Segmental Spinal Dysgenesis-"Redefined".

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective single institutional observational study. PURPOSE: Segmental spinal dysgenesis (SSD), a complex spinal dysraphic state caused by notochord malformation disorders, is named after its morphological presentation where a spine segment is dysgenetic, malformed or absent. This study's objective was to examine and reassess SSD imaging findings and correlate them with an embryological explanation. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Scott and his colleagues defined SSD as segmental agenesis or dysgenesis of the lumbar or thoracolumbar vertebrae and underlying spinal cord. Tortori-Donati and his colleagues defined it as a morphologic continuum ranging from hypoplasia to an absent spinal cord segment. METHODS: Fifteen children, whose imaging findings and clinical features were consistent with SSD, were included in the study. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed per institutional spine protocol. RESULTS: Five children (33.3%) presented with a high-ending bulbous cord with no caudal segment, six (40%) presented with a dorsal or lumbar segmental dysgenetic cord with a low-lying, bulky caudal cord but without significant spinal canal narrowing, and four (26.6%) presented with segmental caudal dysgenesis with severe kyphoscoliosis, gibbus deformity, and spinal canal narrowing with a normal distal segment (normal or low-lying). CONCLUSIONS: SSD is a complex spinal anomaly in children requiring clinical-radiological assessment followed by multidisciplinary management based on the extent and severity of the dysgenetic cord and the type of SSD. MRI plays a crucial role in both diagnosing and classifying SSD prior to surgical treatment to prevent further impairment.

Idiopathic chondrolysis of hip in children: New proposal and implication for radiological staging.

PURPOSE: Our objective was to evaluate the radiological appearances in different stages of idiopathic chondrolysis of hip (ICH) which will be helpful in the early diagnosis and guiding appropriate treatment for this condition to prevent progression of disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated 14 patients of ICH in varying stages: Stage 1 (n = 9), Stage 2 (n = 3), Stage 3 (n = 2). Average age at presentation was 10-11 years. Plain radiograph and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was done in all these patients. RESULTS: In the current study, we have attempted to stage ICH based on the radiological progression of the disease, where MRI was used as the primary tool. Stage 1 showed a wedge-shaped hyperintensity in T2 weighted (T2W) and hypointensity in T1 weighted (T1W) images involving the middle one-third of the femoral head and it is the earliest and characteristic finding in MRI. Associated findings like joint space narrowing, synovial hypertrophy with joint effusion may also be observed. Stage 2 showed acetabular edema in the affected hip in addition to the above-mentioned findings. Stage 3 showed more extensive involvement of femoral head and acetabulum, with collapse of the femoral head, degenerative changes in hip, early osteoporotic changes, and ultimately loss of joint space. CONCLUSION: Imaging-based staging system proves very useful in the early diagnosis, staging, and assessing the prognosis of ICH.

Diffusion tensor imaging metrics in cystic intracranial mass lesions.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Conventional MR does not always differentiate various cystic lesions of brain. Our purpose was to explore the utility of DTI in characterization & differentiation of intra cranial cystic mass lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: DTI was done with a clinical 1.5 Tesla system in 62 patients presenting with intra cranial cystic lesions. Parameter maps of the DTI metrics MD, FA, GA, RA, Geometric tensors (CL,CP,CS) were calculated & quantified using regions of interest. Cystic lesions were grouped based on etiology and management. Statistical analysis was performed to test the significance of difference in DTI metrics in differentiation of various groups of cystic lesions of brain. RESULTS: Mann-Whitney U Test was done to analyse the usefulness of various DTI metrics in differentiating the intracranial cysts. Epidermoid cysts showed highest FA, RA, Cl & Cp due to the preferential diffusion of water through the well structured orientation of keratin filaments & flakes within it. Neurocysticercosis showed higher FA, next to epidermoid. Abscesses showed lowest MD. Arachanoid cyst, giant cistern magna, choroid fissure cyst, choroid plexus cyst, ependymal & neuroglial cysts showed higher MD & lower FA, implicating no preferential directional diffusivity. CONCLUSION: DTI does prove useful in characterization and differentiation of intracranial cystic mass lesions. This study implicates the need for inclusion of DTI in the routine protocol of imaging cystic intracranial mass lesions.