Imaging features of gluteal in vitro fertilization injection granulomas, with delayed clinical presentation simulating soft tissue sarcoma.

Objectives: To review the clinical and imaging findings of patients with remote history of intramuscular (IM) in vitro fertilization (IVF) gluteal injections, presenting with signs and symptoms of a possible gluteal soft tissue sarcoma.

Methods And Methods: Retrospective review of consecutive patients with a history of prior IVF therapy referred for MRI evaluation of a gluteal soft tissue mass was performed. Six patients were reviewed, with 5 patients meeting study inclusion criteria.

Analysis of dedicated sacroiliac views to improve reliability of conventional pelvic radiographs.

Objective: To compare the antero-posterior (AP) pelvis view with the Ferguson view of the SI joint in order to resolve whether one modality has a clear advantage for grading of sacroiliitis.

Methods: One hundred and nine patients fulfilling Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society (ASAS) criteria for axial spondyloarthritis who had AP pelvis and Ferguson views on the same day were identified from an axial spondyloarthritis clinic registry. Two rheumatologists independently scored the AP pelvis and Ferguson views according to modified New York (NY) criteria.

Prevalence of Sacroiliitis in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Using a Standardized Computed Tomography Scoring System.

Objective: There is an increasing emphasis on the early identification and treatment of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) of which the hallmark is sacroiliitis. Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at increased risk of AS and often receive computed tomography (CT) scans of their abdomen, affording clinicians the opportunity to determine the presence of sacroiliitis. Previous studies using CT have relied only on the radiologist's gestalt or a nonvalidated adaptation of the modified New York criteria.

Development of a Screening Tool for the Identification of Sacroiliitis in Computed Tomography Scans of the Abdomen.

Objective: To develop a screening tool for the identification of sacroiliitis on abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan.

Methods: Variables including erosions (number and size), sclerosis (depths of > 0.3 cm or > 0.

Prevalence and risk factors of low bone mineral density in psoriatic arthritis: A systematic review.

Objective: Prevalence and impact of low bone mineral density (BMD) in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is not well understood. We aimed to synthesize current evidence regarding the prevalence, impact, and risk factors for low BMD and fractures in PsA.

Methods: A systematic literature search limited to human studies was conducted without language restriction.

Clinical Efficacy of Celecoxib Compared to Acetaminophen in Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain: Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Objective: In this randomized controlled trial, we compared the effect of celecoxib and acetaminophen on pain and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scores in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain.

Methods: A total of 50 patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain were blindly randomized into 2 groups treated with celecoxib (200 mg twice daily) or acetaminophen (500 mg twice daily). Outcome measures included total back pain, nocturnal back pain, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores, the Short Form 36 health survey to assess physical and mental status, and patient global assessment.

Trunnionosis: the latest culprit in adverse reactions to metal debris following hip arthroplasty.

The imaging findings of periprosthetic soft tissue lesions (pseudotumours) have been typically defined in the context of newer second-generation metal-on-metal hip arthroplasty. More recently, similar findings have been described in the setting of non-metal-on-metal prostheses. Although uncommon, wear and corrosion between the metal surfaces at the head-neck ('trunnionosis') and neck-stem interfaces are the potential culprits.

Is the MAdrid Sonographic Enthesitis Index useful for differentiating psoriatic arthritis from psoriasis alone and healthy controls?

Objective: To assess the usefulness of the MAdrid Sonographic Enthesitis Index (MASEI) in classifying patients as having psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and comparing entheseal abnormalities between patients with PsA, psoriasis alone (PsC), and healthy controls (HC).

Methods: Patients with PsC were assessed to exclude inflammatory arthritis. The MASEI scoring system was used to quantify the extent of ultrasonographic (US) entheseal abnormalities.

Development and validation of the spondyloarthritis radiography module for calibration of readers using the modified Stoke Ankylosing Spondylitis Spine Score.

Objective: To develop and validate a reference image module aimed at calibration of readers using the modified Stoke Ankylosing Spondylitis Spine Score (mSASSS) to assess radiographic progression in spondyloarthritis.

Methods: Our working group comprised 6 rheumatologists and 3 musculoskeletal radiologists. The following developmental steps were conducted: (1) review of the literature to identify aspects of the mSASSS requiring methodologic clarity; (2) independent assessment of baseline and 2-year radiographs from 25 patients using the mSASSS (pilot exercise); (3) development of a training module (the Spondyloarthritis Radiography [SPAR] module) that clarifies definitions, rules, and scoring methodology and a set of reference radiographic images; (4) scoring exercise 1 by 6 readers on 39 patients, where baseline and 2-year radiographs were scored blinded to time point; and (5) revision of the SPAR module followed by scoring exercise 2 conducted by the same 6 readers on 35 patients.

Imaging of spondyloarthropathies.

Spondyloarthropathies (SpA) are a group of disorders that primarily affect the synovial joints of the axial and appendicular skeleton of variable predilections. Plain radiography is the initial and standard method of investigation in axial SpAs. Careful evaluation of the radiographs through developing a systematic approach is indispensible in reaching the correct diagnosis.

A pilot study of computed tomography-detected asymptomatic pulmonary filling defects after hip and knee arthroplasties.

We asked what the incidence of asymptomatic filling defects is on routine multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) in primary hip (total hip arthroplasty [THA]) and knee arthroplasties (TKA) patients. We prospectively performed MDCT scans on the first postoperative day for THA (n = 21)/TKA (n = 27). Patients underwent routine postoperative care, and data were collected for symptoms such as tachycardia or shortness of breath.

Hip and groin pain in the professional athlete.

Hip and groin pain is a common condition in professional athletes and may result from an acute injury or from chronic, repetitive trauma. It is responsible for significant morbidity, which leads to time away from training and competition, and may result in a career-ending injury. The anatomic and biomechanical causes for hip and groin injuries are among the most complex and controversial in the musculoskeletal system.

Massive localised lymphoedema: clinical presentation and MR imaging characteristics.

Three morbidly obese women were referred to us with suspected soft-tissue sarcomas. All lesions arose from the medial subcutaneous tissues of the thigh, and were shown to represent massive localised lymphoedema (MLL), a rare condition occurring in morbidly obese adults. MR imaging typically demonstrates a sharply demarcated, pedunculated mass consisting of fat partitioned by fibrous septae surrounded by a thickened dermis.

Skiing and snowboarding injuries: a review with a focus on mechanism of injury.

Skiing and snowboarding are ever increasing in popularity, with participation across a wide patient demographic. This article focuses on common skiing and snowboarding injuries, with an emphasis on unique mechanisms of injury and discusses the contribution of equipment design to evolving patterns of injury. Knowledge of mechanisms of injury and injury patterns allows a targeted approach to the interpretation of imaging modalities in this patient population.

Low-dose infliximab (3 mg/kg) significantly reduces spinal inflammation on magnetic resonance imaging in patients with ankylosing spondylitis: a randomized placebo-controlled study.

Objective: To evaluate the influence of low-dose infliximab (IFX) on spinal inflammation scored by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The dose recommended for rheumatoid arthritis (3 mg/kg) is also clinically effective for ankylosing spondylitis (AS), although effects on spinal inflammation as defined by MRI have yet to be described in a placebo-controlled trial.

Methods: In a 12-week double-blind period, patients were randomized 1:1 to receive either IFX 3 mg/kg at 0, 2, and 6 weeks, or placebo.

Significance of clinical evaluation of the metacarpophalangeal joint in relation to synovial/bone pathology in rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis detected by magnetic resonance imaging.

Objective: Rheumatologists base many clinical decisions regarding the management of inflammatory joint diseases on joint counts performed at clinic. We investigated the reliability and accuracy of physically examining the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints to detect inflammatory synovitis using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as the gold standard.

Methods: MCP joints 2 to 5 in both hands of 5 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and 5 with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) were assessed by 5 independent examiners for joint-line swelling (visually and by palpation); joint-line tenderness by palpation (tender joint count, TJC) and stress pain; and by MRI (1.

Magnetic resonance imaging features of osseous manifestations of early acquired syphilis.

We report the case of a 64-year-old man who initially presented with a maculopapular rash followed several weeks later by bilateral shin pain and infiltrative cutaneous lesions over the lower legs. The plain radiographs were not contributory, and the patient was referred for a whole-body bone scan, which demonstrated multifocal osseous lesions, including such lesions in the lower legs, skull and facial bones. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated numerous small tibial and fibular nodular lesions involving the medullary cavity and the cortex.

Assessment of radiographic progression in the spines of patients with ankylosing spondylitis treated with adalimumab for up to 2 years.

Introduction: Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic rheumatic disease associated with spinal inflammation that subsequently leads to progression of structural damage and loss of function. The fully human anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) antibody adalimumab reduces the signs and symptoms and improves overall quality of life in patients with active AS; these benefits have been maintained through 2 years of treatment. Our objective was to compare the progression of structural damage in the spine in patients with AS treated with adalimumab for up to 2 years versus patients who had not received TNF antagonist therapy.

Is the Ex-PRESS glaucoma shunt magnetic resonance imaging safe?

Introduction: Ex-PRESS mini glaucoma shunt is a miniature, stainless steel, nonvalved device used for the treatment of glaucoma. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety of the Ex-PRESS glaucoma shunt during magnetic resonance (MR) imaging.

Methods: The effect of a magnetic field on the Ex-PRESS glaucoma shunt was evaluated in 4 scenarios.

Clinical and radiographic response to a local infliximab injection in a patient with chronic sacroiliitis.

Background: A 49-year-old man presented to a rheumatology clinic with a 2-month history of low back pain. The pain seemed to be inflammatory in origin, with nocturnal occurrence and substantial early morning stiffness. The patient was previously well, with no history of psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease or iritis.

Adalimumab significantly reduces both spinal and sacroiliac joint inflammation in patients with ankylosing spondylitis: a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

Objective: To compare the efficacy of adalimumab versus placebo in reducing spinal and sacroiliac (SI) joint inflammation, by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with active ankylosing spondylitis (AS).

Methods: This was a randomized, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Patients (n = 82) received 40 mg adalimumab or placebo every other week during an initial 24-week double-blind period.

Recurrent symptoms after shoulder instability repair: direct MR arthrographic assessment--correlation with second-look surgical evaluation.

Purpose: To retrospectively determine the accuracy of direct magnetic resonance (MR) arthrography of the shoulder in patients with recurrent or residual signs and/or symptoms of instability after prior instability repair, with surgical findings as the reference standard.

Materials And Methods: After institutional ethics review board approval was obtained and informed consent was waived, 40 patients (31 men, eight women; mean age, 28 years) with recurrent instability after previous instability repair who underwent direct shoulder MR arthrography before repeat surgery were studied. Two musculoskeletal radiologists reviewed direct MR arthrographic studies by using consensus agreement in a blinded fashion.

MR imaging findings of anterior interosseous nerve lesions.

Objective: To study and characterise the MR imaging findings of lesions of the anterior interosseous nerve (AIN).

Materials And Methods: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of the forearm of ten patients referred to our institution with suspected AIN lesions were retrospectively studied. Five healthy volunteers with normal forearm MRI findings formed a control group.

Validation of the spondyloarthritis research consortium of Canada magnetic resonance imaging spinal inflammation index: is it necessary to score the entire spine?

Objective: The Spondyloarthritis Research Consortium of Canada (SPARCC) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) spinal inflammation index has been developed to objectively measure inflammation in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and to assess change in response to therapeutic intervention. Scoring of the entire spine limits feasibility and a scoring method that records inflammation in only the more severely affected spinal segments may improve feasibility without sacrificing performance.

Methods: MRI films of 68 patients with AS were assessed in random order by 2 blinded readers.