Clinical efficacy of motion-insensitive imaging technique with deep learning reconstruction to improve image quality in cervical spine MR imaging.

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate that a T2 periodically rotated overlapping parallel lines with enhanced reconstruction (PROPELLER) technique using deep learning reconstruction (DLR) will provide better image quality and decrease image noise. METHODS: From December 2020 to March 2021, 35 patients examined cervical spine MRI were included in this study. Four sets of images including fast spin echo (FSE), original PROPELLER, PROPELLER DLR50%, and DLR75% were quantitatively and qualitatively reviewed. We calculated the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the spinal cord and sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle and the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of the spinal cord by applying region-of-interest at the spinal cord, SCM muscle, and background air. We evaluated image noise with regard to the spinal cord, SCM, and back muscles at each level from C2-3 to C6-7 in the 4 sets. RESULTS: At all disc levels, the mean SNR values for the spinal cord and SCM muscles were significantly higher in PROPELLER DLR50% and DLR75% compared to FSE and original PROPELLER images (P < .0083). The mean CNR values of the spinal cord were significantly higher in PROPELLER DLR50% and DLR75% compared to FSE at the C3-4 and 4-5 levels and PROPELLER DLR75% compared to FSE at the C6-7 level (P < .0083). Qualitative analysis of image noise on the spinal cord, SCM, and back muscles showed that PROPELLER DLR50% and PROPELLER DLR75% images showed a significant denoising effect compared to the FSE and original PROPELLER images. CONCLUSION: The combination of PROPELLER and DLR improved image quality with a high SNR and CNR and reduced noise. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE: Motion-insensitive imaging technique (PROPELLER) increased the image quality compared to conventional FSE images. PROPELLER technique with a DLR reduced image noise and improved image quality.

Comprehensive evaluation of artifact reduction and tissue recovery effects of metal artifact reduction technique based on full-reference metric.

For the comprehensive evaluation of metal artifact reduction (MAR) technique, not only the removal of metal artifacts but also the evaluation of the area restored by MAR is required. We propose a method to comprehensively evaluate the effect by MAR in this study. We have conducted the computed tomography scan to acquire both the evaluation image and the reference image for the full-reference based evaluation. The evaluation image and reference image were reconstructed into 24 image sets according to the tube potentials, image reconstruction method, and use of the MAR technique. Images of two different positions were selected according to the distance from metal and material (bone, tissue) distribution, and bone and tissue were automatically segmented in both evaluation and reference images. The values of full width at half the maximum (FWHM) and centroid were extracted after Gaussian modeling of each segmented region. Then, we computed four evaluation metrics (FWHMNM: non-MAR to non-metal ratio of FWHM, FWHMM: MAR to non-metal ratio of FWHM, CENTNM: non-MAR to non-metal ratio of centroid, CENTM: MAR to non-metal ratio of centroid), and the MAR image and non-MAR image were compared. The overlap ratio automatically segmented from the evaluation image and reference image were position 1 (bone: 99.61%, tissue: 99.23%) with 80 kVp, position 1 (bone: 99.32%, tissue: 99.56%) with 120 kVp, position 2 (bone: 99.20%, tissue: 99.73%) with 80 kVp, and position 2 (bone: 99.23%, tissue: 99.67%) with 120 kVp. The FWHMNM showing the change of image pixel value by metal artifact was calculated as (bone: 1.32-1.46, tissue: 1.08-1.16) at 80 kVp and (bone: 1.19-1.27, tissue: 1.02-1.05) at 120 kVp. More metal artifacts occurred at 80 kVp tube potential. Regardless of the tube potential and image reconstruction method, the MAR showed an overall artifact reduction effect (1 < FWHMM < FWHMNM). However, distortion of pixel values occurred due to the MAR in regions where metal artifacts were high in proximity to metal (1 < FWHMNM < FWHMM). Overall, the average value of the medium was maintained (CENTM: 0.98-1.03) after MAR application, but there was a change of image value in region around the metal (CENTM: 0.97-1.11). In this study, we propose a new method to evaluate the effect of metal artifacts and MAR technique using full-reference based method. Metal artifacts, effect of MAR technique, and side-effect caused by MAR technique were quantitatively analyzed through proposed method. There are some limitations in applying it to clinical imaging since our method is a reference-based evaluation. However, our experimental results were important for understanding the effects of the MAR technique and its functional properties.

Malignant Tenosynovial Giant Cell Tumor Presenting as an Extra-Articular Superficial Soft-Tissue Mass in a Knee.

Malignant tenosynovial giant cell tumor (TsGCT) is a rare disease that can arise as a recurrent lesion or co-exist with a benign TsGCT lesion. Here we report a rare case of malignant TsGCT in a 73-year-old male with a history of lymphoma. The tumor appeared as a superficial soft-tissue mass in the subcutaneous fat tissue of the left knee.

Myositis Ossificans with Aneurysmal Bone Cystic Changes at the Thoracic Paraspinal Region: A Case Report.

Myositis ossificans (MO) is a benign heterotopic bone formation in muscle or soft tissue. It is a self-limiting disease that is usually initiated by trauma and often occurs in the extremities of the body. Here we report a rare case of traumatic myositis ossificans caused by unusual trauma (extracorporeal shock wave therapy) at thoracic paraspinal muscles. After a needle biopsy, the lesion increased in size, and the patient's symptoms worsened. Malignant soft tissue tumors such as osteosarcoma should be differentiated, so excision of the mass was performed. The final diagnosis was MO with aneurysmal bone cystic change. This case is a very rare form of MO that showed an unusual cause, location, clinical course, and pathologic result on follow-up. This can be an instructive case for radiologists as it is a common disease entity with unusual manifestations.

Malignant melanotic nerve sheath tumors in the spinal canal of psammomatous and non-psammomatous type: Two case reports.

BACKGROUND: A malignant melanotic nerve sheath tumor (MMNST), previously known as a melanotic schwannoma, is a rare variant of a peripheral nerve sheath tumor composed of Schwann cells with melanotic differentiation. Only a few reports of spinal MMNST have been reported. CASE SUMMARY: In the first case, a 58-year-old woman presented with a history of low back pain and paresthesia. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) of the lumbar spine revealed an intradural extramedullary mass lesion with amorphous linear calcification. Complete tumor resection was performed and histological examination revealed a psammomatous melanotic schwannoma. In the second case, a 72-year-old man presented with low back pain and paresthesia. MRI of the thoracolumbar spine revealed an intramedullary mass lesion at the T11 vertebral body level. The mass lesion was hypointense on T2WI and hyperintense on T1WI. Tumor resection was performed and the histologic result was melanotic schwannoma. CONCLUSION: MMNST should be considered in the differential diagnosis when calcification or melanin is seen in an intradural spinal tumor.

Imaging Characterization of Non-Rheumatoid Retro-Odontoid Pseudotumors: Comparison with Atlantoaxial Manifestation of Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Backgroundand Objectives: To date, imaging characterization of non-rheumatic retro-odontoid pseudotumors (NRROPs) has been lacking; therefore, NRROPs have been confused with atlantoaxial joint involvement of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It is important to differentiate these two disease because the treatment strategies may differ. The purpose of this study is to characterize imaging findings of NRROPs and compare them with those of RA. Material and Methods: From January 2015 to December 2019, 27 patients (14 women and 13 men) with NRROPs and 19 patients (15 women and 4 men) with RA were enrolled in this study. We evaluated various imaging findings, including atlantoaxial instability (AAI), and measured the maximum diameter of preodontoid and retro-odontoid spaces with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT). Results: Statistical significance was considered for p < 0.05. AAI was detected in eight patients with NRROPs and in all patients with RA (p < 0.0001). Seventeen patients with NRROPs and six patients with RA showed spinal cord compression (p = 0.047). Compressive myelopathy was observed in 14 patients with NRROPs and in 4 patients with RA (p = 0.048). Subaxial degeneration was observed in 25 patients with NRROPs and in 9 patients with RA (p = 0.001). Moreover, C2-3 disc abnormalities were observed in 11 patients with NRROPs and in 2 patients with RA (p = 0.02). Axial and longitudinal diameter of retro-odontoid soft tissue and preodontoid and retro-odontoid spaces showed significant differences between NRROP and RA patients (p < 0.0001). Furthermore, CT AAI measurements were differed significantly between NRROP and RA patients (p < 0.05). Conclusions: NRROPs showed prominent retro-odontoid soft tissue thickening, causing compressive myelopathy and a high frequency of subaxial and C2-3 degeneration without AAI.

Emphysema Quantification Using Ultra-Low-Dose Chest CT: Efficacy of Deep Learning-Based Image Reconstruction.

Background and Objectives: Although reducing the radiation dose level is important during diagnostic computed tomography (CT) applications, effective image quality enhancement strategies are crucial to compensate for the degradation that is caused by a dose reduction. We performed this prospective study to quantify emphysema on ultra-low-dose CT images that were reconstructed using deep learning-based image reconstruction (DLIR) algorithms, and compared and evaluated the accuracies of DLIR algorithms versus standard-dose CT. Materials and Methods: A total of 32 patients were prospectively enrolled, and all underwent standard-dose and ultra-low-dose (120 kVp; CTDIvol < 0.7 mGy) chest CT scans at the same time in a single examination. A total of six image datasets (filtered back projection (FBP) for standard-dose CT, and FBP, adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction (ASIR-V) 50%, DLIR-low, DLIR-medium, DLIR-high for ultra-low-dose CT) were reconstructed for each patient. Image noise values, emphysema indices, total lung volumes, and mean lung attenuations were measured in the six image datasets and compared (one-way repeated measures ANOVA). Results: The mean effective doses for standard-dose and ultra-low-dose CT scans were 3.43 ± 0.57 mSv and 0.39 ± 0.03 mSv, respectively (p < 0.001). The total lung volume and mean lung attenuation of five image datasets of ultra-low-dose CT scans, emphysema indices of ultra-low-dose CT scans reconstructed using ASIR-V 50 or DLIR-low, and the image noise of ultra-low-dose CT scans that were reconstructed using DLIR-low were not different from those of standard-dose CT scans. Conclusions: Ultra-low-dose CT images that were reconstructed using DLIR-low were found to be useful for emphysema quantification at a radiation dose of only 11% of that required for standard-dose CT.

Distant migration of gel filler: imaging findings following breast augmentation.

Recently, many attempts have been made to use injectable materials in the subcutaneous fat layer anywhere in the body, including the breast and face, for cosmetic purposes. A 56-year-old woman presented with multiple palpable lumps without tenderness or skin color changes on the anterior and lateral chest and the abdominal walls. Magnetic resonance imaging showed fluid-like collections without surrounding soft tissue inflammatory changes in the chest wall, abdominal wall, and deeper within the abdomen. The lesions penetrated the peritoneum and were observed adjacent to the liver dome. Ultrasonography also showed hypoechogenicity suggestive of fluid collection in the left axilla and trunk. The differential diagnosis based on radiologic findings included parasite manifestation, non-specific inflammatory conditions, and chronic granulomatous infections such as tuberculosis or non-tuberculous mycobacterial infections. However, these conditions are usually accompanied by changes in the adjacent subcutaneous fat layers, but our patient did not show any other abnormalities in the adjacent soft tissue. After biopsy and aspiration analysis, the patient was found to have a history of filler injection for breast augmentation approximately 17 years prior. It is often difficult to make a differential diagnosis without detailed knowledge of the patient's medical history. Here we describe a rare case of distant migration of the filler to the axilla, chest wall, abdominal wall, and peritoneum following breast augmentation with filler injection. Knowledge of the radiologic characteristics and migration patterns of gel fillers and their related complications is useful for making an accurate diagnosis.

Erratum: Transiting Nerve Rootlet Abnormalities on MRI after Lumbar Laminectomy: Associations with Persistent Postoperative Pain.

This corrects the article on p. 225 in vol. 22, PMID: 32901462.

Diagnostic performance of tomosynthesis for evaluation of bone tumors and tumor-like lesions: a comparison with radiography.

BACKGROUND: Even though radiologic diagnosis of bone tumors and tumor-like lesions is usually based on radiographs, radiographically faint imaging features sometimes remain challenging due to overlapping anatomical structures. PURPOSE: To compare tomosynthesis with radiography for the evaluation of bone tumors and tumor-like lesions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty-seven bone tumors and tumor-like lesions were assessed with radiographs and tomosynthesis images. Two radiologists independently analyzed imaging features of lesions, including margin, periosteal reaction, cortical thinning, matrix mineralization, cortical destruction (such as pathologic fracture), and extraosseous soft-tissue extension. Computed tomography (CT) imaging was used as a reference method. Diagnostic performances of radiography and tomosynthesis were analyzed and compared based on sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value. Effective radiation dose was compared among the three imaging modalities by phantom studies. RESULTS: Inter-observer variability (kappa value) for imaging features was slight to moderate on radiography (0.167-0.588), whereas it was nearly perfect on tomosynthesis (0.898-1.000) except for extraosseous soft-tissue extension (0.647 vs. 0.647). Tomosynthesis showed significantly higher sensitivity than radiography in evaluating the margin for bone tumors or tumor-like lesions (1.00 vs. 0.85; P = 0.016), and significantly higher accuracy than radiography in evaluating the margin and matrix mineralization for those (1.00 vs. 0.85; P = 0.016 and 0.91 vs.0.77; P = 0.023, respectively). In phantom studies, mean effective radiation doses were highest in order of CT, tomography, and radiography. CONCLUSION: Tomosynthesis increases sensitivity and accuracy of the margin as well as accuracy of the matrix mineralization of bone tumors and tumor-like lesions compared to radiography.

Clumpy artifacts can be differentiated from tophi with DECT: comparison between gout-free and gouty patients.

OBJECTIVES: To accurately differentiate clumpy artifacts from tophi with foot and ankle DECT. METHODS AND MATERIALS: In session 1, 108 clumpy artifacts from 35 patients and 130 tophi images from 25 patients were analyzed. Reviewers classified green pixelation according to anatomic location, shape (linear, stippled, angular, oval), and height and width ratio. In session 2, green pixelation confined to the tendon was evaluated (shape, height and width ratio, occupied area in the tendon, accompanied peritendinous green pixelation). RESULTS: In session 1, while tophi were noted at various locations, almost all clumpy artifacts were located at the tendon (99%, p < 0.0001). Most clumpy artifacts were linear, stippled, and wide, while most tophi were angular and oval (p < 0.05). In session 2, the shape of green pixelation from clumpy artifacts and tophi was significantly different (p < 0.0001) and most clumpy artifacts occupied less than 50% of the tendon (p = 0.02), and most tophi were accompanied by peritendinous green pixelation (p < 0.0001). Univariant logistic regression showed that tophi were significantly correlated with peritendinous deposits, angular and oval shape, and more than 50% of the tendon (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Clumpy artifacts can be differentiated from tophi in DECT. Clumpy artifacts typically are located in the tendon with a linear or stippled shape, wide, and less than 50% of a tendon's cross-section. Tophi, on the other hand, typically are oval, larger than 50% of the tendon's cross-section, and associated with adjacent peritendinous green pixelation. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE: Clumpy artifacts can be differentiated from tophi in image findings by their location and shape.

Imaging characteristics of intradural disc herniation: A comparison with large disc extrusion.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of lumbar intradural disc herniation (IDH) and disc extrusion mimicking IDH. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2015 and August 2018, 32 with surgically confirmed IDH or disc extrusion mimicking IDH were included. Age, sex, symptoms, herniated disc level, history of discectomy at the same site, and operative findings were investigated through the medical records. We evaluated the direction, type, migration, margin, and shape of disc herniation, the presence of an abrupt discontinuity of the posterior longitudinal ligament (PLL), Y-sign of ventral dura, disc material beyond the PLL, and disc calcification or ossification. In addition, maximum herniated disc diameter to central canal diameter (MHDD/CCD) ratios were calculated. RESULTS: Twelve patients (8 males, 4 females; mean age 53.3 [21-83] years) were surgically confirmed to have lumbar IDH and 20 (11 males, 9 females; mean age 52 [19-78] years) had disc extrusion mimicking lumbar IDH. Margins and beak-like shapes of herniated discs, abrupt discontinuity of the PLL, Y-sign of ventral dura, disc material beyond the PLL, calcification or ossification of herniated discs, and MHDD/CCD ratios were significantly different in the IDH and non-IDH groups (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Imaging findings of an ill-defined margin, a beak-like shape, herniated disc calcification or ossification, abrupt PLL discontinuity, Y-sign of ventral dura, disc material beyond the PLL and a high MHDD/CCD ratio were found to predict the presence of IDH.

Transiting Nerve Rootlet Abnormalities on MRI after Lumbar Laminectomy: Associations with Persistent Postoperative Pain.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether changes in the transiting nerve rootlet or its surroundings, as seen on MRI performed after lumbar hemilaminectomy, are associated with persistent postoperative pain (PPP), commonly known as the failed back surgery syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-three patients (mean age, 61 years; 43 males and 30 females) who underwent single-level partial hemilaminectomy of the lumbar spine without postoperative complications or other level spinal abnormalities between January 2010 and December 2018 were enrolled. Two musculoskeletal radiologists evaluated transiting nerve rootlet abnormalities (thickening, signal alteration, distinction, and displacement), epidural fibrosis, and intrathecal arachnoiditis on MRI obtained one year after the operations. A spine surgeon blinded to the radiologic findings evaluated each patient for PPP. Univariable and multivariable analyses were used to evaluate the association between the MRI findings and PPP. RESULTS: The presence of transiting nerve rootlet thickening, signal alteration, and ill-distinction was significantly different between the patients with PPP and those without, for both readers (p ≤ 0.020). Conversely, the presence of transiting nerve rootlet displacement, epidural fibrosis, and intrathecal arachnoiditis was not significantly different between the two groups (p ≥ 0.128). Among the above radiologic findings, transiting nerve rootlet thickening and signal alteration were the most significant findings in the multivariable analyses (p ≤ 0.009). CONCLUSION: On MRI, PPP was associated with transiting nerve rootlet abnormalities, including thickening, signal alterations, and ill-distinction, but was not associated with epidural fibrosis or intrathecal arachnoiditis. The most relevant findings were the nerve rootlet thickening and signal alteration.

The Optimal Combination of Monochromatic and Metal Artifact Reconstruction Dual-energy CT to Evaluate Total Knee Replacement Arthroplasty.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of gemstone spectral imaging-metal artifact reduction (GSI-MAR) on different dual-energy CT monochromatic images for patients with total knee replacement arthroplasty (TKRA) and to identify an appropriate protocol for clinical practice. METHOD: We enrolled 34 patients with TKRA. CT images were iteratively reconstructed with or without GSI-MAR at different energy levels (70, 95, 115, and 140 keV). Two radiologists evaluated the objective and subjective image qualities and MAR-related new artifacts at the femoral and tibial levels. For objective analysis, the mean CT number and image noise of the selected regions of interest in the bone and muscle were recorded. To quantitatively evaluate the performance of GSI-MAR, a structural similarity index (SSIM) was used. For subjective analysis, streak artifacts and diagnostic confidence in detecting periprosthetic complications were assessed. Objective and subjective indicators were compared among the image combinations. RESULTS: In the femoral component, 140 keV monochromatic energy images with GSI-MAR showed the lowest mean CT number, image noise, SSIM value, and streak artifacts, and the best diagnostic confidence. In the tibial component, the image noise differed significantly, but the SSIM and subjective indicators were similar among the image combinations. MAR-related new artifacts were noted in 14.7% of images, and all of them were observed in only the femoral component. CONCLUSION: GSI-MAR with higher-energy monochromatic images showed fewer metal artifacts and better visualization. We recommend 140 keV with GSI-MAR for improving image quality and 140 keV without GSI-MAR for identifying MAR-related new artifacts when evaluating TKRA.

Not All Green Is Tophi: The Importance of Optimizing Minimum Attenuation and Using a Tin Filter to Minimize Clumpy Artifacts on Foot and Ankle Dual-Energy CT.

OBJECTIVE. The clumpy artifact has a high misdiagnosis rate, but the artifact has not been well studied. The aims of this study were to evaluate the frequency and location of clumpy artifacts, the rate of misdiagnosis of clumpy artifacts as gout, and the effects of raising the minimum attenuation value and using a selective photon shield in dual-energy CT (DECT). MATERIALS AND METHODS. Forty patients without gout who underwent foot and ankle DECT were enrolled in this study. Images in both sets were randomly assigned a minimum attenuation of 130 HU or 150 HU. Three radiologists independently checked all images for presence, volume, and location of green color-coded pixelation and graded their findings according to a 4-point confidence scale, frequency, and volume. Misdiagnosis rate and misdiagnosis score were compared using the Wilcoxon signed rank and McNemar tests. RESULTS. In set 1, the frequency of clumpy artifacts in DECT with the minimum attenuation set to 130 HU and 150 HU were 81% and 68%, respectively. For all three readers, the misdiagnosis rate and misdiagnosis score decreased when changing the minimum attenuation from 130 HU to 150 HU. In set 2, with the minimum attenuation set to 130 HU, the frequency of the clumpy artifact was 44%; with the minimum attenuation set to 150 HU, no clumpy artifacts were seen. CONCLUSION. Clumpy artifacts occurred frequently in DECT without a tin filter. Setting the minimum attenuation to the higher value of 150 HU reduced the frequency of clumpy artifacts, and adding a tin filter to DECT greatly reduced their occurrence.

Spine Computed Tomography to Magnetic Resonance Image Synthesis Using Generative Adversarial Networks : A Preliminary Study.

OBJECTIVE: To generate synthetic spine magnetic resonance (MR) images from spine computed tomography (CT) using generative adversarial networks (GANs), as well as to determine the similarities between synthesized and real MR images. METHODS: GANs were trained to transform spine CT image slices into spine magnetic resonance T2 weighted (MRT2) axial image slices by combining adversarial loss and voxel-wise loss. Experiments were performed using 280 pairs of lumbar spine CT scans and MRT2 images. The MRT2 images were then synthesized from 15 other spine CT scans. To evaluate whether the synthetic MR images were realistic, two radiologists, two spine surgeons, and two residents blindly classified the real and synthetic MRT2 images. Two experienced radiologists then evaluated the similarities between subdivisions of the real and synthetic MRT2 images. Quantitative analysis of the synthetic MRT2 images was performed using the mean absolute error (MAE) and peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR). RESULTS: The mean overall similarity of the synthetic MRT2 images evaluated by radiologists was 80.2%. In the blind classification of the real MRT2 images, the failure rate ranged from 0% to 40%. The MAE value of each image ranged from 13.75 to 34.24 pixels (mean, 21.19 pixels), and the PSNR of each image ranged from 61.96 to 68.16 dB (mean, 64.92 dB). CONCLUSION: This was the first study to apply GANs to synthesize spine MR images from CT images. Despite the small dataset of 280 pairs, the synthetic MR images were relatively well implemented. Synthesis of medical images using GANs is a new paradigm of artificial intelligence application in medical imaging. We expect that synthesis of MR images from spine CT images using GANs will improve the diagnostic usefulness of CT. To better inform the clinical applications of this technique, further studies are needed involving a large dataset, a variety of pathologies, and other MR sequence of the lumbar spine.

Clinical Efficacy of Real-Time Sonoelastography for the Follow-Up of Congenital Sternocleidomastoid Muscle Torticollis.

Purpose: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of real-time sonoelastography (RTS) for the follow-up of congenital muscular torticollis, based on measurements of muscle elasticity. Materials and Methods: Thirty-four infants (23 male, 11 female) with congenital sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle torticollis underwent ultrasonography and elastography between November 2012 and December 2014. We evaluated the thickness, morphology (mass-like, fusiform, or overall thickened shape), and echogenicity of the SCM muscle on grayscale images and color patterns (homogeneous blue, mixed green < 50% and ≥ 50%, and green to red) on elastography. Strain ratios were measured using Q-lab software. A clinician classified the degree of neck rotation and side flexion deficits using a 5-point grade system based on angles of neck rotation and side flexion. Correlations between the ultrasonography and clinical findings were evaluated by statistical analysis. Results: Twenty-two infants had right and 12 had left SCM torticollis, respectively. Linear regression analysis showed that involved/contralateral SCM thickness differences, morphology, elasticity color scores, and strain ratios of the affected SCM muscles were significantly correlated with neck rotation and side flexion deficit scores (p < 0.05). The elasticity color score of the affected SCM muscle was the most significant factor. Conclusion: RTS might provide a reliable means for evaluating and monitoring congenital muscular torticollis.

Bone marrow edema in non-traumatic hip: high accuracy of dual-energy CT with water-hydroxyapatite decomposition imaging.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the diagnostic performance of dual-energy CT with water-hydroxyapatite (HAP) imaging for bone marrow edema in patients with non-traumatic hip pain. METHODS: Forty patients (mean age, 58 years; 16 male and 24 female) who underwent rapid kVp-switching dual-energy CT and MRI within 1 month between April 2018 and February 2019 with hip pain but no trauma were enrolled. Two radiologists retrospectively evaluated 80 hip joints for the presence, extent (femoral head involved, head and neck, and head to intertrochanter), and severity (mild edema, moderate, severe) of bone marrow edema on dual-energy water-HAP images. Water mass density (mg/cm3) on water-HAP images was determined with region of interest-based quantitative analysis. MRI served as the standard of reference. RESULTS: Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of readers 1 and 2 for the identification of bone marrow edema in water-HAP images were 85% and 85%, 93% and 73%, and 89% and 79%, respectively. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.96 for reader 1 and 0.91 for reader 2 for differentiation of the presence of edema from no edema. The optimal water mass density to classify the presence of edema for reader 1 was 951 mg/cm3 with 93% sensitivity and 93% specificity and for reader 2 was 957 mg/cm3 with 80% sensitivity and 80% specificity. The more severe the edema, the higher was the mean water density value (p < 0.035). CONCLUSION: Dual-energy water-HAP images showed good diagnostic performance for bone marrow edema in patients with non-traumatic hip pain. KEY POINTS: • Dual-energy water-HAP imaging depicts bone marrow edema in patients with non-traumatic hip pain and may serve as an alternative to MRI in select patients. • A cutoff value of 951 mg/cm3mean water mass density results in 93% sensitivity and 93% specificity for the detection of bone marrow edema. • The more severe the bone marrow edema, the higher the mean water density value.

Protein phosphatase magnesium-dependent 1A induces inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a highly inflammatory autoimmune disease. Although proinflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin (IL)-6, play a key role in the pathogenesis of RA, the causes of chronic inflammation are not fully understood. Here, we report that protein phosphatase magnesium-dependent 1A (PPM1A) levels were increased in RA synovial fluid compared with osteoarthritis (OA) synovial fluid and positively correlated with TNF levels. In addition, PPM1A expression was increased in synovial tissue from RA patients and joint tissue from a mouse model of arthritis. Finally, extracellular PPM1A induced inflammation by stimulating macrophages to produce TNF through toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88 (MyD88) signaling pathway. Our findings suggest that extracellular PPM1A may contribute to the pathogenesis of RA by functioning as a damage-associated molecular pattern (DAMP) to induce inflammation.

Diagnostic performance of diffusion-weighted (DWI) and dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) MRI for the differentiation of benign from malignant soft-tissue tumors.

BACKGROUND: A wide range of specificity values for the differentiation of benign and malignant soft-tissue tumors show the limitations of conventional MRI features. The data obtained by quantitative analysis of diffusion-weighted image (DWI) and dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) MRIs would provide more objective results, especially in terms of cellularity and perfusion. PURPOSE: To evaluate the diagnostic efficacies of DWI and DCE MRI for the differentiation of malignant and benign soft-tissue tumors. STUDY TYPE: Retrospective. SUBJECTS: In all, 136 patients (68 females, 68 males; age range 18-86 years, mean age 57.2 years) with soft-tissue tumors. FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE: 3 T, DWI, DCE. ASSESSMENT: Tumor sizes, margins, locations, the presence of involvement in bone or neurovascular bundle, peritumoral edema, heterogeneity, and tumor necrosis were investigated on conventional MR images. On DWIs, visual signal drops were assessed and ADC (apparent diffusion coefficient) values were measured. Ktrans , Kep , Ve , and iAUC values, and time-concentration curve (TCC) types were determined using DCE images. STATISTICAL TESTS: The data were statistically analyzed to determine the abilities to differentiate benign and malignant tumors using the chi-square test, two-sample t-test, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. RESULTS: Seventy-three cases were malignant and 63 benign. Age (mean ages of benign/malignant tumors, 51.75/61.86 years; P = 0.0002) and gender (F:M = 40:23 [benign], F:M = 28:45 [malignant], P = 0.003) influenced the distinction between benign and malignant. Sizes, margins, neurovascular bundle involvement, peritumoral edema, and heterogeneity of the tumors on conventional MR images and DCE parameters (Ktrans , Kep , Ve , and iAUC, and TCC plots) obtained from focal region of interest within a narrow volume of interest significantly differentiated benign and malignant lesions (all P < 0.0001, except Ve [P = 0.0004]). For DWI with ADC mapping, all ADC values and visually signal drops were also significant (P < 0.0001). DATA CONCLUSION: DWI and DCE-MRI and derived variables were significantly helpful in discriminating benign and malignant soft-tissue tumors complementary to conventional MRI. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 Technical Efficacy: Stage 2 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;50:798-809.