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Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the association between the T1ρ and T2 values and the progression of cartilage degeneration in patients of the same age group., Materials and Methods: Sagittal T1ρ and T2 mapping and three-dimensional (3D) gradient-echo images were obtained from 78 subjects with medial knee osteoarthritis (OA). The degree of patella cartilage degeneration was classified into four groups using MRI-based grading: apparently normal cartilage, mild OA, moderate OA, and severe OA group. We measured the T1ρ and T2 values (ms) in the regions of interest set on the full-thickness patella cartilage. Then, we analyzed the relationship between the T1ρ and T2 values and the degree of patella cartilage degeneration., Results: There were no significant differences in age among the four groups. Both the T1ρ and T2 values showed a positive correlation with the degree of OA progression (ρ=0.737 and ρ=0.632, respectively). By comparison between the apparently normal cartilage and the mild OA groups, there were significant differences in the T1ρ mapping, but not in the T2 mapping., Conclusions: Our study confirmed that T1ρ and T2 mapping can quantitatively evaluate the degree of patella cartilage degeneration in patients within the same age group., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Objective: The purpose of this study was to clarify the detectability of the International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) grade 1 cartilage lesions in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)-injured knees using T1ρ and T2 mapping., Materials and Methods: We performed preoperative T1ρ and T2 mapping and 3D gradient-echo with water-selective excitation (WATS) sequences on 37 subjects with ACL injuries. We determined the detectability on 3D WATS based on arthroscopic findings. The T1ρ and T2 values (ms) were measured in the regions of interest that were placed on the weight-bearing cartilage of the femoral condyle. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve based on these values was constructed using the arthroscopic findings as a reference standard. The evaluation of cartilage was carried out only in the weight-bearing cartilage. The cut-off values for determining the presence of a cartilage injury were determined using each ROC curve, and the detectability was calculated for the T1ρ and T2 mapping., Results: The cut-off values for the T1ρ and T2 were 41.6 and 41.2, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of T1ρ were 91.2% and 89.5%, respectively, while those of T2 were 76.5% and 81.6%, respectively. For the 3D WATS images, the same values were 58.8% and 78.9%, respectively., Conclusions: Our study demonstrated that the T1ρ and T2 values were significantly higher for ICRS grade 1 cartilage lesions than for normal cartilage and that the two mappings were able to non-invasively detect ICRS grade 1 cartilage lesions in the ACL-injured knee with a higher detectability than were 3D WATS images., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Abstract: Background context: There have only been four reports of gas-filled intradural cysts, and the pathogenesis is unknown. Purpose: To document the radiologic and histopathologic features of gas-filled intradural cysts and to discuss the pathogenesis with a review of the literature. Study design: Case report. Methods: A 67-year-old woman, admitted to our institute, presented with severe right thigh pain. On admission to the institute, enhanced magnetic resonance imaging, showed a cystic lesion in the spinal canal at the L2–L3 level, with an intensity suggesting the presence of gas. An enhanced region around the cyst was noted. Computed tomography after discography also revealed a water-soluble contrast filled the subarachnoid space and area around the cyst, but not inside. Results: The cyst was surgically resected. One of the nerve roots was firmly adherent to the gas-filled cyst. The cyst wall comprised fibrous tissue, including small granulations and herniated disc material. Conclusion: Gas-filled intradural cysts are rare. The pathogenesis appears to involve gas in a degenerated intervertebral disc, and spontaneous absorption of herniated disc material. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background context: There is no previous report on the intraspinal ganglion cyst of the posterior longitudinal ligament in a teenager. Purpose: To report a case of radiculopathy caused by a ganglion cyst of the posterior longitudinal ligament in a teenager. Study design: Case report. Methods: A 17-year-old male with a 4-month history of left L5 radicular pain was found to have an intraspinal cystic lesion causing radicular compression. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a cystic lesion located in the ventral side of the dura. The patient suffered from severe leg pain. As a result, a surgical operation was therefore performed. Results: The cyst containing jelly-like components and a hemorrhage was punctured and then extirpated. It originated from the posterior longitudinal ligament. A histological study revealed the cyst to be without any synovial layers. Conclusions: This is the first report to describe a ganglion cyst originating from the posterior longitudinal ligament in a teenager. This possible etiology should be kept in mind for any other individuals displaying symptoms of spinal nerve root compression as well as disc herniation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]