an enhancing annular fissure, with 23/39 demonstrating a high-intensity zone. The presence of a high-intensity zone predicted severe pain (concordant + nonconcordant; P = .005, sensitivity of 40%, specificity of 94%) and concordant pain (P = .007, sensitivity of 39%, specificity of 86%) at provocation lumbar discography. Enhancing annular fissures without a detected high-intensity zone were more frequently observed among severely painful (50%) and concordant (36%) discs than among discs negative for pain (9%; P = .01). This finding resulted in a substantially greater overall sensitivity of enhancing annular fissures for severe (P < .001, 64%) and concordant pain (P = .008, 61%), significantly improving the overall predictive ability of a high-intensity zone alone. A high-intensity zone went undetected in 9/11 Grade 1 disc levels with concordant pain present in 7/9. Consideration of enhancing annular fissures on preprocedural MR imaging substantially improves the prediction of severe/concordant pain in provocation lumbar discography.

Deep learning reconstruction for 1.5 T cervical spine MRI: effect on interobserver agreement in the evaluation of degenerative changes.

To investigate whether deep learning reconstruction (DLR) provides improved cervical spine MR images using a 1.5 T unit in the evaluation of degenerative changes without increasing imaging time. This study included 21 volunteers (age 42.4 ± 11.9 years; 17 males) who underwent 1.5 T cervical spine sagittal T2-weighted MRI. From the imaging data with number of acquisitions (NAQ) of 1 or 2, images were reconstructed with DLR (NAQ1-DLR) and without DLR (NAQ1) or without DLR (NAQ2), respectively. Two readers evaluated the images for depiction of structures, artifacts, noise, overall image quality, spinal canal stenosis, and neuroforaminal stenosis. The two readers read studies blinded and randomly. Values were compared between NAQ1-DLR and NAQ1 and between NAQ1-DLR and NAQ2 using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. The analyses showed significantly better results for NAQ1-DLR compared with NAQ1 and NAQ2 (p < 0.023), except for depiction of disc and foramina by one reader and artifacts by both readers in the comparison between NAQ1-DLR and NAQ2. Interobserver agreements (Cohen's weighted kappa [97.5% confidence interval]) in the evaluation of spinal canal stenosis for NAQ1-DLR/NAQ1/NAQ2 were 0.874 (0.866-0.883)/0.778 (0.767-0.789)/0.818 (0.809-0.827), respectively, and those in the evaluation of neuroforaminal stenosis were 0.878 (0.872-0.883)/0.855 (0.849-0.860)/0.852 (0.845-0.860), respectively. DLR improved the 1.5 T cervical spine MR images in the evaluation of degenerative spine changes. • Two radiologists demonstrated that deep learning reconstruction reduced the noise in cervical spine sagittal T2-weighted MR images obtained using a 1.5 T unit. • Reduced noise in deep learning reconstruction images resulted in a clearer depiction of structures, such as the spinal cord, vertebrae, and zygapophyseal joint. • Interobserver agreement in the evaluation of spinal canal stenosis and foraminal stenosis on cervical spine MR images was significantly improved using deep learning reconstruction (0.874 and 0.878, respectively) versus without deep learning (0.778-0.818 and 0.852-0.855, respectively).

Determining the short-term neurological prognosis for acute cervical spinal cord injury using machine learning

It is challenging to predict neurological outcomes of acute spinal cord injury (SCI) considering issues such as spinal shock and injury heterogeneity. Deep learning-based radiomics (DLR) were developed to quantify the radiographic characteristics automatically using a convolutional neural network (CNN), and to potentially allow the prognostic stratification of patients. We aimed to determine the functional prognosis of patients with cervical SCI using machine learning approach based on MRI and to assess the ability to predict the neurological outcomes. We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of SCI patients (n=215) who had undergone MRI and had an American Spinal cord Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS) assessment at 1 month after injury, enrolled with a total of 294 MR images. Sagittal T2-weighted MR images were used for the CNN training and validation. The deep learning framework TensorFlow was used to construct the CNN architecture. After we calculated the probability of the AIS grade using the DLR, we built the identification model based upon the random forest using 3 features: the probability of each AIS grade obtained by the DLR method, age, and the initial AIS grade at admission. We performed a statistical evaluation between the actual and predicted AIS. The accuracy, precision, recall and f1 score of the ensemble model based on the DLR and RF were 0.714, 0.590, 0.565 and 0.567, respectively. The present study demonstrates that prediction of the short-term neurological outcomes for acute cervical spinal cord injury based on MRI using machine learning is feasible.

Ovarian Serous Surface Papillary Borderline Tumor: Sea Anemone Sign

HomeRadioGraphicsVol. 41, No. 7 PreviousNext Cases from the Cooky JarFree AccessOvarian Serous Surface Papillary Borderline Tumor: Sea Anemone SignC. Austin Wheeler , Ciléin Kearns, Valery L. Turner, Tushar R. GargC. Austin Wheeler , Ciléin Kearns, Valery L. Turner, Tushar R. GargAuthor AffiliationsFrom the Department of Radiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, 619 19th Street S, JT N338, Birmingham, AL 35249 (C.A.W.); Medical Research Institute of New Zealand, Wellington, New Zealand, and Artibiotics, Wellington, New Zealand (C.K.); Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, Calif (V.L.T.); and Department of Radiology, Seth GS Medical College and KEM Hospital, Parel Mumbai, Maharashtra, India (T.R.G.).Address correspondence to C.A.W. (e-mail: [email protected]).C. Austin Wheeler Ciléin KearnsValery L. TurnerTushar R. GargPublished Online:Nov 1 2021https://doi.org/10.1148/rg.2021210201MoreSectionsPDF ToolsImage ViewerAdd to favoritesCiteTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinked In On the pathway from benign cystadenoma to malignant cystadenocarcinoma, borderline tumors represent a crucial entity within the spectrum of ovarian epithelial carcinogenesis. Of this class, serous borderline neoplasms represent the common subclass (65%) (1).One distinct sub-subclass is named serous surface papillary borderline tumor (SSPBT) for its unique (although not wholly exclusive) imaging features (2) (Figs 1–3). Macroscopically, its surface stroma frequently branches into exophytic papillary stalks; hence the name. When these cystic lesions form frondlike excrescences, they mimic the likeness of a sea anemone at MRI (1,2). Histopathologic analysis even recapitulates this architectural pattern with micropapillary tumor cell proliferation.Figure 1. Classically described sea anemone appearance of a borderline serous surface papillary tumor in a 52-year-old woman. (A) Axial postcontrast T1-weighted MR image of the pelvis demonstrates heterogeneous soft-tissue enhancement with multiple enhancing fronds (arrow). (B, C) Axial (B) and sagittal (C) T2-weighted MR images of the pelvis demonstrate a complex T2-hyperintense adnexal tumor with multiple papillary excrescences (arrow).Figure 1.Download as PowerPointOpen in Image Viewer Figure 2. (A, B) Gray-scale (A) and color Doppler (B) transvaginal US images in a 52-year-old woman (same patient as in Fig 1) show that this mass has internal echogenic content with a branching appearance (arrow in A) and internal vascularity (arrowhead in B). (C) Low-power photomicrograph (hematoxylin-eosin stain) used for histologic correlation shows that epithelial ovarian tumor cells grow as papillary structures (P) in a hierarchical fashion (large, medium, and small papillae). Tumor cells composing papillae are of serous type with eosinophilic cytoplasm and mild to moderate nuclear atypia. No mitotic activity is seen in this case. (Fig 2C courtesy of Longwen Chen, MD, PhD.)Figure 2.Download as PowerPointOpen in Image Viewer Figure 3. Medical illustration shows the sea anemone sign, which features papillary fingerlike projections with internal branching. Associated findings may include coarse calcifications, ascites, para-aortic lymphadenopathy, and spread to the peritoneum. (Reprinted, with permission, from Ciléin Kearns, Artibiotics, Copyright © 2021.)Figure 3.Download as PowerPointOpen in Image Viewer Preoperative detection at diagnostic imaging can be informative because less aggressive borderline tumors tend to carry a more favorable prognosis, potentially altering management. Early identification and treatment are vital, as these tumors commonly manifest in younger women of childbearing age who may benefit from fertility-sparing surgery (1).All authors have disclosed no relevant relationships.

Delineation of Inner Annulus Fibrosus and Nucleus Pulposus on Routine T2-weighted MR Images.

Retrospective study of 150 IVDs. Assessment of costume algorithm ability to delineate the IAF and NP on routine T2 images. Central hyperintense region on T2-weighted MR images of normal lumbar IVDs represents a combination of IAF and NP. Ability to identify NP as distinct from IAF can help improve our understanding of IVD morphology in-vivo. Sagittal T2-weighted TSE MR images of 150 lumbar IVDs from 25 patients were analyzed. MR images were processed using a custom algorithm that markedly increased the signal intensity of structures with inherent signal intensity within 2 defined intensity thresholds. Signal intensity and contrast-to- noise ratio between outer annulus fibrosus, IAF, and NP were assessed at baseline and after processing. To assess consistency of underlying T2 differences, similar analysis was done on 108 discs from 18 patients in whom additional sagittal T2-weighted STIR images were available. Following image processing, apparent IAF and NP were rendered visible in 86% and 84.3% IVDs on T2-weighted TSE and STIR images respectively. While signal intensity of these 2 regions was inherently different (P< 0.001) before processing on TSE and STIR images, their visualization was facilitated by a significant increase (P<0.001) in contrast-to-noise ratio after processing. Nonvisualization of NP was associated with disc degeneration (P<0.001). Inherent differences exist in signal intensities of normal NP and IAF on T2-weighted MR images. Accentuating these differences using image postprocessing techniques can render these 2 structures visible.

Increased Notching of the Corpus Callosum in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder: A Callosal Misunderstanding?

In the medicolegal literature, notching of the corpus callosum has been reported to be associated with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. Our purpose was to analyze the prevalence of notching of the corpus callosum in a fetal alcohol spectrum disorders group and a healthy population to determine whether notching occurs with increased frequency in the fetal alcohol spectrum disorders population. We performed a multicenter search for cases of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders and included all patients who had a sagittal T1-weighted brain MR imaging. Patients with concomitant intracranial pathology were excluded. The corpus callosum was examined for notches using previously published methods. A χ2 test was used to compare the fetal alcohol spectrum disorders and healthy groups. Thirty-three of 59 patients with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (0-44 years of age) identified across all centers had corpus callosum notching. Of these, 8 had an anterior corpus callosum notch (prevalence, 13.6%), 23 had a posterior corpus callosum notch (prevalence, 39%), and 2 patients demonstrated undulated morphology (prevalence, 3.4%). In the healthy population, the anterior notch prevalence was 139/875 (15.8%), posterior notch prevalence was 378/875 (43.2%), and undulating prevalence was 37/875 (4.2%). There was no significant difference among the anterior (P = .635), posterior (P = .526), and undulating (P = .755) notch prevalence in the fetal alcohol spectrum disorders and healthy groups. There was no significant difference in notching of the corpus callosum between patients with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders and the healthy population. Although reported to be a marker of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, notching of the corpus callosum should not be viewed as a specific finding associated with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.

The Effect of Lumbosacral Transitional Vertebrae (LSTV) on Paraspinal Muscle Volume in Patients with Low Back Pain

To determine if psoas, multifidus, and erector spina muscle volume at intervertebral disc levels differ in patients with lumbosacral transitional vertebrae (LSTV) and low back pain (LBP), and in LBP patients without LSTV. This retrospective study included 101 patients that underwent lumbar spinal MRI due to LBP. The patients were divided into two groups according to the presence of LSTV, as those with LSTV (LSTV group) and those without LSTV (control group). Those in the LSTV group were classified according to Castellvi classification, and whether or not LSTV was bilateral or unilateral. The lumbar lordosis angle was measured using sagittal T2-weighted MR images. Axial T2-weighted images were used to bilaterally measure psoas, multifidus, and erector spina muscle volume at intervertebral disc levels. Among the 101 participants, 33 were male (32.7%) and 68 were female (67.3%). Left multifidus muscle volume at the L4-5 level was significantly lower in the LSTV group than in the control group (p = 0.033). Right and left erector spina muscle volume at the L5-S1 level was significantly lower in the LSTV group than in the control group (right side: p = 0.010; left side: p = 0.003). The mean lumbar lordosis angle was 47.54 ± 12.69° in the LSTV group, versus 35.34 ± 11.53° in the control group (p < 0.001). There were not any significant differences in psoas, multifidus, or erector spina muscle volume between the patients with unilateral and bilateral LSTV (p > 0.05). The present findings indicate that paraspinal muscle volume can be used to understand LSTV symptomatology.

Spinal cord swelling in patients with cervical compression myelopathy

BackgroundIntramedullary hyperintense lesions associated with spinal cord edema on T2-weighted MR images (T2WI) are rare findings in patients with cervical spondylosis and are poorly characterized. We investigated the clinical characteristics of spinal cord edema due to cervical spondylosis (SCECS).MethodsIn total, 214 patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy who underwent surgery between April 2007 and March 2017 were divided into SCECS and non-SCECS groups with SCECS defined as follows: (1) intramedullary signal intensity (ISI) of the cervical spinal cord in sagittal T2WI extending to more than one vertebral body height; (2) “fuzzy” ISI, recognized as a faint intramedullary change with a largely indistinct and hazy border; and (3) a larger sagittal diameter of the spinal cord segment with ISI just above or below the cord compression area compared with areas of the cervical spine without ISI. Radiographic parameters, demographic characteristics, and the Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) surgical outcomes score were compared between the groups.ResultsSeventeen patients (7.9%) were diagnosed with SCECS. These patients were younger than those in the non-SCECS group [median (interquartile range), 64 (20) vs. 69 (15) years, respectively, p = 0.016], and the disease duration from onset to surgery was significantly shorter in the SCECS group than in the non-SCECS group [6 (7) vs. 20 (48) months, respectively]. No significant difference was observed between groups with respect to sex, radiologic findings, or surgical outcomes.ConclusionThe disease showed an earlier onset and more rapid progression in the patients with SCECS than in those without SCECS.

Defining the Normal Dorsal Contour of the Corpus Callosum with Time.

Morphological changes of the corpus callosum have been associated with a large number of congenital neurocognitive and psychiatric disorders. Focal defects or notches of the dorsal surface of the corpus callosum have not been well characterized. Our purpose was the following; 1) to characterize the dorsal contour of the corpus callosum during the life span, 2) to characterize the relationship of contour deviations to neighboring vessels, and 3) to determine whether contour deviations are congenital or acquired. We retrospectively reviewed normal sagittal T1-weighted brain MR images. A "notch" was defined as a concavity in the dorsal surface at least 1 mm in depth. The corpus callosum was considered to be "undulating" if there were >2 notches, including an anterior and posterior notch. The presence of a pericallosal artery and its relationship to a notch were assessed. We reviewed 1639 MR imaging studies, spanning 0-89 years of age. A total of 1102 notches were identified in 823 studies; 344 (31%) were anterior, 660 (60%) were posterior, and 98 (9%), undulating. There was a positive correlation between the prevalence (P < .001) and depth (P = .028) of an anterior notch and age and a negative correlation between the prevalence of a posterior notch and age (P < .001). There was no difference between patient sex and corpus callosum notching (P = .884). Of the 823 studies with notches, 490 (60%) were associated with a pericallosal artery (P < .001). The prevalence and depth of notches in the anterior corpus callosum increase significantly with age; this finding suggests that most notches are acquired. There is a significant positive association between the presence of a corpus callosum notch and adjacent pericallosal arteries, suggesting that this may play a role in notch formation.

MRI analysis of paranasal sinus invasion in 182 patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma

The aim of the study was to analyze the nuclear magnetic resonance image (MRI) findings for invasion of paranasal sinuses in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and to improve the understanding of its MRI diagnosis. The MRI data of 182 patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma and paranasal sinus invasion were retrospectively analyzed. One hundred and eighty-two patients developed paranasal sinus invasion, of which, the incidence of sphenoid sinus invasion was highest. The MRI findings of paranasal sinus invasion of patients with NPC were as follows: 100%, 95.6% and 56.6% patients revealed damage of sinus wall, uneven thickening of mucosa, masses of the sinus cavity connected with the primary tumor of nasopharynx, and all the lesions presented iso- or slightly hypo-intense signal on T1WI and iso- or slightly hyper-intense signal on T2WI and significantly heterogeneous enhancement after contrast administration, which were consistent with the primary tumor of the nasopharynx regarding to the signal intensity and reinforcement schedule. 77.5% patients presented massive sinus cavity effusion. T2-weighted images are excellent in differentiating high signal intensity thickened mucosa or retained secretions from relatively lower signal intensity tumor. In contrast-enhanced MRI, tumor with solid enhancement can be differentiated from thickened mucosa related to inflammation with a thin superficial enhancement. 96.5% and 94.7% patients with maxillary sinus invasion and ethmoid sinus invasion were detected with the contrast enhanced axial T1-weighted MR imaging respectively, which were higher than those with the non-enhanced axial T1 and T2 imaging (88.4% and 77.9% for maxillary sinus invasion; 65.8% and 73.7% for ethmoid sinus invasion), the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05 for all comparison). All patients with sphenoid sinus invasion were detected with the contrast enhanced sagittal T1-weighted MR imaging. Multiplanner MR scan and enhanced scan can improve the diagnosis of invasion of paranasal sinuses in patients with NPC. The MRI findings of patients with NPC with paranasal sinus invasion include sinus wall damage; unevenly thickening mucous membrane of sinuses; tumors in sinus cavity connective with the primary tumor of nasopharynx , or with massive sinus cavity effusion. The T2-weighted sequence and contrast enhanced sequence are conducive to differential diagnosis of inflammatory changes from neoplastic tissues. The enhanced axial T1-weighted section and the enhanced sagittal T1-weighted section are most helpful to detection of maxillary sinus, ethmoid sinus invasion and sphenoid sinus invasion, respectively.

MRI Features of Psoas Major Muscles in Patients with Paraspinal Muscle Atrophy

Introduction Maintaining both lumbar lordosis and paraspinal muscle function is important for prevention of sagittal imbalance. We previously reported that the cross-sectional area of the paraspinal muscles tends to decrease with age. To quantify the depth of the groove between the paraspinal muscles, we have developed our own parameter, the T-back value, which indicates the length of the bulge of muscle on the attachment of the spinous process. The T-back value is strongly correlated with the CSA of the paraspinal muscles. The occurrence of T-back value of 0 or less shows a marked increase in individuals aged 60 years or older. The CSA of the paraspinal and psoas muscles shows a similar decreasing trend with age, but fat infiltration of the paraspinal muscles is far more prominent than that of the psoas muscles in the elderly. The aims of this study are to investigate the CSA and fat infiltration of the psoas muscles in patients with paraspinal muscle atrophy, and to compare the findings with those in patients having a T-back value above 0. Methods Among 704 patients who underwent MRI of the lumbar spine at our hospital during 2010, 141 patients had a T-back value of 0 or less. Of these 141 patients, there were 120 patients, 40 men and 80 women, aged 60 years or older. We defined these as T-back − group. The control group included 120 age- and sex-matched individuals with a T-back value above0. We defined them as T-back + group. We compared their data from the two groups. The body mass index (BMI) of participants was calculated. Lumbar lordosis was measured on sagittal T2-weighted MR images. Axial T2-weighted MR images and a digital image analysis technique were used to measure the cross-sectional area and the percentage of fat infiltration of the paraspinal and psoas muscles at the intervertebral disc levels from L1/2 to L4/5 bilaterally. Then the mean values of both sides were used as CSA and the percentage of fat respectively Results The T-back − group had a significantly lower BMI than the T-back + group. Lumbar lordosis was significantly smaller in the T-back − group than in the T-back + group. In addition, the CSA of the paraspinal muscles was significantly smaller in the T-back − group than the T-back + group. The %Fat of the paraspinal muscles was significantly higher in the T-back − group than the T-back + group. When the CSA of the psoas muscles was compared across all spinal levels, there was no significant difference between the two groups. The %Fat of the psoas muscles also showed no significant difference between the two groups. Conclusion The patients in this study were divided into two groups according to the T-back value. The T-back − group had a smaller BMI, less lumbar lordosis, and the advanced atrophy of the paraspinal muscles than the T-back + group. However, MRI features of the psoas muscles were similar in the two groups. This study demonstrates that the psoas muscles are less susceptible to atrophy than the paraspinal muscles.

Preoperative deltoid size and fatty infiltration of the deltoid and rotator cuff correlate to outcomes after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty.

Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) allows the deltoid to substitute for the nonfunctioning rotator cuff. To date, it is unknown whether preoperative deltoid and rotator cuff parameters correlate with clinical outcomes. We asked whether associations exist between 2-year postoperative results (ROM, strength, and outcomes scores) and preoperative (1) deltoid size; (2) fatty infiltration of the deltoid; and/or (3) fatty infiltration of the rotator cuff. A prospective RTSA registry was reviewed for patients with cuff tear arthropathy or massive rotator cuff tears, minimum 2-year followup, and preoperative shoulder MRI. Final analysis included 30 patients (average age, 71±10 years; eight males, 22 females). Only a small proportion of patients who received an RTSA at our center met inclusion and minimum followup requirements (30 of 222; 14%); however, these patients were found to be similar at baseline to the overall group of patients who underwent surgery in terms of age, gender, and preoperative outcomes scores. The cross-sectional area of the anterior, middle, and posterior deltoid was measured on axial proton density-weighted MRI. Fatty infiltration of the deltoid, supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis were quantitatively assessed on sagittal T1-weighted MR images. Patients were followed for Constant-Murley score, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) scores, subjective shoulder value, pain, ROM, and strength. Correlations of muscle parameters with all outcomes measures were calculated. Preoperative deltoid size correlated positively with postoperative Constant-Murley score (67.27±13.07) (ρ=0.432, p=0.017), ASES (82.64±14.25) (ρ=0.377; p=0.40), subjective shoulder value (82.67±17.89) (ρ=0.427; p=0.019), and strength (3.72 pounds±2.99 pounds) (ρ=0.454; p=0.015). Quantitative deltoid fatty infiltration (7.91%±4.32%) correlated with decreased postoperative ASES scores (ρ=-0.401; p=0.047). Quantitative fatty infiltration of the infraspinatus (30.47%±15.01%) correlated with decreased postoperative external rotation (34.13°±16.80°) (ρ=-0.494; p=0.037). Larger preoperative deltoid size correlates with improved validated outcomes scores, whereas fatty infiltration of the deltoid and infraspinatus may have deleterious effects on validated outcomes scores and ROM after RTSA. The current study is a preliminary exploration of this topic; future studies should include prospective enrollment and standardized MRI with a multivariate statistical approach. Quantitative information attained from preoperative imaging not only holds diagnostic value, but, should future studies confirm our findings, also might provide prognostic value. This information may prove beneficial in preoperative patient counseling and might aid preoperative and postoperative decision-making by identifying subpopulations of patients who may benefit by therapy aimed at improving muscle properties. Level III, prognostic study.

Enlargement of the sella turcica in pseudotumor cerebri.

The sella turcica usually appears partially empty in MR images obtained from patients with chronic elevation of intracranial pressure. The authors measured the size of the sella turcica to determine if enlargement of the pituitary fossa explains the partially empty sella associated with pseudotumor cerebri. The medical records from 2005 to 2011 of a single neuro-ophthalmologist were searched to identify consecutive patients with pseudotumor cerebri. Age-matched control patients were selected from the same practice. The sella turcica and pituitary gland were measured on sagittal T1-weighted MR images. Measurements were obtained for 48 patients with pseudotumor cerebri and 48 controls. The cross-sectional area of the sella was 38% greater in the patients with pseudotumor cerebri, with only a slight reduction in mean pituitary gland size. Chronic elevation of intracranial pressure is associated with bony enlargement of the sella turcica. Enlargement of the sella turcica contributes to its partially empty appearance.

Does normalized signal intensity of cervical discs on T2 weighted MRI images change in whiplash patients?

PurposeWe tested the hypothesis that whiplash trauma leads to changes of the signal intensity of cervical discs in T2-weighted images. Methods and materials50 whiplash patients (18–65 years) were examined within 48h after motor vehicle accident, and again after 3 and 6 months and compared to 50 age- and sex-matched controls. Signal intensity in ROI's of the discs at the levels C2/3 to C7/T1 and the adjacent vertebral bodies were measured on sagittal T2 weighted MR images and normalized using the average of ROI's in fat tissue. The contrast between discs and both adjacent vertebrae was calculated and disc degeneration was graded by the Pfirrmann-grading system. ResultsWhiplash trauma did not have a significant effect on the normalized signals from discs and vertebrae, on the contrast between discs and adjacent vertebrae, or on the Pfirrmann grading. However, the contrast between discs and adjacent vertebrae and the Pfirrmann grading showed a strong correlation. In healthy volunteers, the contrast between discs and adjacent vertebrae and Pfirrmann grading increased with age and was dependent on the disc level. ConclusionWe could not find any trauma related changes of cervical disc signal intensities. Normalized signals of discs and Pfirrmann grading changed with age and varied between disc levels with the used MR sequence.

SAT0324 A population based study of the association between hip bone marrow lesions and pain

BackgroundBone marrow lesions (BMLs) are detected using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and defined as non-cystic ill-defined subchondral areas of high signal intensity. BMLs are now considered as one of the...

Role of magnetic resonance ventriculography in multiloculated hydrocephalus

In this paper the authors' goal was to investigate the clinical usefulness of Gd-enhanced MR ventriculography (MRV) in pediatric patients affected by multiloculated hydrocephalus. Eighteen patients (11 boys and 7 girls, age range 2-14 months) with a diagnosis of multiloculated hydrocephalus were included in the study. After injection of gadodiamide (0.02-0.04 mmol) into the lateral ventricle by tapping the anterior fontanel, sagittal, coronal, and axial T1-weighted MR images were acquired. The location of the septations and the sites of obstruction of CSF flow were assessed. Postoperative MRV was obtained to confirm the results of endoscopic treatment in most complex cases. No adverse events were observed after injection of contrast medium into the ventricular system. Preoperative MRV accurately defined the exact morphology of septae and ventricular walls in all cases. In 1 case the diagnosis of multiloculated hydrocephalus was ruled out. Sites of obstruction of CSF flow within the ventricular system were also well established. In 4 cases the multiple compartments were proven to intercommunicate. Postoperative MRV was useful in assessing the functional status of third ventriculostomy, aqueductoplasty, and other endoscopic fenestrations. Magnetic resonance ventriculography is a safe, effective, and reliable technique. The accurate definition of the anatomy of the ventricles and the site of obstruction in multiloculated hydrocephalus can help to plan the most appropriate treatment and minimize the number of procedures. Although MRV is also useful during postoperative follow-up to determine the results of endoscopic treatment, it should be limited to particularly complex cases, due to its invasiveness.

MRI signal distribution within the intervertebral disc as a biomarker of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis and spondylolisthesis

BackgroundEarly stages of scoliosis and spondylolisthesis entail changes in the intervertebral disc (IVD) structure and biochemistry. The current clinical use of MR T2-weighted images is limited to visual inspection. Our hypothesis is that the distribution of the MRI signal intensity within the IVD in T2-weighted images depends on the spinal pathology and on its severity. Therefore, this study aims to develop the AMRSID (analysis of MR signal intensity distribution) method to analyze the 3D distribution of the MR signal intensity within the IVD and to evaluate their sensitivity to scoliosis and spondylolisthesis and their severities.MethodsThis study was realized on 79 adolescents who underwent a MRI acquisition (sagittal T2-weighted images) before their orthopedic or surgical treatment. Five groups were considered: low severity scoliosis (Cobb angle ≤50°), high severity scoliosis (Cobb angles >50°), low severity spondylolisthesis (Meyerding grades I and II), high severity spondylolisthesis (Meyerding grades III, IV and V) and control. The distribution of the MRI signal intensity within the IVD was analyzed using the descriptive statistics of histograms normalized by either cerebrospinal fluid or bone signal intensity, weighted centers and volume ratios. Differences between pathology and severity groups were assessed using one- and two-way ANOVAs.ResultsThere were significant (p < 0.05) variations of indices between scoliosis, spondylolithesis and control groups and between low and high severity groups. The cerebrospinal fluid normalization was able to detect differences between healthy and pathologic IVDs whereas the bone normalization, which reflects both bone and IVD health, detected more differences between the severities of these pathologies.ConclusionsThis study proves for the first time that changes in the intervertebral disc, non visible to the naked eye on sagittal T2-weighted MR images of the spine, can be detected from specific indices describing the distribution of the MR signal intensity. Moreover, these indices are able to discriminate between scoliosis and spondylolisthesis and their severities, and provide essential information on the composition and structure of the discs whatever the pathology considered. The AMRSID method may have the potential to complement the current diagnostic tools available in clinics to improve the diagnostic with earlier biomarkers, the prognosis of evolution and the treatment options of scoliosis and spondylolisthesis.

Spinal level of myelomeningocele lesion as a contributing factor in posterior fossa volume, intracranial cerebellar volume, and cerebellar ectopia

McLone and Knepper's unified theory of Chiari malformation Type II (CM-II) describes how the loss of CSF via the open posterior neuropore fails to create adequate distending pressure for the developing rhomboencephalic vesicle. The authors of the present article describe the relationship between the posterior fossa volume and intracranial cerebellar volume as being related to the distance from the obex of the fourth ventricle to the myelomeningocele lesion using a common mathematical model, the Hagen-Poiseuille law. All newborns who required closure of a myelomeningocele at the authors' institution between 2008 and 2011 and who were between 4 weeks premature and 2 months, corrected gestational age, at the time of MRI were included in this study. Volumes and measurements were obtained from axial and sagittal T2-weighted MR images of the brain and spine. A total of 56 newborn infants met the inclusion criteria. There was a direct linear relationship between both posterior fossa volume and cerebellar volume and the spinal level of the myelomeningocele lesion (p = 0.0012 and p = 0.0041, respectively). There was a negative linear relationship between the cerebellar descent, the spinal level of the lesion, and posterior fossa volume and cerebellar volume. These relationships strengthen in patients with no syringomyelia and are not significant in those groups with syringomyelia. The results of a 1-way ANOVA for the 3 groups did not reach significance. Using a linear equation derived from the Hagen-Poiseuille law that describes pressure in the fourth ventricle as being directly related to the length of the central canal from the obex to the myelomeningocele lesion, the authors were able to explain the directly observed linear relation between posterior fossa volume, intracranial cerebellar volume, and cerebellar descent to the level of the spinal lesion. As this model assumes a uniform radius of the central canal they were able to validate this model when they observed a strengthening in relationships in the no syringomyelia group and statistically insignificant correlations in the groups with syringomyelia. They therefore propose that the spinal level of the lesion is one of the major determinants of posterior fossa volume, intracranial cerebellar volume, and cerebellar ectopia.