Soft Tissue Edema Research Articles

Outcomes after Functional Nasal Surgery in Patients with Versus without Rhinitis Medicamentosa.

Topical nasal decongestants (TNDs) are used to reduce nasal soft tissue edema and obstruction. However, after frequent TND use, patients can develop rhinitis medicamentosa (RM) with rebound nasal edema and obstruction. Management of RM has centered largely on TND cessation ± intranasal corticosteroids. The purpose of this study was to compare nasal obstruction outcomes following nasal obstruction surgery in patients with versus without RM. A retrospective case-control study was conducted with adult patients who underwent bilateral inferior turbinate reduction (ITR) with or without septoplasty and nasal valve repair. Patients with versus without RM were assessed. RM was defined as at least daily TND use for ≥4 weeks. Preoperative and postoperative Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scores, and long-term TND cessation rates were collected. NOSE score changes were compared between patients with versus without RM. Of the 36 RM patients, mean age was 52.0 years, and 63.9% were male. Of 116 non-RM patients, mean age was 41.6 years, and 46.6% were male. Postoperative NOSE scores were collected at a mean 972.1 days postoperatively for RM patients, and 565.0 days for non-RM patients. Mean NOSE score reductions were - 9.8 for RM and - 8.6 for non-RM patients, both of which were significant (p < 0.0001). NOSE score reductions were not significantlybetween the two groups (p = 0.2438). Long-term TND cessation was maintained in 86.1% of RM patients. Patients with and without RM achieved similar long-term significant NOSE score reductions following nasal obstruction surgery, and 86.1% of RM patients maintained long-term TND cessation. Level 3 evidence Laryngoscope, 2024.

MRI features distinguishing pediatric Lyme arthritis from septic arthritis.

This study aims to identify distinguishing MRI features of Lyme arthritis (LA), an increasingly prevalent cause of pediatric infectious arthritis in the USA, to enable rapid discrimination from septic arthritis (SA) and facilitate appropriate management. A single-center, retrospective analysis was conducted on a convenience sample of pediatric patients with LA in an endemic area using EPIC electronic health record data between January 2010 and December 2020. Patients with positive serologic testing and concurrent MRI were selected. MRI scans were reviewed by a subspecialty-trained pediatric radiologist. Key MRI features analyzed include joint effusion, synovitis, myositis, soft tissue edema, and osseous edema and erosions. MRI features, demographics, and clinical data were compared using univariable and multivariable analyses. Fifty cases of knee LA and 13 cases of knee SA were included. Larger joint effusion (p = 0.0055, z = - 2.779) and abnormally thickened synovium (p = 0.0011, χ2 = 10.622) were more associated with LA. In contrast, increased myositis, subcutaneous edema, and osseous changes were more prevalent in SA. Abnormal bone marrow signal (p < 0.0001, χ2 = 36.893) and bone erosion (p < 0.0001, χ2 = 25.506) were observed in 84.6% (11/13) and 46.2% (6/13) of SA cases, respectively, while no bone erosion was found in LA. MRI can be a valuable tool in differentiating LA from SA. Abnormal synovium and increasing joint effusion favor LA, while increasing soft tissue edema and osseous changes favor SA. Notably, the presence of bone erosion effectively excluded LA from consideration.

Analysis of microbiomes and mycotoxins revealing the importance in the standardized storage of Aesculus wilsonii Rehd fruit

Aesculus wilsonii Rehd, a medicinal food homology plant, whose fruit are used to treat diseases such as edema and exudation of soft tissue. Nonetheless, the presence of microbial and mycotoxin contaminants in A. wilsonii fruit is still unclear. In this study, high-throughput sequencing and liquid chromatograph tandem-mass spectrometry were conducted to determine the diversity of fungal microbiome and mycotoxin contents in moldy A. wilsonii fruit. The prevalent fungi in A. wilsonii fruit included Fusarium, Colletotrichum, Dictyostelium, and Aspergillus. Furthermore, mycotoxin tests showed that all samples tested positive for ochratoxin A, with deoxynivalenol detected in 72.4 % of samples, zearalenone in 24.1 %, and T-2 toxin in 62.1 %, revealing these mycotoxins constituted the primary contaminants. Moreover, to monitor the mycotoxin-producing fungi, multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) targeting key genes in toxin biosynthetic pathway of Fusarium and Aspergillus was established. and it can detect fungi with DNA content less than 20 ng. In conclusion, this study reported the microbiome diversity and the prevalence of fungi contamination in A. wilsonii fruit, while also established a rapid method for detecting toxigenic fungi. This work focused on analyzing and detecting microbiomes and mycotoxins in A. wilsonii fruit, providing a reference for the study of potentially harmful microorganisms in the storage of medicinal products.

A comprehensive MRI analysis of osteoid osteomas in patients with diverse radiological features across various regions.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which does not involve ionizing radiation, is the preferred imaging modality for diagnosing osteoid osteoma (OO), an ailment more common in children and young adults. This study aims to perform a literature review and delineate the MRI findings of OO lesions in patients exhibiting varying radiological features across different regions. A retrospective study included 63 patients diagnosed with OO through MRI, assessed independently by two blinded radiologists using both standard and dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI techniques. After excluding 7 patients with prior biopsy, surgery, or RFA, the study included 56 patients with 57 lesions. Of 57 lesions evaluated, 50 were in long, and 7 in flat bones. One patient presented with two separate nidi within the intertrochanteric region. Most of the lesions, 49 (86%), were extra-articular, while 8 (14%) were intra-articular. The nidus was intracortical in 45 (78.9%) patients, intramedullary in 5 (8.8%), subperiosteal in 5 (8.8%), and endosteal in 2 (3.5%). Average nidus diameter was 7.02 ± 2.64 mm (3-12.6 mm). Central nidal calcification was present in 68.4% (n = 39) cases. Contrast enhancement was intense at 90.5%, moderate at 9.5%. Reactive sclerosis around the nidus was severe (50.9%), moderate (22.8%), and mild (26.3%). Bone marrow edema was severe (70.2%), moderate (14.0%), and mild (15.8%). Soft tissue edema was identified in 77.2% of all lesions. To minimize delays in diagnosis and treatment, radiologists should become acquainted with the typical OO MRI findings and the atypical MRI findings that might be mistaken for other conditions.

Marginal Excision as a Surgical Treatment for The Schwannoma of Posterior Aspect of Femur: A Case Report

Introduction: Schwannoma is a benign nerve sheath neoplasm attached to a peripheral nerve that often develops in the middle-aged population. It usually presents as an asymptomatic mass at first but can be transformed into a pain, swelling, neurologic, or mechanical symptom in several patients. In this study, we are reporting a case of a schwannoma of the posterior aspect of the thigh, in a young adult male. Case Presentation: We reported a 31-year-old male complained of sharp pain, tingling sensation, and mechanical block in the posterior aspect of the right thigh. Radiological imaging showed the tumor of the posterior aspect of the right thigh, with associated soft tissue edema, the cortex is not invaded. Surgical resection was performed on the patient and the tumor was excised with marginal excision surgery technique. Conclusions: The schwannomas of the femur can successfully be excised with no postoperative complications. There is no sign of a recurrent tumor in six months after the procedure.

Experimental Model of Ligature-Induced Peri-Implantitis in Mice.

Dental implants have a high success and survival rate. However, complications such as peri-implantitis (PI) are highly challenging to treat. PI is characterized by inflammation in the tissues around dental implants with progressive loss of supporting bone. To optimize dental implants' longevity in terms of health and functionality, it is crucial to understand the peri-implantitis pathophysiology. In this regard, using mouse models in research has proven clear benefits in recreating clinical circumstances. This study aimed to describe an experimental model of ligature-induced peri-implantitis in mice and determine whether there is effectiveness in inducing this disease, given the observed bone and tissue changes. The experimental peri-implantitis induction comprehends the following steps: teeth extraction, implant placement, and ligature-inducted PI. A sample of eighteen 3-week-old C57BL/6J male mice was divided into two groups, ligature (N=9) and control non-ligature (N=9). The evaluation of clinical, radiographical, and histological factors was performed. The ligature group showed significantly higher bone loss, increased soft tissue edema, and apical epithelial migration than the non-ligature group. It was concluded that this pre-clinical model can successfully induce peri-implantitis in mice.

The clay-shoveler’s fracture, a rare occupational injury in the modern era: a case report

BackgroundThe clay-shoveler fracture, named after Australian clay shovelers from the 1930s, results from high-energy, repetitive pulling mechanisms and is commonly associated with shoveling or digging. This injury primarily affects the lower cervical and upper thoracic vertebrae, particularly the C7 and T1 vertebrae. The avulsion mechanism, caused by stress on the spinous processes, may lead to sudden, severe upper back pain, limiting the affected individual’s ability to work effectively.Case presentationThis report presents the case of a 27-year-old boiler operator who experienced persistent neck pain, which did not respond to conservative management. Imaging studies revealed a T1 spinous process fracture with associated soft tissue edema, diagnosed as a clay-shoveler fracture. Conventional treatment with a semirigid cervical collar, analgesia, and rest was administered, leading to a favorable outcome.The clay-shoveler fracture, though rare, should be considered in cases involving repetitive stress on the cervical and thoracic spine, especially in occupations that require heavy lifting. In most instances, conservative management proves effective in relieving pain and enabling recovery.ConclusionRecognizing the clay-shoveler fracture is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment. This case report underscores the occupational nature of the injury and its association with specific work activities. Further research and reporting of similar cases will contribute to a deeper understanding of this unusual fracture pattern, its risk factors, and optimal management strategies.

Stressed or fractured: MRI differentiating indicators of physeal injury.

To identify MRI findings that can indicate chronic physeal stress injury and differentiate it from acute Salter-Harris (SH) fracture of the pediatric knee or wrist. IRB-approved retrospective study of consecutively selected knee and wrist MRIs from 32 athletes with chronic physeal stress injury and 30 children with acute SH fracture. MRI characteristics (physeal patency, physeal thickening, physeal signal intensity (SI), continuity of the zone of provisional calcification (ZPC), integrity of the periosteum and/or perichondrium, pattern of periphyseal and soft tissue edema signal, and joint effusion) were compared. Forty-eight chronic physeal stress injuries (mean age 13.1years [8.2-17.5years]) and 35 SH fractures (mean age 13.3years [5.1-16.0years]) were included. Any physeal thickening was more common with chronic stress injury (98% vs 77%, p = 0.003). Abnormal physeal SI was more common with SH fractures (91% vs 67%, p = 0.008). ZPC discontinuity strongly suggested chronic stress injury (79% vs 49%, p < 0.004). Periosteal and/or perichondrial elevation or rupture and soft tissue edema characterized most of the acute SH fractures (p < 0.001) and were seen only in 1 chronic stress injury (< 2%). While periphyseal edema was not significantly different in the two groups (p = 0.890), a joint effusion was associated with acute SH fracture (p < 0.001). Chronic physeal stress injury of the pediatric knee and wrist shows higher incidence of ZPC discontinuity and focal physeal thickening compared to SH fracture, reflecting disruption in normal endochondral ossification. However, these findings can overlap in the 2 groups. Periosteal and/or perichondrial injury, soft tissue edema signal, and joint effusion strongly suggest SH fracture and are rarely present with chronic stress injury.

Magnetic resonance imaging of femoral nerve injury in the setting of anterior approach total hip arthroplasty

PurposeTo illustrate MRI findings in patients with femoral neuropathy following anterior approach total hip arthroplasty (THA). MethodsThis was a retrospective review of patients who underwent MRI for femoral neuropathy following anterior approach THA between January 1, 2010, and July 1, 2022. Included patients had no preexisting neurologic condition. Clinical and diagnostic data were collected. MRIs were reviewed in consensus by 2 musculoskeletal radiologists. ResultsA total of 115 patient records were reviewed, 17 of which were included in the final analysis (mean age 64 years; 11 females). Study subjects presented with weakness with hip flexion and knee extension and pain and numbness in the femoral nerve distribution. In 7 subjects, the femoral nerve appeared normal. In 5 subjects, the femoral nerve was hyperintense on fluid-sensitive fat-suppressed imaging. In 4 patients, mass effect on the femoral nerve by either ill-defined soft tissue edema (n = 2), seroma (n = 1), or heterotopic ossification (n = 1) was detected. Only 1 patient had a nerve transection. Patients were imaged at a median time of 8 months (range: 1 day to 11 years) following arthroplasty placement. Clinical follow-up was available in 8 patients, of whom half had complete symptomatic resolution and half had partial improvement at a mean follow-up time of 39.3 months (SD 51.1). Of these 8, 1 underwent revision arthroplasty, 1 had removal of hardware, and another had excision of heterotopic ossification. ConclusionMRI provides a means to directly evaluate the femoral nerve following anterior approach THA in both the immediate and chronic postoperative periods.

Serial Ultrasonography for the Assessment of Healing of Lower Extremity Bone Stress Injury and Correlation With Return to Sport/Exercise.

Lower extremity bone stress injuries (BSIs) are common among athletes who participate in high-impact activities. Conventional imaging is limited in assessing healing of BSIs. Serial ultrasonography (US) can identify changes in appearance of lower extremity BSIs over time that can be correlated with symptoms and return to exercise/sport. Cohort observational study. Level 3. Adults 18 to 50 years old with a recent exercise-associated BSI of distal tibia/fibula or metatarsals diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were enrolled. US was performed every 2 weeks for 12 weeks. The sonographic appearance (soft tissue edema, periosteal reaction, hyperemia on power Doppler, callus) was correlated with the numerical rating scale (NRS) for pain and ability to return to sport/exercise. A total of 30 patients were enrolled (mean age, 35.3 ± 7.7 years; 21 [70.0%] female). The tibia was most frequently affected (n = 15, 50.0%), followed by metatarsals (n = 14, 46.7%) and fibula (n = 1, 3.3%). At week 4, 25 of 30 (83.3%) had at least 1 US finding associated with the BSI. The degree of hyperemia was correlated with NRS at weeks 4 and 6 (Spearman correlations [ρ] 0.45 [0.09, 0.69] and 0.42 [0.07, 0.67], respectively), as well as return to sport/exercise at week 6 (ρ -0.45 [-0.68, -0.09]). US soft tissue edema was also correlated with NRS at week 6 (ρ 0.38 [0.02, 0.65]). Serial US of lower extremity BSIs can provide objective measures of healing. US findings were correlated with clinical outcomes at multiple timepoints. US may have advantages over conventional imaging for monitoring healing of lower extremity BSIs. Further research is needed to better understand the prognostic value of these sonographic indicators of BSI healing and role in assessing readiness for return to sport/exercise.

Ultrasound-guided percutaneous thermal ablation assisted by artificial ascites and soft tissue edema in the treatment of special-region hepatic tumors

Objective: To explore the application value and operation skills of ultrasound-guided percutaneous thermal ablation assisted by artificial ascites or/and soft tissue edema in the treatment of special hepatic tumors located nearby the diaphragm, heart, stomach, gastrointestinal tract, gall bladder, kidney, and other organs. Methods: The clinical data of 132 patients with special-region hepatic tumors treated with ultrasound-guided percutaneous thermal ablation aided by artificial ascites and/or artificial soft tissue edema were retrospectively analyzed. Intraoperative contrast-enhanced ultrasound was used to guide ablation when necessary. During the operation, the ablation needle was lifted or pressed down, or the direction of the needle handle was changed to protect vital organs. The technical success rate of artificial ascites and/or soft tissue edema formation, the complete in activation rate of the tumor, and the complications were observed. Results: There were 74 patients (108 lesions) treated with radiofrequency ablation and 58 patients (82 lesions) treated with microwave ablation. Among them, 81 cases was successfully injected artificial abdominal ascites, with a water volume of (1 301±685) ml; artificial soft tissue edema was successfully formed for 19 patients, with a water volume of (534±258) ml. Both artificial ascites and artificial soft tissue edema were built for 30 patients. The success rate of this hydro-isolation technique was 98.5% (130/132). 129 patients successfully completed the treatment, and the complete inactivation rate of the tumor was 92.5% (172/186). The average postoperative hospital stay was three days. No patient had serious complications, such as surface tumor rupture, gastrointestinal injury, or diaphragm perforation. Conclusions: For hepatic tumors located adjacent to other organs such as the diaphragm, heart, gastrointestinal tract, gallbladder, and kidney, the application of artificial ascites and/or artificial soft tissue edema can reduce the damage to these organs, as well as reduce the possibility of tumor rupture and diaphragm perforation. These methods are safe and effective in ultrasound-guided percutaneous thermal ablation.

Effect of Furosemide on Prevertebral Soft Tissue Swelling after Anterior Cervical Fusion: A Comparative Study with Dexamethasone.

Retrospective cohort study. This study aimed to investigate the effect of furosemide on prevertebral soft tissue swelling (PSTS) after anterior cervical fusion (ACF) and compare it with the effect of dexamethasone. Postoperative PSTS is a common complication of ACF. Dexamethasone has been used for its treatment; however, its efficacy remains controversial. Furosemide may reduce PSTS if it is soft tissue edema; however, no studies have demonstrated the effect of furosemide on PSTS after ACF. The symptomatic PSTS group received intravenous (IV) administration of dexamethasone or furosemide. The asymptomatic PSTS group did not receive any medication. Patients were divided into the control (no medication, n=31), Dexa (IV dexamethasone, n=25), and Furo (IV furosemide, n=28) groups. PSTS was checked daily with simple radiographs and medication-induced reductions in PSTS from its peak or after medication. The peak time (postoperative days) of PSTS in the control (2.27±0.47, p<0.05) and Dexa (1.91±0.54, p<0.01) groups were significantly later than that in the Furo group (1.38±0.74). PSTS was significantly lower in the Furo group than in the Dexa group from postoperative days 4 to 7 (p<0.05). PSTS reduction after the peak was significantly greater in the Furo group than in the control (p<0.01) and Dexa (p<0.01) groups. After starting the medication therapy, the Furo group showed a significantly greater reduction in PSTS than the Dexa group (p<0.01). No difference was found in symptom improvement among the three groups. If furosemide is used to reduce PSTS after ACF, it can effectively reduce symptoms.

Does Operative Level Impact Dysphagia Severity After Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion?: A Multicenter Prospective Analysis.

Prospective multicenter cohort study. To explore the association between operative level and postoperative dysphagia after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). Dysphagia is common after ACDF and has several risk factors, including soft tissue edema. The degree of prevertebral soft tissue edema varies based on the operative cervical level. However, the operative level has not been evaluated as a source of postoperative dysphagia. Adult patients undergoing elective ACDF were prospectively enrolled at 3 academic centers. Dysphagia was assessed using the Bazaz Questionnaire, Dysphagia Short Questionnaire, and Eating Assessment Tool-10 (EAT-10) preoperatively and at 2, 6, 12, and 24 weeks postoperatively. Patients were grouped based on the inclusion of specific surgical levels in the fusion construct. Multivariable regression analyses were performed to evaluate the independent effects of the number of surgical levels and the inclusion of each particular level on dysphagia symptoms. A total of 130 patients were included. Overall, 24 (18.5%) patients had persistent postoperative dysphagia at 24 weeks and these patients were older, female, and less likely to drink alcohol. There was no difference in operative duration or dexamethasone administration. Patients with persistent dysphagia were significantly more likely to have C4-C5 included in the fusion construct (62.5% vs . 34.9%, P = 0.024) but there were no differences based on the inclusion of other levels. On multivariable regression, the inclusion of C3-C4 or C6-C7 was associated with more severe EAT-10 (β: 9.56, P = 0.016 and β: 8.15, P = 0.040) and Dysphagia Short Questionnaire (β: 4.44, P = 0.023 and (β: 4.27, P = 0.030) at 6 weeks. At 12 weeks, C3-C4 fusion was also independently associated with more severe dysphagia (EAT-10 β: 4.74, P = 0.024). The location of prevertebral soft tissue swelling may impact the duration and severity of patient-reported dysphagia outcomes at up to 24 weeks postoperatively. In particular, the inclusion of C3-C4 and C4-C5 into the fusion may be associated with dysphagia severity.

MRI findings in athletic groin pain: correlation of imaging with history and examination in symptomatic and asymptomatic athletes.

To determine differences in prevalence and diagnostic accuracy of MRI findings between asymptomatic athletes and athletes with longstanding groin pain. One hundred twenty-three adult male athletes were approached with 85 consecutive athletes recruited. Group 1 (symptomatic, n = 34) athletes referred for longstanding groin pain (insidious onset, > 3 weeks duration). Group 2 (control, n = 51) athletes referred for injuries remote from the pelvis and no groin pain in the last 12 weeks. All referrers completed a clinical examination proforma documenting absence or presence of pelvis and hip abnormality. All patients completed the Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS) questionnaire and underwent a 3T MRI groin and hip protocol. MRIs were scored independently by two musculoskeletal radiologists blinded to clinical details. Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate associations between MRI findings, inter-reader reliability, clinical examination and HAGOS scores. Pubic body subchondral bone oedema, capsule/aponeurosis junction tear and soft tissue oedema were more prevalent in the symptomatic group (p = 0.0003, 0.0273 and 0.0005, respectively) and in athletes with clinical abnormality at symphysis pubis, adductor insertion, rectus abdominis, psoas and inguinal canal (p = 0.0002, 0.0459 and 0.00002, respectively). Pubic body and subchondral oedema and capsule/aponeurosis tear and oedema significantly correlated with lower (worse) HAGOS scores (p = 0.004, 0.00009, 0.0004 and 0.002, respectively). Inter-reader reliability was excellent, 0.87 (range 0.58-1). Symphyseal bone spurring, disc protrusion and labral tears were highly prevalent in both groups. Clinical assessment and MRI findings of pubic subchondral bone oedema and capsule/aponeurosis abnormality appear to be the strongest correlators with longstanding groin pain.

Diffuse B-Cell Lymphoma of the Mandible Disguised as Acute Osteomyelitis.

Primary bone lymphoma (PBL) is a rare form of extra nodal non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). We describe a 39-year-old-male with no medical history who presented with unilateral facial swelling following a tooth extraction. Initial diagnoses after various presentations over the course of three weeks, based on inflammatory and infectious aetiologies. However, the patient was ultimately diagnosed with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Symptoms of PBL are very similar to inflammatory and infectious diseases of the bone, such as osteomyelitis or osteonecrosis. Clinical features of PBL involving the head and neck include persistent jaw pain, tooth mobility secondary to extensive destruction of bone, and in advanced cases, lip numbness and swelling. On examination it may present as an exposed necrotic bone with surrounding soft tissue oedema. Misdiagnosis of these lesions as an infectious or inflammatory aetiology may lead to an unnecessary delay in lymphoma treatment, and subsequently worsen the prognosis if caught at a later stage. Therefore, any concerning lesion, especially in the oral cavity, must be subjected to early histopathological evaluation to differentiate PBL from osteomyelitis and/or osteonecrosis. This case report highlights the importance of an early histopathological evaluation to prevent delay in the diagnosis of primary bone lymphomas. Resemblance in symptoms: Primary bone lymphoma (PBL) symptoms overlap with bone infections, necessitating careful consideration and differential diagnosis to prevent misjudgment.Head and neck manifestations: recognising PBL's signs in the head and neck region, such as jaw pain and bone destruction, aids in timely identification and treatment.Timely biopsy significance: swift histopathological assessment for suspicious lesions is critical to avoid delays in diagnosing primary bone lymphomas.

Prevalence of radiographic findings in chronic osteomyelitis

BackgroundSimple radiography in conjunction with pertinent medical history and a comprehensive physical examination is typically adequate for diagnosing chronic osteomyelitis (CO). However, radiographic manifestations of CO lack specificity; therefore, the concordance among specialists in this regard has not been systematically assessed. This study aimed to compare and evaluate the proficiency of orthopedic surgeons and radiologists in identifying radiographic indicators present in simple radiographs for diagnosing CO.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was a correlational investigation utilizing plain radiographs obtained from a cohort of 60 patients diagnosed with CO. Comprehensive assessments of the demographic and clinical characteristics, comorbidities, and microbiological parameters were conducted. Additional variables included the anatomical location of the CO, existence of fistulas, disease duration, and presence of pseudoarthrosis. This study meticulously documented the presence or absence of six specific findings: bone destruction, which incorporates erosion and radiolucencies around implants; bone sclerosis; cortical thinning concomitant with erosion; cortical thickening; sequestrum formation; and soft-tissue swelling.ResultsMost patients were men (75%), with a mean age of 45.1 years. Hematogenous etiology of CO represented 23%. Bone sclerosis (71.3%) and cortical thickening (67.7%) were the most common radiographic findings, followed by soft-tissue swelling (51.3%), sequestration (47.3%), bone destruction (33.3%), and cortical erosion (30.3%). The mean agreement was 74.2%, showing a marked disagreement rate of 25.8% among all radiographic findings. The presence or absence of soft tissue edema, a prominent radiographic finding that was more important than the other findings, showed the greatest disagreement.ConclusionsRadiographic findings in CO were universally observed in all patients, demonstrating a high degree of concordance among specialists, with the exception of soft tissue swelling.

Reporting of Facet Joint Inflammation in Lumbar Spine MRI Studies in Patients With Low Back Pain.

Retrospective. We aimed to assess the frequency of facet joint inflammatory features noted in routine radiology reports of lumbar spine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies among patients with chronic low back pain. Facet joint arthropathy is one of the most common causes of chronic low back pain. It may encompass various inflammatory imaging characteristics, such as facet joint effusion, bone marrow edema, and soft tissue edema. The extent to which radiology reports mention inflammatory features of the lumbar facet joints and the accuracy of these reports have not been investigated. The authors performed a chart review on 49 subjects with previous facet-related interventions ( i.e . medial branch blocks or intra-articular facet joint injection) and MRI available in the medical record. One senior musculoskeletal radiologist and a musculoskeletal radiology fellow graded the inflammatory features using a published facet joint inflammation grading system [Gold Standard (GS)]. The authors identified the inflammatory markers mentioned in the radiology reports and calculated the sensitivity and positive predictive value of the radiology reports compared with GS readings. Compared with the GS, the sensitivity of radiology reports for facet joint effusion, bone marrow, and soft tissue edema ranged from 6% to 22%, and the positive predictive value ranged from 25% to 100%. L4/5 had the highest number of cases with inflammatory features noted on the reports. Inflammatory findings, such as facet joint effusion, bone marrow edema, and soft tissue edema, are not commonly identified in radiology reports. Further investigations are needed to determine the clinical importance of MRI-detected lumbar facet joint inflammatory features as a potential mechanism of nociception and as a predictor of outcomes following injections or other therapies.

Magnetic resonance imaging of the musculoskeletal system in the diagnosis of rheumatic diseases in the pediatric population.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the musculoskeletal system is an examination increasingly performed for suspected juvenile idiopathic arthritis, chronic nonbacterial osteomyelitis and juvenile idiopathic inflammatory myopathies, as well as other rheumatic diseases of developmental age. T1-, T2- and PD-weighted with or without fat suppression or short tau inversion recovery/turbo inversion recovery magnitude (STIR/TIRM) sequences and post-contrast sequences are evaluated to diagnose pathological changes in the synovial membrane, subchondral bone marrow and surrounding soft tissues. Magnetic resonance imaging allows detection of synovitis, tenosynovitis, bursitis, and enthesitis as well as bone marrow edema and soft tissue edema. Several pediatric-specific MRI scoring systems have been developed and validated to standardize and facilitate the assessment of the extent of the inflammatory process and disease activity in MRI. Early detection of inflammatory changes allows the inclusion of comprehensive pharmacotherapy giving the possibility of permanent remission and objective measurement of the effectiveness of treatment.

Clinical efficiency and stability of surface-modified implants: acid modification versus photoactivation.

. Aim: To study the stability of surface-modified dental implants, with the usage of sandblasting/acid modification vs. photoactivation. Materials and Methods: In the observation were included 164 patients with dental defects. All patients had digital impressions taken by scanning the oral cavity with an intraoral scanner 3Shape TRIOSR. Group A (80 subjects) included implants whose surface was modified with a combination of sandblasting and acid. Group B (84 subjects) - implants after modification with photoactivation. The implant stability quotient was recorded using an Osstell MentorTM device. Results: The reliable effectiveness of the photoactivation method in complex treatment of the surface of dental implants in improving the stability of fixed dentures in the short and long-term periods of observation was proven. When assessing immediate clinical outcomes, there was no significant difference in the frequency of hyperemia, algesia, hyperthermia, soft tissue edema, regional lymphadenitis, depending on the classical method of treating the implant surface and the complex method with photoactivation. Of the long-term clinical outcomes with classical surface treatment, the absolute risk of implant failure was 1.2%, relative risk - 0,99 [CI%0,96-1,0]. The average value of the implant stability coefficient (ISQ) and the data of the Periotest study at the time of surgery probably did not differ in the observation groups, after 3 months, a higher index was proven in the treatment of the surface by the method of photoactivation and greater stability of the mandibular implants. At the time of implantation, there were no statistically significant differences in implant fixation between the groups, however, during prospective observation in group A, secondary stability indicators based on periotestometry results were significantly lower. Conclusions: It was proved the reliable effectiveness of the photoactivation-method for surface modification in the short and long-term periods of observation for improving the results of orthodontically treatment.

Early Diagnosis of Upper Extremity Deep Venous Thrombosis Using Emergency Department Point-of-Care Ultrasound: A Case Report

Introduction: Upper extremity deep vein thrombosis (UEDVT) is a serious condition associated with fatal complications. It necessitates careful consideration and prompt intervention. Despite the proven effectiveness of point-of-care ultrasonography (POCUS) in detecting UEDVT, it is rarely utilized in the Emergency Department (ED). Purpose: To highlight the role of POCUS in the early diagnosis of UEDVT in the ED. Case Summary: A 65-year-old female, actively undergoing chemotherapy via a right subcutaneous port for known left breast cancer, presented to the ED exhibiting throat irritation, facial swelling, and itchiness. These symptoms surfaced the day after her latest chemotherapy session. She typically experienced similar reactions post-chemotherapy, managed by routine oral antihistamines and steroids, yet this instance persisted despite medication. On examination, she appeared flushed, with a plethoric and erythematous face, accompanied by swelling extending from her neck to the left arm, along with tender left axillary lymph nodes. A POCUS of the left upper arm revealed soft tissue edema, a non-compressible brachial vein, and a hypoechoic floating luminal lesion (Figure 1). Subsequent computed tomography (CT) confirmed upper limb deep venous thrombosis extending into the left subclavian and internal jugular vein, partially non-occlusive in the proximal superior vena cava (Figure 2. A &amp; B). Notably, she had a known contrast allergy, requiring pre-treatment with steroid and diphenhydramine before contrast injection. Based on CT findings, therapeutic enoxaparin was initiated in the ED and patient was admitted under oncology care, subsequently discharged on rivaroxaban. Discussion: Based on previous studies, the reliance on radiologists&amp;apos; availability for vascular imaging to diagnose UEDVT within the ED led to significant delays, extending up to two hours. Notably, the utilization of POCUS by Emergency Physicians resulted in a marked reduction in both diagnosis and intervention times. Furthermore, insights from six prospective studies confirm the accuracy of color-Doppler sonographic imaging in diagnosing UEDVT, showcasing sensitivity ranging between 78% to 100% and specificity from 82% to 100%. This compelling evidence strongly advocates for the broader integration of POCUS in EDs, emphasizing its credibility in enhancing diagnostic accuracy and expediting timely intervention for UEDVT. Applying these findings to this specific patient case, reliance on POCUS could have avoided the risks associated with radiation and contrast exposure Conclusion: Integrating POCUS into the ED&amp;apos;s diagnostic protocol for UEDVT enables early detection and intervention, and mitigates risks associated with contrast agents and excessive radiation exposure.