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Watura C, Mitchell AWM, Fahy D, Houghton J, Kang S, Lee JC. T1-VIBE and STIR MRI of lumbar pars interarticularis injuries in elite athletes: fracture characterisation and potential prognostic indicators. Skeletal Radiol 2024; 53:489-497. [PMID: 37650925 DOI: 10.1007/s00256-023-04437-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess how pars interarticularis fracture characteristics on T1-VIBE and STIR MRI relate to healing and identify anatomical parameters that may impact healing. MATERIALS AND METHODS A retrospective review of an MRI series of lumbar pars interarticularis injuries in elite athletes over a 3-year period. Fracture configurations, signal intensities and anatomical parameters were recorded by two radiologists. Statistical analysis employed multilevel mixed-effects linear regressions, adjusted for repeated measures and baseline covariates. RESULTS Forty-seven lumbar pars interarticularis injuries among 31 athletes were assessed. On final scans for each athlete, 15% (7/47) injuries had worsened, 23% (11/47) remained stable, 43% (20/47) partially healed and 19% (9/47) healed completely. Healing times varied, quickest was 49 days for a chronic fracture in a footballer. Bone marrow oedema signal was highest in worsened fractures, followed by improved, and lowest in stable fractures. As healing progressed, T1-VIBE signal at the fracture line decreased. Bone marrow oedema and fracture line signal peaked at 90-120 days before decreasing until 210-240 days. Fractures with smaller dimensions, more vertical orientation and a longer superior articular facet beneath were significantly associated with better healing (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION Most diagnosed athletic pars interarticularis injuries improve. Normalising T1-VIBE signal at the fracture line is a novel measurable indicator of bony healing. Contrastingly, bone marrow oedema signal is higher in active fractures irrespective of healing or deterioration. Injuries initially perceived as worsening may be exhibiting the normal osteoclastic phase of healing. Better outcomes favour smaller, vertical fractures with a longer superior articular facet beneath.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Damian Fahy
- Fortius Clinic, 17 Fitzhardinge Street, London, W1H 6EQ, UK
| | | | - Sujin Kang
- Research Department, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Justin C Lee
- Fortius Clinic, 17 Fitzhardinge Street, London, W1H 6EQ, UK
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Florkow MC, Nguyen CH, Sakkers RJB, Weinans H, Jansen MP, Custers RJH, van Stralen M, Seevinck PR. Magnetic resonance imaging-based bone imaging of the lower limb: Strategies for generating high-resolution synthetic computed tomography. J Orthop Res 2023. [PMID: 37807082 DOI: 10.1002/jor.25707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
This study aims at assessing approaches for generating high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging- (MRI-) based synthetic computed tomography (sCT) images suitable for orthopedic care using a deep learning model trained on low-resolution computed tomography (CT) data. To that end, paired MRI and CT data of three anatomical regions were used: high-resolution knee and ankle data, and low-resolution hip data. Four experiments were conducted to investigate the impact of low-resolution training CT data on sCT generation and to find ways to train models on low-resolution data while providing high-resolution sCT images. Experiments included resampling of the training data or augmentation of the low-resolution data with high-resolution data. Training sCT generation models using low-resolution CT data resulted in blurry sCT images. By resampling the MRI/CT pairs before the training, models generated sharper images, presumably through an increase in the MRI/CT mutual information. Alternatively, augmenting the low-resolution with high-resolution data improved sCT in terms of mean absolute error proportionally to the amount of high-resolution data. Overall, the morphological accuracy was satisfactory as assessed by an average intermodal distance between joint centers ranging from 0.7 to 1.2 mm and by an average intermodal root-mean-squared distances between bone surfaces under 0.7 mm. Average dice scores ranged from 79.8% to 87.3% for bony structures. To conclude, this paper proposed approaches to generate high-resolution sCT suitable for orthopedic care using low-resolution data. This can generalize the use of sCT for imaging the musculoskeletal system, paving the way for an MR-only imaging with simplified logistics and no ionizing radiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateusz C Florkow
- Image Sciences Institute, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Chien H Nguyen
- Department of Orthopaedics, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- 3D Lab, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ralph J B Sakkers
- Department of Orthopaedics, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Harrie Weinans
- Department of Orthopaedics, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Mylene P Jansen
- Department of Rheumatology & Clinical Immunology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Roel J H Custers
- Department of Orthopaedics, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Peter R Seevinck
- Image Sciences Institute, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- MRIguidance B.V., Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Xu J, Hu Y, Zhou R, Sun S, Chen H. Zero Echo Time vs. T1-Weighted MRI for Assessment of Cortical and Medullary Bone Morphology Abnormalities Using CT as the Reference Standard. J Magn Reson Imaging 2023; 58:752-760. [PMID: 36571275 DOI: 10.1002/jmri.28583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Conventional MR pulse sequences result in poor signal from low T2 cortical bone because the minimum achievable echo time is limited. A sequence resulting in improved bone contrast is desirable. PURPOSE To evaluate the image quality and diagnostic performance of grayscale inversion zero echo time imaging (GI-ZTE) and grayscale inversion T1-weighted imaging (GI-T1WI) compared with computed tomography (CT). STUDY TYPE Prospective. SUBJECTS A total of 50 patients with musculoskeletal tumors or tumor-like diseases of the lower extremities having MRI and CT studies. FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE GI-T1WI and GI-ZTE sequences at 1.5 T. ASSESSMENT Assessed cortical and medullary bone morphology abnormalities using CT as the reference standard. Three radiologists scored the images quality and recorded nine metrics to assess the diagnostic performance. STATISTICAL TESTS Differences in image quality were calculated using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to analyze the agreement of quantitative lesion parameters between CT and MR sequences, as well as the interobserver reliability. A P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS Image quality score was significantly higher for CT images than GI-TIWI images. Except for radiologist 3 [4(0) vs 4 (1)], there was no significant difference in scores between CT and GI-ZTE [radiologist 1: 4 (0) vs 4 (0), P = 0.133; radiologist 2: 4 (0) vs 4 (0), P = 0.085]. There was good-excellent agreement between both MR sequences and CT for size, lesion number, location, sclerotic rim, expanded shell, destruction pattern, and matrix mineralization for all radiologists (ICC: 0.636-1.000). The consistency of periosteal reaction and penetration of the cortex was fair to good (0.481-0.729) between GI-T1WI and CT and good to excellent between GI-ZTE and CT (0.682-0.852). DATA CONCLUSIONS GI-ZTE images had superior intermodality agreement with CT images and allowed visualization of more cortical bone detail than GI-T1WI images. EVIDENCE LEVEL 1. TECHNICAL EFFICACY Stage 2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Xu
- Department of Radiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Yawen Hu
- Department of Radiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Ruizhi Zhou
- Department of Radiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Shiqing Sun
- Department of Radiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Haisong Chen
- Department of Radiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
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Meadows KD, Peloquin JM, Markhali MI, Zgonis MH, Schaer TP, Mauck RL, Elliott DM. Acute Repair of Meniscus Root Tear Partially Restores Joint Displacements as Measured With Magnetic Resonance Images and Loading in a Cadaveric Porcine Knee. J Biomech Eng 2023; 145:081002. [PMID: 37255448 PMCID: PMC10259466 DOI: 10.1115/1.4062524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
The meniscus serves important load-bearing functions and protects the underlying articular cartilage. Unfortunately, meniscus tears are common and impair the ability of the meniscus to distribute loads, increasing the risk of developing osteoarthritis. Therefore, surgical repair of the meniscus is a frequently performed procedure; however, repair does not always prevent osteoarthritis. This is hypothesized to be due to altered joint loading post-injury and repair, where the functional deficit of the meniscus prevents it from performing its role of distributing forces. The objective of this study was to quantify joint kinematics in an intact joint, after a meniscus root tear, and after suture repair in cadaveric porcine knees, a frequently used in vivo model. We utilized an magnetic resonance images-compatible loading device and novel use of a T1 vibe sequence to measure meniscus and femur displacements under physiological axial loads. We found that anterior root tear led to large meniscus displacements under physiological axial loading and that suture anchor repair reduced these displacements but did not fully restore intact joint kinematics. After tear and repair, the anterior region of the meniscus moved posteriorly and medially as it was forced out of the joint space under loading, while the posterior region had small displacements as the posterior attachment acted as a hinge about which the meniscus pivoted in the axial plane. Methods from this study can be applied to assess altered joint kinematics following human knee injuries and evaluate repair strategies aimed to restore joint kinematics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle D. Meadows
- Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716
| | - John M. Peloquin
- Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716
| | | | - Miltiadis H. Zgonis
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Penn Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Thomas P. Schaer
- Department of Clinical Studies, New Bolton Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Robert L. Mauck
- McKay Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104; Translational Musculoskeletal Research Center, CMC VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Dawn M. Elliott
- Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware, 201 STAR Health Sciences Center, Newark, DE 19716
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Zhou B, Tang Z, Lv L, Yu J, Li X, Yang C, Xiang S, Song Z, Zhang D. The application of 3-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging in nasopharyngeal carcinoma with pterygopalatine fossa invasion. Magn Reson Imaging 2023; 96:38-43. [PMID: 36372200 DOI: 10.1016/j.mri.2022.11.007] [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: 06/11/2022] [Revised: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECT The pterygopalatine fossa (PPF) is a covert neurovascular pathway in the skull base and connects with numerous intracranial and extracranial spaces. The aim of this study was to explore the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of PPF invasion in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). MATERIAL AND METHODS The medical records of 88 patients with stage T3 or T4 NPC were retrospectively analyzed. The 3-Dimensional (3D) volumetric images of MRI were reconstructed for the tiny connecting conduits of the invaded PPFs in the NPC patients. The infiltration incidence of conduits and connected further structures were calculated. RESULTS Forty-six PPFs from 37 patients were invaded by NPC. The proportions of stage T4 NPC and intracranial extension were higher in patients with PPF invasion than that without PPF invasion (P < 0.05). Each connecting conduit of the PPF had corresponding optimal reconstructed orientation based on 3D volumetric MRI images. The first three most common infiltrated conduits were palatovaginal canal, vidian canal and sphenopalatine foramen, which were adjacent to the nasopharynx. Among the conduits connecting with further structures, the most common infiltrated conduit was pterygomaxillary fissure, followed by foramen rotundum and inferior orbital fissure. Furthermore, The NPC lesions involved stage T4 structures via the conduits from 19.6% of the invaded PPFs. CONCLUSIONS The application of high-quality reconstruction images based on 3D sequence of MRI in NPC patients proved to be feasible and beneficial for the manifestation of the invaded PPFs and connecting conduits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bi Zhou
- Department of Radiology, Chongqing General Hospital, Chongqing 401147, China; Molecular and Functional Imaging Laboratory, Chongqing General Hospital, Chongqing 400014, China
| | - Zhuoyue Tang
- Department of Radiology, Chongqing General Hospital, Chongqing 401147, China; Molecular and Functional Imaging Laboratory, Chongqing General Hospital, Chongqing 400014, China
| | - Liang Lv
- Department of Radiology, Chongqing General Hospital, Chongqing 401147, China
| | - Jiayi Yu
- Department of Radiology, Chongqing General Hospital, Chongqing 401147, China; Molecular and Functional Imaging Laboratory, Chongqing General Hospital, Chongqing 400014, China
| | - Xiaojiao Li
- Department of Radiology, Chongqing General Hospital, Chongqing 401147, China; Molecular and Functional Imaging Laboratory, Chongqing General Hospital, Chongqing 400014, China
| | - Chao Yang
- Department of Radiology, Chongqing General Hospital, Chongqing 401147, China; Molecular and Functional Imaging Laboratory, Chongqing General Hospital, Chongqing 400014, China
| | - Shifeng Xiang
- Department of Radiology, Chongqing General Hospital, Chongqing 401147, China
| | - Zuhua Song
- Department of Radiology, Chongqing General Hospital, Chongqing 401147, China; Molecular and Functional Imaging Laboratory, Chongqing General Hospital, Chongqing 400014, China
| | - Dan Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Chongqing General Hospital, Chongqing 401147, China; Molecular and Functional Imaging Laboratory, Chongqing General Hospital, Chongqing 400014, China.
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Aydıngöz Ü, Yıldız AE, Ergen FB. Zero Echo Time Musculoskeletal MRI: Technique, Optimization, Applications, and Pitfalls. Radiographics 2022; 42:1398-1414. [PMID: 35904982 DOI: 10.1148/rg.220029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Zero echo time (ZTE) imaging is an MRI technique that produces images similar to those obtained with radiography or CT. In ZTE MRI, the very short T2 signal from the mineralized trabecular bone matrix and especially cortical bone-both of which have a low proton density (PD)-is sampled in a unique sequence setup. Additionally, the PD weighting of the ZTE sequence results in less contrast between soft tissues. Therefore, along with gray-scale inversion from black to white and vice versa, ZTE imaging provides excellent contrast between cortical bone and soft tissues similar to that of radiography and CT. However, despite isotropic or near-isotropic three-dimensional (3D) imaging capabilities of the ZTE sequence, spatial resolution in this technique is still inferior to that of radiography and CT, and 3D volume renderings are currently time-consuming and require postprocessing software that features segmentation and manual contouring. Optimization of ZTE MRI mostly entails adjustments of bandwidth, flip angle, field of view, and image matrix. A wide range of structural abnormalities and disease or healing processes in the musculoskeletal system are well delineated with ZTE MRI, including conditions that involve bone-based morphometric analyses (which aid diagnosis, help prognostication, and guide surgery), impaction, avulsion and stress fractures, loose bodies or erosions in and around joints, soft-tissue calcifications and ossifications, and bone tumors (including treatment response). The pitfalls of ZTE imaging include mimics of foci of calcification or ossification such as intra-articular gas and susceptibility artifacts from surgical materials and hemosiderin deposition, which can be avoided in many instances by cross-referencing images obtained with other MRI sequences. Online supplemental material is available for this article. ©RSNA, 2022.
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Affiliation(s)
- Üstün Aydıngöz
- From the Department of Radiology, Hacettepe University School of Medicine, 06230 Ankara, Turkey
| | - Adalet Elçin Yıldız
- From the Department of Radiology, Hacettepe University School of Medicine, 06230 Ankara, Turkey
| | - F Bilge Ergen
- From the Department of Radiology, Hacettepe University School of Medicine, 06230 Ankara, Turkey
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MRI as the optimal imaging modality for assessment and management of osteochondral fractures and loose bodies following traumatic patellar dislocation: a systematic review. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 2022; 31:1744-1752. [PMID: 35796753 DOI: 10.1007/s00167-022-07043-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess the imaging modalities used for diagnosis, as well as the management decisions of patients with osteochondral fractures (OCF) and loose bodies following traumatic patellar dislocation. METHODS According to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analyses (PRISMA), MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and PubMed were searched for results from January 1, 2000, to May 18, 2021, in two subsequent searches for English language studies that presented data on traumatic patellar dislocation. Quality of selected papers was assessed using the Methodological Index for Non-Randomised Studies (MINORS) and the Risk of Bias (RoB) 2.0 protocol. Results were qualitatively synthesised, and descriptive statistics were calculated. RESULTS Forty studies totalling 3074 patients (1407 females) were included for the analysis. The mean age was 18.9 years (range 0-69). The population included 2446 first-time dislocations. The imaging modalities used were: 71.1% MRI, 52.6% plain radiography, 12.1% CT, and 0.68% ultrasound. In the 25 studies that reported the number of OCF, a total of 38.3% of patients were found to have OCF. 43.3% of patients with a first-time dislocation, and 34.7% of patients with previous dislocations, had at least one OCF. In the included paediatric studies (maximum age ≤ 18), the presence of OCF was detected by plain radiography in 10.1% of patients, MRI in 76.6% of patients, and CT in 89.5% of patients. For management of an OCF, the surgical options include fixation for larger pieces, excision for smaller pieces, and conservative management on a case-by-case basis. CONCLUSIONS Based on the current available evidence, assessment and management of patellar dislocations and subsequent OCFs vary, with radiography and MRI as the main imaging modalities on presentation and particular benefit for MRI in the paediatric population. Findings from this study suggest the highest rate of OCF detection with MRI, and thus, surgeons should consider routinely ordering an MRI in patients with first-time patellar dislocation. Regarding management of OCFs, the main indication for fixation was large fragments, while smaller and poor-quality fragments are excised. Few studies choose conservative management of OCFs due to later requirements for surgical management. Future work should focus on large, high-quality studies, and implementation of randomised control trials to form guidelines for imaging patellar dislocations and management of OCFs. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level IV.
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Florkow MC, Willemsen K, Mascarenhas VV, Oei EHG, van Stralen M, Seevinck PR. Magnetic Resonance Imaging Versus Computed Tomography for Three-Dimensional Bone Imaging of Musculoskeletal Pathologies: A Review. J Magn Reson Imaging 2022; 56:11-34. [PMID: 35044717 PMCID: PMC9305220 DOI: 10.1002/jmri.28067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is increasingly utilized as a radiation‐free alternative to computed tomography (CT) for the diagnosis and treatment planning of musculoskeletal pathologies. MR imaging of hard tissues such as cortical bone remains challenging due to their low proton density and short transverse relaxation times, rendering bone tissues as nonspecific low signal structures on MR images obtained from most sequences. Developments in MR image acquisition and post‐processing have opened the path for enhanced MR‐based bone visualization aiming to provide a CT‐like contrast and, as such, ease clinical interpretation. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of studies comparing MR and CT imaging for diagnostic and treatment planning purposes in orthopedic care, with a special focus on selective bone visualization, bone segmentation, and three‐dimensional (3D) modeling. This review discusses conventional gradient‐echo derived techniques as well as dedicated short echo time acquisition techniques and post‐processing techniques, including the generation of synthetic CT, in the context of 3D and specific bone visualization. Based on the reviewed literature, it may be concluded that the recent developments in MRI‐based bone visualization are promising. MRI alone provides valuable information on both bone and soft tissues for a broad range of applications including diagnostics, 3D modeling, and treatment planning in multiple anatomical regions, including the skull, spine, shoulder, pelvis, and long bones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateusz C Florkow
- Image Sciences Institute, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Koen Willemsen
- Department of Orthopedics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Vasco V Mascarenhas
- Musculoskeletal Imaging Unit, Imaging Center, Hospital da Luz, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Edwin H G Oei
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marijn van Stralen
- Image Sciences Institute, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,MRIguidance BV, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Peter R Seevinck
- Image Sciences Institute, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,MRIguidance BV, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Hurley P, Azzopardi C, Botchu R, Grainger M, Gardner A. Can MRI be used as a safe and expedient option for calculating Spinal Instability Neoplastic Score for patients with metastatic spinal cord compression? Bone Joint J 2021; 103-B:971-975. [PMID: 33934648 DOI: 10.1302/0301-620x.103b5.bjj-2020-1823.r1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
AIMS The aim of this study was to assess the reliability of using MRI scans to calculate the Spinal Instability Neoplastic Score (SINS) in patients with metastatic spinal cord compression (MSCC). METHODS A total of 100 patients were retrospectively included in the study. The SINS score was calculated from each patient's MRI and CT scans by two consultant musculoskeletal radiologists (reviewers 1 and 2) and one consultant spinal surgeon (reviewer 3). In order to avoid potential bias in the assessment, MRI scans were reviewed first. Bland-Altman analysis was used to identify the limits of agreement between the SINS scores from the MRI and CT scans for the three reviewers. RESULTS The limit of agreement between the SINS score from the MRI and CT scans for the reviewers was -0.11 for reviewer 1 (95% CI 0.82 to -1.04), -0.12 for reviewer 2 (95% CI 1.24 to -1.48), and -0.37 for reviewer 3 (95% CI 2.35 to -3.09). The use of MRI tended to increase the score when compared with that using the CT scan. No patient having their score calculated from MRI scans would have been classified as stable rather than intermediate or unstable when calculated from CT scans, potentially leading to suboptimal care. CONCLUSION We found that MRI scans can be used to calculate the SINS score reliably, compared with the score from CT scans. The main difference between the scores derived from MRI and CT was in defining the type of bony lesion. This could be made easier by knowing the site of the primary tumour when calculating the score, or by using inverted T1-volumetric interpolated breath-hold examination MRI to assess the bone more reliably, similar to using CT. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(5):971-975.
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