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Biomedical subjects

Anne Cotten

Publications and source records attributed to Anne Cotten.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Imaging features of musculoskeletal involvement in systemic sclerosis.

This article describes the radiographic, sonographic and magnetic resonance (MR) features of musculoskeletal involvement in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). Conventional radiography is the traditional method of detecting digital calcifications, but ultrasonography (US) is also able to detect such calcifications before they appear on radiographs. MR imaging can be used to diagnose overlapping conditions (i.e., SSc and myositis or SSc and rheumatoid arthritis), and less frequently, to reveal neurologic complications of SSc. In patients with vascular ulcers, MR angiography is able to depict decreased flow within collateral digital arteries.

Contrast Media↗

Ultrasonographic assessment of arterial cross-sectional area in the thoracic outlet on postural maneuvers measured with power Doppler ultrasonography in both asymptomatic and symptomatic populations.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and potential usefulness of power Doppler ultrasonography (PDU) in the assessment of changes in arterial cross-sectional area in the thoracic outlet during upper limb elevation. METHODS: Forty-four volunteers and 28 patients with a clinical diagnosis of arterial thoracic outlet syndrome were evaluated by B-mode imaging and PDU. Arterial cross-sectional area was assessed in the 3 compartments of the thoracic outlet with the arm alongside the body and at 90 degrees, 130 degrees, and 170 degrees of abduction. The percentage of arterial stenosis was calculated for each of these arm positions. Nineteen of the 28 patients were also assessed by magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. RESULTS: No significant arterial stenosis was shown in the interscalene triangle and in the retropectoralis minor space of the volunteers and patients. A significant difference (P < .01) in stenosis between volunteers and patients was seen for all degrees of abduction in the costoclavicular space. The 130 degrees hyperabduction maneuver appeared to be the most discriminating postural maneuver. Seven patients assessed with MR imaging did not have any arterial stenosis on MR images, whereas an appreciable degree of arterial stenosis was shown with ultrasonography. CONCLUSIONS: Arterial compression inside the thoracic outlet can be detected and quantified with B-mode imaging in association with PDU.

Adult↗

Mature neuroblastic tumors with spinal cord compression: report of five pediatric cases.

BACKGROUND: Neuroblastic tumors cause spinal cord compression when they arise primarily in the spinal canal or invade it through the radicular foramen. Whereas neuroblastomas (NB) are relatively common and are generally treated with chemotherapy, mature neuroblastic tumors (MNT), which include intermixed ganglioneuroblastomas (iGNB) and ganglioneuromas (GN), are less common and the role of surgery is more prominent. Because MNT are rare and have been separated only recently from NB, their clinical and radiological features as well as the role of surgery are poorly defined. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In order to increase our knowledge on MNT, we reviewed our database for cases operated for spinal cord compression in our department since the introduction of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We treated four cases of NB and one case of iGNB presenting primarily with spinal cord compression. REPORT OF CASES: MNT represented 10% of spinal tumors and 1.6% of all tumors of the nervous system in our pediatric neurosurgical practice. The neurological and oncological outcomes were generally favorable after surgical resection, followed by orthotic treatment. In one case with neurofibromatosis type 1, the tumor was inoperable and the child died of tumor progression several years later. CONCLUSION: GN, and some iGNB, are chemo-insensitive and can only be cured by surgical removal. Surgery is an emergency in case of rapidly progressing paraplegia and can be challenging because the tumor is often hard and hemorrhagic. In case of subtotal removal, tumor remnants can stay stable without oncological treatment.

Child↗

Ultrasonographic evaluation of normal extrinsic and intrinsic carpal ligaments: preliminary experience.

OBJECTIVE: To determine normal anatomy of extrinsic and intrinsic carpal ligaments at ultrasonography (US). DESIGN AND VOLUNTEERS: In the first part of the study, two musculoskeletal radiologists retrospectively reviewed in consensus the photographs of anatomic sections and dissections derived from 20 cadaveric wrists. This cadaveric study gave the two readers the opportunity to learn the anatomy and orientation of the various extrinsic and intrinsic carpal ligaments and, thus, to develop a US protocol to facilitate the recognition of each carpal ligament. In the second part of the study, these two radiologists prospectively and independently evaluated the visibility of extrinsic and intrinsic carpal ligaments in 30 wrists of volunteers, using the same US protocol. RESULTS: With regard to extrinsic carpal ligaments, the radioscaphocapitate ligament (partially visible, 38%; completely visible, 62%), the radiolunotriquetral ligament (partially visible, 27%; completely visible, 73%), the palmar ulnotriquetral ligament (partially visible, 12%; completely visible, 88%), and the dorsal radiotriquetral ligament (partially visible, 7%; completely visible, 93%) were visualized at US. The dorsal ulnotriquetral ligament (partially visible, 21%; completely visible, 74%), the ulnolunate ligament (partially visible, 5%; completely visible, 70%), and the radial collateral ligament (partially visible, 18%; completely visible, 12%) were more difficult to recognize. The radioscapholunate ligament was never seen. With regard to intrinsic carpal ligaments, the dorsal (partially visible, 11%; completely visible, 89%) and palmar (partially visible, 38%; completely visible, 62%) scaphotriquetral ligaments as well as the dorsal scapholunate ligament (partially visible, 3%; completely visible, 97%) were visualized at US. The dorsal lunotriquetral ligament (partially visible, 39%; completely visible, 61%) and the palmar scapholunate ligaments (partially visible, 12%; completely visible, 81%) were more difficult to recognize. CONCLUSION: US may be helpful in identifying the major extrinsic and intrinsic carpal ligaments.

Adult↗

MR imaging findings in hands in early rheumatoid arthritis: comparison with those in systemic lupus erythematosus and primary Sjögren syndrome.

PURPOSE: To evaluate prospectively the use of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging for differentiating true rheumatoid arthritis (RA) from systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or primary Sjögren syndrome in patients who have inflammatory polyarthralgia of the hands but no radiographic evidence of RA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study had institutional review board approval, and patient informed consent was obtained. Twenty-eight patients (16 female and 12 male patients; mean age, 42 years) with early RA and 19 patients (18 female and one male patient; mean age, 46 years) with SLE (n = 14) or primary Sjögren syndrome (n = 5) underwent MR imaging of both hands. All patients had inflammatory polyarthralgia of the hands and no evidence of erosive changes on radiographs. Coronal T2-weighted short inversion time inversion-recovery, transverse T1-weighted spin-echo, transverse fat-suppressed gadolinium-enhanced T1-weighted spin-echo, and transverse gadolinium-enhanced three-dimensional gradient-echo MR images were obtained. The following MR imaging variables were assessed in the wrist and nonthumb metacarpophalangeal joints: synovitis, bone lesions (erosion, defect, and edema), and tenosynovitis. Synovitis and bone lesions were scored with the OMERACT RA-MRI scoring system. Findings in patients with RA and those without RA were compared by means of Mann-Whitney, chi2, and Fisher exact tests. RESULTS: The only significant difference between the two groups in terms of individual scores for synovitis, bone lesions, and tenosynovitis was the more frequent presence of tenosynovitis of the right fourth extensor tendon in patients without RA (P = .04). There were no significant differences between patients with RA and those without RA in terms of global scores for synovitis, bone lesions, and tenosynovitis. However, bone marrow edema in the metacarpophalangeal joints was seen more frequently in patients with RA (P < .001). CONCLUSION: It may be impossible to distinguish between patients with early RA and those without RA (ie, those with SLE or primary Sjögren syndrome) by means of MR imaging.

Adolescent↗

Clinical results of an open prospective study of a bis-GMA composite in percutaneous vertebral augmentation.

In this open prospective trial, 53 patients with acute pain from osteoporotic vertebral fracture related to osteoporosis or malignancy underwent vertebral augmentation with a new bisphenol-a-glycidyl dimethacrylate (bis-GMA) resin (Cortoss, Orthovita, Malvern, Pa, USA). Treatment consisted of up to 8 ml of Cortoss injected into a given vertebra. The procedure encompassed single and multiple injections (including the contralateral hemivertebra, to a maximum of 3 vertebral levels). Follow-up was at 4 and 8 days and at 1, 3, and 6 months. The primary efficacy end point was patient-rated pain using a 100-point visual analog scale (VAS, with 100 as severest pain) on day 4 following treatment; secondary end points were analgesic use and quality-of-life and disability scores from the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and a short-form 12-item questionnaire (SF-12). The present report contains interim results collected up to the 1-month post-treatment time point. At baseline, the group's mean VAS score was 69, indicating moderate to severe pain; at day 4, 32 of 53 patients (60.4%) reported a 30% or greater reduction in baseline pain accompanied by a VAS pain score less than 50 (mean 38.1). Pain reduction was maintained at 1 month (mean VAS 31.3). The average ODI score at baseline was 55, suggesting significant disability among participants prior to Cortoss treatment. Following treatment, the ODI scores were significantly reduced from these baseline levels (day 8, 47.4; 1 month, 33.6). Further, SF-12 physical and mental component scores at 1 month after treatment increased from baseline by 26% and 11%, respectively; while analgesic use decreased concomitantly, primarily among patients with underlying osteoporosis. A total of 20 adverse events were deemed to be device-related. The most frequent clinically significant adverse events attributed to Cortoss were leakage of Cortoss from within the vertebral body at placement (12%), back pain (7%), and unspecified pain (7%). These results indicate that vertebral augmentation with Cortoss rapidly reduces pain, decreases disability, and improves physical functioning in patients with painful vertebral compression fractures.

Adult↗

Contribution of percutaneous biopsy to the definite diagnosis in patients with suspected bone tumor.

OBJECTIVES: Percutaneous biopsy is widely used for the diagnosis of primary and secondary bone malignancies. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the contribution of percutaneous biopsy to the definite diagnosis in patients with suspected bone tumor. The secondary objective was to assess the potential diagnostic benefits of a second percutaneous biopsy when the first failed to provide the diagnosis. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 108 percutaneous biopsies of bone lesions in 89 patients admitted to our rheumatology department from January 1994 to December 2001. There were 61 men and 28 women with a mean age of 59 years. The biopsies were done under computed tomography guidance in 68 patients and fluoroscopy in 21 patients. RESULTS: The diagnostic yield of percutaneous biopsies was 68.5% overall and was significantly higher in patients with metastatic bone disease (100%) than in patients with primary tumors (83%) or hematological malignancies (58%) (P = 0.0004 and P < 0.0001, respectively). Yields were higher for peripheral lesions (85%) than for vertebral (65%) and pelvic (60%) lesions. Yields were 87% for lytic lesions, 66% for sclerotic lesions, and 50% for mixed lesions. When soft tissues were sampled, the yield was 100%, as compared to 86% for biopsies composed only of bone. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous biopsy of suspected bone tumors is a safe and inexpensive procedure that consistently ensures the diagnosis of bone metastases. The diagnostic yield is lowest in patients with bone lesions caused by hematological malignancies. When two biopsies fail to provide the diagnosis, further biopsies are unlikely to be helpful.

Adolescent↗

High- versus low-field MR imaging.

The role of MR imaging as a noninvasive technique in the detection and evaluation of musculoskeletal diseases is unquestionable. Most of the studies reported in the literature are based on high-field MR imaging. Initial studies performed with low-field-strength have reported unsatisfactory results in the assessment of the musculoskeletal system. Recent improvements, however, have generated a renewed interest in low-field-strength MR imaging. This article presents the principal applications and results published in the literature.

Humans↗

MR imaging appearance of rheumatoid arthritis in the foot.

Although conventional radiographs remain the initial mainstay for imaging of the foot in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), magnetic resonance (MR) imaging has afforded the ability to detect early signs of the disease (i.e., synovitis, tenosynovitis, bone lesions, and bursitis), especially at the forefoot. In addition, the relatively symmetric distribution of the imaging abnormalities depicted in the metatarsophalangeal joints and the frequent involvement of the retro-calcaneal bursitis are almost specific for RA. In more advanced stages of the disease, MR imaging is well suited to evaluation of the hindfoot joints and tendons as well as the musculoskeletal complications of RA (e.g., tendon disruption, rheumatoid nodules, sinus tarsi syndrome).

Arthritis, Rheumatoid↗

Imaging of rock climbing injuries.

Competition climbing has grown increasingly in popularity, and many people are being drawn to this sport with a parallel increase in the occurrence of sport-related injuries. One of the most common and unique lesions occurring in the rock climbing population is the closed rupture of the flexor pulley system of the fingers. This lesion is strictly related to some climbing techniques in which the entire body weight is placed on fingerholds, which causes bowstringing of the flexor tendons with subsequent loss of strength across the full range of motion of the finger. This article summarizes the current literature regarding the application of imaging modalities in the diagnosis of rock climbing injuries with a specific focus on ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging. Biomechanics of the sporting activity and resultant pathophysiologic and clinical considerations concerning flexor pulley system injuries are also discussed.

Athletic Injuries↗

High-frequency ultrasonographic examination of the finger pulley system.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the ability of high-frequency ultrasonography to provide for direct evaluation of the annular and cruciform finger pulley system. METHODS: In the first part of the work, a cadaveric study was performed to outline the normal anatomy of the annular and cruciform finger pulley system. Eighteen cadaveric hands were cut (n = 10) or dissected (n = 8). Two musculoskeletal radiologists retrospectively reviewed in consensus the photographs of anatomic sections and dissections. This cadaveric study gave the 2 readers the opportunity to learn the normal anatomy of the finger pulley system. In the second part of the work, the annular and cruciform finger pulley system of 20 hands of volunteers was evaluated by ultrasonography with a 17-MHz linear transducer. Images were retrospectively analyzed by means of consensus of the 2 radiologists with respect to the visibility of each finger pulley. RESULTS: For annular (A) pulleys, high frequency ultrasonography showed A1, A2, A3, and A4 in 100%, 100%, 65%, and 100% of cases, respectively. For cruciform (C) pulleys, high-frequency ultrasonography showed only C1 in 45% of cases. Direct visualization of A5, C2, and C3 was not possible. CONCLUSIONS: High-frequency ultrasonography allows excellent depiction of finger pulleys except for annular pulley A5 and cruciform pulleys C2 and C3.

Aged↗

The posterior lumbar ramus: CT-anatomic correlation and propositions of new sites of infiltration.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Lumbar zypapophyseal joints are innervated by the medial branch of the posterior lumbar ramus. The aim of this work was to describe the precise course of the medial ramus on axial CT scans and to define a precise location for its selective infiltration. METHODS: Lumbar spines of two cadavers were first dissected to assess the route of the L1-L5 posterior ramus. Thirty lumbar spinal nerves of three cadavers were injected in the epineural space with a mixture of iodine contrast and stain to perform a correlation between anatomic gross sections and CT sections in the axial plane. A histologic study was also performed to ensure the neurologic nature of the structure identified. RESULTS: The fibroosseous canal located between the mamillary and the accessory processes was a constant pathway for the medial branch of the L1-L4 posterior ramus. This former was always located closer to the accessory process. The L5 posterior ramus and its divisions could also be identified into a groove bounded laterally by the ala of the sacrum and medially by the base of the superior articular process of S1. CONCLUSION: The accessory process and the groove bounded laterally by the ala of the sacrum and medially by the base of the superior articular process of S1 can be easily depicted on CT images and may allow a precise and selective infiltration of the medial branch of the posterior lumbar ramus.

Aged↗

Metacarpophalangeal joints at US in asymptomatic volunteers and cadaveric specimens.

PURPOSE: To determine normal anatomy of metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints at ultrasonography (US) and to compare findings with anatomic and histopathologic findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Right hands of five cadavers (two women, three men; age range at death, 46-96 years; mean age at death, 62 years) and dominant hands of 30 volunteers (15 men, 15 women; age range, 27-74 years; mean age, 43 years) were evaluated. Nonthumb MCP joints were scanned longitudinally and transversely by two musculoskeletal radiologists working independently at US with a high-frequency linear-array transducer (frequency, 12 MHz). US appearances of intraarticular and periarticular structures were analyzed independently by these radiologists. Specimen sectioning provided anatomic and histopathologic comparisons. Interobserver precision was assessed with determination of coefficient of variation (CV). RESULTS: Sagittal US images enabled good visualization of the dorsal metacarpal synovial recess and the metacarpal head cartilage. In 37% of cases, a small depression (mean depth, 0.3 mm) was identified on the dorsal aspect of the metacarpal head, especially at the second MCP joint (19% of cases). Direct visualization of sagittal bands of the extensor hood was possible on dorsal transverse US scans, especially at the second and third MCP joints. In all cases, the first annular pulley was well seen on palmar transverse US scans. The radial collateral ligament of the second MCP joint was better recognized by the two observers than was the ulnar collateral ligament of the fifth MCP joint. Interobserver precision was high (CV range, 1.5%-6.5%) for intraarticular and periarticular structures. CONCLUSION: US provides detailed information about normal anatomy of nonthumb MCP joints.

Adult↗

Long-term follow-up of vertebral osteoporotic fractures treated by percutaneous vertebroplasty.

The aim of this study was: to assess the long-term efficacy and safety of percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) for treating painful vertebral osteoporotic fractures, and to estimate the risk of vertebral fracture in the vicinity of a cemented vertebra. A prospective open study was conducted. PVP were carried out between July 1995 and September 2000 for 16 patients with symptomatic osteoporotic vertebral fracture that had not responded to extensive conservative medical therapy. All the patients were followed-up for more than 1 year. The efficacy of the PVP was assessed by the changes over time in pain on Huskisson's visual analog scale (VAS) and on the McGill-Melzack scoring system (MGM). The efficacy of the procedure was also assessed by measuring the changes over time in quality of life assessed by the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP instrument): twenty-one vertebrae treated by PVP in 16 patients were evaluated. The mean duration of follow-up was 35 months. Pain assessed by the VAS significantly decreased from a mean of 71.4 mm+/-13 before PVP to 36 mm+/-30 after 6 months, and to 39 mm+/-33 at the time of maximal follow-up ( p<0.05 for both comparisons). The results were also significant for the MGM: 3.00+/-0.57 before PVP to 1.6+/-1.4 at the long-term follow-up ( p<0.05). The solely statistically significant decrease for quality of life was noted for pain. A slight but not significant improvement was noted for 3/6 dimensions of the NHP scores. A slight but significant increase in social isolation was also found. No severe complication occurred immediately after PVP. At the long term follow-up (35 months) there was a slight but not significantly increased risk of vertebral fracture in the vicinity of a cemented vertebra: odds ratio 3.18 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.51-19.64). The odds ratio of a vertebral fracture in the vicinity of an uncemented fractured vertebra was 2.14 (95% CI: 0.17-26.31). In conclusion, PVP appears to be safe and effective for treating persistent painful osteoporotic fractures. Controlled studies with long-term follow-up are needed to evaluate the risk of vertebral fractures in the vicinity of a cemented vertebra.

Aged↗

End plate marrow changes in the asymptomatic lumbosacral spine: frequency, distribution and correlation with age and degenerative changes.

PURPOSE: To investigate the frequency and distribution of end plate marrow signal intensity changes in an asymptomatic population and to correlate these findings with patient age and degenerative findings in the spine. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MR imaging studies of the lumbosacral (LS) spine in 59 asymptomatic subjects were retrospectively reviewed by 2 musculoskeletal radiologists to determine the presence and location of fat-like and edema-like marrow signal changes about the end plates of the L1-2 through L5-S1 levels. The presence of degenerative changes in the spine was recorded as was patient age. Descriptive statistics were utilized to determine the frequency and associations of end plate findings and degenerative changes in the spine. Interobserver variability was determined by a kappa score. Binomial probability was used to predict the prevalence of the end plate changes in a similar subject population. The Fisher exact test was performed to determine statistical significance of the relationship of end plate changes with degenerative changes in the spine, superior versus inferior location about the disc and age of the patient population. RESULTS: Focal fat-like signal intensity adjacent to the vertebral end-plate was noted in 15 out of 59 subjects by both readers, and involved 38 and 36 out of 590 end plates by readers 1 and 2, respectively. Focal edema-like signal intensity adjacent to the vertebral end plate was noted in 8 out of 59 subjects by both readers and involved 11 and 10 out of 590 end plates by readers 1 and 2, respectively. Either fat or edema signal intensity occurred most often at the anterior ( p<.05) aspects of the mid-lumbar spine and was seen in an older sub-population of the study ( p<.05). CONCLUSION: End plate marrow signal intensity changes are present in the lumbar spine of some asymptomatic subjects with a characteristic location along the spine and in vertebral end plates.

Adult↗

Bone structure of the calcaneus: analysis with magnetic resonance imaging and correlation with histomorphometric study.

The purpose of this study was to compare structural measurements obtained from MR images of the calcaneus with those obtained from conventional histomorphometry. Sagittal magnetic resonance (MR) images of the calcaneus of 24 fresh human cadaveric feet were obtained at a spatial resolution achievable in vivo. A three-dimensional gradient echo-sequence was used with a slice thickness of 700 microm and in plane resolution of 172 x 172 microm. Structural analysis (four histomorphometric parameters; seven connectivity parameters) was performed in the superior region of the calcaneus. Bone biopsy specimens were obtained in the same area and were sectioned for histomorphometric study. Most of the MR histomorphometric parameters were overestimated (by a factor ranging from 0.8 to 3), as compared with histomorphometry. However, significant ( P<0.05) correlations were found between MR imaging and histomorphometric measurements for bone volume/tissue volume, trabecular separation, trabecular number, star volume of the marrow space, node count and terminus count. MR histomorphometric parameters correlated much better with histomorphometry than connectivity parameters. This study suggests that structural parameters characterizing cancellous bone in the calcaneus can be derived from MR images in the limited spatial resolution regime applicable in vivo.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗

Multiple myeloma presenting with widespread osteosclerotic lesions.

Sclerotic lesions are rare in malignant monoclonal gammopathies, although they are occasionally associated with POEMS syndrome (polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal gammopathy and skin changes). In most cases, osseous lesions in POEMS syndrome present as an isolated sclerotic deposit or a combination of both lytic and sclerotic lesions. Diffuse osteosclerosis is extremely rare and may lead to the diagnosis of multiple myeloma, classically known to present as lytic lesions in the skeleton, with or without diffuse osteoporosis. We report a 74-year-old woman with widespread and substantial osteosclerotic lesions, associated with IgA-lambda myeloma, and with no other criteria for POEMS syndrome, and who was rapidly diagnosed with compression of the spinal cord. Detailed knowledge of imaging features in myeloma emphasises the need to consider plasma cell neoplasm in the differential diagnosis of any pattern of bone sclerosis. Although exceptional, multiple myeloma must be borne in mind in the presence of diffuse bone sclerosis.

Aged↗