[The future of cardiac diagnosis is already here, but where is it leading us?].
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Coronary Angiography↗
Biomedical subjects
M Reiser
Publications and source records attributed to M Reiser.
[Technique and possibilities of cardiac computed tomography].
Electron beam computed tomography no longer has a role to play in Germany. In contrast, multidetector spiral CT has great potential for replacing some coronary catheter studies, in particular for the exclusion of coronary artery disease, and this in particular since the forthcoming introduction of a 64-slice MDCT scanner promises a further improvement in temporal and special resolution. Currently, however it is no alternative to invasive angiography, since quantification of coronary stenoses is not possible; nor can a diagnostic evaluation be made in the presence of coronary calcifications or intracoronary stents. In particular, however, before applying CT angiography to the heart, the patient groups that can benefit from this method must be defined, especially in light of the fact that radiation exposure is three times as high as with diagnostic coronary catheterization.
Coronary Angiography↗
[Detection and characterization of atherosclerotic coronary plaques with multislice spiral computed tomography].
Provided that adequate image quality is achieved, contrast-enhanced multislice spiral computed tomography enables the identification and characterisation of calcified and non-calcified coronary plaques. This is a major advance in the non-invasive assessment of coronary atherosclerosis that promises to open up new opportunities for a better understanding and risk stratification of this condition, with visualization of non-calcified hypodense lesions in particular appearing to be of prognostic importance. Current limitations of the technique relating mainly to temporal and spatial resolution may be eliminated by the introduction of a new generation of scanners enabling 64 slices and more.
Angina Pectoris↗
[Clinical utility of EUS-FNA in upper gastrointestinal and mediastinal disease].
BACKGROUND: Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy (EUS-FNA) is increasingly used for the diagnosis of malignant and benign disease in the region of the upper GI tract. We prospectively investigated the clinical accuracy and safety of this method in unselected patients under routine conditions. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 101 consecutive patients (median 61.5 years; 56 female) were enrolled in the study, in whom a total of 106 tissue biopsies were obtained by using EUS-FNA. Major indications for EUS-FNA were suspicious lesions located in the mediastinum, esophagus, stomach, pancreas, liver, biliary system, adrenals or retroperitoneum. A longitudinal echoendoscope (HITACHI FG-34UX) equipped with a standard 22G -aspiration needle was used. The aspirated specimens were analyzed further by using standard cytology and/or histology. Lymph-node biopsies were additionally subjected to flow-cytometry (FACS-light-chain restriction). Surgery was used for reference (where available). In the remaining cases the final diagnosis obtained by the clinical course and all available imaging and histologic informations (ultrasound, CT, MRT) was used for reference. RESULTS: EUS-FNA caused no serious complications. In 6/106 specimen (5.6 %) no sufficient cell material could be aspirated. In the remaining 100 specimens EUS-FNA reached an overall sensitivity of 78 % and a specificity of 100 %, while the accuracy was 89 % and the positive and negative predictive values were 100 % and 81 %, respectively. The greatest diagnostic accuracy was achieved in mediastinal and retroperitoneal lesions, while the accuracy of EUS-FNA in pancreatic lesions and perigastric lymph nodes was distinctly smaller (<80 %). Addition of FACS studies in patients with suspected malignant lymphoma increased the diagnostic accuracy in the small number of patients included in the study. CONCLUSION: EUS-FNA improves the tissue-based diagnosis of suspicious lesions in locations that are difficult to access (e. g., posterior mediastinum). EUS-FNA is safe, while its diagnostic accuracy is relatively high. Our preliminary data suggest that flow-cytometry may improve the fine-needle based diagnosis of non-Hodgkin s lymphoma, which should be further investigated.
Adrenal Glands↗
Improved diagnosis of vascular dissection by ultrasound B-flow: a comparison with color-coded Doppler and power Doppler sonography.
The purpose was to evaluate the diagnostic results of different ultrasound techniques: color-coded Doppler (CCD), power Doppler (PD) and B-flow in the diagnosis of vascular dissection. Findings from 68 patients with arterial dissection proven either by vascular ultrasound (US) or by magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), computed tomographic angiography (CTA) or intra-arterial digital subtraction angiography (DSA) were reviewed in retrospect. The study compared results from three different modes of ultrasound, i.e., CCD, PD and B-flow, in dissections of the carotid artery (n=11), of the vertebral artery (n=9), of the abdominal aorta (n=13), of the iliac artery (n=12) and of the femoral artery (n=23). MRA, CTA and DSA were considered as reference standard. The sensitivity of CCD for detecting all dissections was 78%, 84% for the PD and 98% for B-flow. For carotid artery dissection, the sensitivity of CCD, PD and B-flow was 82, 91 and 98%, for the vertebral artery 67, 78 and 98%, for the abdominal aorta 85, 85 and 98%, for the iliac artery 67, 75 and 98%, for the femoral artery 83, 87 and 98%, respectively. Intima flaps, fissures of membranes and residual flow within the true and false lumen were better detected by B-flow than by CCD and PD. The lack of angle dependence of the US probe in B-flow made the examination procedure easier. In the cine mode of B-flow, the pulse synchronic movement of the membrane was more apparent than in any other imaging method. With B-flow, accuracy for the diagnosis of arterial dissection is improved compared to CCD and PD. Flow within the true and false lumen, low-echo thrombi, intramural hematoma and even movements of the dissection membrane are clearly distinguished.
Adult↗
Granulopoiesis-stimulating factors to prevent adverse effects in the treatment of malignant lymphoma.
BACKGROUND: Granulopoiesis-stimulating factors (G-CSF and GM-CSF) are being used to prevent febrile neutropenia and infections in the treatment of patients with malignant lymphoma. The question whether G-CSF and GM-CSF improve dose-intensity, tumour response and overall survival in this patient population has not been answered yet. Since the results from single studies are inconclusive a systematic review was required. OBJECTIVES: To undertake a systematic review in patients with malignant lymphoma to determine the effectiveness of G-CSF and GM-CSF to prevent neutropenia, febrile neutropenia, infection, improve quality of life, adherence to the treatment protocol, tumour response, freedom from treatment failure (FFTF), overall survival (OS) and to assess adverse events of G-CSF and GM-CSF. SEARCH STRATEGY: Medline, Embase, CancerLit, the Cochrane Library and smaller databases, Internet-databases of ongoing trials, conference proceedings of the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the American Society of Hematology were searched. We included full-text and abstract publications as well as unpublished data. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials comparing prophylaxis with G-CSF or GM-CSF versus placebo/no prophylaxis in adult patients with malignant lymphoma undergoing chemotherapy were included in this review. Both study arms had to receive identical chemotherapy and supportive care. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Eligibility and quality assessment, data extraction and analysis were done in duplicate. Authors were contacted to obtain missing data. MAIN RESULTS: We included 12 eligible studies with 1.823 randomised patients. Compared with no prophylaxis, G-/GM-CSF significantly reduced the relative risk for severe neutropenia (RR 0.67 [95% CI 0.60-0.73]), febrile neutropenia (RR 0.74 [95% CI 0.62-0.89]) and infection (RR 0.74 [95% CI 0.64-0.85]). There was no evidence for G-/GM-CSF to decrease the number of patients who required iv antibiotics (RR 0.82 [95%CI 0.57-1.18]), to reduce infection related mortality (RR 1.37 [95% CI 0.66-2.82]), or to improve complete tumour response (RR 1.02 [95% CI 0.94-1.11]), FFTF (HR 1.11 [95% CI 0.91-1.35]) and OS (HR 1.00 [95% CI 0.86-1.16]). One study evaluated quality of life parameters and did not find differences between the groups. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: G-CSF and GM-CSF, when given prophylactically in patients with malignant lymphoma undergoing conventional chemotherapy, reduce the risk of neutropenia, febrile neutropenia and infection. However, based on the currently available randomised trials in this clinical setting, there is no evidence for G-/GM-CSF to provide a significant advantage in terms of complete tumour response, FFTF and OS.
Antineoplastic Agents↗
Granulopoiesis-stimulating factors to prevent adverse effects in the treatment of malignant lymphoma.
BACKGROUND: Granulopoiesis-stimulating factors, such as granulocyte-colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) and granulocyte-macrophage-colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), are being used to prevent febrile neutropenia and infection in patients undergoing treatment for malignant lymphoma. The question of whether G-CSF and GM-CSF improve dose intensity, tumour response, and overall survival in this patient population has not been answered yet. Since the results from single studies are inconclusive, a systematic review was undertaken. OBJECTIVES: To determine the effectiveness of G-CSF and GM-CSF in patients with malignant lymphoma with respect to preventing neutropenia, febrile neutropenia and infection; improving quality of life, adherence to treatment protocol, tumour response, freedom from treatment failure (FFTF) and overall survival (OS); and adverse effects. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CancerLit, and other relevant literature databases; internet databases of ongoing trials; and conference proceedings of the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the American Society of Hematology (1980 - 2003). We included full-text and abstract publications as well as unpublished data. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials comparing prophylaxis with G-CSF or GM-CSF versus placebo/no prophylaxis in adult patients with malignant lymphoma undergoing chemotherapy were included for review. Both study arms had to receive identical chemotherapy and supportive care. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Trial eligibility and quality assessment, data extraction and analysis were done in duplicate. Authors were contacted to obtain missing data. MAIN RESULTS: We included 12 eligible randomised controlled trials with 1823 patients. Compared with no prophylaxis, both G-CSF and GM-CSF significantly reduced the relative risk (RR) for severe neutropenia (RR 0.67; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.60 to 0.73), febrile neutropenia (RR 0.74; 95% CI 0.62 to 0.89) and infection (RR 0.74; 95% CI 0.64 to 0.85). There was no evidence that either G-CSF or GM-CSF reduced the number of patients requiring intravenous antibiotics (RR 0.82; 95%CI 0.57 to 1.18); lowered infection related mortality (RR 1.37; 95% CI 0.66 to 2.82); or improved complete tumour response (RR 1.02; 95% CI 0.94 to 1.11), FFTF (hazard ratio 1.11; 95% CI 0.91 to 1.35) and OS (hazard ratio 1.00; 95% CI 0.86 to 1.16). One study evaluated quality of life parameters and found no differences between the treatment groups. REVIEWERS' CONCLUSIONS: G-CSF and GM-CSF, when used as a prophylaxis in patients with malignant lymphoma undergoing conventional chemotherapy, reduce the risk of neutropenia, febrile neutropenia and infection. However, based on the randomised trials currently available, there is no evidence that either G-CSF or GM-CSF provide a significant advantage in terms of complete tumour response, FFTF or OS.
Antineoplastic Agents↗
Cartilage atrophy in the knees of patients after seven weeks of partial load bearing.
OBJECTIVE: It is currently unknown whether human cartilage properties change during short periods of partial load bearing. We used a post-ankle fracture model to explore whether changes in cartilage morphology occur in the knee under conditions of partial load bearing. METHODS: The knees of 20 patients with Weber type B and type C fractures were examined using magnetic resonance imaging. The first scan was obtained shortly (mean +/- SD 3.2 +/- 3.0 days) after the injury, and a second scan was obtained 7 weeks later (mean +/- SD 50.7 +/- 5.5 days). The morphology (mean and maximum thickness, volume, and surface area) of the patellar, tibial, and femoral cartilage was determined from coronal and axial magnetic resonance images (fat-suppressed gradient-echo). RESULTS: Between week 0 and week 7, the cross-sectional area of the quadriceps muscle was reduced by 11% (P< 0.001). Changes in the mean (+/-SD) cartilage thickness ranged from -2.9 +/- 3.2% in the patella to -6.6 +/- 4.9% in the medial tibia. No significant change in cartilage morphology of the contralateral knee was observed. CONCLUSION: Results of this study demonstrate that in a post-ankle fracture model of partial load bearing, cartilage morphology in all knee compartments is subject to significant change. Changes in the femorotibial joint exceeded those in the patella, whereas no change was observed in the contralateral knee. These findings raise the question of whether cartilage is mechanically less competent and particularly vulnerable after states of partial or complete immobilization.
Adolescent↗
[Priority-oriented shock trauma room management with the integration of multiple-view spiral computed tomography].
In major trauma it is essential to immediately recognize and treat life-threatening problems and conditions. Most trauma protocols reserve the use of computed tomography for the secondary survey, as patients cannot be attended to during the examination and must be transferred from the emergency room to the CT suite. The relevant reduction in the scanning time of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) or multislice computed tomography (MSCT) justifies its use as the major diagnostic adjunct for primary trauma survey and initial resuscitation. According to our ATLS((R))-based trauma algorithm, the multidetector scanner situated in the emergency department is utilized immediately after the correction of respiratory problems to detect causes of bleeding or intracranial hematomas. In a prospective series a total of 125 consecutive major trauma patients were evaluated. After focused sonography in trauma (FAST) and plain chest films in intubated patients, whole body MDCT was performed. By retrieving data from our trauma registry and a picture archiving and communication system (PACS), time from trauma room admission to the end of head CT scan for the entire MDCT study and calculation of multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) was analyzed. Additionally, relevant complications such as untreated tension pneumothorax or circulatory arrest during MDCT examination were recorded. The time from admission to the trauma room until completion of head CT scan without contrast was 21:12 min (median, IQR 18:13-27:52). The entire contrast-enhanced MDCT study, including pilot scan and contrast application, required 6:08 min (median, IQR 4:33-8:14) with a total scanning time of 0:59 min (median, IQR 0:55-1:03). MPR calculation of the spine and bony pelvis was performed in 11:37 min (median, IQR 8:03-16:41). A relevant life-threatening complication due to CT scanning during primary trauma survey was not observed in the 125 cases (0/125 CI 95% 0%-3%). Complete diagnostic imaging can be performed within 30 min after trauma room admission by using MDCT. During the primary survey, treatment of the patient is interrupted just for the few minutes of the CT scan and contrast application. An adequate survey of injuries can be achieved earlier and a targeted therapy can be initiated ahead of time. Integration of MDCT scanners in the primary trauma survey provides a high standard of imaging in a very short time without endangering the patient. When dealing with multiple casualties, MDCT could be used also as an accurate and time-efficient means of hospital triage to diagnose and prioritize patients and to plan further surgical interventions and intensive care.
Critical Care↗
[Staging of multiple myeloma with MRI: comparison to MSCT and conventional radiography].
The staging of patients with multiple myeloma demands sensitive imaging methods for the assessment of the skeletal system. MRI allows for direct visualization of the bone marrow which exhibits five different infiltration patterns in multiple myeloma: 1. normal appearance of the bone marrow, 2. focal involvement, 3. homogeneous diffuse infiltration, 4. combined diffuse and focal infiltration, 5. "salt and pepper" pattern with inhomogeneous bone marrow signals due to multiple fat islands. The combination of T1w-SE and STIR sequences is best suited for detecting all infiltration patterns and for the differential diagnoses e. g. hemangiomas. With parallel imaging in MRI, acquisition times can be markedly reduced and whole-body screening of the bone marrow can be achieved within 30 min. MRI is superior to radiography for the detection of focal as well as diffuse infiltration. Multidetector computed tomography and especially 16- and 64-detector row scanners allow fast imaging with thin slice collimation and multiplanar reconstructions. With low-dose protocols, effective dose reduction can be achieved, so that radiation exposure is only slightly higher than that of a whole-body skeletal x-ray exam. Sensitivity of MSCT is markedly superior to conventional radiography. Due to the direct visualization of the bone marrow with MRI, MRI is superior in detecting early infiltrations with myeloma cells without osteolyses. In advanced multiple myeloma, CT on the other hand, enables for more precise assessment of bony destructions and fracture risk.
Adult↗
[Dyspnea of undetermined origin. Fibrosing alveolitis (FA) in seropositive rheumatoid arthritis (RA)].
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Arthritis, Rheumatoid↗
Femoro-tibial and menisco-tibial translation patterns in patients with unilateral anterior cruciate ligament deficiency--a potential cause of secondary meniscal tears.
OBJECTIVE: To analyze menisco-tibial and femoro-tibial translation patterns in healthy and ACL-deficient knees in different knee flexion angles under muscle activity. METHODS: The ACL-deficient and contralateral healthy knees of 10 patients were examined with an open MRI system at 30 degrees and 90 degrees of knee flexion, under isometric contraction of the extensors or flexor muscle groups. Translations between the tibia, the femoral condyles and the menisci were analyzed by three-dimensional image postprocessing. RESULTS: Posterior translation of the femur and menisci relative to the tibia occurred during knee flexion (30-90 degrees) in all knees. In ACL-deficient knees, posterior translation of the medial femoral condyle (+1.3 +/- 3.8 mm) was significantly larger than in healthy knee (-0.9 +/- 2.9 mm; p<0.05), while the translation pattern of the menisci was similar (med. meniscus 0.6 +/- 2.3 mm vs. 0.6 +/- 2.7 mm). Under isometric contraction of the extensors (relative to the flexor muscle group), an increased posterior position of the femur and menisci was observed at 30 degrees knee flexion, but not at 90 degrees. This applied to ACL-deficient and healthy knees. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows a significant increase of translation of the medial femoral condyle in ACL-deficient knees, whereas menisco-tibial translation remains almost unchanged. This difference in translation patterns indicates that the posterior horn of the medial meniscus might encounter shear, potentially explaining the high rate of secondary medial meniscal tears in patients with ACL-deficiency.
Adolescent↗
Estimation of relative blood volume in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas.
PURPOSE: MR based first-pass method can be utilized to obtain hemodynamic information in the head and neck region. The purpose of this study was to estimate the regional relative blood volume (rBV) in head and neck tumors, which is useful for tumor staging and tumor biopsy. METHODS: Eighteen patients with head and neck tumors (17 squamous cell carcinomas, 1 hemangiopericytoma) were studied on a 1.5-T system. Conventional T1-weighted MR images and T2-weighted images and sequential T2*-weighted images were obtained. During repetitive image sequence acquisition, a bolus (0.2 mmol/kg) of gadopentetate dimeglumine was mechanically injected. Image processing of the dynamic raw data was performed on a pixel-by-pixel basis. RESULTS: Regional relative blood volume maps of the head and neck were successfully reconstructed in all (18/18) patients. The regional relative blood volume values within the tumor area of squamous cell carcinoma were 7.0 +/- 2.8, normalized on muscle, whereas the rBV of a single hemangiopericytoma was 11.6. The difference of rBV values of tumor and muscle was highly significant at statistical evaluation (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Relative blood volume imaging of head and neck tumors is valid using MR-based first-pass method. This method provides hemodynamic information which is not available from conventional MR imaging and is promising for further characterization of head and neck tumors
Adolescent↗
[Low-dose spiral CT of the lung in the follow-up of non-malignant lung disease].
PURPOSE: To assess image quality of chest CT with an 80 to 90 percent dose reduction in follow-up studies of patients with lung disease, dose and image quality of a low-dose protocol was investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A follow-up low-dose CT (ND-CT, 120 kV, 10 mAs/slice, 3 mm slice thickness) was performed on 35 patients with non-malignant lung disease and compared with the initial standard dose CT (= SD-CT, 100 mAs/slice, 3 or 5 mm slice thickness). The dose was measured by thermo-luminescence in an Alderson phantom. Image quality was assessed by four independent radiologists in six perihilar, central and peripheral lung regions using a 4-point-scale ("very good", "good", "moderate", and "poor"). RESULTS: Effective dose was 0.5 mSv for ND-CT and 4.0 - 5.0 mSv for SD-CT. The ratings "very good"/"good" were given in the perihilar regions in ND-CT 97.5 % versus SD-CT 99.3 % (n. s.), in the central regions in ND-CT 96.4 % versus SD-CT 94.6 % (n. s.), and in the peripheral regions in ND-CT 70.0 % versus SD-CT 88.2 % (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Follow-up CT of pulmonary structures in patients with chronic lung disease can be performed with substantial dose reduction. A decrease of image quality may result in peripheral lung regions.
Adolescent↗
[Diagnosis of a neurofibroma, a small malformation associated with endometrial carcinoma in neurofibromatosis type 1 (Recklinghausen)].
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Adenocarcinoma↗
[Materials management system in interventional radiology -- initial experience with a computer-supported program].
PURPOSE: To perform a cost analysis for assessing options of reorganizing material supplies and reducing costs of the radiology division through the introduction of a materials management system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A materials management system (Piranha, Boston Scientific) was installed on an existing computer system. All consumables were inventoried and entered into the system. An ABC analysis determined further action. On the basis of order frequencies and availability requirements for emergencies, safety levels were agreed with physicians and other medical staff. Inventory costs were computed using these data. The interest rate for the capital tied up in the inventory was 8 % per year. RESULTS: The inventory showed that the capital tied up in stocks was euro 260,000 in 2001 and euro 190,000 in 2002. A change in supply strategy reduced inventory cost in 2001 and 2002. Annual interest expense was lowered by euro 18,420. Another saving of euro 2,700 was achieved by a reduction in storage cost. Annual inventory turnover totaled euro 298,000. The total cost cut through improved inventory management was euro 21,120 per year, which is equivalent to 7 % of the annual expenses. Adding the decline in the cost of shelf time overruns equal to 5 % of the annual expenses, the saving was approximately 12 % of total interventional radiology cost in 2001 and some 11 % in 2002. CONCLUSION: Flexible supply strategies and the introduction of a materials management program can help to reduce inventory costs in interventional radiology divisions without any impact on service levels.
Computer Systems↗
Coronary calcification in long-term type 1 diabetic patients -- a study with multi slice spiral computed tomography.
The risk for cardiovascular disease in diabetes is excessive. Multislice spiral computed tomography (MSCT) is a new technique for the assessment of coronary calcification in coronary artery disease. The aim of the study was to evaluate the presence of coronary calcium in asymptomatic long-term type 1 diabetic patients. Seventy-one type 1 diabetic patients (age 48 +/- 9 y, HbA1c 7.7 +/- 1.2, BMI 24.4 +/- 2.8, duration of diabetes 26 +/- 9 y) without clinical evidence for coronary artery disease were assessed with MSCT. A volumetric score was used to calculate the coronary calcification (CC) score. Five cardiac reflex tests were performed to study patients for cardiac autonomic neuropathy. Coronary calcifications were detectable in 22 (31 %) type 1 diabetic patients (CC-score > 0, mean CC-score 174 +/- 228 [X+/-SD]). Fourty-nine (69 %) type 1 diabetic patients demonstrated no coronary calcifications (CC-score= 0). In patients with coronary calcifications, both cardiac autonomic neuropathy and retinopathy were detected more frequently than in those without (64 % vs. 29 %, p < 0.02; 59 % vs. 31 %; p < 0.02). Duration of diabetes was longer in patients with than without coronary calcification (32 +/- 10 y vs. 24 +/- 8 y, p < 0.01). Age, BMI, and HbA1c were not significantly different between patients with and without coronary calcification. The study demonstrates that nearly one third of asymptomatic long-term type 1 diabetic patients present with coronary calcifications. In the patients, there is evidence for an association between coronary calcification and both cardiac autonomic neuropathy and retinopathy. MSCT is a promising non-invasive approach to analyze early alterations of the coronary system in diabetic patients.
Age of Onset↗
Correlation and sex differences between ankle and knee cartilage morphology determined by quantitative magnetic resonance imaging.
OBJECTIVE: To study the correlation between ankle and knee cartilage morphology to test the hypothesis that knee joint cartilage loss in gonarthritis can be estimated retrospectively using quantitative MRI analysis of the knee and ankle and established regression equations; and to test the hypothesis that sex differences in joint surface area are larger in the knee than the ankle, which may explain the greater incidence of knee osteoarthritis in elderly women than in elderly men. METHODS: Sagittal MR images (3D FLASH WE) of the knee and hind foot were acquired in 29 healthy subjects (14 women, 15 men; mean (SD) age, 25 (3) years), with no signs joint disease. Cartilage volume, thickness, and joint surface area were determined in the knee, ankle, and subtalar joint. RESULTS: Knee cartilage volumes and joint surface areas showed only moderate correlations with those of the ankle and subtalar joint (r = 0.33 to 0.81). The correlations of cartilage thickness between the two joints were weaker still (r = -0.05 to 0.53). Sex differences in cartilage morphology at the knee and the ankle were similar, with surface areas being -17.5% to -23.5% lower in women than in men. CONCLUSIONS: Only moderate correlations in cartilage morphology of healthy subjects were found between knee and ankle. It is therefore impractical to estimate knee joint cartilage loss a posteriori in cross sectional studies by measuring the hind foot and then applying a scaling factor. Sex differences in cartilage morphology do not explain differences in osteoarthritis incidence between men and women in the knee and ankle.
Adult↗