scholarly journals Recent developments in advanced imaging in gout

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
pp. 1759720X1984442 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph Davies ◽  
Philipp Riede ◽  
Kirsten van Langevelde ◽  
James Teh

The plain radiographic features of gout are well known; however, the sensitivity of plain radiographs alone for the detection of signs of gout is poor in acute disease. Radiographic abnormalities do not manifest until late in the disease process, after significant joint and soft tissue damage has already occurred. The advent of dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) has enabled the non-invasive diagnosis and quantification of gout by accurately confirming the presence and extent of urate crystals in joints and soft tissues, without the need for painful and often unreliable soft tissue biopsy or joint aspiration. Specific ultrasound findings have been identified and may also be used to aid diagnosis. Both ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be used for the measurement of disease extent, monitoring of disease activity or treatment response, although MRI findings are nonspecific. In this article we summarize the imaging findings and diagnostic utility of plain radiographs, ultrasound, DECT, MRI and nuclear medicine studies in the assessment as well as the implications and utility these tools have for measuring disease burden and therapeutic response.

2005 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 133-140 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Mietchen ◽  
H. Keupp ◽  
B. Manz ◽  
F. Volke

Abstract. For more than a decade, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) has been routinely employed in clinical diagnostics because it allows non-invasive studies of anatomical structures and physiological processes in vivo and to differentiate between healthy and pathological states, particularly of soft tissue. Here, we demonstrate that MRI can likewise be applied to fossilized biological samples and help in elucidating paleopathological and paleoecological questions: Five anomalous guards of Jurassic and Cretaceous belemnites are presented along with putative paleopathological diagnoses directly derived from 3D MR images with microscopic resolution. Syn vivo deformities of both the mineralized internal rostrum and the surrounding former soft tissue can be traced back in part to traumatic events of predator-prey-interactions, and partly to parasitism. Besides, evidence is presented that the frequently observed anomalous apical collar might be indicative of an inflammatory disease. These findings highlight the potential of Magnetic Resonance techniques for further paleontological applications.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olivier Ami ◽  
Jean Christophe Maran ◽  
Dominique Musset ◽  
Claude Dubray ◽  
Gérard Mage ◽  
...  

UNSTRUCTURED Childbirth is a physiologic process with significant medical risk, as neurological impairment due to the birthing process can occur at any time. Improvements in risk assessment and anticipatory interventions are constantly needed; however, the birthing process is difficult to assess using simple imaging technology since the maternal bony pelvis and fetal skeleton interfere with visualizing the soft tissues. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive technique with no ionizing radiation that can monitor the biomechanics of the birthing process. Effective utilization of this modality, however, requires teamwork and implementation of the appropriate safeguards to achieve appropriate safety levels. This article describes a clinically effective and safe method to perform real-time MRI during the birthing process. We report the experience of our team as part of the IMAGINAITRE research protocol (France), which aimed better understand of the biomechanics of childbirth. 


Sensors ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (8) ◽  
pp. 2379 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guillermo Rus ◽  
Inas H. Faris ◽  
Jorge Torres ◽  
Antonio Callejas ◽  
Juan Melchor

The adoption of multiscale approaches by the biomechanical community has caused a major improvement in quality in the mechanical characterization of soft tissues. The recent developments in elastography techniques are enabling in vivo and non-invasive quantification of tissues’ mechanical properties. Elastic changes in a tissue are associated with a broad spectrum of pathologies, which stems from the tissue microstructure, histology and biochemistry. This knowledge is combined with research evidence to provide a powerful diagnostic range of highly prevalent pathologies, from birth and labor disorders (prematurity, induction failures, etc.), to solid tumors (e.g., prostate, cervix, breast, melanoma) and liver fibrosis, just to name a few. This review aims to elucidate the potential of viscous and nonlinear elastic parameters as conceivable diagnostic mechanical biomarkers. First, by providing an insight into the classic role of soft tissue microstructure in linear elasticity; secondly, by understanding how viscosity and nonlinearity could enhance the current diagnosis in elastography; and finally, by compounding preliminary investigations of those elastography parameters within different technologies. In conclusion, evidence of the diagnostic capability of elastic parameters beyond linear stiffness is gaining momentum as a result of the technological and imaging developments in the field of biomechanics.


2017 ◽  
Vol 21 (03) ◽  
pp. 218-239 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pantelis Kraniotis ◽  
Apostolos Karantanas ◽  
Ioannis Tsifountoudis

The spectrum of disorders in musculotendinous trauma (MTt) includes acute traumatic and subacute/chronic lesions caused by repetitive microtrauma. The imaging findings differ in the immature versus the mature skeleton in both categories. Sport-related MTt also depends on age, sex, and type of activity. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the modality of choice for exploring most MTt injuries and is invaluable for assessing severity and for planning management and return to activity. In some circumstances such as minimally displaced avulsion injuries, MRI findings need to be matched with plain radiographs or computed tomography. Ultrasonography is helpful in exploring superficial structures such as tendons, particularly if dynamic studies are required. Rarely, inflammatory or neoplastic disorders may simulate MTt in the hip and pelvis.


1989 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-24 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Cozzi ◽  
M. Bellomi ◽  
L. F. Frigerio ◽  
C. Ostinelli ◽  
A. Marchianò ◽  
...  

Mesotheliomas are rare tumors arising from serosal linings of the major serous cavities. Five patients with peritoneal mesothelioma underwent a double contrast barium enema (DCBE) and ultrasonography (US) (2 patients), computed tomography (CT) (3 patients) and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (3 patients). The diagnosis was confirmed at laparotomy. The radiologic pattern at DCBE is unspecific and consists of compression and dislocation of bowel loops by extrinsic masses. Mesenteric retraction and segmental stenosis may be present. In one patient DCBE was normal. US, CT and MRI findings are also unspecific but when combined with information obtained from DCBE the site and abdominal extension of the disease are well defined.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kyung-Sik Ahn ◽  
Chang Ho Kang ◽  
Suk-Joo Hong ◽  
Baek Hyun Kim ◽  
Euddeum Shim

Abstract Background Although MRI is the gold-standard imaging method in the diagnosis of spondylodiscitis, role of follow-up imaging is debated and there can be discrepancies with regard to the significance of bony or soft tissue responses to treatment. Purpose of our study is to test whether the MRI changes on follow-up imaging correlate with laboratory findings of treatment response. Methods A total of 48 patients with pyogenic spondylodiscitis who underwent baseline and follow-up MRI were retrospectively reviewed. The extent of bone marrow edema, paravertebral soft tissue inflammation, and disc height were compared on baseline and follow-up MRIs with the C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) levels obtained from the medical records at baseline and on follow-up. Relationships between the MRI and laboratory changes were analyzed using the Spearmann correlation test. Results The mean MRI follow-up period was 42.25 days. Based on the CRP (resolved: n=19, resolving: n=19, and aggravated: n=10), there was significant correlation between the laboratory results and the changes in the bone and soft tissues (p < 0.01, both). The correlation was best with soft tissue changes (rho: 0.48) followed by bony changes (rho: 0.41). Based on the ESR (resolved: n=8, resolving: n=22, and worsened: n=18), the correlation was stronger with bone changes (rho: 0.45, p < 0.01) than it was with soft tissue changes (rho: 0.39, p = 0.01). Conclusion Follow-up MRI findings of pyogenic spondylodiscitis show variable tissue responses. CRP was best correlated with soft tissue changes, while ESR showed the best association with bony changes.


2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Akio Sakamoto ◽  
Yoshinao Oda ◽  
Yukihide Iwamoto

Background. Intraosseous ganglion is a cystic lesion that contains gelatinous material, most often occurs in middle-aged patients, and is regarded as similar to soft-tissue ganglion. The etiology is unknown, but association with degenerative joint disease has been considered.Materials and Methods. At a single institute, 17 patients (8 men, 9 women) with a mean age of 48.9 years (22–72 years) were surgically treated for an intraosseous ganglion. The lesions were located in 9 long bones (5 tibiae, 2 humeri, 1 ulna, and 1 femur); 4 flat bones (2 scapulae, 2 ilia); and 4 small bones (2 scaphoid, 1 metacarpal bone, and 1 talus). The diagnosis was confirmed based both on the gross intraoperative finding of intralesional gelatinous material and on histopathology.Results. All lesions occurred at the epiphysis or near the joint. The plain radiographs showed a lesion with marginal osteosclerosis. The average lesion size was 22.4 mm (range 6–40 mm). Among the 17 patients, 2 (12%) had osteoarthritis, 3 (18%) had pathological fracture, and 4 (24%) had extraskeletal extension.Discussion and Conclusion. The periosteum and cortex of bone represent physical barriers. Therefore, it seems much more likely that primary bone lesions will spread to the soft tissues. Intraosseous ganglion does not appear to be associated with either soft-tissue ganglion or with osteoarthritis. This clinical information and the appearance on plain radiographs, particularly the marginal osteosclerosis, are of differential diagnostic importance.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kyung-Sik Ahn ◽  
Chang Ho Kang ◽  
Suk-Joo Hong ◽  
Baek Hyun Kim ◽  
Euddeum Shim

Abstract Background: Although MRI is the gold-standard imaging method in the diagnosis of spondylodiscitis, role of follow-up imaging is debated and there can be discrepancies with regard to the significance of bony or soft tissue responses to treatment. Purpose of our study is to test whether the MRI changes on follow-up imaging correlate with laboratory findings of treatment response.Methods: A total of 48 patients with pyogenic spondylodiscitis who underwent baseline and follow-up MRI were retrospectively reviewed. The extent of bone marrow edema, paravertebral soft tissue inflammation, and disc height were compared on baseline and follow-up MRIs with the C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) levels obtained from the medical records at baseline and on follow-up. Relationships between the MRI and laboratory changes were analyzed using the Spearmann correlation test.Results: The mean MRI follow-up period was 42.25 days. Based on the CRP (resolved: n=19, resolving: n=19, and aggravated: n=10), there was significant correlation between the laboratory results and the changes in the bone and soft tissues (p < 0.01, both). The correlation was best with soft tissue changes (rho: 0.48) followed by bony changes (rho: 0.41). Based on the ESR (resolved: n=8, resolving: n=22, and worsened: n=18), the correlation was stronger with bone changes (rho: 0.45, p < 0.01) than it was with soft tissue changes (rho: 0.39, p = 0.01).Conclusion: Follow-up MRI findings of pyogenic spondylodiscitis show variable tissue responses. CRP was best correlated with soft tissue changes, while ESR showed the best association with bony changes.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kyung-Sik Ahn ◽  
Chang Ho Kang ◽  
Suk-Joo Hong ◽  
Baek Hyun Kim ◽  
Euddeum Shim

Abstract Background Although MRI is the gold-standard imaging method in the diagnosis of spondylodiscitis, role of follow-up imaging is debated and there can be discrepancies with regard to the significance of bony or soft tissue responses to treatment. Purpose of our study is to test whether the MRI changes on follow-up imaging correlate with laboratory findings of treatment response. Methods A total of 48 patients with pyogenic spondylodiscitis who underwent baseline and follow-up MRI were retrospectively reviewed. The extent of bone marrow edema, paravertebral soft tissue inflammation, and disc height were compared on baseline and follow-up MRIs with the C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) levels obtained from the medical records at baseline and on follow-up. Relationships between the MRI and laboratory changes were analyzed using the Spearmann correlation test. Results The mean MRI follow-up period was 42.25 days. Based on the CRP (resolved: n=19, resolving: n=19, and aggravated: n=10), there was significant correlation between the laboratory results and the changes in the bone and soft tissues (p < 0.01, both). The correlation was best with soft tissue changes (rho: 0.48) followed by bony changes (rho: 0.41). Based on the ESR (resolved: n=8, resolving: n=22, and worsened: n=18), the correlation was stronger with bone changes (rho: 0.45, p < 0.01) than it was with soft tissue changes (rho: 0.39, p = 0.01). Conclusion Follow-up MRI findings of pyogenic spondylodiscitis show variable tissue responses. CRP was best correlated with soft tissue changes, while ESR showed the best association with bony changes.


2012 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 259-265 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mona M Alkhawajah ◽  
Ana B Caminero ◽  
Hugh J Freeman ◽  
Joel JF Oger

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system (CNS) but the causes have not been defined. The disease process appears to involve interplay between environmental factors and certain susceptibility genes. It is likely that the identification of the exact etiological mechanisms will permit the development of preventive and curative treatments. Evaluation of several diseases found to be more often associated than by chance alone may reveal clues to the etiology of those disorders. An association between MS and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) was suggested by the observation of an increased incidence of IBD among MS patients. A problem in the interpretation of the data rests, in part, with the observation that abnormal findings in brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be reported as MS in IBD patients. Defining the limits between incidental MRI findings and findings compatible with MS has resulted in further exploration of this possible association.


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