Postmortem serum erythropoietin levels in establishing the cause of death and survival time at medicolegal autopsy

Circulating erythropoietin (EPO) is mainly produced in the kidneys, depending on blood oxygen level. The present study investigated the postmortem serum EPO levels with regard to the cause of death and survival time. Serial medicolegal autopsy cases of postmortem time within 48 h (n = 536) were examined. Serum EPO levels were within the clinical reference range in most cases. Uremic patients with medical administration of an EPO agent (n = 11) showed a markedly high level (140–4,850 mU/ml; median, 1,798 mU/ml). Otherwise, an elevation in serum EPO level (>30 mU/ml) was mainly seen in protracted deaths due to blunt injury and fire fatality, depending on the survival time (r = 0.69, p < 0.0001, and r = 0.45, p < 0.0001, respectively), and in subacute deaths from gastrointestinal bleeding and infectious diseases. However, mildly to moderately elevated serum EPO levels were sporadically found in acute deaths due to mechanical asphyxiation, fire fatality, and acute ischemic heart disease, and in fatal hypothermia cases, especially for elderly subjects. Protracted deaths due to mechanical asphyxiation and ischemic heart disease did not show any survival time-dependent increase in serum EPO level (p > 0.05). EPO was immunohistochemically detected in the tubular epithelia and interstitial cells, showing no evident difference among the causes of death, independent of survival time or serum level. These findings suggest that serum EPO can be used as a marker for investigating anemia and/or hypoxia as a consequence of fatal insult in subacute or prolonged deaths, or a predisposition to traumatic deaths or fatal heart attacks in acute deaths.     

[1-<Superscript>11</Superscript>C]Acetate uptake is not increased in renal cell carcinoma

Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential of [1-¹¹C]acetate (AC) as a metabolic tracer for renal cell cancer in human subjects. Methods Twenty-one patients with suspected kidney tumours were investigated with AC and dynamic PET. AC uptake was scored on a five-step scale. Tumour localisation was known from CT/MRI. Histology was available in 18/21 patients. The results in these 18 patients are reported. Results AC uptake by the tumour was less than (n = 11), equal to (n = 5) or higher than (n = 2) uptake in the surrounding renal parenchyma. Histological tumour types showed a typical distribution, with a predominance of clear cell carcinomas (n = 14) and only a small number of papillary cell carcinomas (n = 2) and oncocytomas (n = 2). Only the benign oncocytomas were highly positive with AC. Conclusion In most kidney tumours the AC accumulation was not higher than in normal kidney parenchyma. Therefore, AC PET cannot be recommend for the characterisation of a renal mass.     

MDCT for suspected appendicitis in the elderly: diagnostic performance and patient outcome

Elderly adults are at increased risk for complications related to both delayed diagnosis of appendicitis and to unnecessary appendectomy. We assessed the diagnostic performance of computed tomography (CT) in a consecutive elderly cohort with clinically suspected appendicitis. CT findings and clinical outcomes were analyzed for 262 consecutive adult patients age 65 and older (mean 75.6 ± 7.5 years; range 65–94; M/F 111:151) referred for clinically suspected appendicitis at a single medical center between January 2000 and December 2009. The overall prevalence of proven acute appendicitis in this elderly cohort with clinically suspected appendicitis was 16.8% (44/262). CT sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV for acute appendicitis were 100% (44/44), 99.1% (216/218), 95.7% (44/46), and 100.0% (216/216), respectively. The negative appendectomy rate was 2.3% (1/43). The perforation rate was 40.9% (18/44). There were no false-negative and two false-positive CT interpretations. All patients with appendicitis suspected on CT were hospitalized (44/44), with an average stay of 5.7 ± 3.2 days, and 93.5% (43/46) underwent appendectomy. Overall surgical complication rate was 34.9% (15/43). Compared with younger adults over the same period, elderly patients had higher rates of perforation and surgical complications, and longer hospital stays (p < 0.003). CT is highly accurate for the evaluation of clinically suspected appendicitis in elderly patients. Prompt diagnosis is important given the higher rates perforation and surgical complications relative to younger adults.     

Yield of head CT in the alcohol-intoxicated patient in the emergency department

We aimed to determine the yield of positive head computed tomography (CT) findings among suspected alcohol-intoxicated patients presenting to the emergency department (ED). Our secondary aim was to determine if elderly intoxicated patients were more likely to have an intracranial injury. We identified patients suspected of alcohol intoxication who underwent CT scanning in the ED over a 4-year period. Pre-determined data elements including demographics, diagnosis, and disposition were extracted using a pre-formatted data sheet by blinded abstractors. “Positive” CT was defined as evidence of any type of intracranial hemorrhage. A total of 2,671 subjects with suspected alcohol intoxication and a head CT were identified. Fifty out of the 2,671 (1.9%) had a positive CT. Among CT scans of elderly (≥60 years of age) subjects, 15/555 (2.7%, 95% CI = 1.4–4.1%) were positive compared with 35/2,116 (1.7%, 95% CI = 1.1–2.2%) among those <60 years of age (p = 0.11). The yield of positive head CT among alcohol-intoxicated patients was low, at 1.9%. An age cutoff of 60 years in this population did not predict a significantly higher positive rate.     

Accuracy of whole-body low-dose multidetector CT (WBLDCT) versus skeletal survey in the detection of myelomatous lesions,and correlation of disease distribution with whole-body MRI (WBMRI)

Aim  The aim of the study is to assess the feasibility of whole-body low-dose computed tomography (WBLDCT) in the diagnosis and staging of multiple myeloma and compare to skeletal survey (SS), using bone marrow biopsy and whole-body magnetic resonance imaging (WBMRI; where available) as gold standard. Materials and methods  Patients referred over an 18-month period for investigation of suspected multiple myeloma or restaging of myeloma were randomized to undergo one of two WBLDCT protocols using high kVp, low mAs technique (140 kVp, 14 mAs; or 140 kVp, 25 mAs). Recent WBMRI scans were reviewed in 23 cases. Each imaging modality was assessed by two radiologists in consensus and scored from 0–3 (0 = normal, 1 = 1–4 lesions, 2 = 5–20 lesions, 3 ≥ 20 lesions/diffuse disease) in ten anatomical areas. Overall stage of disease, image quality score, and the degree of confidence of diagnosis were recorded. Diagnostic accuracy of skeletal survey and WBLDCT were determined using a gold standard of bone marrow biopsy and distribution of disease was compared to WBMRI. Results  Thirty-nine patients were evaluated. WBLDCT identified more osteolytic lesions than skeletal survey with a greater degree of diagnostic confidence and led to restaging in 18 instances (16 upstaged, two downstaged). In those with recent WBMRI, distribution of disease on WBLDCT showed superior correlation with WBMRI when compared with SS. Overall reader impression of stage on WBLDCT showed significant correlation with WBMRI (κ = 0.454, p < 0.05). WBLDCT provided complementary information to WBMRI in nine patients with normal marrow signal following treatment response, but which were shown to have diffuse residual cortical abnormalities on CT. Conclusion  WBLDCT at effective doses lower than previously reported, is superior to SS at detecting osteolytic lesions and at determining overall stage of multiple myeloma, and provides complementary information to WBMRI.     

Medical and pathologic characteristics of fatal anaphylaxis: a Spanish nationwide 17-year series

Forensic series on fatal anaphylaxis are scarce, probably because the diagnosis of anaphylaxis is often complex and the incidence is low. We report on the medicolegal, demographic and histopathological characteristics of a series of sudden deaths which were investigated for anaphylaxis at the Spanish National Institute of Toxicology and Forensic Sciences (INTCF) over a 17-year period (1998–2015). A total of 122 undetermined sudden deaths from a high percentage of Spanish regions (81.5% of the total population) were sent to the INTCF with anaphylaxis as the suspected cause of death for histological, biochemical, and medicolegal investigation. Two certified allergists confirmed that 46 of the 122 cases were fatal anaphylaxis. The results indicated a median age of 51 years (IQR = 29) and a male predominance (76%). The main causes of anaphylaxis were drugs (41%), hymenoptera stings (33%), and food (13%). A previous allergic event had been reported in both food anaphylaxis (67%) and drug anaphylaxis (53%). The deaths occurred in health care settings (37%), at home (22%), and outside the home (26.09%). Histopathology data were available for 40 individuals. The most frequent autopsy findings were angioedema of the upper airways (50%), pulmonary edema (47.5%), atheromatosis of coronary vessels (32.5%), and pulmonary congestion (27.5%). Our findings for fatal anaphylaxis indicated a predominance of men, older age (≥50 years) and death in a health care setting (one-third of cases). Previous episodes had occurred in two-thirds of cases of food-induced anaphylaxis and in half of the cases of drug-induced anaphylaxis.     

Superior performance of 18F-fluorocholine digital PET/CT in the detection of parathyroid adenomas

To compare detectability of hyperfunctioning parathyroid tissue (HPT) by digital and analog 18F-fluorocholine PET/CT in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism and negative/inconclusive 99mTc-MIBI scintigraphy-SPECT/CT. Thirty-three patients with primary hyperparathyroidism and negative/inconclusive 99mTc-MIBI scintigraphy-SPECT/CT were prospectively included. All patients accepted to be scanned by digital and analog PET/CT in the same imaging session after a single injection of 18F-fluorocholine. Three nuclear medicine physicians evaluated the digital and analog PET/CT datasets to assess the detection rate of HPT. Maximum standard uptake values (SUVmax) of HPT and locoregional lymph nodes were measured in both systems. HPT was detected in 30/33 patients by the digital system, whereas it was detected in 22/33 patients by the analog system (p < 0.01). Moreover, in 21 of these 33 patients, both systems detected one focal 18F-fluorocholine uptake, and in one patient the digital system detected two foci. Histopathology demonstrated HPT in 32 patients and it was inconclusive in one patient. The digital PET/CT detected HPT in 29 of the 32 patients, and the analog system in 22 of the 32 (p < 0.01). All HPT suspected lesions resected and detected only by the digital system (n = 8) were < 10 mm (7.5 ± 1.3 mm), while those detected by both systems (n = 22) were > 10 mm (13 ± 3.8 mm). SUVmax of HPT lesions was significantly higher than SUVmax of locoregional lymph node independently of the PET/CT system used (4.5 ± 1.9 vs. 2.9 ± 1.3, p < 0.0001). Digital PET/CT offers superior performance over analog system in patients with suspected HPT and previous negative/inconclusive imaging examinations, particularly in sub-centimeter lesions. SUVmax can help in the differentiation between HTP and locoregional lymph nodes.     

Management of patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19, in the radiology department

ObjectivesFrom December 2019, a novel coronavirus disease named COVID-19 was reported in China. Within 3 months, the World Health Organization defined COVID-19 as a pandemic, with more than 370,000 cases and 16,000 deaths worldwide. In consideration of the crucial role of diagnostic testing during COVID-19, the aim of this technical note was to provide a complete synthesis of approaches implemented for the management of suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patients.Key findingsThe planning of a robust plan to prevent the transmission of the virus to patients and department staff members should be fundamental in each radiology service. Moreover, the speed of spread and the incidence of the pandemic make it necessary to optimize the use of personal protective devices and dedicated COVID-19 equipment, given the limited availability of supplies.ConclusionIn the management of radiographic and CT imaging, staff should take special precautions to limit contamination between patients and other patients or professionals.Implications for practiceAn isolated imaging room should be dedicated to suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases, including radiography and CT scanners. This paper will provide guidance concerning disposable protective gear to be utilized, as well as on the cleaning and sanitation of radiology room and equipment.     

Measurement of spinal canal narrowing,interpedicular widening,and vertebral compression in spinal burst fractures: plain radiographs versus multidetector computed tomography

Objective  To assess the reliability of measurements of spinal canal narrowing, vertebral body compression, and interpedicular widening in burst fractures in radiography compared with multidetector computed tomography (MDCT). Materials and methods  Patients who had confirmed acute vertebral burst fractures over an interval of 34 months underwent both MDCT and radiography. Measurements of spinal canal narrowing, vertebral body compression, and interpedicular widening from MDCT and radiography were compared. Results  The 108 patients (30 female, 78 male, aged 16–79 years, mean 39 years) had 121 burst fractures. Eleven patients had multiple fractures, of which seven were not contiguous. Measurements showed a strong positive correlation between radiography and MDCT (Spearman’s rank sum test: spinal canal narrowing k = 0.50–0.82, vertebral compression k = 0.55–0.72, and interpedicular widening k = 0.81–0.91, all P < 0.05), except for the cervical spine (k = −0.50 to 0.61, with all P > 0.25) and for interpedicular widening in the thoracic spine (k = 0.35, P = 0.115). The average difference in measurements between the modalities was 3 mm or fewer. Conclusion  Radiography demonstrates interpedicular widening, spinal canal narrowing and vertebral compression with acceptable precision, with the exception of those of the cervical spine.     

The Battle Against Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): Emergency Management and Infection Control in a Radiology Department

ObjectiveTo describe the strategy and the emergency management and infection control procedure of our radiology department during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak.MethodsWe set up emergency management and sensing control teams. The team formulated various measures: reconfiguration of the radiology department, personal protection and training of staff, examination procedures for patients suspected of or confirmed with COVID-19 as well as patients without an exposure history or symptoms. Those with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 infection were scanned in the designated fever-CT unit.ResultsFrom January 21, 2020, to March 9, 2020, 3,083 people suspected or confirmed to be infected with COVID-19 underwent fever-CT examinations. Including initial examinations and re-examinations, the total number of fever-CT examinations numbered 3,340. As a result of our precautions, none of the staff of the radiology department were infected with COVID-19.ConclusionStrategic planning and adequate protections can help protect patients and staff against a highly infectious disease while maintaining function at a high-volume capacity.     

High-resolution myocardial stress perfusion at 3 T in patients with suspected coronary artery disease

To implement a high-resolution first-pass myocardial perfusion imaging protocol (HRPI) at 3 T, and to evaluate the feasibility, image quality and accuracy of this approach prospectively in patients with suspected CAD. We hypothesized that utilizing the gain in SNR at 3 T to increase spatial resolution would reduce partial volume effects and subendocardial dark rim artifacts in comparison to 1.5 T. HRPI studies were performed on 60 patients using a segmented k-space gradient echo sequence (in plane resolution 1.97 × 1.94 mm²). Semiquantitative assessment of dark rim artifacts was performed for the stress studies on a slice-by-slice basis. Qualitative visual analysis was compared to quantitative coronary angiography (QCA) results; hemodynamically significant CAD was defined as stenosis ≥70% at QCA. Dark rim artifacts appeared in 108 of 180 slices (average extent 1.3 ± 1.2 mm representing 11.8 ± 10.8% of the transmural myocardial thickness). Sensitivity, specifity, and test accuracy for the detection of significant CAD were 89%,79%, and 85%. HRPI studies at 3 T are feasible in a clinical setting, providing good image quality and high accuracy for detection of significant CAD. The presence of dark rim artifacts does not appear to represent a diagnostic problem when using a HRPI approach.     

天津市35家非医疗机构放射卫生管理的现状分析

目的 了解天津市非医疗机构放射卫生管理的现状,为卫生行政部门加强放射卫生管理提供科学依据。 方法 依据《市卫生健康委关于印发2020年天津市职业病防治项目实施方案的通知》,2020年8至10月期间采用问卷调查的方法,从监测对象所属行业类别、辐射源项的基本情况、职业健康管理工作的开展情况、个人防护用品和辅助防护设施的配置情况等方面,对天津市辖区35家非医疗机构进行横断面调查。采用双录入法录入数据并进行分析。 结果 此次调查涵盖了计算机、通信和其他电子设备制造业,港口装卸搬运和仓储业,金属制品业,石油和天然气开采业等11个行业。Ⅱ类射线装置91台、Ⅲ类84台。使用的放射源包括Ⅱ类53枚、Ⅲ类7枚、Ⅳ类88枚、Ⅴ类253枚;乙级非密封工作场所4个、丙级2个。35家非医疗机构中的921名放射工作人员均进行了职业健康体检,放射工作人员的年有效剂量均低于20 mSv;共配置个人防护用品274件,个人剂量报警仪194台,辐射剂量监测仪135台。在35家非医疗机构中,分别有29家（82.9%）开展了职业卫生评价和自主检测工作,34家（97.1%）开展了委托检测工作,辐射防护检测合格率和职业病危害项目申报率均为85.7%（30/35）。 结论 天津市35家非医疗机构总体上能认真对待本单位的放射卫生防护管理工作,为监管执法提供了科学依据,但今后应进一步加强对个人防护用品和辐射剂量仪配置、职业病危害因素监测与评价的管理。     

Multislice computed tomography: angiographic emulation versus standard assessment for detection of coronary stenoses

The present study investigated angiographic emulation of multislice computed tomography (MSCT) (catheter-like visualization) as an alternative approach of analyzing and visualizing findings in comparison with standard assessment. Thirty patients (120 coronary arteries) were randomly selected from 90 prospectively investigated patients with suspected coronary artery disease who underwent MSCT (16-slice scanner, 0.5 mm collimation, 400 ms rotation time) prior to conventional coronary angiography for comparison of both approaches. Sensitivity and specificity of angiographic emulation [81% (26/32) and 93% (82/88)] were not significantly different from those of standard assessment [88% (28/32) and 99% (87/88)], while the per-case analysis time was significantly shorter for angiographic emulation than for standard assessment (3.4 ± 1.5 vs 7.0 ± 2.5 min, P < 0.001). Both interventional and referring cardiologists preferred angiographic emulation over standard curved multiplanar reformations of MSCT coronary angiography for illustration, mainly because of improved overall lucidity and depiction of sidebranches (P < 0.001). In conclusion, angiographic emulation of MSCT reduces analysis time, yields a diagnostic accuracy comparable to that of standard assessment, and is preferred by cardiologists for visualization of results.     

NFNA safety survey: a report of data collected in 1988 versus 1998

In 1998, the Air & Surface Transport Nurses Association ASTNA (formerly known as the National Flight Nurses Association [NFNA]) sponsored a follow-up safety survey to one it had conducted in 1988. The survey was sent out to all association members and identified whether a respondent of the survey was employed by a program that had policies addressing the safety topics identified in the survey and were compliant with the topic. Covered topics included scheduling practices, rest, refusal to fly because of safety issues, safety briefings, safety training, chemical restraints, hot off-loading, personal protective gear, and safety equipment installed in aircraft.

The 1998 NFNA safety survey replicated a safety survey sent in 1988. The results of the two surveys were compared using side-by-side analysis with graphic comparison of trends that have occurred during the 10-year period. With the exception of hot loading/unloading, every category of questions recognized an increased frequency of both written policies and compliance or practice. The most significant improvement in compliance was “personal protective gear;” the category engendering the most concern was “refusal to fly due to safety issues.” In 1998, only 52% of respondents worked in programs that “defined the flight nurses' responsibility and acceptable reasons for refusal to participate.”     

Prognostic study of risk stratification among Japanese patients with ischemic heart disease using gated myocardial perfusion SPECT: J-ACCESS study

Background Although the prognostic value of myocardial perfusion imaging using gated single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) for predicting major cardiac events has been evaluated, little is known about the relevance of this procedure to the Japanese population. Methods A total of 4,031 consecutive Japanese patients with suspected or confirmed ischemic heart diseases were registered at 117 hospitals in the Japanese Assessment of Cardiac Events and Survival Study by Quantitative Gated SPECT investigation. Gated stress/rest myocardial perfusion SPECT was performed and the patients were followed up for 3 years. Segmental perfusion scores and quantitative gated SPECT results were calculated. Major cardiac events were defined as cardiac death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, and severe heart failure. Results During the 3-year follow-up, cardiac death (n = 57) and nonfatal myocardial infarction (n = 39) occurred in 96 patients (2.4%/3 years) when hard events were the endpoints. When severe heart failure was included as an endpoint, major cardiac events that developed in 175 patients (4.3%/3 years) comprised cardiac death (n = 45), nonfatal myocardial infarction (n = 37), and severe heart failure (n = 93). Normal and severely abnormal summed stress score values were associated with low (2.31%/3 years) and high (9.21%/3 years) rates of major cardiac events, respectively. Rates of major cardiac events were significantly higher in patients with ejection fraction (EF) <45% than in those with EF 45% or higher (16.55 vs 2.94%/3 years; P < 0.001). The incidence of major cardiac events within 3 years was also significantly higher among patients with high end-systolic volumes. The major event rates were similar among nondiabetic patients with and diabetic patients without prior myocardial infarction at 5.06% and 5.73%/3 years, respectively. Conclusion Cardiac event rates were significantly lower in the Japanese than in the USA and European populations. However, large myocardial perfusion defects and decreased cardiac function, as well as diabetes mellitus, could be predictors of high event rates and, thus, beneficial for risk stratification of Japanese patients with ischemic heart diseases. Financial support: Japan Cardiovascular Research Foundation     

The detection rate of [<Superscript>11</Superscript>C]Choline-PET/CT depends on the serum PSA-value in patients with biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer

Purpose An increase of the serum PSA-level is a sensitive in vitro marker for recurrent prostate cancer. However, it remains difficult to differentiate between local, regional or distant recurrent disease. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between the detection rate of [¹¹C]Choline-PET/CT and the serum PSA-level in patients with a biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer with the view towards localisation of recurrent disease. Methods Sixty-three patients (mean age, 68.8 ± 6.9; range, 45–83 years) with biochemical recurrence after primary therapy for prostate cancer were included in the analysis. Mean PSA-levels were 5.9 ± 9.7 ng/ml (range, 0.2–39 ng/ml; median, 2.15). Of the 63 patients, 17 were under anti-androgen therapy at the time of [¹¹C]Choline PET/CT. Patients underwent a [¹¹C]Choline-PET/CT study after injection of 656 ± 119 MBq [¹¹C]Choline on a Sensation 16 Biograph PET/CT scanner. Results Of the 63 patients, 35 (56%) showed a pathological [¹¹C]Choline uptake. The detection rate of [¹¹C]Choline-PET/CT showed a relationship with the serum PSA-level: The detection rate was 36% for a PSA-value <1 ng/ml, 43% for a PSA-value 1–<2 ng/ml, 62% for a PSA-value 2–<3 ng/ml and 73% for a PSA-value ≥3 ng/ml. Anti-androgen therapy did not show a significant effect on the detection rate of [¹¹C]Choline-PET/CT (p = 0.374). Conclusion As an important result our study shows that even for PSA-values <1.0 ng/ml the detection efficiency of [¹¹C]Choline-PET/CT is 36%. Furthermore, the detection rate of [¹¹C]Choline-PET/CT shows a positive relationship with serum PSA-levels in patients with biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer after primary therapy. Therefore, in these patients, [¹¹C]Choline PET/CT allows not only to diagnose but also to localise recurrent disease with implications on disease management (localised vs systemic therapy).     

Gd-BOPTA for assessment of myocardial viability on MRI: changes of T1 value and their impact on delayed enhancement

Gadobenate (Gd-BOPTA), injected at a dose of 0.1 mmol/kg body weight, was compared with gadopentetate (Gd-DTPA), injected at a dose of 0.2 mmol/kg body weight, for delineation of myocardial infarction interindividually in two groups of 26 patients each. Delayed enhancement images were assessed subjectively for image quality, and measured for regional T1 values before, 3 min after and 25 min after the injection of each contrast agent. In the 26 patients who received Gd-BOPTA, T1 values of remote myocardium were 1,070 ± 125 ms, 358 ± 78 ms and 562 ± 108 ms before, 3 min after and 25 min after injection, respectively. Infarcted myocardium values were 1,097 ± 148 ms, 246 ± 68 ms and 373 ± 84 ms and left ventricular blood pool 1,238 ± 95 ms, 194 ± 47 ms and 373 ± 72 ms. In the 26 patients who received Gd-DTPA, T1 values were 1,087 ± 96 ms, 325 ± 60 ms and 555 ± 108 ms for remote myocardium; 1,134 ± 109, 210 ± 43 ms and 304 ± 57 ms for infarcted myocardium; and 1,258 ± 104 ms, 166 ± 27 ms and 351 ± 73 ms for left ventricular blood pool. Delayed enhancement image quality showing myocardial infarction was rated good (54%) and excellent (46%) after Gd-BOPTA, and good (58%) and excellent (42%) after Gd-DTPA (no significant differences). A single dose of Gd-BOPTA compared with a double dose of Gd-DTPA causes similar changes of T1 values in infarcted and remote myocardium and provides fairly similar contrast between infarcted and remote myocardium (0.64 ± 14 versus 0.71 ± 11) and slightly higher contrast between left ventricular blood and infarcted myocardium (0.22 ± 17 versus 0.14 ± 6; p < 0.05). Administration of 0.1 mmol/kg body weight Gd-BOPTA can provide similar late enhancement images compared with the standard 0.2 mmol/kg body weight dose of Gd-DTPA due to the higher T1 relaxivity associated with the former. Peter Lodemann is an employee of Bracco Deutschland GmbH.     

The role of the plain radiograph in the characterisation of soft tissue tumours

A radiograph is often the first investigation to be requested when a patient presents with limb pain or a mass. Whilst we do not advocate that this is the only investigation to be employed in the evaluation of such patients, a working knowledge of the variety of abnormal findings that can present in the soft tissues on radiographs remains useful. We reviewed the radiographic findings of soft tissue masses from a prospectively compiled database of all such lesions presenting to a specialist orthopaedic oncology service over the past 8 years. Of the cohort of 1,058 individuals with a proven soft tissue tumour, 454 had had a radiograph taken of the affected area. Of these, 281 (62%) patients had a positive radiographic finding. The most common findings were a visible soft tissue mass (n = 141), the presence of calcification (n = 76), fat (n = 32) and evidence of bone involvement (n = 62). More than one finding was sometimes present in the same patient. These findings were present in both benign and malignant tumours. This review article describes the incidence and diagnostic relevance of these plain film findings for suspected soft tissue tumours.     

Ultrasound assessment of the spring ligament complex

This study was conducted to document the normal ultrasound anatomy of the spring ligament in asymptomatic subjects and to prospectively determine the frequency of ultrasound abnormality of the spring ligament in patients with suspected posterior tibial tendinopathy. The superomedial calcaneonavicular ligament (CNL) of 10 healthy volunteers was examined by ultrasound. Nineteen patients with a clinical diagnosis of suspected posterior tibial tendinopathy and/or chronic pain along the course of the tendon were examined by ultrasound. The superomedial CNL thickness was measured. Normal anatomy of the superomedial CNL could be demonstrated in all the volunteers. The mean of the combined proximal measurements was 4 mm and of the distal measurements 3.6 mm. Sixteen patients with posterior tibial tendinopathy had increased thickness of the spring ligament, which was more evident on its distal portion over the talar head. One patient had superomedial CNL insufficiency with normal posterior tibial tendon. The mean proximal measurement in the study group was 5.1 mm and the distal measurement 6.1 mm. The differences between the measurements in the study group and controls were highly significant (proximal site P < 0.01, distal site P < 0.001). Spring-ligament laxity or tear is characterised by thickening. There is a strong association between posterior tibial tendinopathy and abnormality of the spring ligament.