Chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma presenting as septic arthritis of the shoulder

We report a case of a 53-year-old man presenting with shoulder pain mimicking septic arthritis. Laboratory findings were atypical. Biopsy performed to assess for possible osteomyelitis demonstrated chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma. Intra-articular lymphoma is a rare but important consideration in patients with atypical clinical presentation. Imaging alone may be insufficient to render diagnosis as lymphoma can mimic infection, synovial hypertrophic processes, and depositional arthropathy. Financial disclosure: None.     

18F-FDG PET imaging of rheumatoid knee synovitis correlates with dynamic magnetic resonance and sonographic assessments as well as with the serum level of metalloproteinase-3

Purpose The aim of this study was to assess rheumatoid arthritis (RA) synovitis with positron emission tomography (PET) and ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose (¹⁸F-FDG) in comparison with dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasonography (US).Methods Sixteen knees in 16 patients with active RA were assessed with PET, MRI and US at baseline and 4 weeks after initiation of anti-TNF- treatment. All studies were performed within 4 days. Visual and semi-quantitative (standardised uptake value, SUV) analyses of the synovial uptake of FDG were performed. The dynamic enhancement rate and the static enhancement were measured after i.v. gadolinium injection and the synovial thickness was measured in the medial, lateral patellar and suprapatellar recesses by US. Serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) were also measured.Results PET was positive in 69% of knees while MRI and US were positive in 69% and 75%. Positivity on one imaging technique was strongly associated with positivity on the other two. PET-positive knees exhibited significantly higher SUVs, higher MRI parameters and greater synovial thickness compared with PET-negative knees, whereas serum CRP and MMP-3 levels were not significantly different. SUVs were significantly correlated with all MRI parameters, with synovial thickness and with serum CRP and MMP-3 levels at baseline. Changes in SUVs after 4 weeks were also correlated with changes in MRI parameters and in serum CRP and MMP-3 levels, but not with changes in synovial thickness.Conclusion ¹⁸F-FDG PET is a unique imaging technique for assessing the metabolic activity of synovitis. The PET findings are correlated with MRI and US assessments of the pannus in RA, as well as with the classical serum parameter of inflammation, CRP, and the synovium-derived parameter, serum MMP-3. Further studies are warranted to establish the place of metabolic imaging of synovitis in RA.     

Soft tissue and joint infection

Soft tissue infection may be acute or chronic and may be introduced by the haematogenous route, or by inoculation, including surgical infection, or spread from other areas. The spectrum of infecting organism differs in primary infection, in immunodeficiency or when foreign bodies, including prostheses, are present. Bacterial infections are usually more rapid than those due to fungi or atypical organisms. Inflammation usually begins as cellulitis, proceeding through necrosis to cavitation and abscess formation, sometimes complicated by haemorrhage. Imaging, apart from MRI in selected cases, is rarely helpful in the early stages, but early diagnosis of pyomyositis and necrotizing fasciitis is mandatory. When infection is established, US, CT and MRI all have individual value in diagnosis, including biopsy, and in directing therapy, including percutaneous or surgical drainage or debridement. Both MRI and CT are best suited to monitoring progress. Septic arthritis presents as rapidly progressive, destructive arthritis, and early diagnosis is essential to prevent long-term morbidity. Ultrasound offers the best method of detecting early joint effusion and synovial thickening, but aspiration is usually required for diagnosis. In more advanced stages CT is valuable for revealing destructive changes, and MRI for documenting intra-articular changes and detecting inflammation in surrounding bone.     

Soft tissue and joint infection

Soft tissue infection may be acute or chronic and may be introduced by the haematogenous route, or by inoculation, including surgical infection, or spread from other areas. The spectrum of infecting organism differs in primary infection, in immunodeficiency or when foreign bodies, including prostheses, are present. Bacterial infections are usually more rapid than those due to fungi or atypical organisms. Inflammation usually begins as cellulitis, proceeding through necrosis to cavitation and abscess formation, sometimes complicated by haemorrhage. Imaging, apart from MRI in selected cases, is rarely helpful in the early stages, but early diagnosis of pyomyositis and necrotizing fasciitis is mandatory. When infection is established, US, CT and MRI all have individual value in diagnosis, including biopsy, and in directing therapy, including percutaneous or surgical drainage or debridement. Both MRI and CT are best suited to monitoring progress. Septic arthritis presents as rapidly progressive, destructive arthritis, and early diagnosis is essential to prevent long-term morbidity. Ultrasound offers the best method of detecting early joint effusion and synovial thickening, but aspiration is usually required for diagnosis. In more advanced stages CT is valuable for revealing destructive changes, and MRI for documenting intra-articular changes and detecting inflammation in surrounding bone.     

Magnetic resonance imaging in coccidioidal arthritis

 Objective. The authors assessed the MRI findings of appendicular coccidioidal arthritis. Design. T1- and T2-weighted MR images of affected joints, both with and without intravenous gadopentetate dimeglumine, were performed in nine adult patients (ten studies) and evaluated by three masted readers, using a four-point certainty scale for: synovial abnormality, articular cartilage loss, subarticular bone loss, abnormal marrow signal, enhancement of osseous and articular structures, and assessment of disease activity. Findings were correlated with biopsy results or clinical course. Results. Eight patients had active and one had inactive arthritis, involving the knee (five patients), ankle (two patients), and elbow (one patient). Synovial complex was the most common finding in active arthritis (P<0.025). Cartilage and subarticular bone loss were seen 56% and 89% of patients with active disease, respectively. Abnormal marrow signal was uncommon (two patients). All cases showed synovial and/or osseus enhancement. Conclusions. MRI findings in coccidiodal arthritis are described. Enhancement of thickened synovium and erosions was seen after intravenous gadopentetate.     

MRI features of tuberculosis of the knee

Objective  The objective of this study was to describe the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of tuberculosis (TB) of the knee joint. Materials and methods  The MRI features in 15 patients with TB of the knee, as confirmed by histology of the biopsied joint synovium, were reviewed retrospectively. The images were assessed for intra-articular and peri-articular abnormalities. Results  All patients had florid synovial proliferation. The proliferating synovium showed intermediate to low T2 signal intensity. In the patients who were administered intravenous contrast, the hypertrophic synovium was intensely enhancing. Marrow edema (n = 9), osteomyelitis (n = 4), cortical erosions (n = 5), myositis (n = 6), cellulitis (n = 2), abscesses (n = 3), and skin ulceration/sinus formation (n = 2) were seen in the adjacent bone and soft tissue. Conclusion  Synovial proliferation associated with tuberculous arthritis is typically hypointense on T2-weighted images. This appearance, in conjunction with other peri-articular MRI features described, can help in distinguishing TB arthritis from other proliferating synovial arthropathies.     

Arthroscopic treatment of synovial chondromatosis that possibly developed after open capsular shift for shoulder instability

Synovial chondromatosis is a rare disease with an unknown etiology, and can be defined as a synovial process characterized by the formation of metaplastic cartilaginous foci inside the connective tissue of articular surfaces. The disease is classified as primary or secondary. The cause of primary disease is unknown, but its pathogenesis involves the development of chondroid foci in synovial membranes. Secondary disease is caused by synovial tissue pathophysiologies, such as, trauma or infection, adjacent to an involved joint. Plain radiographs reveal multiple calcific nodules in glenohumeral joints. However, X-ray diagnosis is often delayed and extremely difficult when the disease is not calcified. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography are helpful. For treatment, open or arthroscopic synovectomy and loose body removal are recommended. The authors experienced a rare case of radiologically non-visible synovial chondromatosis, which was viewed as the cause of postoperative residual pain and limitation of motion in a young male with open capsular shift. This case report is presented to emphasize the role of arthroscopy and MRI in the early diagnosis and treatment of synovial chondromatosis.     

Imaging strategies in the evaluation of soft-tissue hemangiomas of the extremities: correlation of the findings of plain radiography,angiography, CT,MRI, and ultrasonography in 12 histologically proven cases

Twelve patients with the histologic diagnosis of soft-tissue hemangioma of the extremities (nine intramuscular, two subcutaneous, and one synovial) were evaluated in a retrospective study using plain film radiography (n = 12), angiography (n = 8), computed tomography (CT; n = 4), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI; n = 3), and ultrasonography (US; n = 2). In eight of nine intramuscular lesions, the plain film demonstration of phleboliths suggested the diagnosis, while the plain radiographs were normal in three. Angiograms showed the pathognomonic features of soft-tissue hemangioma in six patients. MRI was characteristic in all three patients: The lesion demonstrated intermediate signal intensity on T1-weighted spin echo images and extremely bright signal on T2-weighting. US showed a hypoechoic soft-tissue mass in one case and a mixed echo pattern in the other. In one case, a central echogenic focus with acoustic shadowing consistent with a calcified phlebolith was identified, and one lesion exhibited increased color flow and low resistance arterial Doppler signal. CT showed a nonspecific mass in one of four cases and a mass with phleboliths in three. If a deep hemangioma is suspected, we recommend initial imaging with plain radiography followed by MRI. US may be useful in confirming the presence of a mass in doubtful cases or if MRI is unavailable. CT offers no distinct advantage over the combined use of plain radiography and MRI. Although angiography demonstrated the pathognomonic features in all six deeply situated lesions, because of its invasiveness it should be reserved chiefly for those patients undergoing surgical resection.     

Prediction of erosion progression using ultrasound in established rheumatoid arthritis: a 2-year follow-up study

Objectives  This study aimed to determine whether a range of single-time-point ultrasound (US) measures of synovial disease and serologic characteristics were able to predict progression of US-defined erosive disease in patients with established rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Materials and methods  Forty patients were studied prospectively. At baseline, subjective US measures of bone damage and synovial disease, including grayscale and power Doppler (PD) scores pre- and post-Sonovue contrast, were obtained from one proximal inter-phalangeal or metacarpo-phalangeal joint per patient. After a minimum of 2 years, the same joints were scanned to obtain a new US erosion score. Results  Follow-up US erosion scores were obtained in 25 joints. Progressive US determined that bone damage occurred in 12/25 joints, including four of eight treated with anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy. Baseline erosion scores were significantly higher in joints that did not show progressive bone damage in the entire cohort (p = 0.05, n = 25) and a subgroup treated with disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (p = 0.015, n = 17). There were no other significant differences in baseline US or serologic scores between joints that developed progressive damage and those that did not. Conclusions  The majority of single-time-point US measures of synovial disease were not able to identify metacarpo-phalangeal or inter-phalangeal joint destined to develop progressive US-determined bone damage in patients with established RA. This may reflect the use of single-time-point measures, insensitivity of the US erosion score, and the long duration of RA disease in this study.     

Role of magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasonography in diagnosis and followup rheumatoid arthritis in hand and wrist joints

Purpose

To compare the role of ultrasonography and MRI in the diagnosis of synovitis involving wrist and hand joints in Rheumatoid arthritis patients.

Comparison of 2- and 3-dimensional shoulder ultrasound to magnetic resonance imaging in a community hospital for the detection of supraspinatus rotator cuff tears with improved worktime room efficiency

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether 3-dimensional (3D) volumetric acquisition of shoulder ultrasound (US) data for supraspinatus rotator cuff tears is as sensitive when compared with conventional 2-dimensional (2D) US and routine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and whether there is improved workroom time efficiency when using the 3D technique compared with the 2D technique.

Methods

In this prospective study, 39 shoulders underwent US and MRI examination of their rotator cuff to confirm the accuracy of both the 2D and 3D techniques. The difference in sensitivities was compared by using confidence interval analysis. The mean times required to obtain the 2D and 3D US data and to review the scans were compared by using a 1-tailed Wilcoxon test.

Results

Sensitivity and specificity of 2D US in detecting supraspinatus full- and partial-thickness tears was 100% and 96%, and 80% and 100%, respectively, and similar values were obtained with 3D US at 100% and 100%, and 90% and 96.6%, respectively. Analysis of the confidence limits of the sensitivities showed no significant difference. The mean time (± SD) of the overall 2D examination of the shoulder, including interpretation was 10.02 ± 3.28 minutes, whereas, for the 3D examination, it was 7.08 ± 0.35 minutes. Comparison between the 2 cohorts when using a 1-tailed Wilcoxon test showed a statistically significant difference (P < .05).

Conclusion

3D US of the shoulder is as accurate as 2D US when compared with MRI for the diagnosis of full- and partial-thickness supraspinatus rotator cuff tears, and 3D US examination significantly reduced the time between the initial scan and the radiologist interpretation, ultimately improving workplace efficiency.     

Internal derangements of the shoulder: decision tree and cost-effectiveness analysis of conventional arthrography, conventional MRI, and MR arthrography

Purpose. In a patient with internal derangement of the shoulder, the diagnostic method of choice is controversial. Conventional arthrography can diagnose most rotator cuff tears accurately; however, in many institutions MR arthrography is usually necessary to diagnose labral tears. We utilized decision tree methodology to compare the cost- effectiveness of conventional arthrography and conventional MRI with a hypothetical algorithm in which a patient underwent arthrography, performed with admixed gadolinium, which if negative, was followed by MRI. Design. The use of double-contrast arthrography alone, conventional MRI alone, and gadolinium-enhanced MRI used as an adjunct to conventional arthrography were modeled for the diagnosis of full-thickness rotator cuff tears (RCT), partial RCTs, labral tears, and the absence of cuff/labral tears using decision analysis methodology. English language medical publications were searched to determine the base probabilities for the accuracy of the diagnostic tests. The outcome utilities ranged from –1 to +1 to reflect the value of correct diagnostic evaluation. Charges for diagnostic tests and appropriate surgical treatments were based on 1997 Medicare reimbursement rates for professional fees and hospital charges in an outpatient setting. Sensitivity analyses were performed to evaluate the effects of uncertainty regarding the prevalence of each disease state and the accuracy of several diagnostic tests. Results. In the base-case analysis, the average effectiveness of double-contrast arthrography alone, MRI alone and arthrography selectively followed by MRI were 0.6610, 0.6715, and 0.7204, respectively. The average costs for each of these strategies were $1090, $2033, and $2339, respectively. Conclusion. Arthrography performed with admixed diluted gadolinium, which if negative is immediately followed by MRI, was somewhat more expensive than conventional MRI. However, because of much greater effectiveness, cost-effectiveness was significantly higher for our proposed algorithm. Conventional arthrography without gadolinium, although less expensive, had severely limited effectiveness. Received: 4 June 1999 Revision requested: 6 August 1999 Revision received: 30 August 1999 Accepted: 1 September 1999     

The septic versus nonseptic inflamed joint: MRI characteristics

Objective. To differentiate the MR features of septic versus nonseptic inflamed joints. Design and patients. Thirty patients were referred for MRI with inflamed joints (19 were subsequently found to be septic and 11 nonseptic). At 1.5 T enhanced MRI five groups of signs related to joint space, synovium, cartilage, bone and peri-articular soft tissue respectively were assessed and compared between the septic and nonseptic groups. Results. The prevalence of MRI findings in septic versus nonseptic joints (respectively) was as follows: effusion (79% vs 82%), fluid outpouching (79% vs 73%), fluid heterogeneity (21% vs 27%), synovial thickening (68% vs 55%), synovial periedema (63% vs 55%), synovial enhancement (94% vs 88%), cartilage loss (53% vs 30%), bone erosions (79% vs 38%), bone erosions enhancement (77% vs 43%), bone marrow edema (74% vs 38%), bone marrow enhancement (67% vs 50%), soft tissue edema (63% vs 78%), soft tissue enhancement (67% vs 71%), periosteal edema (11% vs. 10%). The presence of bone erosions appeared to be an indicator for an infected joint (P=0.072); coexistence of bone marrow edema slightly improves the significance (0.068). A similar trend was obtained when combining bone erosions with either synovial thickening, synovial periedema, bone marrow enhancement or soft tissue edema (P=0.075). Conclusions. The combination of bone erosions with marrow edema is highly suggestive for a septic articulation; the additional coexistence of synovial thickening, synovial edema, soft tissue edema or bone marrow enhancement increases the above level of confidence. Similar to conventional radiography, the single sign that appeared to show a significant trend was the presence of bone erosions. However, no single sign or combination could either be considered pathognomonic or exclude the presence of a joint infection. Received: 18 February 1999 Revision requested: 6 April 1999 Revision received: 26 July 1999 Accepted: 26 July 1999     

Ultrasound and MRI features of pyomyositis in children

Pyomyositis (PM) is an infectious disease of the skeletal muscle with a wide range of symptoms such as pain, fever or swelling, and is predominantly found in the tropics. In recent years PM has increasingly been diagnosed in Europe and in the U.S. Our objective is to describe the ultrasound and MRI features of PM in children. A retrospective analysis of 12 children with PM (2 girls and 10 boys; age range 1–13 years) admitted to our hospital between 1998 and 2002 was carried out. All children had a US exam and 8 children underwent MRI. Children with osteomyelitis and accompanying myositis were excluded from this study. In all patients who had MRI (n=8) the infected muscles were found to have the following features: hyperintensity on the T2-weighted images, diffuse borders and contrast enhancement. In the pelvis (n=4), only one PM could be detected with US, in the other 3 cases only US of the hip joint was performed based on the clinical symptoms. In the extremities (n=8) US always revealed an altered echogenicity of the affected muscles as well as fluid collection in 5 cases. Both US and MRI reveal characteristic changes of the PM. Ultrasound should be the first imaging modality in the extremities. In the pelvis MRI is the imaging modality of choice. The MRI is needed to differentiate pyomyositis from osteomyelitis. Electronic Publication     

In vitro and in vivo spin echo diffusion imaging characteristics of synovial fluid: potential non-invasive differentiation of inflammatory and degenerative arthritis

Objective. This study was undertaken to analyse the diffusion characteristics of synovial fluid in degenerative and inflammatory arthropathies. Design and patients. Ten in vitro specimens of synovial fluid from patients with both degenerative and inflammatory arthropathy were studied at body temperature with a navigator-corrected spin echo diffusion sequence (B values 0–512 s/mm²), on a Philips 1.5-T Gyroscan. Subsequently synovial fluid from knee joint effusions of 25 patients (10 patients with osteoarthritis, 10 patients with effusions following trauma and 5 patients with effusions secondary to inflammatory arthritis) was evaluated with the same navigator-corrected spin echo diffusion sequence. Results. Both in vitro and in vivo study demonstrated decreased diffusion in patients with effusions secondary to degenerative joint disease (less than 2.40×10^–5 cm²/s) relative to patients with effusions accompanying knee trauma (greater than 2.75×10^–5 cm²/s) and inflammatory arthritis (in vitro and in vivo greater than 3.00×10^–5 cm²/s). Conclusion. Synovial fluid in degenerative arthritis shows less diffusion or free water movement than synovial fluid in inflammatory arthritis. Diffusion characteristics of synovial fluid may be used to predict the nature of the underlying form of arthritis in patients presenting with knee joint effusions. Received: 22 October 1999 Revision requested: 10 January 2000 Revision received: 10 March 2000 Accepted: 14 March 2000     

Comparison of Ultrasound,CT, and MR Imaging in the Evaluation of Candidates for TIPS

To compare ultrasound (US), CT, and MRI in the evaluation of hepatic vascular anatomy, portal and splenic venous flow, and collateral pathways (varices and spontaneous shunts) in candidates for transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunting (TIPS), 17 patients with history of refractory variceal bleeding or intractable ascites underwent duplex US, contrast-enhanced CT, and MRI before TIPS. The appearance of portal and hepatic anatomy was graded from 1 (not visible) to 4 (excellent visualization) independently by four radiologists. Presence and direction of portal and splenic venous flow, and presence and location of varices and spontaneous portosystemic shunts were also assessed. Results and effects of interobserver variation were assessed for significance using Friedman's ANOVA and Wilcoxon's signed-rank test. MRI yielded higher scores than CT or US for hepatic veins (P <.0001) and inferior vena cava (P <.0001). MRI and CT scored better than US for portal vein branches (P =.012) and splenic vein (P =.0038). All tests demonstrated the main portal vein well, with no statistically significant difference. US and MRI were more sensitive than CT for detecting portal vein flow and direction (US 76%, CT 0%, MRI 82%). MRI was most sensitive for splenic vein flow and direction (US 41%, CT 0%. MRI 76%). CT and MRI were more sensitive than US in detecting varices (US 5%, CT 50%, MRI 58%) and spontaneous shunts (US 13%, CT 75%, MRI 75%). Interobserver variation did not influence results significantly P =.3691). MRI provides the most useful information and may be the preferred single imaging test prior to TIPS.     

MRI findings of juvenile psoriatic arthritis

Objective  The aim of this study was to describe the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of juvenile psoriatic arthritis (JpsA) in children in order to facilitate early diagnosis and proper management. Materials and methods  Two pediatric radiologists retrospectively reviewed in consensus a total of 37 abnormal MRI examinations from 31 pediatric patients (nine boys, 22 girls; age range 1–17 years; mean age 9.4 years) who had a definite diagnosis of JpsA and underwent MRI. Each MRI was evaluated for synovium abnormality (thickening and enhancement), joint effusion (small, moderate, and large), bone marrow abnormality (edema, enhancement, and location of abnormality), soft tissue abnormality (edema, enhancement, atrophy, and fatty infiltration), tendon abnormality (thickening, edema, tendon sheath fluid, and enhancement), and articular abnormality (joint space narrowing and erosion). The distribution of abnormal MRI findings among the six categories for the 37 MRI examinations was evaluated. The number of abnormal MRI findings for each MRI examination was assessed. Age at MRI examination and all six categories of abnormal MRI findings according to gender were evaluated. Results  There were a total 96 abnormal MRI findings noted on 37 abnormal MRI examinations from 31 pediatric patients. The 37 abnormal MRI examinations included MRI of the hand (n = 8), knee (n = 8), ankle (n = 5), pelvis (n = 5), temporomandibular joint (n = 4), wrist (n = 3), foot (n = 2), elbow (n = 1), and shoulder (n = 1). Twenty-eight diffuse synovial thickening and/or enhancement were the most common MRI abnormality (29.2%). Joint effusion comprised 22 abnormal MRI findings (22.9%). There were 16 abnormal MRI bone marrow edema and/or enhancement findings (16.7%), and in seven (7.3%) the edema involved non-articular sites. Soft tissue abnormality manifested as edema and/or enhancement constituted 14 abnormal MRI findings (14.5%). There were ten MRI abnormalities (10.4%) involving tendons. Articular abnormality seen as joint space narrowing and/or bone erosion comprised six abnormal MRI findings (6.2%). Most MRI examinations had more than one abnormal finding (84%). Age at which MRI examinations were performed was not significantly different between boys and girls. All six categories of abnormal MRI findings were not significantly different between boys and girls. Conclusion  Children with JpsA typically present with more than one abnormal finding on their MRI studies. While synovial abnormality is the most common MR finding in children with JpsA, multi-focal bone marrow edema and enhancement at both articular and non-articular sites are also notable findings in children with JpsA. The rate of articular abnormality is much lower in children with JpsA in comparison to adults with psoriatic arthritis. Our findings suggest that MRI can play a useful role in the diagnosis and ongoing assessment of this uncommon, though important, pediatric rheumatologic disorder.     

MRI and ultrasound in children with juvenile chronic arthritis

In this era of advancing imaging technology, a knowledge of the relative values of available imaging techniques is necessary to optimize the management of children with juvenile chronic arthritis (JCA). After clinical examination, plain films remain the initial investigation. The need for radiation protection must be a priority in children with JCA. Conventional radiographs allow grouping of the various arthritides (on the base of the distribution and pattern of joint space changes) and staging of disease progression. Ultrasound (US) is very sensitive in the detection of joint effusions, especially in the hip, and guides fluid aspiration. US and Doppler can be used for the evaluation of synovial hypertrophy and activity. Arthrography and to a certain extent nuclear studies have been replaced by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MRI can demonstrate articular cartilage, joint effusion, synovial hypertrophy, cortical and medullary bone, cartilage and bone perfusion, and fibrocartilaginous structures (menisci and ligaments). Contrast enhanced MRI is the most sensitive modality to determine whether an arthritic condition is present. However, it does not assist in establishing a specific diagnosis. MRI determines accurately the activity and the extent of the disease and is particularly useful in the early detection of articular damage. Finally, MRI is of major importance in the evaluation of response to local therapy (especially steroids) and the detection of complications.     

Comparison of ultrasound,CT and MRI in the assessment of parotid masses

In order to compare the advantages and failings of the current imaging procedures used for the staging of parotid masses, 121 patients were investigated: 30 with ultrasound (US) and CT, 55 with US and MRI, and 36 with US, CT and MRI. The accuracy of the three imaging modalities was evaluated in detecting parotid lesions; in assessing their location (intra- or extraglandular) and nature (benign or malignant); and in defining their intraglandular extent (superficial or deep lobe) as well as their relationship with surrounding structures. The imaging findings were related to the cytohistological data from US-guided biopsy or from surgical resection. In the 36 patients studied with all three modalities the diagnostic accuracy (excluding double errors in the same patient) was 77.7% for US, 86.1% for CT and 94.4% for MRI. US was thus shown to be less accurate than CT or MRI, and MRI not significantly superior to CT. US with fine-needle aspiration cytology should be the first-line imaging technique; CT and MRI have to be- considered for lesions more than 3 cm in diameter or for masses arising in the deep lobe of the gland. The results of this series show that MRI provides better results than CT in displaying the relationship of the mass with contiguous structures. Correspondence to: L. Grazioli     

Dynamic enhanced MRI of the subacromial bursa: correlation with arthroscopic and histological findings

Objective To assess dynamic MRI with Gd-DTPA enhancement for evaluating inflammatory changes in the subacromial bursa.Design and patients We detected the signal intensity changes in dynamic MRI of the subacromial bursa, and confirmed these macroscopically by arthroscopy and histologically. The signal intensity was measured using built-in software, and the enhancement ratio (E ratio) was calculated from dynamic MR images. In addition, as a parameter of the rate of the increase in the signal intensity from 0 to 80 s, the mean increase per second in the E ratio was obtained as the coefficient of enhancement (CE). The correlation was studied of the E ratio and CE with the arthroscopic findings (redness, villous formation, thickening and adhesion), and of the E ratio and CE with the histological findings (capillary proliferation, papillary hyperplasia, fibrosis and inflammatory cell infiltration) of the subacromial bursa. Of patients with shoulder pain, this study included those with rotator cuff injury; patients with rheumatoid arthritis or pitching shoulder disorders were excluded. There were 27 patients (15 men, 12 women) ranging in age from 25 to 73 years (mean 49.1 years). Dynamic MRI of the shoulder was also performed on the healthy side of 10 patients and in five normal young volunteers.Results and conclusions Changes in signal intensity on dynamic MRI were measured in the subacromial bursa. The E ratio (80 s) and CE (0–80 s) were significantly correlated with redness and villous formation as arthroscopic findings, positively correlated with capillary proliferation and papillary hyperplasia as histological findings (p < 0.05), and negatively correlated with fibrosis as a histological finding (p < 0.05) in the subacromial bursa. The patterns of dynamic curves were well correlated with the bursoscopic and histological findings of the synovium of the subacromial bursa. Dynamic MRI appears to correlate with inflammatory activity of synovium of the subacromial bursa. Clarifying the state of the synovium of the subacromial bursa may be useful in determining therapeutic strategies (e.g., indicating topical infusion of hyaluronic acid or steroids for preservative treatment and selecting the site). Furthermore, the evaluation may be useful for indicating surgery, selecting the technique, and evaluating preoperative and postoperative inflammatory changes.