Inflammatory low back pain: High negative predictive value of contrast‐enhanced color Doppler ultrasound in the detection of inflamed sacroiliac joints

Objective

To determine the value of microbubble contrast agents for color Doppler ultrasound (CDUS) compared with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the detection of active sacroiliitis.

Methods

An observational case‐control study of 103 consecutive patients (206 sacroiliac [SI] joints) with inflammatory low back pain according to the Calin criteria and 30 controls (60 SI joints) without low back pain was conducted at the University Hospital of Innsbruck. All patients and controls underwent unenhanced and contrast‐enhanced CDUS and MRI of the SI joints. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of unenhanced and contrast‐enhanced CDUS were evaluated.

Results

Forty‐three patients (41%) with 70 of 206 SI joints (34%) and none of the controls nor the 60 control SI joints demonstrated active sacroiliitis on MRI. Unenhanced CDUS showed a sensitivity of 17%, a specificity of 96%, a PPV of 65%, and an NPV of 72%; contrast‐enhanced CDUS showed a sensitivity of 94%, a specificity of 86%, a PPV of 78%, and an NPV of 97%. Detection of vascularity in the SI joint was increased by contrast administration (P < 0.0001). Clustered receiver operating curve analysis demonstrated that enhanced CDUS (A_z = 0.89) was significantly better than unenhanced CDUS (A_z = 0.61) for the diagnosis of active sacroiliitis verified by MRI (P < 0.0001; 2‐sided test).

Conclusion

Microbubble contrast‐enhanced CDUS is a sensitive technique with a high NPV for detection of active sacroiliitis compared with MRI.

     

The value of contrast-enhanced color Doppler ultrasound in the detection of vascularization of finger joints in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVE: A prospective study was performed to assess the usefulness of contrast-enhanced color Doppler ultrasound (CDUS) in the evaluation of intraarticular vascularization of finger joints in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: We investigated 198 finger joints in 46 patients with RA, and 80 finger joints in 10 healthy volunteers. Joints with varying levels of clinical activity of inflammation were classified as being active, moderately active, or inactive. CDUS was performed with a high-frequency multi-D linear array transducer. A microbubble-based ultrasound (US) contrast agent (Levovist; Schering, Berlin, Germany) was intravenously infused. Doppler findings were rated on the basis of both unenhanced and contrast-enhanced CDUS images. RESULTS: Healthy joints showed no intraarticular vascularization on either unenhanced or contrast-enhanced CDUS. Unenhanced CDUS detected intraarticular vascularization in 7 (8%) of 83 inactive joints, in 31 (52%) of 60 moderately active joints, and in 32 (58%) of 55 active joints. Contrast-enhanced CDUS detected intraarticular vascularization in 41 (49%) of 83 joints with inactive RA, in 59 (98%) of 60 joints with moderately active RA, and in all 55 joints with active RA. Detection of intraarticular vascularization was improved by administration of the microbubble-based US contrast agent (P < 0.001). Contrast-enhanced CDUS demonstrated differences in intraarticular vascularization between joints with inactive RA and those with active RA (P < 0.001), between joints with inactive RA and those with moderately active RA (P < 0.001), and between joints with moderately active RA and those with active RA (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The use of a microbubble-based US contrast agent significantly improved the detection of intraarticular vascularization in the finger joints of patients with RA. This technique seems to be a useful adjunct in the assessment of disease activity.     

Early detection of sacroiliitis on magnetic resonance imaging and subsequent development of sacroiliitis on plain radiography. A prospective, longitudinal study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the diagnostic value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the detection of early sacroiliitis. METHODS: Twenty-five consecutive HLA-B27 positive patients with inflammatory low back pain and < or = grade 2 unilateral sacroiliitis on conventional radiography (modified New York criteria) were studied. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, plain radiography (PR), and MRI of the sacroiliac (SI) joints were obtained at study entry and PR of the SI joints after 3 years. Each radiograph and MR image set was interpreted independently. SI joints were scored according to the modified New York Criteria for radiological sacroiliitis. MRI scans were also scored for the presence of subchondral marrow edema. The relationship between > or = grade 2 sacroiliitis (by modified New York criteria for radiological sacroiliitis) shown on MRI and the subsequent development of > or = grade 2 sacroiliitis on PR after 3 years was investigated. RESULTS: At study entry > or = grade 2 sacroiliitis was found on MRI in 36 of 50 SI joints. Edema was found in 20 of 50 SI joints. After 3 years > or = grade 2 sacroiliitis was found on PR in 21 of 44 SI joints. The positive predictive value of > or = grade 2 sacroiliitis on MRI for the development of > or = grade 2 sacroiliitis on PR after 3 years was 60%; sensitivity was 85% and specificity 47%. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that MRI of the SI joints can be used to identify sacroiliitis earlier than PR.     

Remitting seronegative symmetrical synovitis with pitting edema of the hands: ultrasound, color doppler ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging findings

OBJECTIVE: To assess the value of gray-scale ultrasound (US), color Doppler ultrasound (CDUS), contrast-enhanced CDUS, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the diagnostic evaluation of the hands in patients with remitting seronegative symmetrical synovitis with pitting edema (RS3PE). METHODS: Eight patients (5 men, 3 women; mean +/- SD age 69.3 +/- 7.2 years) with clinical diagnosis of RS3PE syndrome underwent US, CDUS, contrast-enhanced CDUS, and MRI. US was performed with a linear array transducer operating at 12 MHz. The US contrast agent (SHU 508; Levovist, Schering, Germany) was intravenously infused in a concentration of 300 mg/ml at a rate of 1 ml/minute. RESULTS: All patients showed symmetric subcutaneous edema and synovitis of tendons and finger joints on both US and MRI. Vascularity was detected subcutaneously in tendon sheaths and in the joint synovia on CDUS and MRI. Detection of increased vascularity was improved after contrast administration compared with unenhanced CDUS (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Ultrasound, CDUS, contrast-enhanced CDUS, and MRI are valuable tools in the diagnostic evaluation of involved anatomic structures in patients with RS3PE. Contrast-enhanced CDUS is superior to CDUS in assessment of inflammatory edema, effusion, and synovitis.     

Feasibility of second‐generation ultrasound contrast media in the detection of active sacroiliitis

Objective

To determine whether a recently available contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) technique using second‐generation microbubbles allows for the detection of active sacroiliitis, and to measure CEUS enhancement depth at the dorsocaudal part of the sacroiliac (SI) joints in healthy volunteers compared with patients with sacroiliitis.

Methods

Forty‐two consecutive patients (84 SI joints) presenting with a clinical diagnosis of sacroiliitis in 50 SI joints and 21 controls (42 SI joints) were investigated by CEUS using a standardized low mechanical index ultrasound protocol. Detected vascularity was used to retrospectively measure the enhancement depth in the dorsocaudal part of the SI joints.

Results

CEUS detected enhancement in all clinically active SI joints, showing an enhancement depth into the dorsal SI joint cleft of 18.5 mm (range 16–22.1), which was significantly higher compared with both inactive joints of patients (3.6 mm, range 0–12; P < 0.001) and healthy controls (3.1 mm, range 0–7.8; P < 0.001). All inactive joints were correctly classified based on a lack of deep enhancement in patients with sacroiliitis and controls (42 of 42, 100% sensitivity, 100% specificity; Cohen's κ = 1).

Conclusion

CEUS allowed the differentiation of active sacroiliitis from inactive SI joints, and proved to be a feasible method for the detection of vascularity in clinically active sacroiliitis by showing deep contrast enhancement into the SI joints not detectable in inactive joints of patients or controls. If this technique might add information to the earlier detection of sacroiliitis, it should be addressed in further studies.     

Use of dynamic magnetic resonance imaging with fast imaging in the detection of early and advanced sacroiliitis in spondylarthropathy patients

Objective. To evaluate the new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) method of dynamic MRI with fast imaging in the diagnosis of sacroiliitis among patients with spondylarthropathy. Methods. Fifteen patients with a history of inflammatory back pain without radiographic evidence of grade II or greater sacroiliitis (group 1), 25 patients with definite ankylosing spondylitis (group 2), and 12 patients with noninflammatory spinal pain (controls) (group 3) were examined. Dynamic MRI with fast imaging was performed after intravenous bolus injection of the contrast agent gadolinium—diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid. The degree of enhancement was graded as representing acute sacroiliitis, latent sacroiliitis, or no sacroiliitis. Results. Acute sacroiliitis was detected in 22 of 30 sacroiliac (SI) joints in group 1 patients and in 27 of 50 SI joints in group 2 patients; latent sacroiliitis was seen in 25 of 80 SI joints in patients from groups 1 and 2. No group 3 patient was found to have sacroiliitis. Conclusion. Early sacroiliitis can be demonstrated by dynamic MRI in spondylarthropathy patients in whom abnormalities are not revealed by conventional radiography.     

Evaluation of magnetic resonance imaging and radionuclide bone scan in early spondyloarthropathy

IntroductionSpondyloarthropathy (SpA) comprises a small percentage of low backache (LBA) and presents with inflammatory pain. Sacroiliitis in SpAs forms the basis of diagnosis, and may take 7–8 years to become visible in plain radiographs. In order to achieve significant modification of the course of the disease it is imperative to make an early diagnosis, identify risk factors for aggressive disease and initiate the therapy right at outset. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a promising modality to pick up inflammation and structural damage early in the course of the disease.ObjectiveTo assess the role of MRI and radionuclide bone scan in patients with early SpA of less than 2 years.MethodsPatients with inflammatory LBA, defined according to the Calin criteria and satisfying the European Spondyloarthropathy Study Group (ESSG) criteria for SpA of less than 2 years duration, were included. Controls had mechanical LBA. A detailed clinical assessment and assessment of disease activity and functional impairment was done with validated measures. Radiological assessment included conventional radiograph of the pelvis, radionuclide scan and MRI of sacroiliac joints (SI joints). The sensitivity, specificity and predictive value of each modality in contributing to the diagnosis of SpA were assessed.ResultsAssessment of 132 SI joints in 33 patients (Age 31 ± 6.14 years, M:F 24:9) and 33 controls (Age 31.8 ± 7.21 years, M:F 27:5) was done. The mean disease duration of cases was 10.7 (± 6.97) months. Conventional radiograph failed to pick up sacroiliitis in any of the cases. Positive bone scan was present in 27 patients (21 bilateral sacroiliitis, 6 unilateral sacroiliitis). Bone scan had a sensitivity of 81.8% and a specificity of 88%. MRI abnormality was present in 29 patients (50 joints, bilateral in 21 and unilateral in 8) and in none of the controls. This accounted for a sensitivity of 87.9% and a specificity of 100%. The MRI changes included bone marrow oedema (89%), synovial enhancement (55%), subchondral oedema (41%), erosions (51%) and sclerosis (28%). Both inflammatory and structural changes in MRI showed positive correlation with Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) (P = 0.034, 0.02) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) (P = 0.02, 0.001).ConclusionsIn patients with early SpA of less than 2 years duration, conventional radiographs did not pick up sacroiliitis; however, both the radionuclide scan and MRI were useful.     

Comparison of duplex sonography and high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of giant cell (temporal) arteritis

OBJECTIVE: To compare the diagnostic performance of high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and color-coded duplex sonography (CCDS) in patients with giant cell (temporal) arteritis (GCA). METHODS: Results of high-resolution MRI and CCDS in 59 patients with suspected GCA were compared with the final clinical diagnosis (based on the American College of Rheumatology GCA criteria and a 6-month followup study). Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values (PPV, NPV) were calculated for each method. In 41 of the patients, imaging results were also compared with the findings of a temporal artery (TA) biopsy. RESULTS: Thirty-six of the 59 patients (61%) were ultimately diagnosed as having GCA. Sensitivity of high-resolution MRI and CCDS was 69% and 67%, respectively, specificity was 91% and 91%, PPV was 93% and 92%, and NPV was 66% and 64%, respectively. TA biopsy findings were positive in 24 of the 41 biopsied patients (59%). Sensitivity of high-resolution MRI and CCDS compared with TA biopsy was 83% and 79%, respectively, specificity was 71% and 59%, PPV was 80% and 73%, and NPV was 75% and 67%, respectively. The differences between high-resolution MRI and CCDS were not significant. CONCLUSION: The diagnostic power of high-resolution MRI and CCDS in detecting GCA was comparable. Either of these noninvasive techniques may have value in the evaluation of patients with suspected GCA, and decisions regarding which technique to use may depend on the clinical setting.     

Magnetic resonance imaging guided corticosteroid injection of the sacroiliac joints in patients with therapy resistant spondyloarthropathy: a pilot study

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) guided corticosteroid injections of inflamed sacroiliac (SI) joints in patients with spondyloarthropathy with therapy resistant sacroiliitis. METHODS: We performed 16 injections in 9 patients on an outpatient basis (6 men, 3 women, mean age at onset 24.7 +/- 7.5 yrs). All patients had MRI guided injection of 40 mg triamcinolone acetonide into SI joints using an open 0.2 Tesla unit. Before and 3 months after corticosteroid injection they underwent an MRI examination with a closed 1.5 Tesla unit. RESULTS: Seven of 9 patients reported subjective improvement that lasted at least a mean of 10.8 +/- 5.6 months. Subchondral bone marrow edema on fat suppressed images resolved in 8 patients after corticosteroid injection. CONCLUSION: MRI guided corticosteroid injection of SI joints appears to be an effective and safe procedure without exposure to radiation. It is a useful therapeutic modality, especially in young patients with severe isolated sacroiliitis.     

The value of contrast‐enhanced color doppler ultrasound in the detection of vascularization of finger joints in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Objective

A prospective study was performed to assess the usefulness of contrast‐enhanced color Doppler ultrasound (CDUS) in the evaluation of intraarticular vascularization of finger joints in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

We investigated 198 finger joints in 46 patients with RA, and 80 finger joints in 10 healthy volunteers. Joints with varying levels of clinical activity of inflammation were classified as being active, moderately active, or inactive. CDUS was performed with a high‐frequency multi‐D linear array transducer. A microbubble‐based ultrasound (US) contrast agent (Levovist; Schering, Berlin, Germany) was intravenously infused. Doppler findings were rated on the basis of both unenhanced and contrast‐enhanced CDUS images.

Results

Healthy joints showed no intraarticular vascularization on either unenhanced or contrast‐enhanced CDUS. Unenhanced CDUS detected intraarticular vascularization in 7 (8%) of 83 inactive joints, in 31 (52%) of 60 moderately active joints, and in 32 (58%) of 55 active joints. Contrast‐enhanced CDUS detected intraarticular vascularization in 41 (49%) of 83 joints with inactive RA, in 59 (98%) of 60 joints with moderately active RA, and in all 55 joints with active RA. Detection of intraarticular vascularization was improved by administration of the microbubble‐based US contrast agent (P < 0.001). Contrast‐enhanced CDUS demonstrated differences in intraarticular vascularization between joints with inactive RA and those with active RA (P < 0.001), between joints with inactive RA and those with moderately active RA (P < 0.001), and between joints with moderately active RA and those with active RA (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The use of a microbubble‐based US contrast agent significantly improved the detection of intraarticular vascularization in the finger joints of patients with RA. This technique seems to be a useful adjunct in the assessment of disease activity.

     

Crohn's disease activity assessed by fecal calprotectin and lactoferrin: correlation with Crohn's disease activity index and endoscopic findings

BACKGROUND: Correlation of endoscopic Crohn's disease activity with fecal calprotectin and lactoferrin is insufficiently studied. We evaluated the clinical significance of these neutrofil-derived proteins in assessment of Crohn's disease activity by comparing them with endoscopic disease activity and with Crohn's disease activity index (CDAI) and serum CRP. METHODS: A total of 77 CD patients underwent one or more ileocolonoscopies (n = 106) with scoring of Crohn's disease index of severity (CDEIS). Patients provided stool samples for calprotectin and lactoferrin measurements and blood samples for CRP. Clinical activity was based on the CDAI. RESULTS: Both fecal calprotectin and lactoferrin correlated significantly with CDEIS (Spearman's r 0.729 and 0.773, P < 0.001). With a cutoff level of 200 microg/g for a raised fecal calprotectin concentration, sensitivity was 70%, specificity 92%, positive predictive value (PPV) 94%, and negative predictive value (NPV) 61% in predicting endoscopically active disease (CDEIS >/= 3). A fecal lactoferrin concentration of 10 microg/g as the cutoff value gave a sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of 66%, 92%, 94%, and 59%. Sensitivity of CDAI >/= 150 to detect endoscopically active disease was only 27%, specificity 94%, PPV 91%, and NPV 40%. A raised serum CRP (> 5 mg/l) gave a sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of 48%, 91%, 91%, and 48%.Conclusions: For evaluation of Crohn's disease activity, based on endoscopic findings, more sensitive surrogate markers than is CDAI or CRP are fecal calprotectin and lactoferrin. These prove to be useful tools for estimation of disease activity in Crohn's disease.     

Computed tomography in the diagnosis of early ankylosing spondylitis

Computed tomography (CT) was compared with plain radiography and quantitative sacroiliac (SI) scintigraphy in 28 patients with early ankylosing spondylitis (AS) of less than or equal to 10 years duration. Compared with conventional radiography, CT improved delineation of the SI joints and revealed more abnormalities and higher grades of sacroiliitis; this was significant in patients with early AS of less than or equal to 3 years duration. Quantitative sacroiliac scintigraphy showed higher SI joint: sacrum ratios of radioisotope uptake in patients with AS compared with controls. However, its diagnostic usefulness was limited by the frequency of inconsistent results and the lack of specificity. CT examination of the SI joints may be a useful adjunct in the diagnosis of early AS.     

The investigation of sacroiliitis with different imaging techniques in spondyloarthropathies

Purpose The aim of this study was to compare the value of different imaging techniques in spondyloarthropathy (SpA) patients with inflammatory low back pain.Patients and methods We evaluated 54 patients who fulfilled the European spondyloarthropathy classification criteria and had inflammatory low back pain. They were subdivided into two groups according to changes on plain radiography rated on a 0–4 scale according to modified New York criteria. Group A patients had at least grade-2 unilateral or bilateral changes in the sacroiliac (SI) joints, whereas group B included patients with radiologic changes not exceeding grade 0–1. Quantitative SI scintigraphy and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were performed to investigate the value of these techniques to the diagnosis of sacroiliitis, and the sacroiliac joint:sacrum uptake ratios were calculated. Scintiscanning was done in 80 healthy subjects to define the normal range.Results The sensitivities of plain radiography, quantitative SI scintigraphy, and MRI were 61%, 55%, and 89%, respectively, among the patients with SpA. MRI and quantitative SI scintigraphy detected sacroiliitis in 97% and 49% of group A, respectively. In group B, these results were 76% and 66%, respectively.Conclusion Magnetic resonance imaging is the most sensitive method for detecting acute or chronic changes in SpA patients with histories of inflammatory low back pain and normal or indeterminate findings on plain radiographs.     

Fiberoptic bronchoscopy for the rapid diagnosis of smear-negative pulmonary tuberculosis

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: This study was aimed to investigate the diagnostic value of fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FOB) with chest high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) for the rapid diagnosis of active pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) in patients suspected of PTB but found to have a negative sputum acid-fast bacilli (AFB) smear. METHODS: We evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of results from FOB and HRCT in 126 patients at Gangnam Severance Hospital (Seoul, Korea) who were suspected of having PTB. RESULTS: Of 126 patients who had negative sputum AFB smears but were suspected of having PTB, 54 patients were confirmed as having active PTB. Hemoptysis was negatively correlated with active PTB. Tree-in-bud appearance on HRCT was significantly associated with active PTB. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of FOB alone was 75.9%, 97.2%, 95.3%, and 84.3%, respectively, for the rapid diagnosis of active PTB. The combination of FOB and HRCT improved the sensitivity to 96.3% and the NPV to 96.2%. CONCLUSIONS: FOB is a useful tool in the rapid diagnosis of active PTB with a high sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV in sputum smear-negative PTB-suspected patients. HRCT improves the sensitivity of FOB when used in combination with FOB in sputum smear-negative patients suspected of having PTB.     

Value of multidetector computed tomography for the radiologic grading of sacroiliitis in ankylosing spondylitis

The objective of this study is to investigate the value of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) in the assessment of sacroiliitis in patients with established ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Paired plain radiographs and MDCT images of the 330 sacroiliac (SI) joints in 165 patients with definite or probable ankylosing spondylitis were analyzed for sacroiliitis. Sacroiliitis on plain radiographs were graded on a scale of 0–4 according to the modified New York (NY) criteria. For grading of sacroiliitis by MDCT, modified NY criteria were revised for MDCT application introducing the concept of quantification. The relationship between sacroiliitis grades by plain radiography and MDCT was analyzed by two radiologists, blinded for all clinical data. Of the 330 SI joints assessed, there was agreement between the sacroiliitis grading by plain radiography and MDCT in 73 (22.1 %) SI joints. Sacroiliitis grade by MDCT was higher in 250 (75.8 %) SI joints and lower in 7 (2.1 %) SI joints than that by plain radiography. Using the MDCT, 83.6 % of patients met the modified NY radiologic criteria for the classification of AS, compared with 58.2 % of the patients by plain radiography. Twenty-six percent of the patients, who did not meet the modified NY criteria for the classification of AS by plain radiography, met the criteria by MDCT. Disease durations in patients with grade 2 and grade 3 sacroiliitis were significantly shorter in patients evaluated by MDCT compared with plain radiography. MDCT is a useful imaging method that can be applied to the initial diagnosis of the AS, and by better visualization of SI joint changes, it can be used to predict the progress of the disease.     

Evaluation of acute and chronic MRI features of sacroiliitis in asymptomatic primary hyperparathyroid patients

Asymptomatic primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is characterized with autonomous overproduction of parathyroid hormone without signs or symptoms associated with hyperparathyroidism. Before symptoms become obvious, PHPT may affect structures like sacroiliac joints, which consist of bone. So, in the asymptomatic PHPT patients, structural and inflammatory changes in sacroiliac joints may lead to confusion during diagnosis workup of axial spondyloarthropathy. In this study, we evaluated active and chronic sacroiliac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) changes relevant to sacroiliitis in the patients with asymptomatic PHPT and interpreted bone marrow edema within the scope of Assessment of SpondyloArthritis International Society–Outcome Measures in Rheumatology Clinical Trials (ASAS-OMERACT) criteria. Forty-nine patients with asymptomatic PHPT, 26 patients with newly diagnosed axial spondyloarthropathy (SpA), and 37 healthy controls were enrolled. All subjects were evaluated by sacroiliac MRI for four active (bone marrow edema, enthesitis, capsulitis, and synovitis) and four chronic (subchondral sclerosis, subchondral/periarticular erosions, periarticular fat deposition, and bony bridges/ankylosis) lesions relevant to sacroiliitis. Bone marrow edema compatible with ASAS-OMERACT active sacroiliitis criteria in sacroiliac MRI was fulfilled by 16.3 % (8/49) of the asymptomatic PHPT patients which was similar with controls but statistically lower than axial SpA. Moreover, asymptomatic PHPT patients and controls were similar for other chronic or active MRI findings. Also, we detected lower frequency of all other MRI findings, except enthesis, in asymptomatic PHPT patients according to axial SpA. Acute inflammatory including bone marrow edema fulfilling ASAS-OMERACT active sacroiliitis criteria and chronic structural sacroiliac lesions relevant to sacroiliitis in MRI were detected in asymptomatic PHPT similar frequency with controls but as expected, lower than axial SpA. But, these findings could not be attributed to excessive secretion of parathyroid hormone.     

CT and MR imaging for detecting neoplastic invasion of esophageal inlet

AIM: Direct neoplastic invasion of esophageal inlet is an uncommon but significant sequela of advanced head and neck carcinomas. The aim of this study was to seek an optimal CT or MRI criterion for determining the neoplastic esophageal inlet involvement in order to help tumor staging and surgical planning. METHODS: CT and MRI of 78 head and neck tumor cases were investigated retrospectively. At the level of the esophageal inlet on axial CT and MRI scans, the distance between the posterior aspect of cricoid cartilage and the anterior aspect of vertebra (d-CV) was measured by two senior radiologists who were unaware of clinical findings. Then, according to pathologie evidence and follow-up findings, these patients were divided into patients group, including 32 cases with neoplastic invasion of esophageal inlet and control group, including 46 cases without neoplastic esophageal inlet involvement. The statistical difference based on d-CV between the two groups was determined. The optimal criterion of d-CV on CT or MRI was assessed and lts accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were evaluated respectively. RESULTS: In control group, d-CV at the esophageal inlet level was 0.94±0.15 cm on axial CT and 0.91±0.18 cm on axial MRI, whereas in patient group, d-CV was 1.24±0.32 cm on CT and 1.31±0.36 cm on MRI. There was a statistical significance in d-CV between the two groups on CT and MRI modalities (P<0.01). d-CV greater than 1.0 cm was the typicall feature of neoplastic invasion of the esophageal inlet with 73% sensitivity, 83% specificity, 79% accuracy, 76% PPV, 80% NPV on CT and 84% sensitivity, 77% specificity, 80% accuracy, 70% PPV, 88% NPV on MRI respectively. CONCLUSION: Except for other CT and MR imaging features of neoplastic invasion of esophageal inlet, d-CV greater than 1.0 cm is an optimal adjunct criterion for esophageal inlet invasion by advanced head and neck carcinomas.     

磁共振成像对早期骶髂关节炎的诊断价值研究

目的了解磁共振成像(MRI)在早期骶髂关节炎诊断中的意义。方法对82例炎症性腰背痛或不对称性下肢滑膜炎患者的骶髂关节CT扫描、MRI平扫以及病理检查结果进行分析比较。结果45例病理证实的早期骶髂关节炎中,69%(31/45)MRI显示骶髂关节存在炎症性改变。但17例病理检查骶髂关节无炎症性改变者,也有59%(10/17)MRI表现不同程度骶髂关节炎症性改变。以病理检查结果为依据,MRI对早期骶髂关节炎诊断的敏感性、特异性分别为69%和41%。结论MRI对早期骶髂关节炎的诊断有一定的敏感性,但特异性不高,临床应用要慎重考虑。     

Self-diagnosis of active head lice infestation by individuals from an impoverished community: high sensitivity and specificity

To compare sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of self-diagnosis for head lice infestation with visual inspection, we conducted a study in an urban slum in Brazil. Individuals were asked about active head lice infestation (self-diagnosis); we performed visual inspection and thereafter wet combing (gold standard). Of the 175 individuals included, 77 (44%) had an active head lice infestation. For self-diagnosis, sensitivity (80.5%), specificity (91.8%), PPV (88.6%) and NPV (85.7%) were high. Sensitivity of visual inspection was 35.1%. Public health professionals can use self-diagnosis as a diagnostic tool, to estimate accurately prevalence of pediculosis in a community, and to monitor ongoing intervention strategies.     

Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of the dipyridamole sestamibi stress test comparing arterial to vein conduits

STUDY OBJECTIVES: To determine the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of the dipyridamole stress test (DSST) in predicting > or = 50% obstruction of an internal mammary artery or new native coronary artery disease (CAD) compared with saphenous vein graft obstruction > or = 50% in patients with prior coronary artery surgery and symptoms. DESIGN: In 144 patients with prior coronary artery surgery who underwent a DSST within 8 +/- 7 days of coronary angiography performed because of cardiac symptoms, we investigated the sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of the DSST in predicting > or = 50% obstruction of an internal mammary artery or new native CAD (201 total arterial conduits) vs > or = 50% obstruction of saphenous vein grafts (total saphenous grafts = 246). SETTING: A university hospital. PATIENTS: The 144 patients included 88 men and 56 women, mean age 68 +/- 9 years (+/- SD). RESULTS: The DSST had a sensitivity of 81%, a specificity of 87%, a PPV of 84%, and a NPV of 84% in predicting > or = 50% obstruction of an internal mammary artery or new native CAD. The DSST had a sensitivity of 88%, a specificity of 82%, a PPV of 86%, and a NPV of 85% in predicting > or = 50% obstruction of saphenous vein grafts. CONCLUSION: There was no significant difference in sensitivity, specificity, PPV, or NPV of the DSST in predicting > or = 50% obstruction of an internal mammary artery or new native CAD vs predicting > or = 50% obstruction of saphenous vein grafts in patients with prior coronary artery surgery and cardiac symptoms.