1.
Prestructural cartilage assessment using MRI.
Link, TM, Neumann, J, Li, X
Journal of magnetic resonance imaging : JMRI. 2017;(4):949-965
Abstract
UNLABELLED Cartilage loss is irreversible, and to date, no effective pharmacotherapies are available to protect or regenerate cartilage. Quantitative prestructural/compositional MR imaging techniques have been developed to characterize the cartilage matrix quality at a stage where abnormal findings are early and potentially reversible, allowing intervention to halt disease progression. The goal of this article is to critically review currently available technologies, present the basic concept behind these techniques, but also to investigate their suitability as imaging biomarkers including their validity, reproducibility, risk prediction and monitoring of therapy. Moreover, we highlighted important clinical applications. This review article focuses on the currently most relevant and clinically applicable technologies, such as T2 mapping, T2*, T1ρ, delayed gadolinium enhanced MRI of cartilage (dGEMRIC), sodium imaging and glycosaminoglycan chemical exchange saturation transfer (gagCEST). To date, most information is available for T2 and T1ρ mapping. dGEMRIC has also been used in multiple clinical studies, although it requires Gd contrast administration. Sodium imaging and gagCEST are promising technologies but are dependent on high field strength and sophisticated software and hardware. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 5 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2017;45:949-965.
2.
Crystal deposition disease of the shoulder (including calcific tendonitis and milwaukee shoulder syndrome).
Halverson, PB
Current rheumatology reports. 2003;(3):244-7
Abstract
Calcific tendinitis of the shoulder is a dynamic process. Osteopontin is present in cells surrounding tendon calcifications. Resorption is probably mediated by cathepsin K-containing multinucleated giant cells. Rotator cuff tears are associated with an inflammatory response based on the presence of interleukin-1 and a proliferative synovitis. Metalloproteinases are found in the synovial fluids of patients with rotator cuff tears. Some patients with large rotator cuff tears progress to a severe destructive arthropathy characterized by large joint effusions, which are noninflammatory but contain basic calcium phosphate crystals. These crystals stimulate metalloproteinase production in vitro and also suppress metalloproteinase inhibitor production. Mutations in the ank gene result in decreased extracellular inorganic pyrophosphate in murine progressive ankylosis, and increased extracellular inorganic pyrophosphate in some cases of familial chondrocalcinosis.
3.
Calcific tendinitis of the shoulder.
Hurt, G, Baker, CL
The Orthopedic clinics of North America. 2003;(4):567-75
Abstract
Calcific tendinitis of the shoulder is a process involving calcium deposition commonly in the rotator cuff tendons. It is a cell-mediated process that is often chronic in nature, but it is usually self-limiting with regard to its acute pain states. Nonoperative management is still the treatment of choice and is successful in up to 90% of patients. When conservative measures fail, a needling technique or surgical removal may be indicated; the trend is toward arthroscopic management. Acromioplasty should not be performed without radiographic signs of impingement. If a resulting large rotator cuff defect is found after removal of the calcific deposit, it may be worthwhile to close the defect arthroscopically with suture to prevent cuff tear progression and to promote healing.