Ultrasonographic Findings of Subcutaneous Angioleiomyomas in the Extremities Based on Pathologic Subtypes

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to describe the ultrasonographic findings of angioleiomyoma based on pathological subtypes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-nine patients with subcutaneous angioleiomyomas in the extremities were retrospectively reviewed by two radiologists and a pathologist. Sonographic images were analyzed to evaluate each tumor's anatomic location, size, shape, margin, heterogeneity, echogenicity, associated findings, and vascularity. RESULTS: Angioleiomyomas were divided into 3 subtypes: capillary (n = 16), venous (n = 22), and cavernous (n = 1). The one cavernous angioleiomyoma was a hypoechoic mass with rich vascularity. Hypoechogenicity was more frequently observed for venous tumors (77.3%) than for capillary tumors (43.8%), and isoechogenicity was more frequently observed for capillary tumors (56.2%) than for venous tumors (22.7%). Moderate vascularity was more frequently observed for venous tumors (59.1%) than for capillary tumors (12.5%), and little vascularity was more frequently observed for capillary tumors (62.5%) than for venous tumors (13.6%). The aforementioned findings including echogenicity (p = 0.034) and vascularity (p = 0.003) were statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Awareness of sonographic findings of angioleiomyomas based on pathologic subtypes could be helpful for diagnosing angioleiomyoma and could increase diagnostic accuracy for superficial soft-tissue masses in our practice.

Digital Subtraction Cystography for Detection of Communicating Holes of Spinal Extradural Arachnoid Cysts

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the usefulness of digital subtraction cystography to identify communicating holes between a spinal extradural arachnoid cyst (SEAC) and the subarachnoid space prior to cyst removal and hole closure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six patients with SEAC were enrolled in this retrospective study. Digital subtraction cystography and subsequent CT myelography were performed for every patient. The presence and location of the communicating holes on cystography were documented. We evaluated the MRI characteristics of the cysts, including location, size, and associated spinal cord compression; furthermore, we reviewed cystographic images, CT myelograms, procedural reports, and medical records for analysis. If surgery was performed after cystography, intraoperative findings were compared with preoperative cystography. RESULTS: The location of the communicating hole between the arachnoid cyst and the subarachnoid space was identified by digital subtraction cystography in all cases (n = 6). Surgical resection of SEAC was performed in 4 patients, and intraoperative location of the communicating hole exactly corresponded to the preoperative identification. CONCLUSION: Fluoroscopic-guided cystography for SEAC accurately demonstrates the presence and location of dural defects. Preoperative digital subtraction cystography is useful for detection of a communicating hole between a cyst and the subarachnoid space.

Cervical Interlaminar Epidural Steroid Injection for Unilateral Cervical Radiculopathy: Comparison of Midline and Paramedian Approaches for Efficacy

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes of the cervical interlaminar epidural steroid injection (CIESI) for unilateral radiculopathy by the midline or paramedian approaches and to determine the prognostic factors of CIESI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 182 patients who underwent CIESI from January 2009 to December 2012. Inclusion criteria were no previous spinal steroid injection, presence of a cross-sectional image, and presence of follow-up records. Exclusion criteria were patients with bilateral cervical radiculopathy and/or dominant cervical axial pain, combined peripheral neuropathy, and previous cervical spine surgery. Short-term clinical outcomes were evaluated at the first follow-up after CIESI. We compared the clinical outcomes between the midline and paramedian approaches. Possible prognostic factors for the outcome, such as age, gender, duration of radiculopathy, and cause of radiculopathy were also analyzed. RESULTS: Cervical interlaminar epidural steroid injections were effective in 124 of 182 patients (68.1%) at the first follow-up. There was no significant difference in the clinical outcomes of CIESI, between midline (69.6%) and paramedian (63.7%) approaches (p = 0.723). Cause of radiculopathy was the only significant factor affecting the efficacy of CIESI. Patients with disc herniation had significantly better results than patients with neural foraminal stenosis (82.9% vs. 56.0%) (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: There is no significant difference in treatment efficacy between the midline and paramedian approaches in CIESI, for unilateral radiculopathy. The cause of the radiculopathy is significantly associated with the treatment efficacy; patients with disc herniation experience better pain relief than those with neural foraminal stenosis.

Musculoskeletal intervention

Musculoskeletal intervention has significantly evolved over the last decade. A major reason for recent advancements could be attributed to the widespread use of image-guided techniques utilizing computed tomography, fluoroscopy, and ultrasonography. This change improved the approach of needles to the areas of pathology and decreased complication rates. This article reviews basic principles of the common image-guided diagnostic and therapeutic techniques as they relate to patients with musculoskeletal disease.

Comparison of Three-Dimensional Isotropic and Two-Dimensional Conventional Indirect MR Arthrography for the Diagnosis of Rotator Cuff Tears

OBJECTIVE: To compare the accuracy between a three-dimensional (3D) indirect isotropic T1-weighted fast spin-echo (FSE) magnetic resonance (MR) arthrography and a conventional two-dimensional (2D) T1-weighted sequences of indirect MR arthrography for diagnosing rotator cuff tears. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was approved by our Institutional Review Board. In total, 205 patients who had undergone indirect shoulder MR arthrography followed by arthroscopic surgery for 206 shoulders were included in this study. Both conventional 2D T1-weighted FSE sequences and 3D isotropic T1-weighted FSE sequence were performed in all patients. Two radiologists evaluated the images for the presence of full- or partial-thickness tears in the supraspinatus-infraspinatus (SSP-ISP) tendons and tears in the subscapularis (SSC) tendons. Using the arthroscopic findings as the reference standard, the diagnostic performances of both methods were analyzed by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). RESULTS: Arthroscopy confirmed 165 SSP-ISP tendon tears and 103 SSC tendon tears. For diagnosing SSP-ISP tendon tears, the AUC values were 0.964 and 0.989 for the 2D sequences and 3D T1-weighted FSE sequence, respectively, in reader I and 0.947 and 0.963, respectively, in reader II. The AUC values for diagnosing SSC tendon tears were 0.921 and 0.925, respectively, for reader I and 0.856 and 0.860, respectively, for reader II. There was no significant difference between the AUC values of the 2D and 3D sequences in either reader for either type of tear. CONCLUSION: 3D indirect isotropic MR arthrography with FSE sequence and the conventional 2D arthrography are not significantly different in terms of accuracy for diagnosing rotator cuff tears.

Qualitative and Quantitative Assessment of Isotropic Ankle Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Three-Dimensional Isotropic Intermediate-Weighted Turbo Spin Echo versus Three-Dimensional Isotropic Fast Field Echo Sequences

OBJECTIVE: To compare the image quality of volume isotropic turbo spin echo acquisition (VISTA) imaging method with that of the three-dimensional (3D) isotropic fast field echo (FFE) imaging method applied for ankle joint imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MR imaging of the ankles of 10 healthy volunteers was performed with VISTA and 3D FFE sequences by using a 3.0 T machine. Two radiologists retrospectively assessed the tissue contrast between fluid and cartilage (F-C), and fluid and the Achilles tendon (F-T) with use of a 4-point scale. For a quantitative analysis, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) was obtained by imaging phantom, and the contrast ratios (CRs) were calculated between F-T and F-C. Statistical analyses for differences in grades of tissue contrast and CRs were performed. RESULTS: VISTA had significantly superior grades in tissue contrast of F-T (p = 0.001). Results of 3D FFE had superior grades in tissue contrast of F-C, but these result were not statistically significant (p = 0.157). VISTA had significantly superior CRs in F-T (p = 0.002), and 3D FFE had superior CRs in F-C (p = 0.003). The SNR of VISTA was higher than that of 3D FFE (49.24 vs. 15.94). CONCLUSION: VISTA demonstrates superior tissue contrast between fluid and the Achiles tendon in terms of quantitative and qualitative analysis, while 3D FFE shows superior tissue contrast between fluid and cartilage in terms of quantitative analysis.

Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Tenosynovitis in the Hand: Two Case Reports with the MR Imaging Findings

Nontuberculous mycobacterial infections can cause destructive tenosynovitis of the hand. We report on and discuss the clinical course and distinctive radiologic findings of two patients with hand tenosynovitis secondary to M. marinum and intracellulare infection, which are different from those of the nontuberculous mycobacterial infections reported in the previous literature.

Prevalence and Association Factors of Posterior Longitudinal Ligament in Patients with Spondyloarthropathies

OBJECTIVE: To investigate prevalence of ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) in Korean patients with Spondyloarthropathies (SpA), and the associations between OPLL and clinical, radiologic findings of SpA. METHOD: A cross-sectional radiological review was performed in patients diagnosed with SpA from 2000 to 2007. Each of two physiatrists and musculoskeletal radiologists screened the cervical (lateral) and pelvis (anterior-posterior) radiographs of these patients separately, then confirmed presence of OPLL. Bath ankylosing spondylitis radiology index (BASRI) of the cervical spine and grade of sacroiliitis were also measured. A review of the medical records and laboratory findings was conducted to investigate the association between the clinical, laboratory findings and the OPLL. RESULTS: Among 172 patients with SpA, OPLL was found in 16 patients (9.3%; 95% CI 5.0, 13.6). There were significant associations between OPLL and old age (p=0.043), symptoms and signs of myeloradiculopathy (p=0.030), and diabetes mellitus (DM) (p=0.022). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of OPLL in Korean patients with SpA is 9.3%. OPLL in patients with SpA is associated with old age, symptoms and signs of myeloradiculopathy, and diabetes. However, no factors specific characteristics of SpA were associated with OPLL.

The Prevalence and Clinical Features of Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis in the Patients with Dorsal Back Pain

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence and clinical features of diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) in patients with dorsal back pain. METHOD: A total of 229 patients (119 men and 110 women) with dorsal back pain were included. Medical records including age, sex, chief complaints, medical history, physical findings, laboratory data, and musculoskeletal radiographs were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: Twenty-seven (11.8%, by Resnick's criteria) and thirty-eight (16.6%, by Julkunen's criteria) of the 229 patients were diagnosed with DISH by thoracic spine radiographs. A significant increase of risk with age was observed (Resnick's criteria: odds ratio 1.10, 95% CI 1.05~1.16, p< 0.001, Julkunen's criteria: odds ratio 1.08, 95% CI 1.04~1.12, p<0.001). Male sex (Resnick's criteria: odds ratio 2.65, 95% CI 1.01~6.95, p=0.048, Julkunen's criteria: odds ratio 2.87, 95% CI 1.27~6.59, p=0.011) and inflammatory pain (Resnick's criteria: odds ratio 7.76, 95% CI 2.69~22.33, p<0.001, Julkunen's criteria: odds ratio 3.84, 95% CI 1.55~9.47, p=0.004) showed higher risk for development of DISH. Mean body mass index of patients with DISH were higher in all age groups, and they showed higher prevalence of DM and hyperlipidemia than general population. CONCLUSION: Patients with dorsal back pain showed higher prevalence of DISH than previous results with random samples. Aging, male sex and inflammatory pain might be a risk factor for development of DISH. Also, obesity, DM and hyperlipidemia might be strongly related with DISH.

Slot-Scan Digital Radiography of the Lower Extremities: a Comparison to Computed Radiography with Respect to Image Quality and Radiation Dose

OBJECTIVE: To compare the slot-scan digital radiography (SSDR) of the lower extremity region and the computed radiography (CR) method with respect to the image quality and radiation exposure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We enrolled 54 patients who underwent both the SSDR and CR of the lower extremities. The study evaluated and statistically compared the image quality of four features (outer cortex, inner cortex, trabeculae and intermuscular fat) at six different levels (pelvis, hip, femur, knee, tibia and ankle) between each method. The image quality was evaluated using a visibility scale, and the entrance skin dose was measured using a dosimeter at three different levels of a phantom (hip, knee, and ankle). RESULTS: The mean image visibility scale values for the SSDR method were significantly higher than for the CR method. The entrance skin dose for the SSDR method was 278 micro Gy at each level, compared to the entrance skin doses of the CR method, which were 3,410 micro Gy for the hip, 1,152 micro Gy for the knee, and 580 microGy for the ankle. CONCLUSION: Both the image quality and patient entrance skin dose data suggest that the SSDR method is superior to the CR method for the lower extremity musculoskeletal examination.

Factors Affecting Segmental Motion of Lumbar Total Disc Replacement / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: To assess factors significantly affecting the range of motion of the lumbar spine at the operated segment following total disc replacement (TDR) arthroplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-six patients (15 men and 21 women) who received lumbar TDR at a single level using Prodisc II (Spine Solutions Inc, New York, NY USA) were included in this study. The study included 23 cases at L4-5 and 13 cases at L5-S1. The average patient age was 43.6 years (range, 23-59 years) and the minimum follow-up was 24 months (range, 24-61 months). Two independent observers measured radiological parameters preoperatively, at 3 months postoperatively, and at the final follow-up. These parameters included disc height, affected level segmental range of motion (ROM) and prosthesis position and height. A radiologist independently measured facet joint degeneration and the fat contents of the paraspinal muscles on preoperative MR images. Clinical results were evaluated using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). RESULTS: Segmental ROM was well preserved at the final follow-up (preoperative, 11.3 degrees; 3 months postoperative 13.2 degrees; final follow up, 13.1 degrees). The factors found to affect segmental ROM significantly at the final follow-up were the preoperative ROM, preoperative disc height, disc height increment ratio and a history of previous back surgery on the affected disc (p<0.05). The VAS significantly improved in patients with increased segmental ROM at the operated level (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Statistical analysis showed that the factors affecting segmental ROM were the preoperative ROM, preoperative disc height, disc height increment ratio, and a history of previous back surgery on the affected disc. However, further effort needs to be directed towards an evaluation of a larger number of patients with a longer follow-up.

Grading Anterior Cruciate Ligament Graft Injury after Ligament Reconstruction Surgery: Diagnostic Efficacy of Oblique Coronal MR Imaging of the Knee

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of using additional oblique coronal MRI of the knee for grading anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) graft injury after ligament reconstruction surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 51 consecutive MR knee examinations of 48 patients who underwent both ACL reconstruction and follow-up arthroscopy. The MR examinations included the orthogonal axial, sagittal, coronal images and the oblique coronal T2-weighted images, which were oriented in parallel with the course of the femoral intercondylar roof. Two radiologists independently evaluated the status of the ACL grafts with using the routine knee MRI and then with adding the oblique coronal imaging. The severity of ACL graft injury was graded using a 3-point system from MR images as intact, partial tear or complete tear, and the results were compared with the arthroscopic results. Weighted kappa statistics were used to analyze the diagnostic accuracies of the knee MRI with and without the additional oblique coronal imaging. For each evaluation, the observers reported a confidence level for grading the ACL graft injuries in the two imaging groups. RESULTS: The weighted kappa values according to the routine knee MRI were 0.555 (reader 1) and 0.515 (reader 2). The inclusion of additional oblique coronal imaging increased the weighted kappa values to 0.666 (reader 1) and 0.611 (reader 2). The mean confidence levels by each reader were significantly higher (p < 0.01, paired t-test) with the additional oblique coronal imaging than by using the routine knee MRI alone. CONCLUSION: The additional use of oblique coronal MRI of the knee improves both the diagnostic accuracy and confidence for grading ACL graft injury.

Value of Preoperative Cervical Discography

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to describe the method and the value of cervical discography as correlated with the MR findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-one discs in 11 consecutive patients who underwent cervical discography were analyzed. MR and CT discography (CTD) were performed in all patients. Discography was performed after swallowing barium for visualizing the pharynx and the esophagus to prevent penetration. We also analyzed the preceding causes of the subjects' cervical pain. The results of the pain provocation test were classified into concordant pain, discordant pain and a negative test. MRI was analyzed according to the T2-signal intensity (SI) of the disc, disc height, annular bulging and disc herniation. The CTD was analyzed for degeneration or radial tear of the disc, epidural leakage of the contrast agent and pooling of the contrast agent at the periphery of the disc. The pain provocation tests were correlated with the MR and CTD findings. We used the chi-square test to analyze the results. RESULTS: Concordant pain was observed in 14 cases, discordant pain in 3 cases and there were negative tests in 4 cases. There were no complications related to the procedure. Four patients had undergone anterior cervical fusion and four patients had pain that developed after traffic injuries. The decreased T2-SI and annular bulging on MRI, disc degeneration and peripheral pooling of the contrast agent on CT were significantly correlated with pain provocation. CONCLUSION: When the diagnosis of disc disease is difficult with performing MRI, cervical discography with using swallowed barium solution to reduce the penetration of the esophagus or hypopharynx may play be helpful. The decreased T2-SI and annular bulging on MRI correlated significantly with a positive result on the pain provocation test.

Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection for Lumbosacral Radiculopathy: Preganglionic versus Conventional Approach

OBJECTIVE: The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effectiveness of transforaminal epidural steroid injection (TFESI) with using a preganglionic approach for treating lumbar radiculopathy when the nerve root compression was located at the level of the supra-adjacent intervertebral disc. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The medical records of the patients who received conventional TFESI at our department from June 2003 to May 2004 were retrospectively reviewed. TFESI was performed in a total of 13 cases at the level of the exiting nerve root, in which the nerve root compression was at the level of the supra-adjacent intervertebral disc (the conventional TFESI group). Since June 2004, we have performed TFESI with using a preganglionic approach at the level of the supra-adjacent intervertebral disc (for example, at the neural foramen of L4-5 for the L5 nerve root) if the nerve root compression was at the level of the supra-adjacent intervertebral disc. Using the inclusion criteria described above, 20 of these patients were also consecutively enrolled in our study (the preganglionic TFESI group). The treatment outcome was assessed using a 5-point patient satisfaction scale and by using a VAS (visual assessment scale). A successful outcome required a patient satisfaction scale score of 3 (very good) or 4 (excellent), and a reduction on the VAS score of > 50% two weeks after performing TFESI. Logistic regression analysis was also performed. RESULTS: Of the 13 patients in the conventional TFESI group, nine showed satisfactory improvement two weeks after TFESI (69.2%). However, in the preganglionic TFESI group, 18 of the 20 patients (90%) showed satisfactory improvement. The difference between the two approaches in terms of TFESI effectiveness was of borderline significance (p = 0.056; odds ratio: 10.483). CONCLUSION: We conclude that preganglionic TFESI has the better therapeutic effect on radiculopathy caused by nerve root compression at the level of the supra-adjacent disc than does conventional TFESI, and the diffence between the two treatments had borderline statistical significance.

Balloon-Occluded Retrograde Transvenous Obliteration for Gastric Variceal Bleeding: Its Feasibility Compared with Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt

OBJECTIVE: To assess the feasibility of balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (BRTO) in active gastric variceal bleeding, and to compare the findings with those of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-one patients with active gastric variceal bleeding due to liver cirrhosis were referred for radiological intervention. In 15 patients, contrast-enhanced CT scans demonstrated gastrorenal shunt, and the remaining six (Group 1) underwent TIPS. Seven of the 15 with gastrorenal shunt (Group 2) were also treated with TIPS, and the other eight (Group 3) underwent BRTO. All patients were followed up for 6 to 21 (mean, 14.4) months. For statistical inter-group comparison of immediate hemostasis, rebleeding and encephalopathy, Fisher's exact test was used. Changes in the Child-Pugh score before and after each procedure in each group were statistically analyzed by means of Wilcoxon's signed rank test. RESULTS: One patient in Group 1 died of sepsis, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and persistent bleeding three days after TIPS, while the remaining 20 survived the procedure with immediate hemostasis. Hepatic encephalopathy developed in four patients (one in Group 1, three in Group 2, and none in Group 3) ; one, in Group 2, died while in an hepatic coma 19 months after TIPS. Rebleeding occurred in one patient, also in Group 2. Except for transient fever in two Group-3 patients, no procedure-related complication occurred. In terms of immediate hemostasis, rebleeding and encephalopathy, there were no statistically significant differences between the groups (p > 0.05). In Group 3, the Child-Pugh score showed a significant decrease after the procedure (p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: BRTO can effectively control active gastric variceal bleeding, and because of immediate hemostasis, the absence of rebleeding, and improved liver function, is a good alternative to TIPS in patients in whom such bleeding, accompanied by gastrorenal shunt, occurs.

Gene Delivery to the Rat Liver Using Cationic Lipid Emulsion/DNA Complex: Comparison between Intra-arterial, Intraportal and Intravenous Administration

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficiency of intra-arterial, intraportal, and intravenous administration of cationic lipid emulsion/DNA complex, as used for gene transfer to rat liver. MATERIALS AND METHODS: DNA-carrier complex for the in-vivo experiment was prepared by mixing DNA and a cationic lipid emulsion. According to the administration route used (intra-arterial, intraportal, or intravenous), the animals were assigned to one of three groups. The heart, lung, liver, spleen and kidneys were removed and assayed for total protein and luciferase concentration. RESULTS: The cationic lipid emulsion/DNA complex used successfully transfected the various organs via the different administration routes employed. Luciferase activity in each organ of untreated animals was negligible. Liver luciferase values were significantly higher in the groups in which intra-arterial or intraportal administration was used. CONCLUSION: The intra-arterial or intraportal administration of cationic lipid emulsion/DNA complex is superior to intravenous administration and allows selective gene transfer to the liver.

Differentiation of Benign and Malignant Breast Masses: Comparison of Ultrasonography with Power Doppler Imaging and 99mTc-Scintimammography

PURPOSE: The objective of our study was to compare the value of differential diagnosis of ultrasonography with power Doppler imaging(PDI) and 99mTc-MIBI scintimammography in the evaluation of breast lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-five breast lesions in 48 patients underwent both 99mTc-MIBI scintimammography and sonography with PDI. Lesions were classified as benign or malignant on the basis of the absence or presence of a focus of increased activity at scintimammography, and the shape, border, echogenicity and amount of flow at sonography. The accuracy of the two modalities according to tumor size was compared. RESULTS: Pathologic diagnosis showed that among the 55 lesions, 40 were malignant and 15 were benign. In the detection of breast cancer, sensitivities and specificities were 97.5%(39/40) and 66.7%(10/15) for ultrasonography with PDI and 72.5%(29/40) and 86.7%(13/15) for scintimammography. For 32 lesions smaller than 2 cm, sensitivities and specificities were 94.7%(18/19) and 61.5%(8/13) for ultrasonography with PDI and 57.9%(11/19) and 84.6%(11/13) for scintimammography. For 23 lesions 2 cm or larger, these parameters were 100%(21/21) and 100%(2/2) for ultrasonography with PDI and 85.7%(18/21) and 100%(2/2) for scintimammography. CONCLUSION: In the diagnosis of breast cancer, ultrasonography with PDI was less specific than 99mTc-MIBI scintimammography. Ultrasonography with PDI was, however, more sensitive than 99mTc-MIBI scintimammography, particularly for lesions smaller than 2 cm.