scholarly journals Degenerative spine disease: Italian position paper on acquisition, interpretation and reporting of Magnetic Resonance Imaging

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesca B. Pizzini ◽  
Mattia Poletti ◽  
Alberto Beltramello ◽  
Mario Muto ◽  
Alessandra Splendiani ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective To promote a better radiological interpretation of spine degeneration, a consistent standardization of the acquisition, interpretation and description of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) l findings. Materials and methods In order to achieve this objective, a consensus among experts in imaging of degenerative spine disease (DSD) from Italian radiological societies (SIRM—Italian Society of Radiology, AINR—Italian Association of Neuroradiology) was achieved. The representatives of the Italian inter-societal working group examined the literature produced by European/American task forces on optimizing the study sequences, classification of degenerative disc changes, spondylo-arthrosis, osteochondrosis, synovial and ligament pathologies of the spinal column, and on canal and foraminal stenosis. The document-resulted from the consensus between experts—was then presented to the scientific societies of Neurosurgery (SINCH) and Orthopedics and Traumatology (SIOT) for their approval. Results This position paper presents a proposal for an optimized MRI protocol for studying DSD and provides a glossary of terms related to this pathology and indications on their use. The international terminological recommendations have been translated and adapted to the Italian language and clinical practice and clinical cases have been used to illustrate some of the main classifications. Conclusions This revision of international DSD guidelines/recommendations and consensus made it possible to (1) update the nomenclature to international standards and (2) harmonize the MRI protocol and description of radiological findings, adapting both (1, 2) to the Italian context. With this position paper we intend to contribute to an improvement of the communication among doctors and between physicians and their patients as well as the quality of the radiological reports.

2016 ◽  
Vol 58 (2) ◽  
pp. 197-203
Author(s):  
Woo Young Kang ◽  
Joong Mo Ahn ◽  
Joon Woo Lee ◽  
Eugene Lee ◽  
Yun Jung Bae ◽  
...  

Background Both multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are used for assessment of lumbar foraminal stenosis (LFS). Therefore, it is relevant to assess agreement between these imaging modalities. Purpose To determine intermodality, inter-, and intra-observer agreement for assessment of LFS on MDCT and MRI. Material and Methods A total of 120 foramina in 20 patients who visited our institution in January and February 2014 were evaluated by six radiologists with different levels of experience. Radiologists evaluated presence and severity of LFS on sagittal CT and MR images according to a previously published LFS grading system. Intermodality agreement was analyzed by using weighted kappa statistics, while inter- and intra-observer agreement were analyzed by using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and kappa statistics. Results Overall intermodality agreement was moderate to good (kappa, 0.478–0.765). In particular, two professors and one fellow tended to overestimate the degree of LFS on CT compared with MRI. For inter-observer agreement of all six observers, ICCs indicated excellent agreement for both CT (0.774) and MRI (0.771), while Fleiss’ kappa values showed moderate agreement for CT (0.482) and MRI (0.575). There was better agreement between professors and fellows compared with residents. For intra-observer agreement, ICCs indicated excellent agreement, while kappa values showed good to excellent agreement for both CT and MRI. Conclusion MDCT was comparable to MRI for diagnosis and assessment of LFS, especially for experienced observers. However, there was a tendency to overestimate the degree of LFS on MDCT compared with MRI.


2020 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
pp. 76
Author(s):  
Giuseppe Cicero ◽  
Giorgio Ascenti ◽  
Alfredo Blandino ◽  
Socrate Pallio ◽  
Claudia Abate ◽  
...  

Over the past years, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has become a cornerstone in evaluating anal canal and adjacent tissues due to its safeness, the three-dimensional and comprehensive approach, and the high soft-tissue resolution. Several diseases arising in the anal canal can be assessed through MRI performance, including congenital conditions, benign pathologies, and malignancies. Good knowledge of the normal anatomy and MRI technical protocols is, therefore, mandatory for appropriate anal pathology evaluation. Radiologists and clinicians should be familiar with the different clinical scenarios and the anatomy of the structures involved. This pictorial review presents an overview of the diseases affecting the anal canal and the surrounding structures evaluated with dedicated MRI protocol.


2017 ◽  
Vol 6 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 183-190 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seby John ◽  
Nicolas R. Thompson ◽  
Terry Lesko ◽  
Nancy Papesh ◽  
Nancy Obuchowski ◽  
...  

Background and Purpose: Patient selection is important to determine the best candidates for endovascular stroke therapy. In application of a hyperacute magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocol for patient selection, we have shown decreased utilization with improved outcomes. A cost analysis comparing the pre- and post-MRI protocol time periods was performed to determine if the previous findings translated into cost opportunities. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively identified individuals considered for endovascular stroke therapy from January 2008 to August 2012 who were ≤8 h from stroke symptoms onset. Patients prior to April 30, 2010 were selected based on results of the computed tomography/computed tomography angiography alone (pre-hyperacute), whereas patients after April 30, 2010 were selected based on results of MRI (post-hyperacute MRI). Demographic, outcome, and financial information was collected. Log-transformed average daily direct costs were regressed on time period. The regression model included demographic and clinical covariates as potential confounders. Multiple imputation was used to account for missing data. Results: We identified 267 patients in our database (88 patients in pre-hyperacute MRI period, 179 in hyperacute MRI protocol period). Patient length of stay was not significantly different in the hyperacute MRI protocol period as compared to the pre-hyperacute MRI period (10.6 vs. 9.9 days, p < 0.42). The median of average daily direct costs was reduced by 24.5% (95% confidence interval 14.1-33.7%, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Use of the hyperacute MRI protocol translated into reduced costs, in addition to reduced utilization and better outcomes. MRI selection of patients is an effective strategy, both for patients and hospital systems.


2021 ◽  
pp. 0271678X2110484
Author(s):  
Jan Kufer ◽  
Christine Preibisch ◽  
Samira Epp ◽  
Jens Göttler ◽  
Lena Schmitzer ◽  
...  

Cerebrovascular diseases can impair blood circulation and oxygen extraction from the blood. The effective oxygen diffusivity (EOD) of the capillary bed is a potential biomarker of microvascular function that has gained increasing interest, both for clinical diagnosis and for elucidating oxygen transport mechanisms. Models of capillary oxygen transport link EOD to measurable oxygen extraction fraction (OEF) and cerebral blood flow (CBF). In this work, we confirm that two well established mathematical models of oxygen transport yield nearly equivalent EOD maps. Furthermore, we propose an easy-to-implement and clinically applicable multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocol for quantitative EOD mapping. Our approach is based on imaging OEF and CBF with multiparametric quantitative blood oxygenation level dependent (mq-BOLD) MRI and pseudo-continuous arterial spin labeling (pCASL), respectively. We evaluated the imaging protocol by comparing MRI-EOD maps of 12 young healthy volunteers to PET data from a published study in different individuals. Our results show comparably good correlation between MRI- and PET-derived cortical EOD, OEF and CBF. Importantly, absolute values of MRI and PET showed high accordance for all three parameters. In conclusion, our data indicates feasibility of the proposed MRI protocol for EOD mapping, rendering the method promising for future clinical evaluation of patients with cerebrovascular diseases.


2010 ◽  
Vol 57 (3) ◽  
pp. 97-104 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Zbar

Patients presenting with primary evacuatory difficulty have a multiplicity of pelvic floor and perineal soft tissue anomalies. The radiological assessment of these patients requires modalities which monitor the dynamic interaction of pelvic organs during provocative manoeuvres such as straining and simulated defaecation. The advantages and disadvantages of these complementary modalities, (dynamic magnetic resonance imaging, dynamic transperineal sonography and dynamic 2- and 3-dimensional endoanal sonography) are provided in this position paper.


Severe COVID-19 infection can lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) requiring intensive care admission. Mechanically ventilated patients are commonly managed by being positioned in a prone ‘swimmer’s position’. However, this position can lead to a variety of potential complications not related to the illness, including stretching of the brachial plexus resulting in nerve damage. Brachial plexopathy is an important consideration in all patients stepped down from prolonged prone ventilation. This is to prevent possible long-term numbness and weakness in the affected arm which may require intensive physiotherapy. The role of magnetic resonance imaging is particularly useful in visualizing the brachial plexus and providing an accurate diagnosis. Early recognition and prompt imaging is recommended to reduce the incidence and severity of brachial plexopathy, particularly in the wake of a second COVID-19 wave. We report a case of brachial plexopathy in a 54-year-old male following intensive care admission and the relevant MRI protocol and findings which highlight this pathology.


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