Osteoarthritis in morbidly obese children and adolescents, an age-matched controlled study.

PURPOSE: Main objective of this study was to investigate the association of pain and early cartilage lesions in morbidly obese children and adolescents. METHODS: A total of 57 subjects were included in the study. Morbidly obese patients (n = 39) were subdivided into two groups: Group A: (11 males and 9 females, 14.2 ± 2.7 years) with permanent knee pain; and Group B: (10 males and 9 females, 14.4 ± 2.2 years) without permanent or without any knee pain. Group C (8 males and 10 females, 15.0 ± 2.9 years) included age-matched children and adolescents of normal weight. MRI examinations were performed in all subjects, and an extensive analysis of the images was conducted according to the condition of the cartilage surface and the meniscus. Patients' subjective health was assessed by means of four well-known knee scores (IKDC, KOOS, Tegner/Lysholm, and VAS). Nonparametric Jonckheere-Terpstra test was used to test the trend of the natural order between the three groups. RESULTS: In 38 of 39 morbidly obese children and adolescents, in at least one region of the knee, a marked cartilage lesion could be shown by MRI. Group A showed significantly (p < 0.001) more cartilage lesions (mean 3.7) compared to Group B (mean 2.8) and Group C (mean 0.8). IKDC, and all the KOOS subunits, showed significantly (p < 0.001, p Bonferroni < 0.001) increasing scores from Group A to B to C, in addition to KOOS symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Morbid obesity causes early lesions of the knee cartilage, even in young patients. Significantly, more patients with reported pain show more severe damages.

[MR arthrography of the hip joint]. / MR-Arthrographie des Hüftgelenks.

MR arthrography of the hip joint is usually performed after a conventional MRI has been obtained to rule out other pathologies of the hip joint as for instance bone marrow edema or osteonecrosis of the hip. MR arthrography is mainly performed as a very special investigation, and it is executed in most cases if the clinician asks for the diagnosis of a labral lesion. In very rare cases, MR arthrography of the hip is performed to image cartilage disease or osteochondrosis dissecans or free intraarticular bodies. In this paper, the indications, the technique, and the most important pathology of the hip joint--labral lesions--will be described as well as variants of the normal acetabular labrum. After a conventional MRI of the hip joint has been performed, a MR arthrography of the hip will be obtained to search for labral pathology or cartilage disease. MR arthrography is obtained after the intraarticular injection of 10-20 ml of a 0.1 mmol solution of gadopentate-dimeglumine has been performed. The intraarticular injection can either be fluoroscopic-guided or CT-guided or directly MR-guided. After the intraarticular injection, MR arthrography will be performed by the use of paracoronal and parasagittal T1-weighted spin echo or gradient echo sequences. In cases of labral lesions (degeneration, labral tear, labral detachment) or cartilage disease MR arthrography proved to be more sensitive as conventional MRI as shown in the literature. The sensitivity of MRI to detect labral pathology was reported to be about 65%, and that of MR arthrography was reported to be about 92-95% compared to surgical results. According to the current literature, MR arthrography is the most sensitive method to delineate these kind of pathologies. Therefore, the invasive technique of MR arthrography may be justified for the correct diagnosis of these kind of pathologies after other pathologic entities have been ruled out by conventional MRI.

[Magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance arthrography of the acetabular labrum: comparison with surgical findings]. / Magnetresonanztomographie und Magnetresonanzarthrographie des Labrum acetabulare: Vergleich mit operativen Ergebnissen.

AIM OF THE STUDY: To evaluate the accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance (MR) arthrography in detecting acetabular labral lesions in correlation to surgical findings. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty patients (40 hips) with chronic hip pain and a strong clinical suspicion of labral lesions were examined with MRI in the coronal and axial plane by obtaining T1 weighted and proton density-weighted spin echo sequences. Additionally, MR arthrography of the hip joint in the coronal oblique and sagittal oblique plane was performed by obtaining T1-weighted three-dimensional gradientecho sequences after the intraarticular injection of gadopentate dimeglumine. The labra were prospectively evaluated on the basis of morphology, signal intensity, the presence or absence of a tear, and their attachment to the acetabulum. All patients underwent surgery, and the MRI findings and MR arthrography findings were compared with the surgical results. RESULTS: Surgically, 34 labral lesions, and 6 normal labra were detected. MRI correctly depicted labral lesions in 24 patients and two normal labra, and MR arthrography correctly depicted labral lesions in 30 patients and 5 normal labra compared with the surgical results. The sensitivity of MRI was 80%, the accuracy of MRI was 65%, the sensitivity of MR arthrography was 95%, and the accuracy of MR arthrography was 88%. CONCLUSIONS: MR arthrography enables considerably more accurate detection of acetabular labral lesions than MRI. MR arthrography should be the method of choice for the diagnosis of the presence or absence of acetabular labral lesions in patients with chronic hip pain and a strong clinical suspicion of labral lesions.

Rheumatoid arthritis of the craniocervical region: assessment and characterization of inflammatory soft tissue proliferations with unenhanced and contrast-enhanced CT.

The aim of this study was to depict and characterize inflammatory soft tissue proliferations caused by rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in the craniocervical region by unenhanced and contrast-enhanced CT. Computed tomography of the craniocervical region was performed in 35 patients in the axial plane before and after the i.v. administration of contrast material. According to the densities and contrast enhancement of the inflammatory soft tissue proliferations, four groups were classified. Ancillary findings, such as a compression of the dural sac or spinal cord, erosions of the bony structures, and atlantoaxial subluxation, were also evaluated. Inflammatory soft tissue proliferations were depicted in 28 of 35 patients and could be differentiated by unenhanced and contrast-enhanced CT according to the above defined criteria: effusion in 6 patients (17%); hypervascular pannus in 8 (23%); hypovascular pannus in 5 (14%); and fibrous tissue in 9 patients (26%). A compression of the dural sac was seen in 11 (31%) patients; 3 of these had neurological symptoms. Erosions of the odontoid process were found in 20 (57%) patients; 16 (80%) of these also showed erosions of the atlas. Atlantoaxial subluxation was seen in 11 (31%) patients. Inflammatory soft tissue proliferations in the craniocervical region caused by RA can be reliably demonstrated and classified by unenhanced and contrast-enhanced CT, which can differentiate between joint effusion and various forms of pannus and depict ancillary findings. Computed tomography is an alternative method for patients unable to undergo an MRI examination.

MR arthrography of the adult acetabular capsular-labral complex: correlation with surgery and anatomy.

OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to describe the appearance of the acetabular capsular-labral complex on MR arthrography and to correlate this appearance with surgical findings in adult patients and with gross anatomic findings in cadavers. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: MR arthrography of the hip joint was performed in 40 patients and six cadavers. All patients underwent subsequent arthrotomy of the hip. MR arthrography consisted of a T1-weighted three-dimensional gradient-echo sequence in both the coronal oblique and sagittal oblique planes after intraarticular injection of a 2 mmol/l solution of gadopentetate dimeglumine. The normal and pathologic appearance of the capsular-labral complex was assessed, and the labra were evaluated on the basis of morphology, signal intensity, presence of a tear, and attachment to the acetabulum. MR arthrography findings were correlated with the surgical results in all patients and with the anatomic sections of the cadaveric hip joint specimens. RESULTS: MR arthrography images of the T-weighted three-dimensional gradient-echo sequences allowed visualization of the anatomic structures. The normal labrum was triangular, without any sublabral sulcus, and of homogeneous low signal intensity. A recess between the labrum and the joint capsule could be identified in instances in which no thickened labrum was present. Labral lesions included labral degeneration, a tear, or a detached labrum either with or without thickening of the labrum. The sensitivity for detection and correct staging of labral lesions with MR arthrography in the patient study was 91%; the specificity, 71%; and the accuracy, 88%. CONCLUSION: MR arthrography with T1-weighted three-dimensional gradient-echo sequences allows excellent assessment of the normal and pathologic acetabular capsular-labral complex.

[MRI arthrography in labrum lesions of the hip joint. Method and diagnostic value]. / MR-Arthrographie bei der Labrumläsion des Hüftgelenks. Technik und Stellenwert.

Magnetic Resonance imaging with its excellent soft tissue contrast represents the method of choice for examination of intraarticular and periarticular structures of joints. However, conventional MR-imaging without intraarticular contrast application is not suitable for the diagnosis of labral lesions. MR-arthrography (MRA) of the hip clearly demonstrates labral pathology by distension of the joint space and entrance of the contrast medium into the lesion. Multiplanar 3-D-gradient echo sequences enable visualisation of the most important cranio-ventral portion of the labrum. With the MRA labral lesions can be subdivided into different, clinically relevant stages. Furthermore accompanying lesions (intra- and extraosseous ganglia, stress-bone marrow-edema) can be demonstrated. In our study including operatively verified cases, MRA showed excellent sensitivity (90%) and accuracy (91%) in detecting labral lesions. So far no complication occurred with more than 100 MRA's. Therefore this technique represents the method of choice for the radiological evaluation of labral lesions of the hip joint. In this review the technical details and results of our MRA method will be presented.

MR arthrography in lesions of the labrum acetabulare. : Technique and role.

Magnetic Resonance imaging with its excellent soft tissue contrast represents the method of choice for examination of intraarticular and periarticular structures of joints. However, conventional MR-imaging without intraarticular contrast application is not suitable for the diagnosis of labral lesions. MR-arthrography (MRA) of the hip clearly demonstrates labral pathology by distension of the joint space and entrance of the contrast medium into the lesion. Multiplanar 3-D-gradient echo sequences enable visualisation of the most important cranio-ventral portion of the labrum. With the MRA labral lesions can be subdivided into different, clinically relevant stages. Furthermore accompanying lesions (intra- and extraosseous ganglia, stress-bone marrow-edema) can be demonstrated. In our study including operatively verified cases, MRA showed excellent sensitivity (90 %) and accuracy (91 %) in detecting labral lesions. So far no complication occurred with more than 100 MRA's. Therefore this technique represents the method of choice for the radiological evaluation of labral lesions of the hip joint. In this review the technical details and results of our MRA method will be presented.

Lesions of the acetabular labrum: accuracy of MR imaging and MR arthrography in detection and staging.

PURPOSE: To determine the accuracy of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and MR arthrography in the detection and staging of lesions of the acetabular labrum. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-seven hips of 56 patients with chronic hip pain and a strong clinical suspicion of labral lesions were examined with a three-dimensional gradient-echo sequence in the coronal oblique and sagittal oblique projections before and after the intraarticular injection of gadopentetate dimeglumine. The labra were evaluated on the basis of morphology, signal intensity, the presence or absence of a tear, and their attachment to the acetabulum. Twenty-two of the hips underwent surgical intervention, and 35 hips were treated conservatively. RESULTS: Twenty of the 22 labra with surgical proof were staged accurately with MR arthrography. On the conventional MR images, only eight of the 22 labra were staged correctly. Whereas the sensitivity of MR arthrography was 90% and its accuracy was 91%, the sensitivity of MR imaging was 30% and its accuracy was 36%, compared with surgical findings. CONCLUSION: MR arthrography enables accurate detection and staging of lesions of the acetabular labrum and appears to be indicated in the assessment of chronic hip pain in patients with a strong suspicion of labral lesions.

Rheumatoid arthritis of the craniocervical region by MR imaging: detection and characterization.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of our study was to evaluate the potential of contrast-enhanced MR imaging to detect and to characterize craniocervical rheumatoid arthritis in a large population group, to compare MR imaging with clinical and conventional radiographic findings, and to examine the relationship between the histopathologic and MR imaging findings in seven patients. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We performed contrast-enhanced MR imaging using T2-weighted gradient-echo sequences and T1-weighted spin-echo sequences in 136 patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Sequential T1-weighted images were obtained before, 3 min after, and 15 min after injection of contrast material. Plain films were acquired in all patients. Serologic status and neurologic status were determined in each patient within 2 days of MR imaging. Patients were categorized into one of four groups, depending upon whether they had joint effusion, hypervascular pannus, hypovascular pannus, or fibrous pannus according to signal patterns on contrast-enhanced MR images. Signal intensity was measured to assess the enhancement of synovial hypertrophy, joint capsule, joint effusion, and the various stages of pannus tissue. Histologic specimens were obtained from seven patients and were correlated with MR imaging findings. RESULTS: Acute and chronic synovitis were differentiated with contrast-enhanced MR imaging as follows: joint effusion (n = 29), hypervascular pannus (n = 54), hypovascular pannus tissue (n = 8), and fibrous pannus (n = 22). Signal intensity differed significantly among the four groups on contrast-enhanced T1-weighted images. In 59 patients with effusion or hypervascular pannus tissue, atlantoaxial subluxation was diagnosed with plain films. Patients with negative findings on radiographic studies (n = 20) had joint effusion, hypervascular pannus tissue, hypovascular pannus formation, or fibrous pannus tissue on MR imaging studies. Cord compression was found in 10% of all cases and isolated sac compression in 16%. Neurologic findings showed no correlation with MR imaging features. CONCLUSION: Contrast-enhanced T1-weighted spin-echo MR imaging can discriminate between joint effusion and various forms of pannus in patients with rheumatoid arthritis of the craniocervical region. MR imaging also can detect joint effusion and pannus tissue in patients with negative radiographic findings. No relationship between MR imaging findings and clinical symptoms were found. Tissue enhancement and histopathologic findings correlated in a limited number of autopsies.

Nicergoline in senile dementia of Alzheimer type and multi-infarct dementia: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical and EEG/ERP mapping study.

In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study on the therapeutic efficacy and central effects of nicergoline, an ergot alkaloid with metabolic, antithrombotic and vasoactive action, 112 patients with mild to moderate dementia, diagnosed according to DSM III-R criteria (MMS 13-25), living in pensioners' homes, were included. Fifty-six were subdiagnosed as senile dementia of the Alzheimer type (SDAT), 56 as multiinfarct dementia (MID), based on computed tomography and Hachinski scores (< or = 49 SDAT, > or = 7 MID). They received, after 2 weeks' run-in period (placebo), randomized for 8 weeks either 2 x 30 mg nicergoline (NIC) or 2 x 1 placebo (PLAC) orally. The four subgroups (SDAT/NIC. SDAT/PLAC, MID/NIC, MID/PLAC; 4 x 28 patients) were comparable in regard to age and sex. Only four, four, four and two patients of the respective groups did not finish the study for minor reasons. Confirmatory statistical analysis demonstrated in the target variable-the Clinical Global Impression (CGI)-a significant superiority of Global Impression (CGI)-a significant superiority of NIC over PLAC in both the SDAT and MID groups. Global improvement (CGI item 2) was seen in both nicergoline subgroups (3 and 3), while no changes occurred under placebo (4 and 4, respectively). The responder versus non-responder ratio was in the SDAT/NIC group 16/8, versus 8/16 in the SDAT/PLAC group (chi 2 = 4.1, P = 0.04); in the MID/NIC group 17/7, versus 7/19 in the MID/PLAC group (chi 2 = 7.96, P < 0.005). Furthermore, there was a significant improvement of the Mini-Mental State and the SCAG score in both the MID and SDAT group after 8 weeks of nicergoline, which was significantly superior to the minimal improvement or no change in placebo-treated SDAT and MID patients. EEG mapping demonstrated in NIC-treated SDAT and MID patients a significant decrease in delta and theta, increase in alpha 2 and beta activity and an acceleration of the centroid of the total power spectrum as compared with pretreatment, while opposite changes occurred in PLAC-treated SDAT and MID patients. The differences between PLAC and NIC reached the level of statistical significance. Event-related potential (ERP) recordings demonstrated a significantly shortened P300 latency under NIC treatment in both SDAT and MID patients, while there was a trend towards lengthening under PLAC. Thus, nicergoline improved vigilance and information processing at the neurophysiological level, which leads at the behavioural level to clinical improvement both in degenerative and vascular dementia.

Comparative assessment of right ventricular volumes and ejection fraction by thermodilution and magnetic resonance imaging in dilated cardiomyopathy.

Measurements of right ventricular (RV) ejection fraction (EF) and volumes using a new thermodilution technique were compared to serially performed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in 21 patients with dilated cardiomyopathy. For RVEF (%) and RV volume indices (ml/m2) the following correlation coefficients were found: RVEF r = 0.82; end-diastolic volume index (EDVI) r = 0.45; end-systolic volume index (ESVI) r = 0.65; stroke volume index (SVI) r = 0.61; all p < 0.05. However, RVEF by thermodilution was significantly lower (RVEF thermo = 31 +/- 14 vs. RVEF MRI = 50 +/- 14, p < 0.01) and RV EDV and ESVI were significantly higher compared to MRI, while SVI showed no significant difference. Exclusion of patients with atrial fibrillation (n = 8) improved the correlations (RVEF r = 0.94, EDVI r = 0.77, ESVI r = 0.87, SVI r = 0.65, all p < 0.05), but did not reduce the mean difference between both methods.

[Rheumatoid arthritis of the craniocervical transition. Detection of inflammatory changes in contrast CT and MRI]. / Rheumatoide Arthritis des kraniozervikalen Ubergangs. Erfassung der entzündlichen Veränderungen mittels KM-gestützter CT und MRT.

A total of 136 patients with rheumatoid arthritis underwent MRI with sagittal T1-weighted spin echo sequences before and after i.v. administration of Gd-DTPA and with a 15-min delay. In addition, T2-weighted gradient echo sequences were performed. Conventional radiographs, including tomography in sagittal and a.p. planes, were also taken of all patients; 51 were also examined by CT before and after i.v. administration of contrast medium and in addition with a 15-min delayed series. The signal intensities of MRI and the changes in density caused by contrast uptake on CT were examined visually and measured quantitatively. The inflammatory changes were classified in four phases by the MRI and CT findings and histological results. A correlation (p < 0.05) was found with the erythrocyte sedimentation rate. MRI was superior to CT in 10% of cases. A discrete effusion in the anterior junction was missed in 4 cases and a hypervascular pannus formation in 1 case by CT. The CT was superior to the other methods in detecting bony lesions and calcifications in the atlantödental region. The local activity of the inflammatory changes can be graded by classifying them with contrast-enhanced MRI and CT, which yield an exact result for better monitoring during therapy.

Magnetic resonance imaging of the heart during positive end-expiratory pressure ventilation in normal subjects.

OBJECTIVES: Magnetic resonance imaging was used to assess the effects of ventilation with positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) on cardiac volumes, especially on atrial volumes as well as to determine semiquantitative measurements of spatial interactions between heart, lungs and chest. DESIGN: Prospective study with healthy volunteers undergoing mechanical ventilation with different levels of PEEP during magnetic resonance imaging. SETTING: Magnetic resonance unit, Institute of Diagnostic Imaging, Rudolfinerhaus Hospital. SUBJECTS: Twelve healthy volunteers. INTERVENTIONS: Volunteers were imaged, using a multislice-multiphase technique during spontaneous breathing and with PEEP values of 0, 7, and 15 cm H2O. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Atrial as well as ventricular volumes, chest diameters, and midventricular contact between the heart and anterior chest wall were determined on transverse-oblique sections. Atrial volumes showed a progressive decline beginning at a PEEP of 7 cm H2O. Diastolic filling of both ventricles was reduced. A PEEP level of 15 cm H2O induced a significant increase in the sagittal-oblique but not in the transverse-oblique chest diameter. PEEP values of 7 and 15 cm H2O shortened the length of the midventricular contact between the heart and anterior chest wall. CONCLUSIONS: Left and right ventricular end-diastolic volumes and stroke volumes decreased significantly during ventilation with PEEP at 15 cm H2O, as did end-systolic atrial volumes. Volume changes in association with changes of chest and heart configuration suggest external cardiac compression by the expanding lungs. Furthermore, this study illustrates the feasibility of magnetic resonance imaging in mechanically ventilated patients.

[Bone marrow edema--an early form of femur head necrosis]. / Knochenmarködem--Frühform der Hüftkopfnekrose.

We examined 15 patients (16 hips) with painful hips whose radiographs were either normal (n = 9) or showed a minimal decrease in radiodensity (n = 7). The available bone scintigrams of 9 cases were positive. T1-weighted images visualised a diffuse signal loss of the bone marrow in all hips, with various extensions in the head, neck, and intertrochanteric area. These regions were hyperintensive on T2-weighted images. Focal anomalies were not seen in any of the cases. All patients underwent core decompression treatment. Histology of 13 hips confirmed not only the presence of bone marrow oedema but of bone changes corresponding to those of avascular necrosis. Follow-up examinations with MR after core decompression showed normal signal intensity in all cases. Magnetic resonance represents a viable diagnostic tool for identifying bone marrow oedema. Due to our histological results bone marrow oedema should be included in the differential diagnosis as an early stage of necrosis of the hip.

[Femur head necrosis and bone marrow edema syndrome in pregnancy]. / Hüftkopfnekrose und Knochenmarksödemsyndrom in der Schwangerschaft.

MR examinations were performed in 9 patients suffering from severe pain of the hip during the third trimenon without any relief after birth. Pathologic signal changes could be observed in 11 hips (oedema in the region of the femoral head and neck (n = 8); avascular necrosis of the femoral head surrounded by bone marrow oedema (n = 3)). In 7 hips a relatively rapid decrease of the oedema following core decompression was demonstrated. Focal necrosis, however, did not show any changes. In two patients, treated conservatively, markedly delayed healing was evident. MR imaging is the modality of choice for early diagnosis as well as follow-up of therapy of the bone marrow oedema syndrome or avascular necrosis and can be performed already during pregnancy.

Detection and quantification of pulmonary artery hypertension with MR imaging: results in 23 patients.

OBJECTIVE: A study was performed to determine the value of MR imaging in detecting pulmonary artery hypertension and in determining pulmonary artery pressure semiquantitatively. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: MR studies were performed in 23 patients with pulmonary artery hypertension to measure right ventricular function (right ventricular ejection fraction, end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes, stroke volume), right ventricular wall thickness, and the diameters of the great vessels. The findings were compared with similar MR measurements made in eight control subjects. The cause of the pulmonary hypertension was primary pulmonary hypertension (eight patients), combined mitral valve disease (five patients), dilative cardiomyopathy (four patients), chronic pulmonary embolism (four patients), atrial septal defect (one patient), and pulmonary fibrosis (one patient). MR studies were done on a 0.5-T magnet using a double-angulation projection (equivalent to a four-chamber view) with a multislice-multiphase spin-echo technique and a blood flow-sensitive fast gradient-echo sequence. Pulmonary artery pressures were verified by catheterization of the pulmonary artery. RESULTS: In patients with pulmonary artery hypertension, MR imaging showed right ventricular enlargement with hypertrophy, right atrial enlargement, and abnormal septal motion. Fast gradient-echo images showed tricuspid regurgitation in all cases. In cases in which the mean pressures in the pulmonary artery were greater than 70 mm Hg, systolic slow-flow phenomena were detected. Linear correlations were seen between the mean pressure in the pulmonary artery and the end-diastolic thickness of the right ventricular wall (r = .83, p < or = .0001), the diameter of the inferior vena cava (r = .73, p < or = .0001), and the diameter of the main pulmonary artery (r = .48, p < or = .02). CONCLUSION: Our results show that MR imaging is a useful noninvasive technique for the detection of pulmonary artery hypertension and for the semiquantitative assessment of pulmonary artery pressure.

Morphometric analysis of the corpus callosum using MR: correlation of measurements with aging in healthy individuals.

PURPOSE: To analyze changes of the human corpus callosum and MR midsagittal brain structures during normal aging. METHODS: A morphometric evaluation strategy for quantification of these brain structures on MR scans was developed. This computerized measuring program did allow the acquisition of more than 100 one- and two-dimensional parameters. RESULTS: During normal aging, the anterior parts of the corpus callosum (genu and anterior parts of the trunk) were significantly decreased, suggesting alterations of frontal and temporal interhemispheric fiber systems. Further changes were seen in callosal thickness and callosal width of the anterior parts of the corpus callosum. The profile area of the telencephalon was significantly reduced during normal aging. The size of the mesencephalon showed age-specific changes. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed computer program proved to be a powerful and reliable tool to get objective and reproducible quantitative data of corpus callosum and midsagittal brain structures. Specific age changes were found in the corpus callosum, indicating alteration of the frontotemporal interhemispheric fiber systems.

Bone-marrow oedema syndrome and transient osteoporosis of the hip. An MRI-controlled study of treatment by core decompression.

Bone-marrow oedema syndrome (BMOS) of the hip gives a characteristic MRI pattern, in association with severe pain, non-specific focal loss of radiological density and a positive bone scan. In our MRI-controlled study, nine patients with non-traumatic BMOS in ten hips all had core decompression. Bone-marrow pressure measurements and intraosseous venography in five cases showed pathological values. All patients had immediate relief of pain, with return of MRI signals to normal after three months. Regular review was continued for at least 24 months with serial clinical radiological and MRI assessment. At a mean follow-up of 33 months all patients remained free of pain with normal radiographs and MR scans. The histological evaluation of undecalcified sections obtained from eight core decompressions confirmed the presence of bone-marrow oedema, with necrotic and reparative processes involving bone and marrow similar to those of early avascular necrosis but with no evidence of 'osteoporosis'. These findings support the assumption that BMOS may be the initial phase of non-traumatic avascular necrosis. In most patients BMOS will have a self-limiting course, but the duration of symptoms may be reduced by core decompression treatment.

Bone marrow edema of the hip: MR findings after core decompression.

Magnetic resonance imaging is an extremely sensitive technique for evaluation of bone marrow changes at an early stage of avascular necrosis (AVN) of the hip. We therefore examined 11 painful hips whose clinical symptoms led us to suspect idiopathic AVN. The radiographs of all of these either were normal or demonstrated a minimal decrease in radiodensity. Magnetic resonance demonstrated diffuse signal loss of the bone marrow at short TR/TE images of the femoral head in all hips, with various extensions in the head, neck, and intertrochanteric area. These regions turned iso- to hyperintense on long TR/TE images compatible with bone marrow edema (BME). Focal abnormalities characteristic for AVN were not seen in any of the cases. Radionuclide studies performed in six cases were positive. All patients underwent core decompression treatment. Hydrostatic bone marrow pressure measurement and intraosseous venography were positive in five cases when measured. Histology available in eight cases confirmed the presence of BME. Furthermore, the bone changes corresponded to those of early AVN. Follow-up examinations after core decompression with MR showed normal signal intensity in all cases. Magnetic resonance represents a viable diagnostic tool for BME and can monitor the therapeutic success of core decompression. Whether BME of the femoral head constitutes a distinct transient syndrome or represents an early form of AVN is controversial at present. Our findings support those who believe that BME may represent an initial stage of idiopathic AVN.

[Magnetic resonance tomography in pulmonary hypertension]. / Magnetresonanztomographie bei pulmonaler Hypertension.

We examined 23 patients with pulmonary hypertension of varying aetiology by MRI and compared the results with those of right heart catheterisation. The best correlation was obtained between right ventricular mural thickness and mean pulmonary pressure (R = 0.91, p = 0.001). There was significant correlation (R = 0.85, p = 0.001) for the diameter of the inferior vena cava, which was dilated in all patients with pulmonary hypertension. There was no significant correlation between mean pulmonary pressure and the diameters of the superior vena cava or the main pulmonary artery branches (R = 0.55 and 0.75 respectively, p less than 0.05). Amongst functional measurements there was a correlation between right ventricular ejection fraction and mean pulmonary artery pressure (R = 0.71, p = 0.001). There was no correlation between right ventricular end-systolic and end-diastolic volume. In all patients with pulmonary hypertension, dynamic flow sensitive gradient echo sequences showed the presence of tricuspid insufficiency. A further semiquantitative criterion for the presence of pulmonary hypertension in 4 patients (17%) was an abnormal signal from the main pulmonary artery in early to mid-systole shown on T1-weighted transverse sections.