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Tao Q, Wang K, Wen B, Kang Y, Dang J, Sun J, Niu X, Zhang M, Liu Z, Wang W, Zhang Y, Cheng J. Assessment of image quality and diagnostic accuracy for cervical spondylosis using T2w-STIR sequence with a deep learning-based reconstruction approach. EUROPEAN SPINE JOURNAL : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE EUROPEAN SPINE SOCIETY, THE EUROPEAN SPINAL DEFORMITY SOCIETY, AND THE EUROPEAN SECTION OF THE CERVICAL SPINE RESEARCH SOCIETY 2024; 33:2982-2996. [PMID: 39007984 DOI: 10.1007/s00586-024-08409-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate potential of enhancing image quality, maintaining interobserver consensus, and elevating disease diagnostic efficacy through the implementation of deep learning-based reconstruction (DLR) processing in 3.0 T cervical spine fast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images, compared with conventional images. METHODS The 3.0 T cervical spine MRI images of 71 volunteers were categorized into two groups: sagittal T2-weighted short T1 inversion recovery without DLR (Sag T2w-STIR) and with DLR (Sag T2w-STIR-DLR). The assessment covered artifacts, perceptual signal-to-noise ratio, clearness of tissue interfaces, fat suppression, overall image quality, and the delineation of spinal cord, vertebrae, discs, dopamine, and joints. Spanning canal stenosis, neural foraminal stenosis, herniated discs, annular fissures, hypertrophy of the ligamentum flavum or vertebral facet joints, and intervertebral disc degeneration were evaluated by three impartial readers. RESULTS Sag T2w-STIR-DLR images exhibited markedly superior performance across quality indicators (median = 4 or 5) compared to Sag T2w-STIR sequences (median = 3 or 4) (p < 0.001). No statistically significant differences were observed between the two sequences in terms of diagnosis and grading (p > 0.05). The interobserver agreement for Sag T2w-STIR-DLR images (0.604-0.931) was higher than the other (0.545-0.853), Sag T2w-STIR-DLR (0.747-1.000) demonstrated increased concordance between reader 1 and reader 3 in comparison to Sag T2w-STIR (0.508-1.000). Acquisition time diminished from 364 to 197 s through the DLR scheme. CONCLUSIONS Our investigation establishes that 3.0 T fast MRI images subjected to DLR processing present heightened image quality, bolstered diagnostic performance, and reduced scanning durations for cervical spine MRI compared with conventional sequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuying Tao
- Department of Magnetic Resonance Imaging, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No.1 Jianshe Dong Road, ErQi District, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Kaiyu Wang
- MR Research China, GE Healthcare, Beijing, China
| | - Baohong Wen
- Department of Magnetic Resonance Imaging, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No.1 Jianshe Dong Road, ErQi District, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yimeng Kang
- Department of Magnetic Resonance Imaging, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No.1 Jianshe Dong Road, ErQi District, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Jinghan Dang
- Department of Magnetic Resonance Imaging, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No.1 Jianshe Dong Road, ErQi District, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Jieping Sun
- Department of Magnetic Resonance Imaging, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No.1 Jianshe Dong Road, ErQi District, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Xiaoyu Niu
- Department of Magnetic Resonance Imaging, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No.1 Jianshe Dong Road, ErQi District, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Mengzhe Zhang
- Department of Magnetic Resonance Imaging, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No.1 Jianshe Dong Road, ErQi District, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Zijun Liu
- Department of Magnetic Resonance Imaging, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No.1 Jianshe Dong Road, ErQi District, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Weijian Wang
- Department of Magnetic Resonance Imaging, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No.1 Jianshe Dong Road, ErQi District, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- Department of Magnetic Resonance Imaging, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No.1 Jianshe Dong Road, ErQi District, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
| | - Jingliang Cheng
- Department of Magnetic Resonance Imaging, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No.1 Jianshe Dong Road, ErQi District, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
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Gassert FT, Kufner A, Renz M, Gassert FG, Bollwein C, Kronthaler S, Feuerriegel GC, Kirschke JS, Ganter C, Makowski MR, Braun C, Schwaiger BJ, Woertler K, Karampinos DC, Gersing AS. Comparing CT-Like Images Based on Ultra-Short Echo Time and Gradient Echo T1-Weighted MRI Sequences for the Assessment of Vertebral Disorders Using Histology and True CT as the Reference Standard. J Magn Reson Imaging 2024; 59:1542-1552. [PMID: 37501387 DOI: 10.1002/jmri.28927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several magnetic resonance (MR) techniques have been suggested for radiation-free imaging of osseous structures. PURPOSE To compare the diagnostic value of ultra-short echo time and gradient echo T1-weighted MRI for the assessment of vertebral pathologies using histology and computed tomography (CT) as the reference standard. STUDY TYPE Prospective. SUBJECTS Fifty-nine lumbar vertebral bodies harvested from 20 human cadavers (donor age 73 ± 13 years; 9 male). FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE Ultra-short echo time sequence optimized for both bone (UTEb) and cartilage (UTEc) imaging and 3D T1-weighted gradient-echo sequence (T1GRE) at 3 T; susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) gradient echo sequence at 1.5 T. CT was performed on a dual-layer dual-energy CT scanner using a routine clinical protocol. ASSESSMENT Histopathology and conventional CT were acquired as standard of reference. Semi-quantitative and quantitative morphological features of degenerative changes of the spines were evaluated by four radiologists independently on CT and MR images independently and blinded to all other information. Features assessed were osteophytes, endplate sclerosis, visualization of cartilaginous endplate, facet joint degeneration, presence of Schmorl's nodes, and vertebral dimensions. Vertebral disorders were assessed by a pathologist on histology. STATISTICAL TESTS Agreement between T1GRE, SWI, UTEc, and UTEb sequences and CT imaging and histology as standard of reference were assessed using Fleiss' κ and intra-class correlation coefficients, respectively. RESULTS For the morphological assessment of osteophytes and endplate sclerosis, the overall agreement between SWI, T1GRE, UTEb, and UTEc with the reference standard (histology combined with CT) was moderate to almost perfect for all readers (osteophytes: SWI, κ range: 0.68-0.76; T1GRE: 0.92-1.00; UTEb: 0.92-1.00; UTEc: 0.77-0.85; sclerosis: SWI, κ range: 0.60-0.70; T1GRE: 0.77-0.82; UTEb: 0.81-0.92; UTEc: 0.61-0.71). For the visualization of the cartilaginous endplate, UTEc showed the overall best agreement with the reference standard (histology) for all readers (κ range: 0.85-0.93). DATA CONCLUSIONS Morphological assessment of vertebral pathologies was feasible and accurate using the MR-based bone imaging sequences compared to CT and histopathology. T1GRE showed the overall best performance for osseous changes and UTEc for the visualization of the cartilaginous endplate. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 1 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian T Gassert
- Department of Radiology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Alexander Kufner
- Department of Radiology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Martin Renz
- Department of Neuroradiology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Felix G Gassert
- Department of Radiology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Christine Bollwein
- Department of Pathology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Sophia Kronthaler
- Department of Radiology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Georg C Feuerriegel
- Department of Radiology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Jan S Kirschke
- Department of Neuroradiology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Carl Ganter
- Department of Radiology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Marcus R Makowski
- Department of Radiology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Christian Braun
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Benedikt J Schwaiger
- Department of Neuroradiology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Klaus Woertler
- Department of Radiology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Musculoskeletal Radiology Section, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Dimitrios C Karampinos
- Department of Radiology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Alexandra S Gersing
- Department of Neuroradiology, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
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Yasaka K, Uehara S, Kato S, Watanabe Y, Tajima T, Akai H, Yoshioka N, Akahane M, Ohtomo K, Abe O, Kiryu S. Super-resolution Deep Learning Reconstruction Cervical Spine 1.5T MRI: Improved Interobserver Agreement in Evaluations of Neuroforaminal Stenosis Compared to Conventional Deep Learning Reconstruction. JOURNAL OF IMAGING INFORMATICS IN MEDICINE 2024:10.1007/s10278-024-01112-y. [PMID: 38671337 DOI: 10.1007/s10278-024-01112-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate whether super-resolution deep learning reconstruction (SR-DLR) is superior to conventional deep learning reconstruction (DLR) with respect to interobserver agreement in the evaluation of neuroforaminal stenosis using 1.5T cervical spine MRI. This retrospective study included 39 patients who underwent 1.5T cervical spine MRI. T2-weighted sagittal images were reconstructed with SR-DLR and DLR. Three blinded radiologists independently evaluated the images in terms of the degree of neuroforaminal stenosis, depictions of the vertebrae, spinal cord and neural foramina, sharpness, noise, artefacts and diagnostic acceptability. In quantitative image analyses, a fourth radiologist evaluated the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) by placing a circular or ovoid region of interest on the spinal cord, and the edge slope based on a linear region of interest placed across the surface of the spinal cord. Interobserver agreement in the evaluations of neuroforaminal stenosis using SR-DLR and DLR was 0.422-0.571 and 0.410-0.542, respectively. The kappa values between reader 1 vs. reader 2 and reader 2 vs. reader 3 significantly differed. Two of the three readers rated depictions of the spinal cord, sharpness, and diagnostic acceptability as significantly better with SR-DLR than with DLR. Both SNR and edge slope (/mm) were also significantly better with SR-DLR (12.9 and 6031, respectively) than with DLR (11.5 and 3741, respectively) (p < 0.001 for both). In conclusion, compared to DLR, SR-DLR improved interobserver agreement in the evaluations of neuroforaminal stenosis using 1.5T cervical spine MRI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koichiro Yasaka
- Department of Radiology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
- Department of Radiology, International University of Health and Welfare Narita Hospital, 852 Hatakeda, Narita, Chiba, 286-0124, Japan
| | - Shunichi Uehara
- Department of Radiology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Shimpei Kato
- Department of Radiology, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Shirokanedai, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8639, Japan
| | - Yusuke Watanabe
- Department of Radiology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Taku Tajima
- Department of Radiology, International University of Health and Welfare Mita Hospital, 1-4-3 Mita, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8329, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Akai
- Department of Radiology, International University of Health and Welfare Narita Hospital, 852 Hatakeda, Narita, Chiba, 286-0124, Japan
- Department of Radiology, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Shirokanedai, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8639, Japan
| | - Naoki Yoshioka
- Department of Radiology, International University of Health and Welfare Narita Hospital, 852 Hatakeda, Narita, Chiba, 286-0124, Japan
| | - Masaaki Akahane
- Department of Radiology, International University of Health and Welfare Narita Hospital, 852 Hatakeda, Narita, Chiba, 286-0124, Japan
| | - Kuni Ohtomo
- International University of Health and Welfare, 2600-1 Ktiakanemaru, Ohtawara, Tochigi, 324-8501, Japan
| | - Osamu Abe
- Department of Radiology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Shigeru Kiryu
- Department of Radiology, International University of Health and Welfare Narita Hospital, 852 Hatakeda, Narita, Chiba, 286-0124, Japan.
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Hesni S, Baxter D, Saifuddin A. The imaging of cervical spondylotic myeloradiculopathy. Skeletal Radiol 2023; 52:2341-2365. [PMID: 37071191 DOI: 10.1007/s00256-023-04329-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
This review provides a detailed description of the imaging features of cervical spondylotic myelopathy and radiculopathy, with a focus on MRI. Where relevant, we will outline grading systems of vertebral central canal and foraminal stenosis. Whilst post-operative appearances of the cervical spine are outside the scope of this paper, we will touch on imaging features recognised as predictors of clinical outcome and neurological recovery. This paper will serve as a reference for both radiologists and clinicians involved in the care of patients with cervical spondylotic myeloradiculopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Hesni
- Department of Radiology, Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital (RNOH), Stanmore, UK.
| | - David Baxter
- Department of Surgery, Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital (RNOH), Stanmore, UK
| | - Asif Saifuddin
- Department of Radiology, Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital (RNOH), Stanmore, UK
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Hersh AM, Zahoor A, Livingston D, Galinato A, Recht H, Hostetter J, Jones CK, Lubelski D, Sair HI. Interrater Reliability of Cervical Neural Foraminal Stenosis Using Traditional and Splayed Reconstructions: Analysis of One Hundred Scans. World Neurosurg 2023; 175:e314-e319. [PMID: 36966908 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2023.03.079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2022] [Revised: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The oblique sagittal orientation of the cervical neural foramina hinders the evaluation of cervical neural foraminal stenosis (CNFS) on traditional axial and sagittal slices. Traditional image reconstruction techniques to generate oblique slices provide only a view of the foramina unilaterally. We present a simple technique for generating splayed slices that show the bilateral neuroforamina simultaneously and assess its reliability compared with traditional axial windows. METHODS Cervical computed tomography (CT) scans from 100 patients were retrospectively collected and de-identified. The axial slices were reformatted into a curved reformat with the plane of the reformat extending across the bilateral neuroforamina. The foramina along the C2-T1 vertebral levels were assessed by 4 neuroradiologists using the axial and splayed slices. The intrarater agreement across the axial and splayed slices for a given foramen and the interrater agreement for the axial and splayed slices individually were calculated using the Cohen κ statistic. RESULTS Interrater agreement was overall higher for the splayed slices (κ = 0.25) compared with the axial slices (κ = 0.20). The splayed slices were more likely to have fair agreement across raters compared with the axial slices. Intrarater agreement between the axial and splayed slices was poorer for residents compared with fellows. CONCLUSIONS Splayed reconstructions showing the bilateral neuroforamina en face can be readily generated from axial CT imaging. These splayed reconstructions can improve the consistency of CNFS evaluation compared with traditional CT slices and should be considered in the workup of CNFS, particularly for less experienced readers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew M Hersh
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Anika Zahoor
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Danielle Livingston
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Department of Radiology, WellSpan Health, Ephrata, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Anthony Galinato
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Department of Radiology, Adventist Health, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Hannah Recht
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Department of Radiology, Northwestern Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Jason Hostetter
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Department of Radiology, WellSpan Health, York, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Craig K Jones
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Department of Computer Science, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA; The Malone Center for Engineering in Healthcare, The Whiting School of Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Daniel Lubelski
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Haris I Sair
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA; The Malone Center for Engineering in Healthcare, The Whiting School of Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
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Deininger-Czermak E, Gascho D, Franckenberg S, Kälin P, Blüthgen C, Villefort C, Thali MJ, Guggenberger R. Added value of ultra-short echo time and fast field echo using restricted echo-spacing MR imaging in the assessment of the osseous cervical spine. LA RADIOLOGIA MEDICA 2023; 128:234-241. [PMID: 36637741 PMCID: PMC9938813 DOI: 10.1007/s11547-023-01589-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the added value of ultra-short echo time (UTE) and fast field echo resembling a CT using restricted echo-spacing (FRACTURE) MR sequences in the assessment of the osseous cervical spine using CT as reference. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty-seven subjects underwent postmortem CT and MRI within 48 h. Datasets were anonymized and analyzed retrospectively by two radiologists. Morphological cervical spine alterations were rated on CT, UTE and FRACTURE images. Afterward, neural foraminal stenosis was graded on standard MR and again after viewing additional UTE/FRACTURE sequences. To evaluate interreader and intermodality reliability, intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) and for stenosis grading Wilcoxon-matched-pairs testing with multiple comparison correction were calculated. RESULTS Moderate interreader reliability (ICC = 0.48-0.71) was observed concerning morphological findings on all modalities. Intermodality reliability was good between modalities regarding degenerative vertebral and joint alterations (ICC = 0.69-0.91). Compared to CT neural stenosis grades were more often considered as nonsignificant on all analyzed MR sequences. Neural stenosis grading scores differed also significantly between specific bone imaging sequences, UTE and FRACTURE, to standard MR sequences. However, no significant difference was observed between UTE and FRACTURE sequences. CONCLUSION Compared to CT as reference, UTE or FRACTURE sequence added to standard MR sequences can deliver comparable information on osseous cervical spine status. Both led to changes in clinically significant stenosis gradings when added to standard MR, mainly reducing the severity of neural foramina stenosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Deininger-Czermak
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Imaging, Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland. .,Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Zurich, Raemistrasse 100, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Dominic Gascho
- grid.7400.30000 0004 1937 0650Department of Forensic Medicine and Imaging, Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sabine Franckenberg
- grid.7400.30000 0004 1937 0650Department of Forensic Medicine and Imaging, Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland ,grid.412004.30000 0004 0478 9977Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Zurich, Raemistrasse 100, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Pascal Kälin
- grid.412004.30000 0004 0478 9977Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Zurich, Raemistrasse 100, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Christian Blüthgen
- grid.412004.30000 0004 0478 9977Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Zurich, Raemistrasse 100, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Christina Villefort
- grid.412373.00000 0004 0518 9682Orthopedic Surgery, Balgrist University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michael J. Thali
- grid.7400.30000 0004 1937 0650Department of Forensic Medicine and Imaging, Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Roman Guggenberger
- grid.412004.30000 0004 0478 9977Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Zurich, Raemistrasse 100, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
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Lombardi AF, Ma YJ, Jang H, Jerban S, Du J, Chang EY, Chung CB. Synthetic CT in Musculoskeletal Disorders: A Systematic Review. Invest Radiol 2023; 58:43-59. [PMID: 36070535 PMCID: PMC9742139 DOI: 10.1097/rli.0000000000000916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Repeated computed tomography (CT) examinations increase patients' ionizing radiation exposure and health costs, making an alternative method desirable. Cortical and trabecular bone, however, have short T2 relaxation times, causing low signal intensity on conventional magnetic resonance (MR) sequences. Different techniques are available to create a "CT-like" contrast of bone, such as ultrashort echo time, zero echo time, gradient-echo, and susceptibility-weighted image MR sequences, and artificial intelligence. This systematic review summarizes the essential technical background and developments of ultrashort echo time, zero echo time, gradient-echo, susceptibility-weighted image MR imaging sequences and artificial intelligence; presents studies on research and clinical applications of "CT-like" MR imaging; and describes their main advantages and limitations. We also discuss future opportunities in research, which patients would benefit the most, the most appropriate situations for using the technique, and the potential to replace CT in the clinical workflow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alecio F Lombardi
- From the Department of Radiology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, and the Research Service, Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, California
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Deep learning reconstruction for the evaluation of neuroforaminal stenosis using 1.5T cervical spine MRI: comparison with 3T MRI without deep learning reconstruction. Neuroradiology 2022; 64:2077-2083. [PMID: 35918450 DOI: 10.1007/s00234-022-03024-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/23/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To compare image quality and interobserver agreement in evaluations of neuroforaminal stenosis between 1.5T cervical spine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with deep learning reconstruction (DLR) and 3T MRI without DLR. METHODS In this prospective study, 21 volunteers (mean age: 42.4 ± 11.9 years; 17 males) underwent cervical spine T2-weighted sagittal 1.5T and 3T MRI on the same day. The 1.5T and 3T MRI data were used to reconstruct images with (1.5T-DLR) and without (3T-nonDLR) DLR, respectively. Regions of interest were marked on the spinal cord to calculate non-uniformity (NU; standard deviation/signal intensity × 100), as an indicator of image noise. Two blinded radiologists evaluated the images in terms of the depiction of structures, artifacts, noise, overall image quality, and neuroforaminal stenosis. The NU value and the subjective image quality scores were compared between 1.5T-DLR and 3T-nonDLR using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Interobserver agreement in evaluations of neuroforaminal stenosis for 1.5T-DLR and 3T-nonDLR was evaluated using Cohen's weighted kappa analysis. RESULTS The NU value for 1.5T-DLR was 8.4, which was significantly better than that for 3T-nonDLR (10.3; p < 0.001). Subjective image scores were significantly better for 1.5T-DLR than 3T-nonDLR images (p < 0.037). Interobserver agreement (95% confidence intervals) in the evaluations of neuroforaminal stenosis was significantly superior for 1.5T-DLR (0.920 [0.916-0.924]) than 3T-nonDLR (0.894 [0.889-0.898]). CONCLUSION By using DLR, image quality and interobserver agreement in evaluations of neuroforaminal stenosis on 1.5T cervical spine MRI could be improved compared to 3T MRI without DLR.
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Wang Y, Zhan Y, Jin X, Shen D, Wang L, Cao T, Jiang H. Electrophysiological Characteristics of Cervical Spinal Stenosis. Appl Bionics Biomech 2022; 2022:7522664. [PMID: 35795257 PMCID: PMC9251139 DOI: 10.1155/2022/7522664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To investigate electrophysiological characteristics of patients with cervical spinal stenosis (CSS) due to cervical disc herniation. Methods A total of 51 patients with CSS diagnosed in our hospital from January 2018 to March 2020 were selected. According to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the degree of spinal cord compression was divided into 1-3 grades, namely, group A (MRI grade 1), group B (MRI grade 2), and group C (MRI grade 3), with 17 cases in each group. Subsequently, we analyzed the correlation of the degree of spinal cord compression with the general information, clinical data, and electromyography (EMG) of patients. Results Compared with group A and group B, group C had the longest disease course [(48.06 ± 17.71) months], the lowest JOA score (4.59 ± 2.15), and the highest number of positive results of EMG (EMG: A/B/C, 25/51/77); there were significant differences among the 3 groups. And group C had the higher number of positive cases of both upper and lower limbs in SEP test compared with the other two groups (SEP: A/B/C: 12/18/29: χ 2 = 7.559, P = 0.023). According to correlation analysis, MRI grading had no association with gender, age, and spinal canal diameter/volume but was positively correlated with disease course and negatively correlated with JOA score. Conclusion This study primarily verifies that higher MRI grade of CSS is associated with longer disease duration and lower JOA score and EMG. The obtained results secondarily demonstrate the correlation between abnormal neurological status and the MRI grade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanrong Wang
- Department of Electromyography, Zhejiang University School of Medicine Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yinping Zhan
- Department of Electromyography, Zhejiang University School of Medicine Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaolan Jin
- Department of Electromyography, Zhejiang University School of Medicine Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Dandan Shen
- Department of Electromyography, Zhejiang University School of Medicine Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ling Wang
- Department of Electromyography, Zhejiang University School of Medicine Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Tingting Cao
- Department of Electromyography, Zhejiang University School of Medicine Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hong Jiang
- Department of Electromyography, Zhejiang University School of Medicine Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Hangzhou, China
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10
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Deep learning reconstruction for 1.5 T cervical spine MRI: effect on interobserver agreement in the evaluation of degenerative changes. Eur Radiol 2022; 32:6118-6125. [DOI: 10.1007/s00330-022-08729-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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11
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Xiong Y, Yang Y, Yu X, Wang F, Yang Y, Zhao D, Zhao H, Li C, Yang K. Using the cobweb classification system as a digital location system for the neurologic compression in cervical degenerative disease. JOR Spine 2021; 4:e1185. [PMID: 35005450 PMCID: PMC8717094 DOI: 10.1002/jsp2.1185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To provide the cobweb classification system (CCS) for the precise digital location and description of the neurological compression in cervical degenerative disease (CDD), and the reliability and the clinical subgroup analysis of the system were tested and analyzed. METHODS The CCS consisted of three parts: compression zones (1-12), degrees (a, b) and ossification (s, m, h). Computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images from 238 CDD patients were reviewed. All compression cases were classified by five independent reviewers with varied clinical experience in spine surgery. The reliability of the CCS was tested by calculating the kappa (κ) statistics value. Finally, 74 patients with anterior cervical surgery treatment were enrolled for the clinical subgroup analysis. RESULTS For the small compression, including single and double compression zones, there was a good interobserver reliability between the reviewers (κ coefficient = .855, P < .001). For the large compression with three or more involved zones, there was a fair reliability between the reviewers (κ coefficient = .696, P < .001). The whole intraobserver reliability was good (κ coefficient = .923, P < .001). For clinical practice, the operative time in the large compression and the m/h group was significantly longer than the small compression and the s group, respectively (P < .05), and the blood loss in the m/h group was significantly increased as well (P < .01). Though the preoperative Japanese Orthopedic Association score in Group b was lower than Group a (P < .05), all patients had achieved significant clinical improvement at last follow-up. CONCLUSIONS The CCS can be used to provide detailed and objective descriptions of the location, extent, and severity of neurological compressions in CDD with satisfactory reliability. Surgeons should pay more attention to the patient with large zone, degree b, and ossification compression, because the operation may be more challenging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Xiong
- Department of Orthopedics, Dongzhimen HospitalBeijing University of Chinese MedicineBeijingChina
| | - Ying‐Li Yang
- Department of Traditional Chinese MedicinePeking Union Medical College HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Xing Yu
- Department of Orthopedics, Dongzhimen HospitalBeijing University of Chinese MedicineBeijingChina
| | - Feng‐Xian Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, Dongzhimen HospitalBeijing University of Chinese MedicineBeijingChina
| | - Yong‐Dong Yang
- Department of Orthopedics, Dongzhimen HospitalBeijing University of Chinese MedicineBeijingChina
| | - Ding‐Yan Zhao
- Department of Orthopedics, Dongzhimen HospitalBeijing University of Chinese MedicineBeijingChina
| | - He Zhao
- Department of Orthopedics, Dongzhimen HospitalBeijing University of Chinese MedicineBeijingChina
| | - Chuan‐Hong Li
- Department of Orthopedics, Dongzhimen HospitalBeijing University of Chinese MedicineBeijingChina
| | - Kai‐Tan Yang
- Department of Orthopedics, Dongzhimen HospitalBeijing University of Chinese MedicineBeijingChina
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12
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Kronthaler S, Boehm C, Feuerriegel G, Börnert P, Katscher U, Weiss K, Makowski MR, Schwaiger BJ, Gersing AS, Karampinos DC. Assessment of vertebral fractures and edema of the thoracolumbar spine based on water-fat and susceptibility-weighted images derived from a single ultra-short echo time scan. Magn Reson Med 2021; 87:1771-1783. [PMID: 34752650 DOI: 10.1002/mrm.29078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To develop a methodology to simultaneously perform single echo Dixon water-fat imaging and susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) based on a single echo time (TE) ultra-short echo time (UTE) (sUTE) scan to assess vertebral fractures and degenerative bone changes in the thoracolumbar spine. METHODS A methodology was developed to solve the smoothness-constrained inverse water-fat problem to separate water and fat while removing unwanted low-frequency phase terms. Additionally, the corrected UTE phase was used for SWI. UTE imaging (TE: 0.14 ms, 3T MRI) was performed in the lumbar spine of nine patients with vertebral fractures and bone marrow edema (BME). All images were reviewed by two radiologists. Water- and fat-separated images were analyzed in comparison with short-tau inversion recovery (STIR) and with respect to BME visibility. The visibility of fracture lines and cortical outlining of the UTE magnitude images were analyzed in comparison with computed tomography. RESULTS Unwanted phase components, dominated by the B1 phase, were removed from the UTE phase images. The rating of the diagnostic quality of BME visualization showed a high preference for the sUTE-Dixon water- and fat-separated images in comparison with STIR. The UTE magnitude images enabled better visualizing fracture lines compared with STIR and slightly better visibility of cortical outlining. With increasing SWI weighting osseous structures and fatty tissues were enhanced. CONCLUSION The proposed sUTE-Dixon-SWI methodology allows the removal of unwanted low-frequency phases and enables water-fat separation and SWI processing from a single complex UTE image. The methodology can be used for the simultaneous assessment of vertebral fractures and BME of the thoracolumbar spine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia Kronthaler
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Christof Boehm
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Georg Feuerriegel
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Marcus R Makowski
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Benedikt J Schwaiger
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Alexandra S Gersing
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Dimitrios C Karampinos
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
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13
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Morbée L, Chen M, Herregods N, Pullens P, Jans LBO. MRI-based synthetic CT of the lumbar spine: Geometric measurements for surgery planning in comparison with CT. Eur J Radiol 2021; 144:109999. [PMID: 34700094 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2021.109999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE MRI is the imaging modality of choice for soft tissue-related spine disease. However, CT is superior to MRI in providing clear visualization of bony morphology. The purpose of this study is to test equivalency of MRI-based synthetic CT to conventional CT in quantitatively assessing bony morphology of the lumbar spine. METHOD A prospective study with an equivalency design was performed. Adult patients who had undergone MRI and CT of the lumbar spine were included. Synthetic CT images were generated from MRI using a deep learning-based image synthesis method. Two readers independently measured pedicle width, spinal canal width, neuroforamen length, anterior and posterior vertebral body height, superior and inferior vertebral body length, superior and inferior vertebral body width, maximal disc height, lumbar curvature and spinous process length on synthetic CT and CT. The agreement among CT and synthetic CT was evaluated using equivalency statistical testing. RESULTS Thirty participants were included (14 men and 16 women, range 20-60 years). The measurements performed on synthetic CT of pedicle width, spinal canal width, vertebral body height, vertebral body width, vertebral body length and spinous process length were statistically equivalent to CT measurements at the considered margins. Excellent inter- and intra-reader reliability was found for both synthetic CT and CT. CONCLUSIONS Equivalency of MRI-based synthetic CT to CT was demonstrated on geometrical measurements in the lumbar spine. In combination with the soft tissue information of the conventional MRI, this provides new possibilities in diagnosis and surgical planning without ionizing radiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lieve Morbée
- Department of Radiology, Ghent University Hospital, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Min Chen
- Department of Radiology, Ghent University Hospital, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Nele Herregods
- Department of Radiology, Ghent University Hospital, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Pim Pullens
- Department of Radiology, Ghent University Hospital, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Ghent Institute for Functional and Metabolic Imaging, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lennart B O Jans
- Department of Radiology, Ghent University Hospital, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
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14
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Chong LR, Lee K, Sim FY. 3D MRI with CT-like bone contrast - An overview of current approaches and practical clinical implementation. Eur J Radiol 2021; 143:109915. [PMID: 34461599 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2021.109915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
CT is the imaging modality of choice for assessment of 3D bony morphology but incurs the penalty of ionizing radiation. Improving the ability of 3D MRI to provide high-resolution images of cortical bone with CT-like bone contrast has been a focus of recent research. The ability of 3D MRI to deliver cortical bone information with similar diagnostic performance to CT would complement assessment of soft tissues and medullary bone from a single MRI examination, simplifying evaluation and obviating radiation exposure from additional CT. This article presents an overview of current 3D MRI approaches for imaging cortical bone with CT-like bone contrast including ultrashort echo time, zero echo time, T1-weighted gradient recalled echo, susceptibility-weighted imaging and deep learning techniques. We also discuss clinical implementation of an optimized stack-of-stars 3D gradient recalled echo pulse sequence (3D-Bone) on commercially available MRI scanners for rendering 3D MRI with CT-like bone contrast in our institutional practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le Roy Chong
- Department of Radiology, Changi General Hospital, 2 Simei Street 3, Singapore 529889, Republic of Singapore.
| | - Kathy Lee
- Department of Radiology, Changi General Hospital, 2 Simei Street 3, Singapore 529889, Republic of Singapore.
| | - Fang Yang Sim
- Department of Radiology, Changi General Hospital, 2 Simei Street 3, Singapore 529889, Republic of Singapore.
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15
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Susceptibility Weighted Imaging for evaluation of musculoskeletal lesions. Eur J Radiol 2021; 138:109611. [PMID: 33677418 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2021.109611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 02/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The presence of blood or calcium in the musculoskeletal (MSK) system may be linked to specific pathological conditions. The ability of MRI for calcium detection is usually limited compared with other techniques such as CT. In a similar manner, the accuracy of MRI for detection and evaluation of hemorrhage in soft tissues is closely linked to the degree of degradation of blood products. Blood and calcium are substances that cause local inhomogeneity of the magnetic field resulting in susceptibility artifacts. To try to evaluate these substances, specific MRI sequences which are highly sensitive to these local magnetic field inhomogeneities such as Susceptibility Weighted Imaging (SWI) have been developed and successfully applied in the Central Nervous System, but scarcely used in MSK. SWI may increase the overall sensitivity of MRI to detect blood and calcium in several clinical scenarios such as degenerative joint disease or bone and soft tissue lesion assessment and discriminate between both compounds, something which is not always possible with conventional MRI approaches. In this paper, physical basis and technical adjustment for SWI acquisition at MSK are detailed reviewing the potential application of SWI in different MSK clinical scenarios.
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16
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Value of susceptibility-weighted imaging for the assessment of angle measurements reflecting hip morphology. Sci Rep 2020; 10:20899. [PMID: 33262372 PMCID: PMC7708417 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-77671-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Radiographs are the clinical first line imaging modality for evaluating hip morphology and pathology. MRI offers additional information and is the method of choice to evaluate soft tissue, bone marrow and preradiographic signs of osteoarthritis. Radiographs are used to measure the most morphometric parameters. The aim of this study was to compare susceptibility weighted MRI (SWMR) with radiographs to evaluate hip morphology. 40 Patients were examined with standard MR-sequences, coronal SWMR and radiographs in anteroposterior pelvic view. Coronal maximum intensity projection (MIP) images of both hips were automatically reconstructed on SWMR and T1weighted images. Sharp´s angle, Tönnis angle, lateral center–edge angle of Wiberg and caput-collum-diaphyseal angle were measured on coronal SWMR MIP-images, T1weighted MIP-images and radiographs. Measurements were compared by linear regression analysis and Bland-Altmann Plots, using radiographs as reference standard. Additionally, a ratio between the signal intensity of muscles and bone on SWMR and T1weighted MIP-images was calculated and compared between these two sequences. SWMR enables the reliable assessment of Sharp´s angle (SWMR: R2 = 0.80; T1weighted: R2 = 0.37), Tönnis angle (SWMR: R2 = 0.86; T1weighted: not measurable), lateral center–edge angle of Wiberg (SWMR: R2 = 0.88; T1weighted: R2 = 0.40) and caput-collum-diaphyseal angle (SWMR: R2 = 0.38; T1weighted: R2 = 0.18) compared to radiographs with a higher accuracy than conventional MR imaging. The ratio between the intensity of muscles and bone was significant higher on SWMR (2.00 and 2.02) than on T1weighted MIP-images (1.6 and 1.42; p < 0.001).
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17
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Ramey WL, Altafulla J, Yilmaz E, Ishak B, Jack A, Litvack ZN, Oskouian RJ, Tubbs RS, Chapman JR. The ABC's of Spinal Decompression: Pearls and Technical Notes. World Neurosurg 2019; 129:e146-e151. [PMID: 31102772 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2019.05.064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2019] [Revised: 05/06/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The foundation of spine surgery centers on the proper identification, decompression, and stabilization of bony and neural elements. We describe easily reproducible and reliable methods for optimal decompression and release of neural structures to alleviate symptoms and improve patients' quality of life. METHODS Multiple spinal decompression techniques were described in procedures for which the goal of surgery was decompression alone or decompression and fusion. Eight fundamental techniques were described: inverted U-cut, J-cut, T-cut, L-cut, Z-cut, I-track cuts, C-cut, and O-cut. RESULTS These foundational cuts may be combined, as needed, to develop an individually tailored approach to the patient's pathology. CONCLUSIONS After properly identifying the anatomic structures, each of these techniques provides a consistent, reproducible, and efficient means to decompress the spine under various circumstances. These techniques provide surgical trainees with a framework for approaching surgical decompression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wyatt L Ramey
- Department of Neurosurgery, Swedish Neuroscience Institute, Swedish Medical Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Juan Altafulla
- Department of Neuroanatomy, Seattle Science Foundation, Seattle, Washington, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, Swedish Neuroscience Institute, Swedish Medical Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Emre Yilmaz
- Department of Neuroanatomy, Seattle Science Foundation, Seattle, Washington, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, Swedish Neuroscience Institute, Swedish Medical Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Basem Ishak
- Department of Neuroanatomy, Seattle Science Foundation, Seattle, Washington, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, Swedish Neuroscience Institute, Swedish Medical Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Andrew Jack
- Department of Neurosurgery, Swedish Neuroscience Institute, Swedish Medical Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Zachary N Litvack
- Department of Neuroanatomy, Seattle Science Foundation, Seattle, Washington, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, Swedish Neuroscience Institute, Swedish Medical Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Rod J Oskouian
- Department of Neuroanatomy, Seattle Science Foundation, Seattle, Washington, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, Swedish Neuroscience Institute, Swedish Medical Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - R Shane Tubbs
- Department of Neuroanatomy, Seattle Science Foundation, Seattle, Washington, USA; Department of Anatomical Sciences, St. George's University, St. George's, Grenada, West Indies
| | - Jens R Chapman
- Department of Neurosurgery, Swedish Neuroscience Institute, Swedish Medical Center, Seattle, Washington, USA.
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