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Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland) May 2023While nowadays, CT-guided bone biopsy represents the gold standard tool for histopathological and microbiological diagnosis of skeletal lesions, the role of US-guided... (Review)
Review
While nowadays, CT-guided bone biopsy represents the gold standard tool for histopathological and microbiological diagnosis of skeletal lesions, the role of US-guided bone biopsy has not yet been fully explored. US-guided biopsy offers several advantages, such as the absence of ionizing radiation, fast acquisition time, as well as good intra-lesional echo, and structural and vascular characterization. Despite that, a consensus in regard to its applications in bone neoplasms has not been established. Indeed CT-guided technique (or fluoroscopic ones) still represents the standard choice in clinical practice. This review article aims to review the literature data about US-guided bone biopsy, underlying clinical-radiological indications, advantages of the procedure and future perspectives. Bone lesions taking the best advantages of the US-guided biopsy are osteolytic, determining the erosion of the overlying bone cortex and/or with an extraosseous soft-tissue component. Indeed, osteolytic lesions with extra-skeletal soft-tissue involvement represent a clear indication for US-guided biopsy. Moreover, even lytic bone lesions with cortical thinning and/or cortical disruption, especially located in the extremities or pelvis, can be safely sampled with US guidance with very good diagnostic yield. US-guided bone biopsy is proven to be fast, effective and safe. Additionally, it offers real-time needle evaluation, an advantage when compared to CT-guided bone biopsy. In the current clinical settings, it seems relevant to select the exact eligibility criteria for this imaging guidance since the effectiveness can vary depending on the type of lesion and body site involved.
PubMed: 37238257
DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13101773 -
Cureus Oct 2021Light-chain multiple myeloma (LCMM) is a less frequent type of multiple myeloma (MM), with a more aggressive course and poorer prognosis. It is characterized by the...
Light-chain multiple myeloma (LCMM) is a less frequent type of multiple myeloma (MM), with a more aggressive course and poorer prognosis. It is characterized by the inability of the malignant plasma cells to produce heavy chains, resulting in the exclusive production of light chains. Therefore, no M-spike is visible in serum protein electrophoresis. We described the case of a 67-year-old female who presents to the emergency department with anemia, severe renal insufficiency, and multiple lytic bone lesions. After three days, the diagnosis of kappa light chain multiple myeloma was made in a patient with elevated serum and urinary kappa light chains and a bone marrow aspirate with 21.7% of atypical plasma cells. The rapid diagnosis allowed prompt referral to a specialized multiple myeloma center and early initiation of treatment.
PubMed: 34868770
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.19131 -
Bone Oct 2021Bone metastases may lead to spine instability and increase the risk of fracture. Scoring systems are available to assess critical metastases, but they lack specificity,...
BACKGROUND
Bone metastases may lead to spine instability and increase the risk of fracture. Scoring systems are available to assess critical metastases, but they lack specificity, and provide uncertain indications over a wide range, where most cases fall. The aim of this work was to use a novel biomechanical approach to evaluate the effect of lesion type, size, and location on the deformation of the metastatic vertebra.
METHOD
Vertebrae with metastases were identified from 16 human spines from a donation programme. The size and position of the metastases, and the Spine Instability Neoplastic Score (SINS) were evaluated from clinical Quantitative Computed Tomography images. Thirty-five spine segments consisting of metastatic vertebrae and adjacent healthy controls were biomechanically tested in four different loading conditions. The strain distribution over the entire vertebral bodies was measured with Digital Image Correlation. Correlations between the features of the metastasis (type, size, position and SINS) and the deformation of the metastatic vertebrae were statistically explored.
RESULTS
The metastatic type (lytic, blastic, mixed) characterizes the vertebral behaviour (Kruskal-Wallis, p = 0.04). In fact, the lytic metastases showed more critical deformation compared to the control vertebrae (average: 2-fold increase, with peaks of 14-fold increase). By contrast, the vertebrae with mixed or blastic metastases did not show a clear trend, with deformations similar or lower than the controls. Once the position of the lytic lesion with respect to the loading direction was taken into account, the size of the lesion was significantly correlated with the perturbation to the strain distribution (r = 0.72, p < 0.001). Conversely, the SINS poorly correlated with the mechanical evidence, and only in case of lytic lesions (r = 0.25, p < 0.0001).
CONCLUSION
These results highlight the relevance of the size and location of the lytic lesion, which are marginally considered in the current clinical scoring systems, in driving the spinal biomechanical instability. The strong correlation with the biomechanical evidence indicates that these parameters are representative of the mechanical competence of the vertebra. The improved explanatory power compared to the SINS suggests including them in future guidelines for the clinical practice.
Topics: Biomechanical Phenomena; Humans; Neoplasms; Spine; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
PubMed: 34087385
DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2021.116028 -
North American Journal of Medical... Jul 2013Spinal tuberculosis (TB) or Pott's spine is the commonest extrapulmonary manifestation of TB. It spreads through hematogenous route. Clinically, it presents with... (Review)
Review
Spinal tuberculosis (TB) or Pott's spine is the commonest extrapulmonary manifestation of TB. It spreads through hematogenous route. Clinically, it presents with constitutional symptoms, back pain, tenderness, paraplegia or paraparesis, and kyphotic or scoliotic deformities. Pott's spine accounts for 2% of all cases of TB, 15% of extrapulmonary, and 50% of skeletal TB. The paradiscal, central, anterior subligamentous, and neural arch are the common vertebral lesions. Thoracic vertebrae are commonly affected followed by lumbar and cervical vertebrae. Plain radiographs are usually the initial investigation in spinal TB. For a radiolucent lesion to be apparent on a plain radiograph there should be 30% of bone mineral loss. Computed tomographic scanning provides much better bony detail of irregular lytic lesions, sclerosis, disc collapse, and disruption of bone circumference than plain radiograph. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the best diagnostic modality for Pott's spine and is more sensitive than other modalities. MRI frequently demonstrates disc collapse/destruction, cold abscess, vertebral wedging/collapse, marrow edema, and spinal deformities. Ultrasound and computed tomographic guided needle aspiration or biopsy is the technique for early histopathological diagnosis. Recently, the coexistence of human immunodeficiency virus infections and TB has been increased globally. In recent years, diffusion-weighted MRI (DW-MRI) and apparent diffusion coefficient values in combination with MRI are used to some extent in the diagnosis of spinal TB. We have reviewed related literature through internet. The terms searched on Google scholar and PubMed are TB, extrapulmonary TB, skeletal TB, spinal TB, Pott's spine, Pott's paraplegia, MRI, and computed tomography (CT).
PubMed: 24020048
DOI: 10.4103/1947-2714.115775 -
BJR Case Reports Mar 2022Bone sarcoidosis is very rarely indicative of the disease. When bone lesion is associated with lung and lymph node involvement, diagnosis can be made based on clinical...
Bone sarcoidosis is very rarely indicative of the disease. When bone lesion is associated with lung and lymph node involvement, diagnosis can be made based on clinical and imaging features. When bone lesion is isolated, it is difficult to differentiate it from bone metastases because they both have similar appearance in imaging: in this case, the diagnosis is made by bone biopsy with histological study. We report the case of a 61-year-old male with a lytic lesion of the right ischio pubic ramus which appears to be aggressive whose biopsy revealed bone sarcoidosis.
PubMed: 36177252
DOI: 10.1259/bjrcr.20210091 -
The Spine Journal : Official Journal of... Apr 2023Palliative radiotherapy (RT) can lead to remineralization of osteolytic lesions thereby potentially restoring some of the weight-bearing capacity and preventing... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
BACKGROUND CONTEXT
Palliative radiotherapy (RT) can lead to remineralization of osteolytic lesions thereby potentially restoring some of the weight-bearing capacity and preventing vertebral collapse. It is not clear, however, under which circumstances remineralization of osteolytic lesions occurs.
PURPOSE
The aim of this study was to investigate the change in bone mineral density in spinal metastases after RT compared to a reference region, and find associated factors.
STUDY DESIGN
Retrospective analysis within prospective observational cohort OUTCOME MEASURES: change in bone mineral density measured in Hounsfield Units (HU).
PATIENT SAMPLE
patients treated with RT for (painful) bone metastases.
METHODS
Patients with spinal metastases were included if computed tomography scans both pre- and post-RT were available. Bone density was measured in HU. A region of interest (ROI) was drawn manually in the metastatic lesion. As a reference, a measurement of bone density in adjacent, unaffected, and non-irradiated vertebrae was used. Factors tested for association were origin of the primary tumor, RT dose and fractionation scheme, and concomitant use of bisphosphonates.
RESULTS
A total of 31 patients with 49 spinal metastases, originating from various primary tumors, were included. The median age on baseline was 58 years (IQR: 53-63) and median time between baseline and follow-up scan was 8.2 months (IQR: 3.0-18.4). Difference in HU in the lesion before and after treatment was 146.9 HU (95% CI 68.4-225.4; p<.01). Difference in HU in the reference vertebra between baseline and first follow-up was 19.1 HU (95% CI -47.9 to 86.0; p=.58). Difference between reference vertebrae and metastatic lesions on baseline was -194.1 HU (95% CI -276.2 to -112.0; p<.01). After RT, this difference was reduced to -50.3 HU (95% CI -199.6 to 99.0; p=.52). Patients using bisphosphonates showed a greater increase in HU, 194.1 HU versus 60.6 HU, p=.01.
CONCLUSIONS
Palliative radiation of osteolytic lytic spinal metastases is positively associated with an increased bone mineral density at follow-up. The use of bisphosphonates was linked to an increased bone mineral density when used during or after RT.
Topics: Humans; Child, Preschool; Spinal Neoplasms; Retrospective Studies; Bone Density; Lumbar Vertebrae
PubMed: 36623735
DOI: 10.1016/j.spinee.2022.12.018 -
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.... Jun 2022A female child was investigated for insidious onset of temporomandibular joint dysfunction and trismus in the setting of a mandibular myofibroma. Myofibromas, benign...
A female child was investigated for insidious onset of temporomandibular joint dysfunction and trismus in the setting of a mandibular myofibroma. Myofibromas, benign mesenchymal neoplasms composed of spindle cells, are rarely found in the oral cavity, most commonly in the mandible. These lesions are historically described as indolent with a high cure rate and minimal recurrence rates following surgical resection. The patient initially presented with concerns regarding snoring, retrognathia, and jaw ankylosis, as well as a history of trouble latching as an infant but without obvious physical deformities. Imaging revealed a large expansile lytic mass of the mandible, but no temporomandibular joint involvement; surgical biopsy evidenced myofibroma, and the lesion was resected. Over the course of disease, the lesion continued to expand, and the patient's maximal incisal opening continued to decrease despite conservative management with jaw physiotherapy; eventually she could not open her mouth despite the absence of joint involvement. Re-exploration along with formal jaw physiotherapy was achieved and optimal jaw opening was maintained. Myofibromas are rare benign desmoid tumors that can present anywhere in the body in solitary and multicentric forms, and previously did not present significant challenges to surgical and medical management. Tumors of the mandible may present with trismus and soft tissue ankylosis, which can mimic temporomandibular joint dysfunction in the absence of joint involvement. Physical therapy, rehabilitation, and soft tissue contracture release are key to management and improving outcomes in oral cancer patients, regardless of tumor pathology.
PubMed: 35720205
DOI: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000004380 -
World Journal of Clinical Cases Mar 2024Hyperparathyroidism (HPT) is a condition in which one or more parathyroid glands produce increased levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH), causing disturbances in calcium... (Review)
Review
Hyperparathyroidism (HPT) is a condition in which one or more parathyroid glands produce increased levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH), causing disturbances in calcium homeostasis. Most commonly HPT presents with asymptomatic hypercalcemia but the clinical spectrum may include disturbances reflecting the combined effects of increased PTH secretion and hypercalcemia. Brown tumors are rare, benign, tumor-like bone lesions, occurring in 1.5% to 4.5% of patients with HPT, as a complication of an uncontrolled disease pathway, and are nowadays rarely seen in clinical practice. The tumor can appear either as a solitary or multifocal lesion and usually presents as an asymptomatic swelling or a painful exophytic mass. Furthermore, it can cause a pathological fracture or skeletal pain and be radiologically described as a lytic bone lesion. The diagnosis of a brown tumor in HPT is typically confirmed by assessing the levels of serum calcium, phosphorus, and PTH. Although when present, brown tumor is quite pathognomonic for HPT, the histologic finding often suggests a giant cell tumor, while clinical presentation might suggest other more frequent pathologies such as metastatic tumors. Treatment of brown tumors frequently focuses on managing the underlying HPT, which can often lead to regression and resolution of the lesion, without the need for surgical intervention. However, in refractory cases or when dealing with large symptomatic lesions, surgical treatment may be necessary.
PubMed: 38524508
DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v12.i7.1200 -
Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of... Oct 2019The assessment of risk of vertebral fracture in patients with lytic metastases is challenging, due to the complexity in modelling the mechanical properties of this...
The assessment of risk of vertebral fracture in patients with lytic metastases is challenging, due to the complexity in modelling the mechanical properties of this heterogeneous material. Currently clinical assessment of patients at high risk of fracture is based on the Spinal Instability Neoplastic Score (SINS), which however in many cases does not provide clear guidelines. The goal of this study was to develop a computational approach to provide a comparative biomechanical assessment of vertebrae with lytic lesions with respect to the adjacent controls and highlight the critical vertebrae. The computed tomography images of the thoracolumbar spine of eight patients suffering of vertebral lytic metastases with SINS between 7 and 12 (indeterminate unstable) were analysed. For each patient one or two vertebrae with lytic lesions were modelled and the closest vertebrae without lesions were considered as control. Metastatic vertebrae (N = 12) and controls (N = 18) were converted to subject-specific, heterogeneous, isotropic, nonlinear finite element models for simulating uniaxial compression. Densitometric and mechanical properties were computed for each vertebra. In average, similar mechanical properties were found for vertebrae with lytic lesions and controls (e.g. ultimate force equal to 6.2 ± 2.7 kN for vertebrae with lytic lesions and to 6.2 ± 3.0 kN for control vertebrae). Only in three patients the vertebrae with lytic lesions were found to be mechanically weaker (-19% to -75% difference for ultimate stress) than the controls. In conclusion, in this study we presented an approach to estimate the mechanical competence of vertebrae with lytic metastases. It remains to be investigated in a clinical study if this method, together with the SINS, can better classify patients with vertebrae with lytic lesions at high risk of fracture.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Biomechanical Phenomena; Female; Finite Element Analysis; Humans; Male; Mechanical Phenomena; Middle Aged; Patient-Specific Modeling; Spine; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
PubMed: 31280054
DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2019.06.027 -
Bone Reports Jun 2020Currently, the Spinal Instability Neoplastic Score system is used in clinics to evaluate the risk of fracture in patients with spinal metastases. This method, however,...
Currently, the Spinal Instability Neoplastic Score system is used in clinics to evaluate the risk of fracture in patients with spinal metastases. This method, however, does not always provide a clear guideline due to the complexity in accounting for the effect of metastatic lesions on vertebral stability. The aim of this study was to use a validated micro Finite Element (microFE) modelling approach to analyse the effect of the size and location of lytic metastases on the mechanical properties of human vertebral bodies. Micro Computed Tomography based microFE models were generated with and without lytic lesions simulated as holes within a human vertebral body. Single and multiple lytic lesions were simulated with four different sizes and in five different locations. Bone was assumed homogenous, isotropic and linear elastic, and each vertebra was loaded in axial compression. It was observed that the size of lytic lesions was linearly related with the reduction in structural properties of the vertebral body (reduction of stiffness between 3% and 30% for lesion volume between 4% and 35%). The location of lytic lesions did not show a clear effect on predicted structural properties. Single or multiple lesions with the same volume provided similar results. Locally, there was a homogeneous distribution of axial principal strains among the models with and without lytic lesions. This study highlights the potential of microFE models to study the effect of lesions on the mechanical properties of the human vertebral body.
PubMed: 32551335
DOI: 10.1016/j.bonr.2020.100257