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Raya JG, Duarte A, Wang N, Mazzoli V, Jaramillo D, Blamire AM, Dietrich O. Applications of Diffusion-Weighted MRI to the Musculoskeletal System. J Magn Reson Imaging 2024; 59:376-396. [PMID: 37477576 DOI: 10.1002/jmri.28870] [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: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) is an established MRI technique that can investigate tissue microstructure at the scale of a few micrometers. Musculoskeletal tissues typically have a highly ordered structure to fulfill their functions and therefore represent an optimal application of DWI. Even more since disruption of tissue organization affects its biomechanical properties and may indicate irreversible damage. The application of DWI to the musculoskeletal system faces application-specific challenges on data acquisition including susceptibility effects, the low T2 relaxation time of most musculoskeletal tissues (2-70 msec) and the need for sub-millimetric resolution. Thus, musculoskeletal applications have been an area of development of new DWI methods. In this review, we provide an overview of the technical aspects of DWI acquisition including diffusion-weighting, MRI pulse sequences and different diffusion regimes to study tissue microstructure. For each tissue type (growth plate, articular cartilage, muscle, bone marrow, intervertebral discs, ligaments, tendons, menisci, and synovium), the rationale for the use of DWI and clinical studies in support of its use as a biomarker are presented. The review describes studies showing that DTI of the growth plate has predictive value for child growth and that DTI of articular cartilage has potential to predict the radiographic progression of joint damage in early stages of osteoarthritis. DTI has been used extensively in skeletal muscle where it has shown potential to detect microstructural and functional changes in a wide range of muscle pathologies. DWI of bone marrow showed to be a valuable tool for the diagnosis of benign and malignant acute vertebral fractures and bone metastases. DTI and diffusion kurtosis have been investigated as markers of early intervertebral disc degeneration and lower back pain. Finally, promising new applications of DTI to anterior cruciate ligament grafts and synovium are presented. The review ends with an overview of the use of DWI in clinical routine. EVIDENCE LEVEL: 5 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 3.
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Affiliation(s)
- José G Raya
- Department of Radiology, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Alejandra Duarte
- Division of Musculoskeletal Radiology, Department of Radiology, Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Nian Wang
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Valentina Mazzoli
- Department of Radiology, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Diego Jaramillo
- Department of Radiology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Andrew M Blamire
- Magnetic Resonance Centre, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Olaf Dietrich
- Department of Radiology, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
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Jones A, Bray TJP, Sakai NS, Bainbridge AJP, Ciurtin C, Hall-Craggs MA. Measuring response to treatment in axial spondyloarthritis using quantitative imaging biomarkers: a prospective observational cohort study. Br J Radiol 2023; 96:20220530. [PMID: 37751217 PMCID: PMC10646635 DOI: 10.1259/bjr.20220530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Objective assessments of disease activity and response to treatment in axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) remain a challenge; quantitative imaging biomarkers (QIBs) of inflammation could enhance assessments of disease activity and therapeutic response. We aimed to determine the responsiveness of QIBs obtained from diffusion-weighted imaging (DW-MRI) and chemical shift-encoded MRI (CSE-MRI) using the partially automated Bone Edema and Adiposity Characterisation with Histograms (BEACH) software tool in axSpA patients undergoing biologic therapy. METHODS We conducted a prospective longitudinal cohort study, including 30 patients with axSpA undergoing biologic therapy. Patients were scanned before and after biologic therapy using conventional MRI, DWI and CSE-MRI at 3T. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and proton density fat fraction (PDFF) were assessed using the BEACH tool (https://github.com/TJPBray/BEACH), and conventional MR images were assessed using established visual scoring methods by expert radiologists. Responsiveness - the ability of the MRI measurements to capture changes in disease occurring as a result of biologic therapy - was assessed using the standardized response mean (SRM). Inter-reader reliability of the ADC and PDFF maps was assessed using Bland-Altman limits of agreement analysis and the intraclass correlation coefficient. RESULTS Responsiveness to therapy was moderate for ADC-based parameters (SRM 0.50) and comparable to established visual scoring methods for bone marrow oedema (SRM 0.53). Interobserver variability was lower for QIBs compared with conventional visual scores methods. CONCLUSIONS QIBs measured using the BEACH tool are sensitive to changes in inflammation in axSpA following biologic therapy, with similar responsiveness and lower interobserver variability to visual scoring by expert radiologists. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE QIBs measured using the partially automated BEACH tool offer an objective measure of response to biologic therapy in axSpA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis Jones
- Department of Rheumatology, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Timothy JP Bray
- Centre for Medical Imaging, University College London, London, UK
| | - Naomi S Sakai
- Centre for Medical Imaging, University College London, London, UK
| | - Alan JP Bainbridge
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London Hospital, London, UK
| | - Coziana Ciurtin
- Department of Rheumatology, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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Karimi A, El-Abtah M, Sinkler M, Faraji N, Voos J, Harlow E, Miskovsky S. Asymptomatic Bone Marrow Edema in Weight-bearing Bones in Athletes and Military Trainees: A Systematic Literature Review. Int J Sports Med 2023; 44:683-691. [PMID: 37263276 DOI: 10.1055/a-2013-2226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Asymptomatic bone marrow edema (aBME) is a non-specific radiographic finding often found in athletes. Although aBME may represent the body's physiological response to training load, the etiology, MRI characteristics, and natural history of aBME remain unknown. To better characterize aBME in the lower extremities of military trainees and athletes. A systematic literature review in accordance with PRISMA guidelines was performed to identify primary research articles reporting on aBME in the lower extremities of athletes and military trainees. We identified 347 unique articles and after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 10 articles were included for qualitative synthesis. There were a total of 444 patients with an average age of 28.4±9.6 included. The most commonly used MRI sequences were proton-density with fat-saturation and T1-weighted imaging. The pattern of BME was inconsistently described, with various classification schemas used. The changes in aBME during longitudinal follow-up were dynamic and demonstrated both radiographic progression and regression. aBME is a highly prevalent and radiographically dynamic entity observed in high-level athletes and military trainees. Although follow-up was limited in the included studies, aBME may represent a natural, non-pathologic, reaction in response to specific biomechanical stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Karimi
- Medical School, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, United States
| | - Mohamed El-Abtah
- Medical School, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, United States
| | - Margaret Sinkler
- Department Of Orthopedic Surgery, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, United States
| | - Navid Faraji
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Division of Musculoskeletal Radiology, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, United States
| | - James Voos
- Department Of Orthopedic Surgery, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, United States
- University Hospitals Drusinsky Sports Medicine Institute, Cleveland, United States
| | - Ethan Harlow
- Department Of Orthopedic Surgery, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, United States
| | - Shana Miskovsky
- Department Of Orthopedic Surgery, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, United States
- University Hospitals Drusinsky Sports Medicine Institute, Cleveland, United States
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Thorley N, Jones A, Ciurtin C, Castelino M, Bainbridge A, Abbasi M, Taylor S, Zhang H, Hall-Craggs MA, Bray TJP. Quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (qMRI) in axial spondyloarthritis. Br J Radiol 2023; 96:20220675. [PMID: 36607267 PMCID: PMC10078871 DOI: 10.1259/bjr.20220675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Imaging, and particularly MRI, plays a crucial role in the assessment of inflammation in rheumatic disease, and forms a core component of the diagnostic pathway in axial spondyloarthritis. However, conventional imaging techniques are limited by image contrast being non-specific to inflammation and a reliance on subjective, qualitative reader interpretation. Quantitative MRI methods offer scope to address these limitations and improve our ability to accurately and precisely detect and characterise inflammation, potentially facilitating a more personalised approach to management. Here, we review quantitative MRI methods and emerging quantitative imaging biomarkers for imaging inflammation in axial spondyloarthritis. We discuss the potential benefits as well as the practical considerations that must be addressed in the movement toward clinical translation of quantitative imaging biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha Thorley
- Imaging Department, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alexis Jones
- Department of Rheumatology, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Coziana Ciurtin
- Department of Rheumatology, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Madhura Castelino
- Department of Rheumatology, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alan Bainbridge
- Department of Medical Physics, University College London Hospitals, London, United Kingdom
| | - Maaz Abbasi
- Imaging Department, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Stuart Taylor
- Centre for Medical Imaging (CMI), University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Hui Zhang
- Department of Computer Science and Centre for Medical Image Computing, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Timothy J P Bray
- Centre for Medical Imaging (CMI), University College London, London, United Kingdom
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Detection of erosions and fat metaplasia of the sacroiliac joints in patients with suspected sacroiliitis using a chemical shift-encoded sequence (IDEAL-IQ). Eur J Radiol 2023; 158:110641. [PMID: 36495683 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2022.110641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the performance of a chemical shift-encoded sequence called IDEAL-IQ for detecting sacroiliac joint (SIJ) erosions and fat metaplasia compared to T1-weighted fast spin echo (T1 FSE) using qualitative and quantitative analysis. METHOD Thirty-four patients with suspicion of sacroiliitis who underwent both MRI and CT were included. Each SIJ was divided into four quadrants for analysis. For qualitative analysis, the diagnostic performance of IDEAL-IQ and T1 FSE for erosions were compared by the McNemar test, using CT as the gold standard. Cochran's Q and McNemar tests were used to determine differences in structural changes detected by different imaging methods. For quantitative analysis, two-sample t test and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis were used for the analysis of histogram parameters of proton density fat fraction (PDFF). RESULTS Diagnostic sensitivity and accuracy of IDEAL-IQ were greater than T1 FSE for erosions (all P < 0.05). IDEAL-IQ and CT detected more erosions than T1 FSE (all P < 0.05). IDEAL-IQ did not statistically significantly differ from T1 FSE for the detection of fat metaplasia (P = 0.678). All histogram parameters were different between groups with and without fat metaplasia (all P < 0.05) and could distinguish the two groups (all P < 0.05). PDFF75th was the most effective histogram parameter. CONCLUSION IDEAL-IQ detects SIJ erosions with better accuracy than T1 FSE and is similar to T1 FSE for detection of fat metaplasia, enabling further quantitative analysis of the latter via histogram analysis.
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Proton density fat fraction (PDFF) maps aid fat metaplasia evaluation in the sacroiliac joints in additional to T1WI: Improved diagnostic accuracy in axial spondyloarthritis. Eur J Radiol 2022; 157:110569. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2022.110569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Water Fraction Ratio of the Sacroiliac Joint Subchondral Bone Marrow in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis Predicts the Degree of Disease Activity. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12112842. [PMID: 36428906 PMCID: PMC9689651 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12112842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory arthritis with characteristic involvement of the spine and sacroiliac joints. MRI may be the only indicator of disease activity or response. This study aimed to use a novel water fraction measurement technique on MRI as a biomarker to predict disease activity in patients with AS. Methods: We enrolled 39 patients (18 men [mean age, 38.6 years; range, 18−59 years] and 21 women [mean age, 39.3 years; range, 23−61 years]) who were clinically diagnosed with AS and underwent MRI, including mDixon sequences. Water fraction values of sacroiliac joint subchondral bone marrow were derived from the mDixon sequences. The Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) was recorded using clinical information and laboratory values from medical records. Multiple linear regression, Firth logistic regression, and intraclass correlation coefficients were used for the statistical analysis. Results: In multiple linear regression, water fraction, subchondral bone marrow edema, subchondral bone erosion, and subchondral bone marrow enhancements were significantly associated with ASDAS with C-reactive protein (ASDAS-CRP). The water fraction parameters showed a good linear correlation with ASDAS-CRP and ASDAS with erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ASDAS-ESR) (beta coefficient = 1.98, p < 0.001 and beta coefficient = 1.60, p = 0.003). Firth logistic regression showed that water fraction was a significant predictor of ASDAS-CRP but not ASDAS-ESR. The intraclass correlation coefficient showed excellent repeatability for the three repeated measures of the water fraction. Conclusion: Water fraction parameter could be a good imaging biomarker of disease activity status. The sacroiliac joint evaluated by mDixon MRI may be a promising biomarker of disease progression in patients with spondyloarthritis.
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Liu D, Lin C, Liu B, Qi J, Wen H, Tu L, Wei Q, Kong Q, Xie Y, Gu J. Quantification of Fat Metaplasia in the Sacroiliac Joints of Patients With Axial Spondyloarthritis by Chemical Shift-Encoded MRI: A Diagnostic Trial. Front Immunol 2022; 12:811672. [PMID: 35116037 PMCID: PMC8804375 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.811672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To study the diagnostic performance of chemical shift-encoded MRI (CSE-MRI) in the diagnosis of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). Methods CSE-MRI images were acquired for consecutive patients complaining of back pain as well as healthy volunteers. Proton density fat fraction (PDFF) values were measured independently by two readers. Diagnostic performance of CSE-MRI was analyzed by sensitivity analysis and ROC curve analysis. Logistic regression analysis was employed to investigate the risk factors of extensive fat deposition in the SIJs. Results A total of 52 r-axSpA patients, 37 nr-axSpA patients, 24 non-SpA patients and 34 healthy volunteers were included. Mean PDFF values in the SIJs of patients with r-axSpA and nr-axSpA (72.7% and 64.5%) were significantly higher than non-SpA patients and healthy volunteers (56.0% and 57.6%) (p<0.001). By defining extensive fat deposition in the SIJs as ≥8 ROIs with PDFF values over 70%, its sensitivity and specificity in diagnosing axSpA reached 72.47% and 86.21%%. By joining bone marrow edema (BME) with ≥8 ROIs (PDFF>70%), 22 (24.71%) and 23 (25.84%) more axSpA patients were classified as SIJ MRI (+) by reader 1 and 2, but specificities decreased by 15.52% and 10.34%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis confirmed longer disease duration as the independent risk factor of extensive fat deposition in SIJs (OR=1.15, 95%CI[1.03, 1.32]), while bDMARDs medication was a protective factor (OR=0.15, 95%CI[0.04, 0.51]). Conclusion CSE-MRI is a reliable tool to quantitively assess the fat metaplasia in the SIJs of axSpA patients. Extensive fat deposition in the SIJs could add incremental diagnostic value to BME, but at the cost of decreased specificities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Liu
- Department of Rheumatology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Churong Lin
- Radiology Department, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Budian Liu
- Department of Rheumatology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jun Qi
- Department of Rheumatology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huiquan Wen
- Radiology Department, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liudan Tu
- Department of Rheumatology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qiujing Wei
- Department of Rheumatology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qingcong Kong
- Radiology Department, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ya Xie
- Department of Rheumatology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jieruo Gu
- Department of Rheumatology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Jieruo Gu,
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Badr S, Jacques T, Lefebvre G, Boulil Y, Abou Diwan R, Cotten A. Main Diagnostic Pitfalls in Reading the Sacroiliac Joints on MRI. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:diagnostics11112001. [PMID: 34829349 PMCID: PMC8624408 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11112001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Magnetic resonance imaging of the sacroiliac joints is now frequently performed to help identify patients with early axial spondyloarthritis. However, differential diagnoses exist and should be recognized. The aim of this article is to review the most frequent differential diagnoses that may mimic inflammatory sacroiliitis in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sammy Badr
- Department of Musculoskeletal Radiology, Lille University Hospital, 59000 Lille, France; (S.B.); (T.J.); (G.L.); (Y.B.); (R.A.D.)
- MABLab-Marrow Adiposity and Bone Lab ULR4490, University of Lille, 59000 Lille, France
| | - Thibaut Jacques
- Department of Musculoskeletal Radiology, Lille University Hospital, 59000 Lille, France; (S.B.); (T.J.); (G.L.); (Y.B.); (R.A.D.)
- Lille University School of Medicine, 59000 Lille, France
| | - Guillaume Lefebvre
- Department of Musculoskeletal Radiology, Lille University Hospital, 59000 Lille, France; (S.B.); (T.J.); (G.L.); (Y.B.); (R.A.D.)
| | - Youssef Boulil
- Department of Musculoskeletal Radiology, Lille University Hospital, 59000 Lille, France; (S.B.); (T.J.); (G.L.); (Y.B.); (R.A.D.)
| | - Ralph Abou Diwan
- Department of Musculoskeletal Radiology, Lille University Hospital, 59000 Lille, France; (S.B.); (T.J.); (G.L.); (Y.B.); (R.A.D.)
| | - Anne Cotten
- Department of Musculoskeletal Radiology, Lille University Hospital, 59000 Lille, France; (S.B.); (T.J.); (G.L.); (Y.B.); (R.A.D.)
- Lille University School of Medicine, 59000 Lille, France
- Correspondence:
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Kristoffersen PM, Bråten LCH, Vetti N, Grøvle L, Hellum C, Storheim K, Zwart JA, Assmus J, Espeland A. Oedema on STIR modified the effect of amoxicillin as treatment for chronic low back pain with Modic changes-subgroup analysis of a randomized trial. Eur Radiol 2020; 31:4285-4297. [PMID: 33247344 PMCID: PMC8128743 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-020-07542-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Objective To evaluate potential MRI-defined effect modifiers of amoxicillin treatment in patients with chronic low back pain and type 1 or 2 Modic changes (MCs) at the level of a previous lumbar disc herniation (index level). Methods In a prospective trial (AIM), 180 patients (25–64 years; mean age 45; 105 women) were randomised to receive amoxicillin or placebo for 3 months. Primary outcome was the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) score (0–24 scale) at 1 year. Mean RMDQ score difference between the groups at 1 year defined the treatment effect; 4 RMDQ points defined the minimal clinically important effect. Predefined baseline MRI features of MCs at the index level(s) were investigated as potential effect modifiers. The predefined primary hypothesis was a better effect of amoxicillin when short tau inversion recovery (STIR) shows more MC-related high signal. To evaluate this hypothesis, we pre-constructed a composite variable with three categories (STIR1/2/3). STIR3 implied MC-related STIR signal increases with volume ≥ 25% and height > 50% of vertebral body and maximum intensity increase ≥ 25% and presence on both sides of the disc. As pre-planned, interaction with treatment was analysed using ANCOVA in the per protocol population (n = 155). Results The STIR3 composite group (n = 41) and STIR signal volume ≥ 25% alone (n = 45) modified the treatment effect of amoxicillin. As hypothesised, STIR3 patients reported the largest effect (− 5.1 RMDQ points; 95% CI − 8.2 to − 1.9; p for interaction = 0.008). Conclusions Predefined subgroups with abundant MC-related index-level oedema on STIR modified the effect of amoxicillin. This finding needs replication and further support. Key Points • In the primary analysis of the AIM trial, the effect of amoxicillin in patients with chronic low back pain and type 1 or 2 MCs did not reach the predefined cut-off for clinical importance. • In the present MRI subgroup analysis of AIM, predefined subgroups with abundant MC-related oedema on STIR reported an effect of amoxicillin. • This finding requires replication and further support. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00330-020-07542-w.
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Affiliation(s)
- Per Martin Kristoffersen
- Department of Radiology, Haukeland University Hospital, Jonas Liesvei 65, 5021, Bergen, Norway. .,Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, P.O. Box 7804, 5020, Bergen, Norway.
| | - Lars C H Bråten
- Research and Communication Unit for Musculoskeletal Health (FORMI), Oslo University Hospital HF, Ulleval, Bygg 37b, P.O. Box 4956, 0424, Oslo, Nydalen, Norway
| | - Nils Vetti
- Department of Radiology, Haukeland University Hospital, Jonas Liesvei 65, 5021, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, P.O. Box 7804, 5020, Bergen, Norway
| | - Lars Grøvle
- Department of Rheumatology, Østfold Hospital Trust, P.O. Box 300, 1714, Grålum, Norway
| | - Christian Hellum
- Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Oslo University Hospital Ulleval, P.O. Box 4950, Nydalen, 0424, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kjersti Storheim
- Research and Communication Unit for Musculoskeletal Health (FORMI), Oslo University Hospital HF, Ulleval, Bygg 37b, P.O. Box 4956, 0424, Oslo, Nydalen, Norway.,Faculty of Health Science, OsloMet - Oslo Metropolitan University, P.O. Box 4, St. Olavs plass, 0130, Oslo, Norway
| | - John-Anker Zwart
- Research and Communication Unit for Musculoskeletal Health (FORMI), Oslo University Hospital HF, Ulleval, Bygg 37b, P.O. Box 4956, 0424, Oslo, Nydalen, Norway.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1072, Blindern, 0316, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jörg Assmus
- Competence Centre for Clinical Research, Haukeland University Hospital, Jonas Liesvei 65, 5021, Bergen, Norway
| | - Ansgar Espeland
- Department of Radiology, Haukeland University Hospital, Jonas Liesvei 65, 5021, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, P.O. Box 7804, 5020, Bergen, Norway
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Bray TJP, Bainbridge A, Sakai NS, Hall-Craggs MA, Zhang H. An information-based comparison of diffusion attenuation models in normal and inflamed bone marrow. NMR IN BIOMEDICINE 2020; 33:e4390. [PMID: 32749017 DOI: 10.1002/nbm.4390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Revised: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/18/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Diffusion-weighted imaging has received attention as a method for characterizing inflammatory exudates in bone marrow in immune-mediated inflammatory diseases and reveals an increase in diffusivity in regions of bone marrow oedema. Various models of diffusion attenuation have been investigated but the model providing the best description of tissue pathophysiology in regions of marrow oedema is unknown. Determining the most appropriate model is an important step towards protocol optimization and the development of a robust and clinically useful method. We aimed to determine which of three candidate models of diffusion attenuation most accurately describes the acquired signal from normal and inflamed bone marrow. 11 subjects with spondyloarthritis and evidence of active inflammation (ie bone marrow oedema) on MRI and 17 patients with no evidence of active inflammation underwent diffusion-weighted imaging of the sacroiliac joints (b-values 0, 50, 100, 300 and 600 s/mm2 ). Monoexponential, intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) and kurtosis models were fitted to the acquired signal from regions of interest in areas of bone marrow oedema and normal marrow. The three models were compared in terms of sum of squared error and information content (corrected Akaike information criterion). Model parameters were compared between regions of bone marrow oedema and regions of normal marrow. f the three models investigated, the IVIM model provided the best description of the signal over the 0-600 s/mm2 range across normal and inflamed bone marrow. There was a particular advantage of the IVIM model in normal marrow, where it was best able to capture the pronounced fast diffusion component observed in several cases. However, IVIM and kurtosis effects both became smaller and the signal behaviour became closer to monoexponential in the presence of bone marrow oedema. Our data suggest that increases in Dtissue (in the IVIM framework) might account for the reduced deviation from monoexponential behaviour in oedematous bone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy J P Bray
- Centre for Medical Imaging, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alan Bainbridge
- Department of Medical Physics, University College London Hospitals, London, United Kingdom
| | - Naomi S Sakai
- Centre for Medical Imaging, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Hui Zhang
- Department of Computer Science and Centre for Medical Image Computing, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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12
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Normal subchondral high T2 signal on MRI mimicking sacroiliitis in children: frequency, age distribution, and relationship to skeletal maturity. Eur Radiol 2020; 31:3498-3507. [PMID: 33123788 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-020-07328-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine patterns of variation of subchondral T2 signal changes in pediatric sacroiliac joints (SIJ) by location, age, sex, and sacral apophyseal closure. METHODS MRI of 502 SIJ in 251 children (132 girls), mean age 12.4 years (range 6.1-18.0), was obtained with parental informed consent. One hundred twenty-seven out of 251 had asymptomatic joints and were imaged for non-rheumatologic reasons, and 124 had low back pain but no sign of sacroiliitis on initial clinical MRI review. After calibration, three subspecialist radiologists independently scored subchondral signal changes on fat-suppressed fluid-sensitive sequences from 0 to 3 in 4 locations, and graded the degree of closure of sacral segmental apophyses. Associations between patient age, sex, signal changes, and apophyseal closure were analyzed. RESULTS Rim-like subchondral increased T2 signal or "flaring" was much more common at sacral than iliac SIJ margins (72% vs 16%, p < 0.001) and was symmetrical in > 90% of children. Iliac flaring scores were always lower than sacral, except for 1 child. Signal changes decreased as sacral apophyses closed, and were seen in < 20% of subjects with fully closed apophyses. Signal changes were more frequent in boys, and peaked in intensity later than for girls (ages 8-12 vs. 7-10). Subchondral signal in iliac crests was high throughout childhood and did not correlate with other locations. CONCLUSIONS Subchondral T2 "flaring" is common at SIJ of prepubertal children and is generally sacral-predominant and symmetrical. Flaring that is asymmetrical, greater in ilium than sacrum, or intense in a teenager with closed apophyses, is unusual for normal children and raises concern for pathologic bone marrow edema. KEY POINTS • A rim of subchondral high T2 signal is commonly observed on MRI at pediatric sacroiliac joints, primarily on the sacral side before segmental apophyseal closure, and should not be confused with pathology. • Unlike subchondral signal changes elsewhere, high T2 signal underlying the iliac crest apophyses is a near-universal normal finding in children that usually persists throughout adolescence. • The following patterns are unusual in normal children and are suspicious for pathology: definite iliac flaring, iliac flaring more intense than sacral flaring, left-right difference in flaring, definite flaring of any pattern in teenagers after sacral apophyseal closure.
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