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Biomedical subjects

M J Breitenseher

Publications and source records attributed to M J Breitenseher.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

[Differential diagnosis of bone marrow edema of the knee joint].

Bone marrow edema of the knee joint is a frequent clinical picture in MR diagnostics. It can be accompanied by symptoms and pain in the joint. Diseases that are associated with bone marrow edema can be classified into different groups. Group 1 includes vascular ischemic bone marrow edema with osteonecrosis (synonyms: SONK or Ahlbäck's disease), osteochondrosis dissecans, and bone marrow edema syndrome. Group 2 comprises traumatic or mechanical bone marrow edema. Group 3 encompasses reactive bone marrow edemas such as those occurring in gonarthrosis, postoperative bone marrow edemas, and reactive edemas in tumors or tumor-like diseases. Evidence for bone marrow edema is effectively provided by MRI, but purely morphological MR information is often unspecific so that anamnestic and clinical details are necessary in most cases for definitive disease classification.

Bone Marrow Diseases↗

[Impingement syndrome of the shoulder].

The impingement syndrome is a clinical entity characterized by shoulder pain due to primary or secondary mechanical irritation of the rotator cuff. The primary factors for the development of impingement are a curved or hook-shaped anterior acromion as well as subacromial osteophytes, which may lead to tearing of the supraspinatus tendon. Secondary impingement is mainly caused by calcific tendinopathy, glenohumeral instability, os acromiale and degenerative changes of the acromioclavicular joint. Conventional radiographs are initially obtained, mainly for evaluation of the bony structures of the shoulder. If available, sonography can be used for detection of lesions and tears of the rotator cuff. Finally, MR-imaging provides detailed information about the relationship of the acromion and the acromioclavicular joint to the rotator cuff itself. In many cases however, no morphologic cause for impingement syndrome can be found. While patients are initially treated conservatively, chronic disease usually requires surgical intervention.

Acromion↗

Rotator cuff tears in asymptomatic individuals: a clinical and ultrasonographic screening study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and clinical impact of rotator cuff tears in asymptomatic volunteers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sonographic examinations of the shoulder of 212 asymptomatic individuals between 18 and 85 years old were performed by a single experienced operator. The prevalence and location of complete rotator cuff tears were evaluated. The clinical assessment was based on the Constant Score. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the shoulder was obtained in those patients where US showed rotator cuff pathology. RESULTS: Ultrasound showed a complete rupture of the supraspinatus tendon in 6% of 212 patients from 56 to 83 years of age (mean: 67 years). MRI confirmed a complete rupture of the supraspinatus tendon in 90%. All patients reported no functional deficits, although strength was significantly lower in the patient group with complete supraspinatus tendon tear (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: There is a higher prevalence in older individuals of rotator cuff tendon tears that cause no pain or decrease in activities of daily living.

Activities of Daily Living↗

[MRI of the lateral ankle ligaments: value of three-dimensional orientation].

PURPOSE: To determine the three-dimensional orientation of the lateral ankle ligaments with MRI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty healthy volunteers without previous injury to the ankle were included in the study. With the right ankle in the normal anatomic position stabilized in a splint, coronal T2-weighted spin-echo sequences (TSE) were obtained. The three-dimensional orientation was determined by placing paths through the ligaments and by measuring the angles between corresponding tangents and the three main imaging planes. RESULTS: Using the calculated angles, full-length visualization of the lateral ligaments of the ankle was achieved. The angles deviating from the axial imaging plane were 18.0 degrees for the anterior talofibular ligament, 52.3 degrees for the calcaneofibular ligament and 28.2 degrees for the posterior talofibular ligament. CONCLUSION: MRI enables the exact determination of the three-dimensional orientation of the lateral ankle ligaments. Orienting the imaging planes according to the calculated angular deviation allows the full-length visualization of the ligaments and is the basis for optimal imaging of the lateral ankle ligaments.

Adult↗

[Diagnostic imaging in hip prostheses].

Hip arthroplasty has become a common and still increasing procedure for the treatment of osteoarthritis, advanced head necrosis, post-inflammatory arthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. Radiography is the most important imaging modality for monitoring the normal, asymptomatic hip arthroplasty. Radiographs are obtained at the end of a surgical treatment, to exclude complications like fracture or component misplacement. In the follow-up radiographs are used for the diagnosis of loosening and infection of the hip arthroplasty as well as soft tissue ossification. Together with the history and clinical information, the analysis of morphological findings allows to find the grade of loosening. MRI has been advocated in the diagnosis of infection, in particular in the localisation of soft tissue involvement. Imaging, especially by radiographs, is used for the evaluation of the normal and complicated follow-up of hip arthroplasty.

Aged↗

Diagnosis of occult scaphoid fractures and other wrist injuries. Are repeated clinical examinations and plain radiographs still state of the art?

To examine the efficacy of repeated clinical examinations and follow-up radiographs, 121 patients were prospectively and consecutively randomised and clinically followed until a final diagnosis was achieved. All of these patients additionally underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans within an average of 3 days after trauma to control the results of this study. MRI detected 112 injuries in 82 patients (67%). Twenty-eight (25%) of these injuries were scaphoid fractures. There were 15 fractures of other carpal bones, 14 avulsion fractures of extrinsic ligaments (AFL), 26 other bone injuries (fractures of distal radius, fractures of radial styloid, ulnar head fracture metacarpal fracture, bone bruises), and 29 soft tissue injuries (triangular fibro-cartilaginous complex injuries, complete or partial ruptures of the scapholunate ligament, ruptures of the radial collateral ligament, hemarthrosis). By means of repeated clinical examinations and plain scaphoid views, experienced observers were able to detect all the occult scaphoid fractures within 38 days, as well as most of the other fractures about the wrist except one fracture of the triquetrum. Soft tissue injuries, however, were diagnosed only in two cases of complete scapholunate ligament tears. It was further obvious that 70% of all scaphoid fractures and 60% of the AFLs were detected in a review of the initial X-rays by experienced surgeons. Only 30% of all scaphoid fractures detected were really occult and all of these were diagnosed correctly. This prospective study demonstrates that clinical and radiological standard procedures are reliable in the diagnosis of occult fractures of the carpus and wrist when performed by experienced observers. MRI scans are indicated for early diagnosis of occult fractures and soft tissue injuries about the wrist.

Adult↗

[Acute ankle injuries].

The diagnosis of lateral collateral ankle ligament trauma is based on patient history, clinical examination, and clinical stress tests. If the clinical stress test is positive, stress radiography could be performed. There is no consensus about the usefulness of stress radiography in acute ankle sprain, particularly about the cut-off talar tilt angle beyond which a two-ligament rupture would be certain, ranging from 5 degrees to 30 degrees. Today MRI is not used for this indication, although it allows, with controlled positioning of the foot and with defined sections, visualization of injured lateral collateral ankle ligaments. In ankle injuries, plain radiographs form the established basis of diagnostic imaging and can provide definitive answers in most cases. CT is used in complex fractures for complete visualization. MRI is the method of choice for several diagnostic problem cases, including occult fractures and post-traumatic avascular necrosis. In tendon injuries, MRI is important if ultrasound is not diagnostic. Generally, for the evaluation of acute ankle injuries, MRI is the most important second-step procedure when radiographs are nondiagnostic.

Acute Disease↗

Assessment of chronic constipation: colon transit time versus defecography.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the value of radiological colon transit time (CTT) measurements in relation to defecography (DFG) in chronically constipated patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 30 patients with chronic constipation, total and segmental CTT was determined using radiopaque markers. In all of these patients defecography (DFG) was obtained. The patients were divided into three groups: In group I, 11 patients were classified with idiopathic constipation based on low stool frequency, normal DFG, or absence of symptoms of abnormal defecation. In group II, ten patients with rectal intussusception were diagnosed by DFG. In group III, there were nine patients with rectal prolapse or spastic pelvic floor syndrome, based on results of DFG. RESULTS: Group I, idiopathic constipation (n = 11), showed increased total CTT (mean, 93 h) and segmental CTT (right colon, 33 h (36%), left colon, 31 h (33%), rectosigmoid, 29 h (31%)). In group II, intussusception (n = 10), patients had normal mean total CTT (54 h) and a relative decrease in rectosigmoid CTT (mean, 13 h (24%)). In group III (n =9), rectal prolapse (n = 5) or spastic pelvic floor syndrome (n = 4), patients showed elevated total (mean, 167 h) and rectosigmoidal CTT (mean, 95 h (57%)). Mean total CTT was significantly different between groups I and II and between groups II and III, and mean rectosigmoidal CTT was significantly different between all three groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The use of total and rectosigmoidal CTT helps to identify the underlying pathophysiology of chronic constipation. Furthermore CTT helps to identify patients, who may benefit from DFG.

Adult↗

[Prospective comparison of MRI vs. direct magnification radiography in occult fractures of the scaphoid bone].

The diagnosis of occult fractures of the scaphoid bone is even more challenging than that of conventional fractures of the scaphoid. This study aimed to compare prospectively the gold standard method (plain radiographs in four projections, after about 14 days) and the primary findings with direct magnification radiography (DIMA) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Primary MRI showed much higher diagnostic power than plain radiography at 10-14 days in occult scaphoid fractures and in detection of associated carpal injuries. This may lead to a decreasing time of disease. DIMA was inferior in detecting occult fractures of the scaphoid.

Adolescent↗

[Pitfalls in MRI diagnosis of primary malignant bone tumors].

MRI has gained an undisputed place in the evaluation of malignant bone tumors, not only for verifying results of conventional radiographs and clarifying differential diagnoses; it has also become increasingly important for the assessment of the malignant/benign nature of the tumor, its growth rate, definition of adequate sites for biopsy, local preoperative staging, and evaluation of the response to chemotherapy. However, several pitfalls have to be observed regarding choice of technical parameters (coils, sequences, imaging planes), tissue differentiation, and tumor staging. When staging malignant tumors, critical aspects which have to be observed are tumor extension, integrity of the cortical bone, soft tissue components, infiltration of a joint or neurovascular bundle. The use of contrast agents provides important additional information but can also give rise to misinterpretations. Thus, all features of a tumor have to be observed in order to establish a final diagnosis. Particular difficulties can occur with the interpretation of MR images of osteomyelitis, osteoid osteoma, stress and insufficiency fractures, bone infarcts, myositis ossificans, hemangiomas, and aneurysmal bone cysts.

Bone Cysts↗

Alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma in a 68-year-old patient identified by cytogenetic analysis of bone marrow.

Pancytopenia and fulminant disseminated intravascular coagulation in a 68-year-old woman suggested an acute hematologic malignancy. However, cytogenetic analysis on a bone marrow sample revealed a near-tetraploid karyotype with an isochromosome 1q and a translocation (2;13) (q35;q14), which was suggestive of an alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (ARMS). This diagnosis was subsequently confirmed by indirect immunohistochemistry. ARMS has not yet been observed in a patient of this age. Thus, our case underlines the importance of cytogenetics, to establish an a priori unexpected tumor diagnosis.

Aged↗

Limited diagnostic value of macroradiography in suspected scaphoid fractures.

In a prospective study 60, patients having suspected occult scaphoid fractures, but with normal conventional scaphoid radiographs, also underwent macroradiography. Clinical and conventional radiographic follow-up examinations and MRI identified 8 occult scaphoid fractures and 23 nonscaphoid lesions. Macroradiography identified only 50% of the occult scaphoid fractures.

Adolescent↗

[Diagnostic reliability of 0.2 Tesla dedicated MRI low-field strength equipment in traumatology].

Anatomical dedicated low-field-strength MR imaging (non-whole-body-systems) has been developed for examinations of the peripheral joints. It has several advantages compared to high-field-strength MR imaging (whole-body-systems). The dimensions are small, the noise is not as bad as in whole body systems and people do not suffer of claustrophobic attacks. However, our results of a prospective blinded study in 56 patients with three different kinds of peripheral joint injuries demonstrated that the 0.2 T dedicated system showed a significant lower rate of diagnostic accuracy compared to middle and high-field-strength MR imaging and scored with obvious lower image quality ratings.

Adolescent↗

[MRI in radiologically occult scaphoid fractures. Initial experiences with 1.0 Tesla (whole body-middle field equipment) versus 0.2 Tesla (dedicated low-field equipment)].

The study was performed to determine the diagnostic value of different MR systems and field strengths in patients with occult scaphoid and wrist fractures. Twelve patients with clinical suspicion of a scaphoid fracture but normal plain radiographs were examined by MRI. A dedicated 0.2-T unit (Esaote) and a 1.0-T unit (NT10, Philips) were used. Coronal T1W-SE, STIR, and T2*W-GE sequences were obtained with both systems. Images were evaluated for a bone marrow abnormality, a trabecular or cortical fracture line, and were compared to the 6-week follow-up radiographs. Seven wrist fractures were found at 0.2 T and 1.0 T, proven in the follow-up radiographs. A bone marrow abnormality was present in all seven fractures on both systems. Trabecular and cortical fracture lines were visualized at 0.2 T in four cases and at 1.0 T in seven cases. Low-field MR imaging at 0.2 T and mid-field MR imaging at 1.0 T seem to be equivalent in the diagnosis of a fracture in radiographically occult scaphoid and wrist fractures. In the visualization of fracture details, important for therapeutic and prognostic considerations, 1.0 T seems to be superior.

Adolescent↗

Occult fractures of the scaphoid. The diagnostic usefulness and indirect economic repercussions of radiography versus magnetic resonance scanning.

Scaphoid fractures that are not visible on initial radiographs are notoriously difficult to diagnose. This prospective study compared four-view plain radiography at an average of 14 days after injury, with high-definition macroradiography and magnetic resonance imaging at presentation. Initial magnetic resonance imaging was superior to repeat scaphoid radiography for the confirmation or exclusion of fractures as well as for the detection of associated wrist injuries. Macroradiography was unsuitable for screening for occult scaphoid fractures.

Adolescent↗

Trauma of the wrist.

In wrist injury, plain radiographs form the basis of diagnostic imaging, and can provide definitive answers in most cases. MR imaging is the method of choice for several diagnostic problem cases. These problems can include radiographically occult fractures where MRI enables early diagnosis compared to follow-up radiographs. Early stage diagnosis of a post-traumatic avascular osteonecrosis with high sensitivity and specificity, is only possible with MRI. In these instances, radiographs are only sensitive in later stages and scintigraphy is quite nonspecific. Stress fractures, invisible with other modalities, are also demonstrable with MRI. In addition, MRI is helpful in special circumstances with regard to non-union or pseudarthrosis. In wrist instability, radiographs in combination with stress views and fluoroscopy are still the initial diagnostic step. MRI, with the advantage of direct visualization of the wrist ligaments and triangular fibrocartilage complex, offers very promising results in this area. Generally, for the evaluation of wrist injury, MRI can be considered the most important second-step procedure in patients where radiographs are nondiagnostic.

Carpal Bones↗

Glenoid-labral cyst entrapping the suprascapular nerve: dissolution after arthroscopic debridement of an extended SLAP lesion.

Glenoid labral cysts are commonly associated with labral tears, which can cause pain or instability. We present the case of a patient, referred for neurological complaints, who was actually suffering from supraspinatus nerve entrapment syndrome. Electroneurogram studies showed an isolated lesion of the branch to the infraspinatus muscle. Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed a glenoid labral cyst extending from the cranial glenoid to the scapular notch. After arthroscopic debridement of an extended SLAP-lesion that had caused joint fluid extrusion, the dissolution of the cyst was associated with complete neurological recovery. The patient is pain free and range of motion is normal. An attempt at an arthroscopic procedure seems warranted in cases like this, since cysts that accompany labral tears can dissolve after rigorous debridement of the torn labrum, much like meniscal cysts. Extended and hazardous open excisions can thus be avoided.

Arthralgia↗