A prospective study on MRI findings and prognostic factors in athletes with MTSS.

In medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS) bone marrow and periosteal edema of the tibia on the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is frequently reported. The relationship between these MRI findings and recovery has not been previously studied. This prospective study describes MRI findings of 52 athletes with MTSS. Baseline characteristics were recorded and recovery was related to these parameters and MRI findings to examine for prognostic factors. Results showed that 43.5% of the symptomatic legs showed bone marrow or periosteal edema. Absence of periosteal and bone marrow edema on MRI was associated with longer recovery (P = 0.033 and P = 0.013). A clinical scoring system for sports activity (SARS score) was significantly higher in the presence of bone marrow edema (P = 0.027). When clinical scoring systems (SARS score and the Lower Extremity Functional Scale) were combined in a model, time to recovery could be predicted substantially (explaining 54% of variance, P = 0.006). In conclusion, in athletes with MTSS, bone marrow or periosteal edema is seen on MRI in 43,5% of the symptomatic legs. Furthermore, periosteal and bone marrow edema on MRI and clinical scoring systems are prognostic factors. Future studies should focus on MRI findings in symptomatic MTSS and compare these with a matched control group.

CT and MR assessment of tumors of the nose and paranasal sinuses, the nasopharynx and the parapharyngeal space using ROC methodology.

Neoplastic disease of the nose and paranasal sinuses, the nasopharynx and the parapharyngeal space requires thorough assessment of location and extension in order to plan appropriate treatment. This study evaluates computer tomography and magnetic resonance imaging in the workup of malignant and non-malignant tumors of the nose and paranasal sinuses, the nasopharynx and the parapharyngeal space in 76 patients. An attempt is made to characterize histopathology on magnetic resonance images by analyzing the signal intensities on T1- and T2-weighted images relative to muscle and brain tissue. The test performance of computer tomography and magnetic resonance imaging in the assessment of tumor extension are compared with receiver operating characteristic methodology. Although no definitive conclusions can be made as to the histopathology on the basis of the signal intensities on magnetic resonance imaging, some tumors show characteristic images. Receiver operating characteristic analysis of the performance of computer tomography and magnetic resonance imaging in the assessment of extension of neoplastic disease of the nose and paranasal sinuses, the nasopharynx and the parapharyngeal space, demonstrates no statistically significant difference in overall test performance. However, in evaluating regions involving predominantly soft tissue structures and comparatively large bony structures magnetic resonance imaging is superior to computer tomography, whereas in evaluating regions involving thin bony structures, computer tomography performs better than magnetic resonance imaging.

Imaging of brain metastases. Comparison of computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

For the demonstration of brain metastases both CT and MRI are available as diagnostic modalities. To compare both imaging methods as to their sensitivity in detecting brain metastases CT scans and MR images of 60 patients with suspected brain metastases were evaluated. Comparing contrast-enhanced CT and plain MRI neither modality was found to be clearly superior in this respect.

Neurocutaneous melanosis associated with intraspinal lipoma.

A case of neurocutaneous melanosis developing a leptomeningeal melanoma is described in a ten year old girl in whom an intraspinal lipoma had been resected seven years earlier. Standard and CT myelographic findings are described and the complementary role of Gadolinium-enhanced MRI is discussed. The literature is reviewed and the association of a lipoma and neurocutaneous melanosis has not been encountered.

Prolactin levels and pituitary enlargement in hormone-treated male-to-female transsexuals.

PRL levels were evaluated during long-term treatment with cyproterone acetate 100 mg and ethinyloestradiol 100 micrograms/day orally or depot-oestrogens in 214 male-to-female transsexuals. PRL levels increased above normal in all subjects (normal less than 300 mU/l). In 46 (21.4%) subjects PRL levels rose to greater than 1000 mU/l. The incidence of PRL levels greater than 1000 mU/l was 3.7-7.2% per treatment year. Grossly elevated PRL levels were associated with high doses of oestrogens (P less than 0.05) and advanced age at the start of treatment (P less than 0.05). In 23 subjects PRL levels greater than 1000 mU/l decreased by more than 50% spontaneously (n = 5) or after dose reduction (n = 18). In five of the subgroup of 15 subjects with persistent PRL levels greater than 1000 mU/l enlargement of the pituitary gland was shown by CT-scanning. These data suggest that the lowest possible oestrogen dose and lifelong follow-up of hormone-treated male-to-female transsexuals is essential.

Estrogen-induced prolactinoma in a man.

Prolactinomas can be induced in rats by large doses of estrogens. Whether prolactinomas can be induced in humans by estrogens, however, is not known. This report describes the development of a prolactinoma in a man with previously normal plasma PRL levels after the administration of pharmacological doses of estrogen. The patient, a 26-yr-old male to female transsexual, took cyproterone acetate (100 mg/day, orally) and ethinyl estradiol (100 micrograms/day, orally) for 10 months and (surrepititiously) estradiol-17-undecanoate (100 mg, twice weekly, im) for about 6 of the 10 months. Plasma PRL levels rose from 0.05 to 5.20 U/L within 10 months (normal, 0.05-0.30 U/L). A computed tomographic scan showed a pituitary mass with suprasellar extension. After all estrogen therapy was discontinued, his plasma estradiol levels gradually declined from 2.8 to 0.77 nmol/L (normal, 0.04-0.12 nmol/L), but PRL levels rose further to 6.2 U/L. Bromocriptine treatment (2.5 mg twice daily) then was given. Plasma PRL fell gradually to 0.43 U/L and a computed tomographic scan after 5 months showed reduction in tumor size. The patient then discontinued bromocriptine treatment. Four months later his plasma estradiol level was normal, while plasma PRL had risen to 4.6 U/L, indicating autonomous PRL secretion. We conclude that 1) estrogen in pharmacological doses can induce prolactinomas in man; and 2) subjects treated with high doses of estrogen must, therefore, be surveyed for the development of such tumors.

Computed tomographic diagnosis of septic sinus thrombosis and their complications.

The authors report on five cases of septic sinus thrombosis occurring as early complications and/or long-term complications of infections in the head and neck region. The necessity for early diagnosis of this condition by high-resolution CT scanning is emphasized, as it provides a reliable diagnostic tool to evaluate this serious intracranial disease at a relatively early stage, provided an intravenous contrast medium is used. Although MRI represents an interesting new technique in the assessment of intracranial pathology, it cannot be routinely carried out during the acute phase of this condition due to metal life-support systems near the patient.

Neuromyelitis optica (Devic's syndrome): not always multiple sclerosis.

A patient is presented with clinical signs and symptoms of neuromyelitis optica (Devic's syndrome). The clinical findings, the cerebrospinal fluid findings and the Magnetic Resonance Imaging findings in our patient demonstrate that neuromyelitis optica is not always a form of Multiple Sclerosis. It can also be a manifestation of other demyelinating diseases, for example Disseminated Encephalomyelitis.

Contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of the brain using gadolinium-DTPA.

This report concerns a clinical trial with gadolinium-DTPA (Gd-DTPA) as an intravenous contrast medium for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with disorders of the central nervous system. Fifty patients, 30 females and 20 males, were examined without and with Gd-DTPA. The contrast medium was well tolerated by all patients. The results of MRI scanning without and with Gd-DTPA and those obtained with computed tomography (CT) using intravenous contrast enhancement were compared. This investigation comprised mainly patients with intracranial tumors, multiple sclerosis, and nasopharyngeal tumors. The results may be summarized as follows: 1) MRI with Gd-DTPA (MRI+) gave better results than MRI without Gd as regards delineation of the lesion, blood vessels and edema in cerebral tumors, pituitary adenomas and acute forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). 2) MRI+ was better than CT in 32 of the 50 cases examined; with intracerebral tumors it was better in 15 out of 18 cases. 3) MRI+ was always better than CT in patients with MS. In 3 out of 7 cases MRI demonstrated the acute MS lesions. 4) MRI+ seemed to have advantages also in nasopharyngeal tumors as ascertained from this limited experience.

Grease-gun injury of the orbit: computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging in diagnosis and treatment.

A 19-year-old male was referred because of a grease-gun injury of the left orbit, resulting in a 25 mm proptosis and marked decrease in vision. The clinical diagnosis of penetration of the retrobulbar fat space by the grease and the subsequent accurate drainage of the grease was made possible on the basis of high resolution computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). As a result, lateral orbitotomy could be avoided. Eight months after the injury the visual acuity was fully recovered and the proptosis reduced to 2 mm. The visual field was relatively undisturbed. The specific value of CT and MRI for the management of this unusual trauma is briefly discussed.

Normal direct multiplanar CT anatomy of the orbit with correlative anatomic cryosections.

This article presents high-resolution thin-section in vivo CT scans of the normal orbit, scanned directly in the transverse, coronal, and sagittal planes, compared with correlative anatomic cryosections of fresh frozen cadaver specimens. The techniques used are described.

Histiocytic sarcoma of the brain in childhood.

CT-scan findings of the brain in two children with true histiocytic sarcoma are described as well as their changes during therapy. Clinical features and differential diagnosis on CT-scan examination are discussed. Follow-up CT-scan during therapy is of value as an indicator of the response to therapy and possibly the long term prognosis.

Gadolinium-DTPA in magnetic resonance imaging of the brain.

This report concerns a clinical trial with Gd-DTPA as an intravenous contrast medium for MRI in patients with neurological disorders. 50 patients (30 female, 20 male) were examined without and with Gd-DTPA and the results of CT scanning and MR scanning without and with Gd-DTPA were compared. All patients tolerated the contrast medium very well. In the various patient groups, Gd-DTPA often added to the information. This was especially true in the tumor group, where better delineation of tumor, blood, and edema was obtained.

Real time (US) scanning of palpable lesions in the soft tissues (muscles and tendons) of the extremities.

The results of real time ultrasound (US) examination of palpable lesions located in the muscle and tendon area of the extremities are reported in a series of 67 patients. The US appearance of various lesions is described. The contribution of real time US (B mode) during muscular contraction to the diagnosis and the results of diagnostic fine needle punctures (FNP) and their value are discussed.