Transpedicular Contrast-enhanced CT-guided biopsy of the body and dens of the axis avoiding the trans-oral approach: Technical report and literature review.

This technical report illustrates the technique to perform computed tomography (CT)-guided bone biopsies in the body and dens of the axis (C2 vertebra) through a posterior transpedicular approach with the use of preoperative contrast-enhanced scans to highlight the course of the vertebral artery. The technique is presented through two exemplification cases: a pediatric patient with osteoblastoma and secondary aneurysmal bone cyst and one adult patient with melanoma metastasis. This case highlights the potential of the CT-guided posterolateral/transpedicular approach for performing safe and effective biopsies in the body and dens of C2, even in pediatric patients.

The New Ice Age of Musculoskeletal Intervention: Role of Percutaneous Cryoablation in Bone and Soft Tissue Tumors.

In the rapidly evolving field of interventional oncology, minimally invasive methods, including CT-guided cryoablation, play an increasingly important role in tumor treatment, notably in bone and soft tissue cancers. Cryoablation works using compressed gas-filled probes to freeze tumor cells to temperatures below -20 °C, exploiting the Joule-Thompson effect. This cooling causes cell destruction by forming intracellular ice crystals and disrupting blood flow through endothelial cell damage, leading to local ischemia and devascularization. Coupling this with CT technology enables precise tumor targeting, preserving healthy surrounding tissues and decreasing postoperative complications. This review reports the most important literature on CT-guided cryoablation's application in musculoskeletal oncology, including sarcoma, bone metastases, and bone and soft tissue benign primary tumors, reporting on the success rate, recurrence rate, complications, and technical aspects to maximize success for cryoablation in the musculoskeletal system.

Spinopelvic sagittal balance: what does the radiologist need to know?

Sagittal balance describes the optimal alignment of the spine in the sagittal plane, resulting from the interaction between the spine and lower limbs, via the pelvis. Understanding sagittal balance has gained importance, especially in the last decade, because sagittal imbalance correlates directly with disability and pain. Diseases that alter that balance cause sagittal malalignment and may trigger compensatory mechanisms. Certain radiographic parameters have been shown to be clinically relevant and to correlate with clinical scores in the evaluation of spinopelvic alignment. This article aims to provide a comprehensive review of the literature on the spinopelvic parameters that are most relevant in clinical practice, as well as to describe compensatory mechanisms of the pelvis and lower limbs.

O equilíbrio sagital descreve o alinhamento ideal da coluna vertebral no plano sagital, sendo resultante da interação entre a coluna e os membros inferiores, por meio da bacia. O entendimento do equilíbrio sagital ganhou importância principalmente na última década, uma vez que o desequilíbrio sagital se correlaciona diretamente com incapacidade e dor. Doenças que alterem este equilíbrio podem causar mal alinhamento sagital e desencadear mecanismos compensatórios, os quais tentam restaurar a postura ereta. A literatura relata parâmetros radiográficos clinicamente relevantes, que possuem relação estabelecida com escores clínicos, para avaliar o alinhamento espinopélvico. Este artigo tem como objetivo fornecer uma ampla revisão da literatura sobre os parâmetros espinopélvicos mais relevantes na prática clínica, e descrever os mecanismos compensatórios da pelve e membros inferiores.

Computed tomography findings of paracoccidiodomycosis in musculoskeletal system.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate musculoskeletal involvement in paracoccidioidomycosis at computed tomography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Development of a retrospective study based on a review of radiologic and pathologic reports in the institution database. Patients with histopathologically confirmed musculoskeletal paracoccidioidomycosis and submitted to computed tomography were included in the present study. The imaging findings were consensually described by two radiologists. In order to avoid bias in the analysis, one patient with uncountable bone lesions was excluded from the study. RESULTS: A total of seven patients were included in the present study. A total of 18 bone lesions were counted. The study group consisted of 7 patients. A total number of 18 bone lesions were counted. Osteoarticular lesions were the first manifestation of the disease in four patients (57.14%). Bone lesions were multiple in 42.85% of patients. Appendicular and axial skeleton were affected in 85.71% and 42.85% of cases, respectively. Bone involvement was characterized by well-demarcated osteolytic lesions. Marginal osteosclerosis was identified in 72.22% of the lesions, while lamellar periosteal reaction and soft tissue component were present in 5.55% of them. One patient showed multiple small lesions with bone sequestra. CONCLUSION: Paracoccidioidomycosis can be included in the differential diagnosis of either single or multiple osteolytic lesions in young patients even in the absence of a previous diagnosis of pulmonary or visceral paracoccidioidomycosis.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o acometimento musculoesquelético da paracoccidioidomicose nas imagens de tomografia computadorizada. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Estudo retrospectivo desenvolvido a partir de revisão de laudos radiológicos e patológicos do banco de dados da instituição. Foram selecionados pacientes com paracoccidioidomicose osteoarticular submetidos a tomografia computadorizada. Todos os casos considerados tiveram confirmação histopatológica da doença. Os achados de imagem foram descritos em consenso por dois radiologistas. Um paciente com incontáveis lesões ósseas foi excluído da contabilização das anormalidades com a finalidade de evitar viés. RESULTADOS: Foram incluídos 7 pacientes no presente estudo. Um total de 18 lesões ósseas foi contabilizado. Em quatro casos (57,14%) a lesão osteoarticular foi a primeira manifestação da doença. As lesões ósseas eram múltiplas em 42,85%. Os esqueletos apendicular e axial foram afetados em 85,71% e 42,85% dos pacientes, respectivamente. O envolvimento ósseo caracterizou-se por lesões osteolíticas bem delimitadas. Identificou-se osteoesclerose marginal em 72,22% das lesões contabilizadas. Reação periosteal lamelar e componente de partes moles estiveram presentes em 5,55% das anormalidades. Um paciente exibiu múltiplas lesões com sequestros ósseos. CONCLUSÃO: A paracoccidioidomicose pode ser incluída no diagnóstico diferencial de lesões osteolíticas, únicas ou múltiplas, em pacientes jovens, mesmo sem diagnóstico prévio de paracoccidioidomicose pulmonar ou visceral.

Computed tomography findings of paracoccidiodomycosis in musculoskeletal system / Aspectos de imagem da paracoccidioidomicose osteoarticular na avaliação por tomografia computadorizada

Objective: To evaluate musculoskeletal involvement in paracoccidioidomycosis at computed tomography. Materials and Methods: Development of a retrospective study based on a review of radiologic and pathologic reports in the institution database. Patients with histopathologically confirmed musculoskeletal paracoccidioidomycosis and submitted to computed tomography were included in the present study. The imaging findings were consensually described by two radiologists. In order to avoid bias in the analysis, one patient with uncountable bone lesions was excluded from the study. Results: A total of seven patients were included in the present study. A total of 18 bone lesions were counted. The study group consisted of 7 patients. A total number of 18 bone lesions were counted. Osteoarticular lesions were the first manifestation of the disease in four patients (57.14%). Bone lesions were multiple in 42.85% of patients. Appendicular and axial skeleton were affected in 85.71% and 42.85% of cases, respectively. Bone involvement was characterized by well-demarcated osteolytic lesions. Marginal osteosclerosis was identified in 72.22% of the lesions, while lamellar periosteal reaction and soft tissue component were present in 5.55% of them. One patient showed multiple small lesions with bone sequestra. Conclusion: Paracoccidioidomycosis can be included in the differential diagnosis of either single or multiple osteolytic lesions in young patients even in the absence of a previous diagnosis of pulmonary or visceral paracoccidioidomycosis .

Objetivo: Avaliar o acometimento musculoesquelético da paracoccidioidomicose nas imagens de tomografia computadorizada. Materiais e Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo desenvolvido a partir de revisão de laudos radiológicos e patológicos do banco de dados da instituição. Foram selecionados pacientes com paracoccidioidomicose osteoarticular submetidos a tomografia computadorizada. Todos os casos considerados tiveram confirmação histopatológica da doença. Os achados de imagem foram descritos em consenso por dois radiologistas. Um paciente com incontáveis lesões ósseas foi excluído da contabilização das anormalidades com a finalidade de evitar viés. Resultados: Foram incluídos 7 pacientes no presente estudo. Um total de 18 lesões ósseas foi contabilizado. Em quatro casos (57,14%) a lesão osteoarticular foi a primeira manifestação da doença. As lesões ósseas eram múltiplas em 42,85%. Os esqueletos apendicular e axial foram afetados em 85,71% e 42,85% dos pacientes, respectivamente. O envolvimento ósseo caracterizou-se por lesões osteolíticas bem delimitadas. Identificou-se osteoesclerose marginal em 72,22% das lesões contabilizadas. Reação periosteal lamelar e componente de partes moles estiveram presentes em 5,55% das anormalidades. Um paciente exibiu múltiplas lesões com sequestros ósseos. Conclusão: A paracoccidioidomicose pode ser incluída no diagnóstico diferencial de lesões osteolíticas, únicas ou múltiplas, em pacientes jovens, mesmo sem diagnóstico prévio de paracoccidioidomicose pulmonar ou visceral. .

Cauda equina redundant nerve roots are associated to the degree of spinal stenosis and to spondylolisthesis.

UNLABELLED: To evaluate the association of redundant nerve roots of cauda equina (RNRCE) with the degree of lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) and with spondylolisthesis. METHOD: After Institutional Board approval, 171 consecutive patients were retrospectively enrolled, 105 LSS patients and 66 patients without stenosis. The dural sac cross-sectional area (CSA) was measured on T2w axial MRI at the level of L2-3, L3-4 and L4-5 intervertebral discs. Two blinded radiologists classified cases as exhibiting or not RNRCE in MRI. Intra- and inter-observer reproducibility was assessed. RESULTS: RNRCE were associated with LSS. RRNCE was more frequent when maximum stenosis<55 mm2. Substantial intra- observer agreement and moderate inter-observer agreement were obtained in the classification of RNRCE. Spondylolisthesis was identified in 27 patients and represented increased risk for RRNCE. CONCLUSION: LSS is a risk factor for RNRCE, especially for dural sac CSA<55 mm2. LSS and spondylolisthesis are independent risk factors for RNRCE.

Cauda equina redundant nerve roots are associated to the degree of spinal stenosis and to spondylolisthesis / Associação entre a presença de raízes redundantes na cauda equina e a área seccional do saco dural avaliada por meio de ressonância magnética

To evaluate the association of redundant nerve roots of cauda equina (RNRCE) with the degree of lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) and with spondylolisthesis. Method After Institutional Board approval, 171 consecutive patients were retrospectively enrolled, 105 LSS patients and 66 patients without stenosis. The dural sac cross-sectional area (CSA) was measured on T2w axial MRI at the level of L2-3, L3-4 and L4-5 intervertebral discs. Two blinded radiologists classified cases as exhibiting or not RNRCE in MRI. Intra- and inter-observer reproducibility was assessed. Results RNRCE were associated with LSS. RRNCE was more frequent when maximum stenosis<55 mm2. Substantial intra- observer agreement and moderate inter-observer agreement were obtained in the classification of RNRCE. Spondylolisthesis was identified in 27 patients and represented increased risk for RRNCE. Conclusion LSS is a risk factor for RNRCE, especially for dural sac CSA<55 mm2. LSS and spondylolisthesis are independent risk factors for RNRCE. .

Avaliar associação entre raízes nervosas redundantes da cauda eqüina (RNRCE) com grau de estenose do canal lombar (ECL) e espondilolistese. Método Após aprovação do Comitê de Ética, 171 pacientes foram selecionados retrospectivamente, 105 com ECL e 66 sem estenose. Foram realizadas mensurações da área seccional do saco dural em imagens axiais de RM ponderadas em T2 em L2/L3, L3/L4 e L4/L5. Presença ou não de RRNCE foi classificada de forma independente por dois radiologistas, às cegas. Concordância intra e inter-observador foi analisada. Resultados RNRCE foi associada à ECL e foi mais freqüente quando a máxima estenose encontrada foi <55mm2. Houve grande concordância intra-observador e moderada inter-observador na classificação das RRNCE. Espondilolistese foi identificada em 27 pacientes e representou maior risco para desenvolvimento de RNRCE. Conclusão ECL é fator de risco para RNRCE, especialmente com áreas seccionais <55mm2. ECL e espondilolistese representam fatores de risco independentes para desenvolvimento de RNRCE. .

Raízes nervosas redundantes da cauda equina: revisão da literatura / Redundant nerve roots of the cauda equina: review of the literature

A redundância das raízes nervosas da cauda equina é caracterizada, no diagnóstico por imagem, pela presença de raízes nervosas alongadas, espessadas e tortuosas junto a uma área de estenose do canal vertebral lombar. Não é uma entidade independente, mas acredita-se que ocorra como o resultado da compressão crônica ao nível da estenose do canal lombar e que, portanto, pode fazer parte da evolução natural da estenose. O objetivo deste trabalho é revisar a histopatologia, a eletrofisiologia, as características de imagem, especialmente na ressonância magnética, e o significado clínico desta entidade. Como a avaliação atual da estenose de canal e das compressões radiculares é realizada preferencialmente por meio da ressonância magnética, é nesse método de imagem que a redundância das raízes nervosas da cauda equina será identificada. O reconhecimento desta entidade nos exames de ressonância magnética é importante, principalmente para evitar equívocos que poderiam levar ao diagnóstico de outras afecções, particularmente de malformações arteriovenosas intradurais. A literatura é controversa a respeito da importância clínica da presença de redundância das raízes nervosas da cauda equina. Há artigos que sugerem que as alterações patológicas da raiz nervosa são irreversíveis no momento do diagnóstico e que os sintomas neurológicos não são mais suscetíveis de melhora com a descompressão cirúrgica, porém este conceito não é um consenso.

In imaging diagnosis, redundant nerve roots of the cauda equina are characterized by the presence of elongated, enlarged and tortuous nerve roots in close relationship with a high-grade lumbar spinal canal stenosis. This is not an independent entity, but it is believed to be a consequence of the chronic compression at the level of the lumbar canal stenosis and thus may be part of the natural history of lumbar spinal stenosis. The present paper is aimed at reviewing the histopathological, electrophysiological and imaging findings, particularly at magnetic resonance imaging, as well as the clinical meaning of this entity. As the current assessment of canal stenosis and root compression is preferably performed by means of magnetic resonance imaging, this is the imaging method by which the condition is identified. The recognition of redundant nerve roots at magnetic resonance imaging is important, particularly to avoid misdiagnosing other conditions such as intradural arteriovenous malformations. The literature approaching the clinical relevance of the presence of redundant nerve roots is controversial. There are articles suggesting that the pathological changes of the nerve roots are irreversible at the moment of diagnosis and therefore neurological symptoms are less likely to improve with surgical decompression, but such concept is not a consensus.