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Biomedical subjects

P Haghighi

Publications and source records attributed to P Haghighi.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Experimental autoimmune myocarditis produced by adoptive transfer of splenocytes after myocardial infarction.

One possible mechanism for neurohumoral activation after myocardial infarction may be the generation of an immune response against cardiac self-antigens. We hypothesize that if there is a T cell-mediated reaction to self-antigens, the transfer of splenic lymphocytes from postinfarct rats into syngeneic rats with normal hearts should result in a T cell-mediated autoimmune myocarditis in the healthy syngeneic rats. Rats were killed 6 weeks after coronary ligation. Splenocytes from animals with large and small infarcts were purified from spleens, activated with concanavalin A, and injected in varying doses into normal syngeneic rats. These recipient rats were killed 6 weeks later, and histopathological studies were performed. Our results demonstrate in vivo evidence of lymphocyte-mediated myocardial injury by adoptive transfer of sensitized lymphocytes from rats who developed congestive heart failure after acute myocardial infarction. The amount of infiltrate and necrosis in the recipient rats appeared directly related to the size of the infarct from the donor rats. This suggests that larger infarcts lead to a greater inflammatory response as well as a greater propensity for alteration of cardiac surface antigens or the emergence of previously sequestered antigens. None of the other organs (kidney, liver, lung, or brain) had evidence of infiltrates. Two-dimensional echocardiography did not reveal systolic dysfunction. This study provides direct evidence of autoimmune myocardial injury produced by adoptive transfer of concanavalin A-activated splenocytes after myocardial infarction. We propose that neurohumoral activation early in the postinfarction period triggers a series of specific inflammatory and immunological events that lead to formation of specific clones of T cells. When these are activated and transferred into normal rats, cardiac-specific cellular infiltration occurs, occasionally accompanied by myocardial necrosis. This model should help to further explore the link between neurohumoral activation after myocardial infarction and the subsequent immune alterations that might be associated with the development and/or progression of congestive heart failure. Additionally, this might be a useful model in which to study other immune-mediated cardiomyopathies.

Adoptive Transfer↗

Evaluation of the triangular fibrocartilage and the scapholunate and lunotriquetral ligaments in cadavers with low-field-strength extremity-only magnet. Comparison of available imaging sequences and macroscopic findings.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: The authors assessed the ability of a low-field-strength extremity-only magnet to provide visualization of the triangular fibrocartilage and the scapholunate and lunotriquetral ligaments. METHODS: Twelve human wrists were examined with a 0.2 T extremity-only magnet. T1-weighted spin echo, proton density-weighted, and T2-weighted turbo spin echo, short-tau inversion recovery, and three-dimensional gradient recalled echo images were acquired, and sections of the specimens were then made that corresponded to the magnetic resonance images. Masked imaging analyses were correlated with macroscopic and limited histopathologic findings. RESULTS: Low-field-strength extremity-only magnet allowed consistent visualization of the triangular fibrocartilage and accurate assessment of a small number of complete tears of the triangular fibrocartilage. The scapholunate ligaments in all cases were identified using a combination of imaging sequences. Consistent visualization of the lunotriquetral ligament with a low-field-strength extremity magnet was difficult. CONCLUSIONS: Magnetic resonance imaging with a low-field-strength extremity-only magnet can be used to visualize the triangular fibrocartilage and the scapholunate ligament, but not the lunotriquetral ligament.

Aged↗

Gamekeeper thumb: comparison of MR arthrography with conventional arthrography and MR imaging in cadavers.

PURPOSE: To compare magnetic resonance (MR) arthrography with conventional arthrography and standard MR imaging in the evaluation of gamekeeper thumb. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighteen cadaveric thumbs with (n = 12) or without (n = 6) experimental abduction stress were examined with conventional arthrography, standard MR imaging, and MR arthrography. Standard MR imaging and MR arthrography were performed with 0.2-T (low-field-strength) extremity-only and 1.5-T (high-field-strength) magnets. Results of blinded imaging analyses were correlated with pathologic findings. Paired MR images and MR arthrograms were rated with a three-point scale. RESULTS: Fourteen ulnar collateral ligaments were torn, including eight nondisplaced (57%) and six displaced (43%) tears. For the presence of tear, diagnostic accuracy of conventional arthrography, low-field-strength MR imaging, high-field-strength MR imaging, low-field-strength MR arthrography, and high-field-strength MR arthrography was 83%, 89%, 90%, 94%, and 100%, respectively. With regard to displacement of the torn ligament, diagnostic accuracy was 61%, 89%, 90%, 94%, and 100%, respectively. MR arthrograms were rated superior to standard MR images in 72% and 90% of specimens with low-field-strength and high-field-strength magnets, respectively. CONCLUSION: Of the tested methods, MR arthrography proved to be the most sensitive to the diagnosis of a torn ulnar collateral ligament of the first metacarpophalangeal joint and of displacement of the torn ligament.

Aged↗

Evaluation of patellar cartilage in cadavers with a low-field-strength extremity-only magnet: comparison of MR imaging sequences, with macroscopic findings as the standard.

PURPOSE: To assess a low-field-strength extremity-only magnet in the evaluation of patellar cartilage abnormalities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four regions in each of 10 patellae from cadavers were examined in the transaxial plane with a 0.2-T extremity-only magnet and the following sequences: T1-weighted spin echo, proton density- and T2-weighted turbo spin echo, short inversion time inversion recovery, and two- and three-dimensional gradient echo with and without magnetization transfer contrast subtraction. Lesions depicted with MR imaging and seen in anatomic sections of the patellae were classified according to a modified standardized arthroscopic grading system. MR imaging and pathologic correlation was then analyzed. RESULTS: On the basis of macroscopic findings, 14 of 40 cartilage regions were found to be intact, grade 2A lesions were present in eight regions, grade 2B lesions in eight, and grade 3 lesions in 10. For the various MR imaging techniques, sensitivity was 25%-62% for grade 2A lesions, 50%-75% for grade 2B lesions, and 60%-90% for grade 3 lesions. Specificity was 81%-97% for grades 2A and 2B lesions, and 80%-97% for grade 3 lesions. Accuracy was 75%-82% for grade 2A lesions, 75%-92% for grade 2B lesions, and 80%-92% for grade 3 lesions. CONCLUSION: High-grade cartilaginous lesions can be evaluated reliably with low-field-strength MR imaging by using a combination of imaging sequences.

Aged↗

Evidence of the subperiosteal origin of osteoid osteomas in tubular bones: analysis by CT and MR imaging.

OBJECTIVE: A large series of patients with pathologically proven osteoid osteoma of tubular bones was reviewed to determine the frequency of a subperiosteal site of origin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-eight cases that were included met two criteria: the tumor was located in a tubular bone, and the lesion had been evaluated by CT scanning or MR imaging, or both. The location of the osteoid osteoma was categorized as intracortical, sub-periosteal, endosteal, or medullary. RESULTS: Among the 38 cases, 19 were imaged with CT scanning, 14 with MR imaging, and five with both techniques. The most common affected sites were the femur (n = 13), tibia (n = 15), and humerus (n = 4). Among these 38 cases, 18 were intracortical, two were intramedullary, and 18 were subperiosteal. CONCLUSION: Osteoid osteomas occurring in a subperiosteal or surface location are not rare. Indeed, many osteoid osteomas arising in a tubular bone possibly originate in a subperiosteal site and later appear as an intracortical lesion. This site of origin appears to relate principally to continual remodeling of bone with subperiosteal deposition and endosteal erosion.

Adult↗

Gorham syndrome of the thorax and cervical spine: CT and MRI findings.

Gorham syndrome is a rare disorder that is characterized by local osseous invasion and surrounding soft tissues by an angiomatous mass, eventually causing lysis of the affected bone. To date, only four cases have reported the MR imaging appearance of this disease and the findings have been variable. We present a case involving the cervical and thoracic spine and part of the osseous hemithorax with attention to the MR findings.

Angiomatosis↗

Cupid's bow contour of the vertebral body: evaluation of pathogenesis with bone densitometry and imaging-histopathologic correlation.

PURPOSE: To investigate the Cupid's bow contour by means of bone densitometry and imaging-histopathologic correlation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Radiographs and histologic slices were obtained in 64 cadaveric thoracolumbar spines to assess the morphology, distribution, and histopathologic features of the Cupid's bow contour. Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry and radiography were performed in the lumbar spine in 406 healthy subjects. Bone density and body height and weight were then related to the presence of the Cupid's bow contour. The Cupid's bow contour was compared with the fish vertebra of osteoporosis and Schmorl node. RESULTS: No clinically important relationship was found between lumbar bone density, body height and weight, and prevalence of the Cupid's bow contour. Histologic examination showed thickened bone in the Cupid's bow end plate with annular fibers inserting into this region. In cadavers, the Cupid's bow contour occurred at multiple lumbar and thoracic levels, with the highest frequency in the lower lumbar spine. Lateral radiographs enabled better detection of the contour change. CONCLUSION: The Cupid's bow deformity is a developmental phenomenon that is unrelated to osteopenia or mechanical stress on the spine.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗

Intraosseous venous drainage anomaly in patients with pretibial varices: imaging findings.

PURPOSE: To determine a set of distinctive imaging findings seen in symptomatic patients with pretibial varices. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical records and imaging studies of patients who presented with pretibial varices over an 8-year period were collected from four institutions. Findings in six symptomatic patients with pretibial varices were retrospectively reviewed. Radiographic and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging findings were available from all six patients; findings from several other modalities were also available in some patients. RESULTS: Conventional radiographs showed a small osteolytic defect in the anterior cortex of the midtibia and a prominent, longitudinally oriented, radiolucent groove in the proximal half of the tibial diaphysis. MR images showed pretibial varices connected to an enlarged vessel in the tibia that eventually exited through the nutrient foramen. Computed tomographic (three patients), sonographic (four patients), venographic (four patients), arteriographic (two patients), and surgical (three patients) findings demonstrated that these patients had an unusual intraosseous varix that traversed the anterior cortex, medullary cavity, and posterior cortex of the tibia. CONCLUSION: Recognition of these findings can prevent misdiagnosis and may prove helpful in the planning of appropriate treatment.

Adolescent↗

Short echo time projection reconstruction MR imaging of cartilage: comparison with fat-suppressed spoiled GRASS and magnetization transfer contrast MR imaging.

PURPOSE: To evaluate short echo time (TE) projection reconstruction magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in the detection of cartilage lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-seven cartilage regions of 10 human patellar specimens were examined with the following MR sequences: short TE projection reconstruction (repetition time msec/TE msec, 400/0.15), fat-suppressed three-dimensional spoiled gradient-recalled acquisition in the steady state (Spoiled GRASS) (50/10, 60 degrees flip angle), and magnetization transfer contrast (MTC) subtraction (400/6). MR findings were correlated with histopathologic grading of the cartilage. RESULTS: For detection of cartilage lesions, sensitivity of projection reconstruction imaging (100%) was significantly greater (P = .03) than that of MTC (62%) but not significantly greater (P > .05) than that of Spoiled GRASS (81%) imaging. Accuracy of projection reconstruction was significantly greater than that of MTC (P = .004) and Spoiled GRASS (P = .03) imaging. Unmasking of collagen fibers was most predictive of abnormal signal intensity of the cartilage with all sequences. CONCLUSION: In vitro, short TE projection reconstruction MR imaging provides superior delineation of cartilage lesions when compared with two other sequences. On Spoiled GRASS and MTC images, signal intensity of the superficial layer of cartilage is not a reliable sign for surface integrity.

Aged↗

Collateral ligaments of the elbow: conventional MR imaging and MR arthrography with coronal oblique plane and elbow flexion.

PURPOSE: To determine the best plane and position of the elbow for optimal visualization of normal and abnormal collateral ligaments with conventional magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and MR arthrography, to determine the normal appearance of the collateral ligaments at MR arthrography and to assess use of MR arthrography in evaluation of collateral ligamentous lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nine cadaveric elbow specimens were imaged with and without intraarticular administration of gadolinium-containing solution in several planes that were identified as potentially useful in a pilot study in two specimens. MR imaging findings were compared with anatomic findings. RESULTS: Normal and abnormal ligaments were best depicted in a 20 degrees posterior oblique coronal plane in relation to the humeral shaft with the elbows extended and a coronal plane aligned with the humeral shaft with the elbows slightly flexed (20 degrees-30 degrees of flexion). Gadolinium enhancement improved the delineation of normal and abnormal ligaments on T1-weighted images in each case. CONCLUSION: The posterior oblique coronal plane with the elbows extended or the coronal plane aligned with the humeral shaft with the elbows slightly flexed allows accurate assessment of the collateral ligaments. Gadolinium-enhanced MR arthrography of the elbow seems to be a promising technique.

Aged↗

Tropical sprue and subclinical enteropathy: a vision for the nineties.

Aside from infectious intestinal diseases with known etiology, there is a group of gastrointestinal disorders mainly affecting the small intestine of individuals predominantly living in and less often visiting or returning from the Third World, usually the tropics, and ranging from asymptomatic structural and/or functional abnormalities of the gastrointestinal mucosa (subclinical enteropathy, SE) to a fully symptomatic condition highlighted by malabsorption of nutrients with associated nutritional deficiencies responsive to folate and broad spectrum antibiotic treatment (tropical sprue, TS). Mounting evidence supports an infectious cause in many instances. The exact nature of the infection, whether initiated and/or perpetuated by enterotoxigenic coliform bacteria, virus(es) or a combination of these, is not clear. Further studies, including those using molecular techniques, are needed in order to clarify various aspects of these widely prevalent disorders.

Animals↗

Cystic angiomatosis: case report and review of the literature.

The objective of this article was to offer a better characterization of the typical clinical presentation, radiologic findings, histology, treatment approaches, and differential diagnosis of cystic angiomatosis, a rare condition of which previous reports have been confusing because of unclear diagnostic criteria, different classifications, and variations in terminology. A case report using the improved imaging techniques of computed tomography scanning is presented in addition to an analysis and review of the previous literature, which relied heavily on plain film radiography, biopsy, and necropsy for diagnosis. A case report of a 26-year-old man initially symptomatic at age 12 is presented. Although a rare condition, cystic angiomatosis must be considered in pediatric and young adult patients presenting with diffuse, multifocal, cystic skeletal lesions, with or without visceral involvement.

Abdomen↗

Intraosseous ganglion of the patella.

Osteolytic cystic lesions of the patella are rare lesions. A review of the literature revealed only one previously reported example. The pathogenesis and radiological and pathological features of intraosseous ganglion cysts are discussed. In addition, the differential diagnosis of lytic patellar lesions is discussed.

Aged↗

Tophaceous pseudogout.

We present an unusual case of tophaceous pseudogout in the atlantoaxial joint with progressive cervical cord compression symptoms and lack of additional clinical manifestations of CPPD crystal deposition disease. This represents only the fourth reported case in the medical literature.

Aged↗

Sarcoidosis of hands.

We present a case of sarcoidosis with soft tissue masses and associated phalangeal erosive changes. Sarcoidosis of the musculoskeletal system presenting as a soft tissue mass has been described previously but is rare. To our knowledge, the combination of soft tissue masses and phalangeal erosions has never been described.

Adult↗

Ventral sacroiliac ligament. Anatomic and pathologic considerations.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: The ventral sacroiliac ligament (VSL), which bridges the sacroiliac (SI) joint anteriorly, has been described as an important stabilizing structure of the joint, but no data exist regarding its assessment with routine and advanced imaging methods. The authors determine the imaging appearance of the normal and abnormal VSL using close anatomic-histologic-imaging correlation. METHODS: Eight and 10 cadaveric SI joints were examined with magnetic resonance imaging in axial and coronal planes, respectively; and in four computed tomography scanning in both planes was obtained. Anatomic sectioning with histologic correlation at levels corresponding to those of imaging planes was performed. Representative examples of diseases that produce abnormalities of the VSL and connective tissue about the SI joint were reviewed. RESULTS: Magnetic resonance images showed the VSL-anterior capsular complex as a hypointense, linear, or minimally curved structure of approximately 2 mm thickness traversing the SI joint anteriorly. The VSL could not be separated from the anterior joint capsule by imaging studies, but such differentiation by histology could be determined based upon the orientation of its collagen fibers. Any disease process that affects the ligament or the site of ligamentous attachment to bone produces characteristic imaging alterations.

Aged↗

Posterolateral aspect of the knee: improved MR imaging with a coronal oblique technique.

PURPOSE: To determine if angling the coronal plane in magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of the knee increases the conspicuity of the posterolateral structures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A coronal oblique MR imaging sequence performed parallel to the popliteal tendon proximally was added to our routine study in patient knee examinations. One hundred patients (age range, 12-72 years) underwent MR imaging. RESULTS: Coronal oblique images depicted the arcuate ligament in 46%, the fabellofibular ligament in 48%, and the fibular origin of the popliteal muscle in 53% of the patients, whereas standard coronal images depicted these in 10%, 34%, and 8% of the patients, respectively. Sagittal oblique images did not adequately depict these structures. CONCLUSION: Depiction of the structures in the posterolateral aspect of the knee was optimal on coronal oblique images. We advocate obtaining coronal oblique T2-weighted images in patients with either posterolateral knee pain or suspected injury to the posterolateral ligamentous structures.

Adolescent↗