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Biomedical subjects

S Grampp

Publications and source records attributed to S Grampp.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Autocorrelation analysis of bone structure.

We propose a method called spatial autocorrelation analysis (SACA) to determine the spatial anisotropy of the trabecular bone in order to investigate osteoporosis. For demonstrating the potential of SACA we first evaluate the method on rectangular, simulated test patterns as a simple model for the anisotropic pore structure of the bone. As a next step towards biomedical application, photographic reference images of human vertebral bone were investigated by SACA. Osteoporotic bone structure could be clearly differentiated from non-osteoporotic sample images. Moreover, for demonstration of the applicability and potential of the method for in vivo characterization of osteoporosis, the microstructure of the human calcaneus was investigated by MR-microimaging on a young healthy male subject and an osteoporotic female. The measurements were performed using a high-field (3T) whole-body MR tomograph equipped with a special, strong head gradient system. The signal was acquired with a surface coil mounted on an in-house-built device for convenient immobilization of the subject's foot. Using a 3D gradient echo sequence a resolution of 0.254 x 0.254 x 2.188 mm3 was achieved in vivo. Selected images were inverted, gradient corrected for the inhomogeneous but sensitive detection by the surface coil, and subsequently analyzed by SACA. The anisotropy of bone structure detected by SACA is a possible candidate for noninvasive determination of the osteoporotic status, potentially complementing standard bone mineral density measurements.

Adult↗

Whole-body vibration exercise leads to alterations in muscle blood volume.

Occupationally used high-frequency vibration is supposed to have negative effects on blood flow and muscle strength. Conversely, low-frequency vibration used as a training tool appears to increase muscle strength, but nothing is known about its effects on peripheral circulation. The aim of this investigation was to quantify alterations in muscle blood volume after whole muscle vibration--after exercising on the training device Galileo 2000 (Novotec GmbH, Pforzheim, Germany). Twenty healthy adults performed a 9-min standing test. They stood with both feet on a platform, producing oscillating mechanical vibrations of 26 Hz. Alterations in muscle blood volume of the quadriceps and gastrocnemius muscles were assessed with power Doppler sonography and arterial blood flow of the popliteal artery with a Doppler ultrasound machine. Measurements were performed before and immediately after exercising. Power Doppler indices indicative of muscular blood circulation in the calf and thigh significantly increased after exercise. The mean blood flow velocity in the popliteal artery increased from 6.5 to 13.0 cm x s(-1) and its resistive index was significantly reduced. The results indicate that low-frequency vibration does not have the negative effects on peripheral circulation known from occupational high-frequency vibration.

Adult↗

A neuromuscular test battery for osteoporotic women: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the efficacy of a short neuromuscular test battery in elderly women suffering from osteoporosis in accordance with the World Health Organization criteria, with and without a history of fractures. Reduced bone mass and a high likelihood of falling increase the risk of osteoporotic fractures. There is a need for neuromuscular tests to identify individuals at risk for falls and fractures. DESIGN: The women were assessed twice. Forty-two women, with a mean age of 70.0 +/- 5.1 (SD) yr, completed the first assessment. The number of postmenopausal fractures and the women's history with regard to agility and falls were assessed. The women performed neuromuscular tests (one-leg stance, tandem walk, and body sway); bone mineral density of the spine and femoral neck were measured. For the follow-up assessment, 13.2 +/- 1.3 mo later, 39 women were studied. The same outcome measurements were obtained at both evaluations. RESULTS: During the observation period, five women fell once and one woman fell twice; there were only two vertebral fractures and no nonvertebral fracture. Neuromuscular performance did not change during this observation period. The median changes in bone mineral density between the two assessments were clinically not relevant. A comparison between patients suffering from established osteoporosis and osteoporotic patients without a history of postmenopausal fractures showed that both groups of patients did not differ with respect to age, neuromuscular performance, bone mineral density, and fear of falling. CONCLUSION: This neuromuscular test battery is a feasible and practical tool because it is brief and economical to perform. However, its efficacy as a predictor of fractures must be tested in additional studies with a long-term follow-up and a larger group of subjects.

Accidental Falls↗

Quantitative US of the calcaneus: cutoff levels for the distinction of healthy and osteoporotic individuals.

PURPOSE: To calculate cutoff levels for quantitative ultrasonography (US) performed to distinguish healthy individuals and those with osteoporosis identified with dual x-ray absorptiometry. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 1,357 patients (856 females, aged 55.1 years +/- 15.4 [mean +/- SD]; 501 males, aged 50.4 years +/- 15), bone mineral density measurements of the lumbar spine (posteroanterior, L1 through L4) and femoral neck were obtained, and quantitative US was performed to determine the stiffness of the calcaneus. Individuals with a T score less than -2.5 (osteoporotic) at the spine and femur were identified, and upper T-score cutoff values (3 SDs from the mean) in the groups of male and female patients with osteoporosis were identified. RESULTS: Females with dual x-ray absorptiometric values that were indicative of osteoporosis of the spine had an upper T-score cutoff value of -1.0 (males, -0.2). Females who had femoral osteoporosis showed an upper quantitative US T-score cutoff value of -0.6 (males, 0). CONCLUSION: Cutoff values may permit the use of quantitative US to screen for the presence of osteoporosis in the spine and femur. Quantitative US will help to prevent unnecessary dual x-ray absorptiometric and conventional radiographic examinations.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗

Diagnostic disagreement of imaging quantitative sonography of the calcaneus with dual X-ray absorptiometry of the spine and femur.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates the diagnostic agreement between imaging quantitative sonography of the calcaneus and dual X-ray absorptiometry of the spine and femur for diagnosing osteoporosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 498 female patients (56 +/- 18 years old), bone mineral density measurements by dual X-ray absorptiometry of the lumbar spine (posteroanterior, L1--L4) and the proximal femur and imaging quantitative sonography of the calcaneus were performed. The percentage of patients having T-scores less than or equal to a threshold of -2.5 standard deviations below a young normal reference was used to compare quantitative sonography with dual X-ray absorptiometry. The diagnostic agreement was assessed using kappa scores. RESULTS: Approximately 30% of the patients had a T-score less than or equal to -2.5 standard deviations as assessed by imaging quantitative sonography (broadband ultrasound attenuation), 26.5% as assessed by dual X-ray absorptiometry of the spine, and 16.7--56.4% as assessed by dual X-ray absorptiometry of the different regions of interest at the femur. Kappa analysis showed that severe diagnostic disagreement exists among broadband ultrasound attenuation and dual X-ray absorptiometry (kappa = 0.28-0.42). CONCLUSION: Considerable diagnostic disagreement exists between imaging quantitative sonography and dual X-ray absorptiometry of the spine and femur. The disagreement is in the same range as that reported recently in comparisons of dual X-ray absorptiometry and nonimaging quantitative sonography. In general, no distinct advantage for imaging quantitative sonography could be found when compared with other techniques.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗

[Radiologic imaging of degenerative and inflammatory joint diseases in women].

Pain in joints and other structures of the musculoskeletal system is a common complaint in women. It may occur as functional pain, in many cases as inflammatory episode of arthrosis or of metabolic joint disease, sometimes as early manifestation of rheumatoid disease. With conventional radiography, high-resolution sonography, and MR imaging it is possible to classify many of these clinical syndromes. A semiquantitative assessment of inflammatory activity can be made by analysing the degree of joint effusion, the thickness of the synovium and the extent of hypervascularisation.

Arthralgia↗

Ultrasound and X-ray-based bone densitometry in patients with anorexia nervosa.

In 20 patients (mean age 23+/-5 years) with anorexia nervosa (AN), bone mass was evaluated by broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA) of the calcaneus, peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) of the distal radius, and dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) of the lumbar spine and the hip. Compared with 20 age- and sex- matched healthy controls, patients with AN showed marked osteopenia at all measuring sites. Values of BUA (33.0+/-9 dB/MHz vs. 51.0+/-5.7 dB/MHz; P<0.0001) and of BMD of all regions of the hip (e.g., femoral neck: 0.71+/-0.13 g/cm(2) versus 0.89+/-0.07 g/cm(2); P<0.001), lumbar spine (0.82+/-0.15 g/cm(2) versus 1.24+/-0.06 g/cm(2); P<0.003) and total BMD of the peripheral radius (303.2+/-75 g/cm(3) versus 369.4+/-53.2 g/cm(3), P<0.001) were significantly reduced. Calculating a Z-score we found the most prominent differences between AN and controls by BUA of the calcaneus (-3.2+/-1.6), followed by DXA at the lumbar spine (-2.9+/-2.2) and the hip (femoral neck -2.1+/-1.7) and by pQCT at the distal radius (total BMD -1.2+/-2.0). There were highly significant correlations between BUA of the calcaneus and BMD of the femoral neck (r = 0.78, P<0.0001) and lumbar spine (r = 0.75, P<0.0001) as well as between BMD values of the femoral neck and lumbar spine (r = 0.95; P<0.0001). In addition, there were significant correlations (P<0.001) between body mass index (BMI) and the three different measuring sites and between the duration of the disease and BUA (r = 0.5, P<0.05). Our data suggest that BUA of the calcaneus is a valuable tool in the management of osteoporosis. Being a fast, radiation-free investigation method of good acceptance, it may be well suited for an assessment of the skeletal status in patients with AN.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗

Spiral CT of the lung in children with malignant extra-thoracic tumors: distribution of benign vs malignant pulmonary nodules.

The purpose of this paper is to clarify the distribution of benign vs malignant pulmonary nodules which are seen on spiral CT in children with malignant extra-thoracic solid tumors. Seventy-four children with known solid, extra-thoracic tumors underwent spiral CT of the chest. According to the initial and follow-up (interval 9.2+/-4.7 months) findings, the children were graded into four groups: I = normal; II = solitary nodule unchanged at follow-up; III = multiple nodules with one or more than one unchanged at follow-up; and IV = solitary or multiple nodules all changed at follow-up. Nodules without change at follow-up were regarded as benign. Forty-nine children did present with normal pulmonary CT exams. In 7 cases solitary pulmonary nodules were found unchanged (group II) at follow-up and in 2 cases (group III) some of the nodules were stationary. Thus, 12% (9 of 74) presented with at least one pulmonary nodule that did not change at follow-up. Solitary nodules (in groups II and IV) with a diameter <5 mm were in 70 % (7 of 10) unchanged at follow-up and regarded as benign. In children with known solid extra-thoracic tumors at initial presentation, 70% of solitary nodules ( <5 mm) may be benign. To avoid overstaging, smaller solitary nodules must not automatically be regarded as metastases.

Adolescent↗

Rheumatoid arthritis of the craniocervical region: assessment and characterization of inflammatory soft tissue proliferations with unenhanced and contrast-enhanced CT.

The aim of this study was to depict and characterize inflammatory soft tissue proliferations caused by rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in the craniocervical region by unenhanced and contrast-enhanced CT. Computed tomography of the craniocervical region was performed in 35 patients in the axial plane before and after the i.v. administration of contrast material. According to the densities and contrast enhancement of the inflammatory soft tissue proliferations, four groups were classified. Ancillary findings, such as a compression of the dural sac or spinal cord, erosions of the bony structures, and atlantoaxial subluxation, were also evaluated. Inflammatory soft tissue proliferations were depicted in 28 of 35 patients and could be differentiated by unenhanced and contrast-enhanced CT according to the above defined criteria: effusion in 6 patients (17%); hypervascular pannus in 8 (23%); hypovascular pannus in 5 (14%); and fibrous tissue in 9 patients (26%). A compression of the dural sac was seen in 11 (31%) patients; 3 of these had neurological symptoms. Erosions of the odontoid process were found in 20 (57%) patients; 16 (80%) of these also showed erosions of the atlas. Atlantoaxial subluxation was seen in 11 (31%) patients. Inflammatory soft tissue proliferations in the craniocervical region caused by RA can be reliably demonstrated and classified by unenhanced and contrast-enhanced CT, which can differentiate between joint effusion and various forms of pannus and depict ancillary findings. Computed tomography is an alternative method for patients unable to undergo an MRI examination.

Arthritis, Rheumatoid↗

Subchondral bone and cartilage disease: a rediscovered functional unit.

The role of subchondral bone in the pathogenesis of cartilage damage has likely been underestimated. Subchondral bone is not only an important shock absorber, but it may also be important for cartilage metabolism. Contrary to many drawings and published reports, the subchondral region is highly vascularized and vulnerable. Its terminal vessels have, in part, direct contact with the deepest hyaline cartilage layer. The perfusion of these vessels accounts for more than 50% of the glucose, oxygen, and water requirements of cartilage. Bony structure, local metabolism, hemodynamics, and vascularization of the subchondral region differ within a single joint and from one joint to another. Owing to these differences, repetitive, chronic overloading or perfusion abnormalities may result in no pathological reaction at all in one joint, while in another joint, these same conditions may lead to osteonecrosis, osteochondritis dissecans, or degenerative changes. According to this common etiological root, similar pathological reactions beginning with marrow edema and necrosis and followed by bone and cartilage fractures, joint deformity, and insufficient healing processes are found in osteonecrosis, osteochondritis dissecans, and degenerative disease as well.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗

Bone mineral density and biochemical parameters of bone metabolism in female patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate bone mineral density and biochemical parameters of bone metabolism in ambulatory premenopausal female patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). METHODS: 30 women who fulfilled the ARA criteria for the classification of SLE were studied. Lumbar and femoral bone mineral density was determined by dual energy x ray absorptiometry. Various laboratory parameters including serum calcium, serum phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, bone specific isoform of alkaline phophatase, propeptide of type 1 procollagen, deoxypyridinoline excretion, telopeptide of type 1 collagen, serum creatinine, osteocalcin, parathyroid hormone, 25-OH vitamin D, testosterone, progesterone, estradiol, follicle stimulating hormone and luteinotropic hormone were measured. RESULTS: According to the WHO criteria 39% of all patients with SLE studied had normal bone mineral density, 46% had osteopenia and 15% had osteoporosis at the lumbar spine; at the femoral neck 38.5% had normal bone mineral density, 38.5% had osteopenia and 23% suffered from osteoporosis. Significantly lower osteocalcin levels were found in SLE patients. All other bone resorption and formation markers measured were not statistically different, but higher serum albumin corrected calcium and lower phosphorus values were found in the SLE group. Of all sex hormones tested lower testosterone and higher follicle stimulating hormone concentrations were seen in patients with SLE. CONCLUSION: A high incidence was found of osteopenia and osteoporosis in premenopausal patients with SLE. Bone diminution in SLE seems to be attributable, at least in part, to decreased bone formation in SLE patients.

Adolescent↗

Peripheral quantitative CT of the forearm: scanner cross-calibration using patient data.

Bone density measurements by peripheral quantitative CT (pQCT) of the distal radius in 87 women (age 38.4 +/- 12.3 years) were obtained on a both a Stratec XCT 900 and an updated version XCT 1400. Axial area, and total and trabecular bone mineral density (BMD) results from both scanners were compared for all patients using linear regression analysis. To achieve scanner calibration we used the intercept and slope of the patients' correlations. The correlations of the patients' values were good for area (r = 0.83) as well as total BMD (r = 0.90) and excellent for trabecular BMD (r = 0.97). The cross-calibration approach in our study provided compatibility of pQCT for trabecular and total ROIs, the clinically mostly utilized volumes of measurement.

Adult↗

[Clinical application of densitometry].

An early diagnosis of osteoporosis and an accurate estimation of treatment outcome are the focus of the radiological efforts. The most commonly applied methods for the evaluation of the peripheral and axial skeleton are dual x-ray absorptiometry, quantitative computed tomography, and quantitative ultrasound. Data of an individual are generally compared to an age-, sex-, and ethically-matched control population. The bone mass measurement predict a patients future risk of fracture and the presence of osteoporosis can be diagnosed even in the absence of prevalent fractures. Fracture risk increases approximately 1.5-2.5 times for every 1.0 standard deviation an individual's bone mass is below the mean peak mass of healthy young individuals (T-score). The choice of the appropriate measurement sites may vary depending on the specific circumstances of the patient. The choice of the appropriate technique in any given clinical circumstance should be based on the strength and limitations of the different techniques.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗

Fractal analysis of proximal femur radiographs: correlation with biomechanical properties and bone mineral density.

Conventional radiography and fractal analysis were used to quantify trabecular texture patterns in human femur specimens and these measures were used in conjunction with bone mineral density (BMD) to predict bone strength. Radiographs were obtained from 51 human femur specimens (25 male, 26 female). The radiographs were analyzed using three different fractal geometry based techniques, namely semi-variance, surface area and Fourier analysis. Maximum compressive strength (MCS) and shear stress (MSS) were determined with a material testing machine: BMD was measured using quantitative computed tomography (QCT). MCS and MSS both correlated significantly with BMD (MCS: R = 0.49-0.54; MSS: R = 0.69-0.72). Fractal dimension also correlated significantly with both biomechanical properties (MCS: R = 0.49-0.56; MSS: R = 0.47-0.54). Using multivariate regression analysis, the fractal dimension in addition to BMD improved correlations versus biomechanical properties. Both BMD and fractal dimension showed statistically significant correlation with bone strength. The fractal dimension provided additional information beyond BMD in correlating with biomechanical properties.

Adult↗

Imaging of trabecular bone structure in osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis is a metabolic bone disorder that is characterized by reduced bone mass and a deterioration of bone structure which results in an increased fracture risk. Since the disease is preventable, diagnostic techniques are of major importance. Standard techniques determine bone mineral density, whereas some of the newer techniques focus on trabecular structure. This article reviews structure analysis techniques in the diagnosis of osteoporosis. Imaging techniques applied to the assessment of trabecular bone structure include conventional radiography, magnification radiography, high-resolution CT (HRCT) and high-resolution MR imaging (HRMRI). The best results were obtained using high-resolution tomographic techniques. The highest spatial resolutions in vivo were achieved using HRMRI. The most common texture analysis techniques that have been used are morphological parameters (analogous to bone histomorphometry). Fractal dimension, co-occurrence matrices, mathematical filter techniques and autocorrelation functions are more complex techniques. Most of the studies evaluating structure analysis show that texture parameters and bone mineral density both predict bone strength and osteoporotic fractures, and that combining both techniques yields the best results in the diagnosis of osteoporosis.

Bone Density↗