[De Quervain's tenosynovitis imaging: ultrasonography versus magnetic resonance imaging]

To determine the diagnostic efficiency of ultrasonography [U/S] and magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] in detecting de Quervain's tenosynovitis. Forty wrists of 29 symptomatic patients [21 females and 8 males] were selected during a 12 months period. Patients with suggestive clinical de Quervain's tenosynovitis underwent both wrist ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging, to determine changes in the first dorsal compartment thickness in both genders. T1-weighted images were obtained in axial, sagittal and coronal planes. Whereas, T2-weighted gradient echo images and T2-weighted fat saturation images were performed in axial and coronal planes. Cohen Kappa was used for statistical analysis. The ultrasonographic results among all diseased wrists showed 100% tendon thickening, 97.5% peritendinous edema, 72.5% decreased tendon mobility and 70% septation. The magnetic resonance imaging results showed 95% tendon thickening, 85% peritendinous edema, 62.5% increased tendon signal, 60% septation, 55% subcutaneous edema, and 45% synovial thickening among the whole group. All values demonstrated differences among genders and more prominent in females.The prime reliable finding is in respect to superiority of ultrasound in all comparable criteria which was confirmed by statistical results. Ultrasonography is considered the favorite technique to validate the clinical diagnosis. It gives special accuracy and high diagnostic capability even in early stages. Magnetic resonance imaging could be significant in doubtful clinical diagnoses not confirmed by ultrasonography. In addition, magnetic resonance imaging has advanced capability to detect other soft tissue and bone marrow abnormalities

Magnetic resonance imaging of normal lumbar intervertebral foraminal width

Objectives: To study the pattern and changes of lumbar intervertebral foraminal width in asymptomatic Jordanian sample in relation to age, sex and level

Methods: A total of 153 asymptomatic patients [87 males and 66 females] were selected during the study period between June 1999 to June 2000, at Jordan University Hospital and Faculty of medicine, University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan. Measurements of intervertebral foraminal width at all lumbar levels were done on parasagittal magnetic resonance images. Values were analyzed and significant differences in the means of foraminal width at different levels in every age group and among age groups were determined

Results: The mean foraminal width measured was 10.2 + 0.9mm with a range of 8.5 - 12.4mm. As related to level, values increased in both genders to reach their maximum at L2/3 and L3/4 especially in older age groups. As related to age, foraminal widths in females increased significantly only at L3/4 and L4/5 and reached their maximum values in the 6[th] decade followed by a general decrease especially at upper lumbar levels. In males, foramina] widths exhibited a significant decrease up to the 5[th] decade at upper lumbar levels

Conclusion: As an entirety, the presented baseline data of lumbar FW and FH can serve as a reference for future studies on normal and degenerative spine and is essential to identify Jordanian population at risk of lumbar nerve root entrapment. It may also provide clinicians with a fundamental channel for refining the excellence of their diagnosis and management