The term edema-like marrow signal intensity (ELMSI) represents a general term describing an area of abnormal signal intensity at MRI. Its appearance includes absence of clear margins and the possibility of exceeding well-defined anatomical borders (for example, physeal scars). We can define “ELMSI with unknown cause” an entity where the characteristic MR appearance is associated with the absence of specific signs of an underlying condition. However, it is more often an important finding indicating the presence of an underlying disease, and we describe this case as “ELMSI with known cause.” It presents a dynamic behavior and its evolution can largely vary. It initially corresponds to an acute inflammatory response with edema, before being variably replaced by more permanent marrow remodeling changes such as fibrosis or myxomatous connective tissue that can occur over time. It is important to study ELMSI variations over time in order to evaluate the activity state and therapeutic response of an inflammatory chronic joint disease, the resolution of a trauma, and the severity of an osteoarthritis. We propose a narrative review of the literature dealing with various subjects about this challenging topic that is imaging, temporal evolution, etiology, differential diagnoses, and possible organization, together with a pictorial essay.

No abstract

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is the most common endocrinopathy in multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1). Persistent levels of increased parathyroid hormone (PTH) result in a higher incidence of osteopenia and osteoporosis compared to the general population. Surgical removal of hyper-functioning parathyroid tissue is the therapy of choice. This retrospective study evaluated the effect of parathyroidectomy (PTX) on bone metabolism and bone mass in two series of patients with MEN1 PHPT and sporadic PHPT (sPHPT) by comparing bone metabolism-related biochemical markers and bone mineral density (BMD) before and after surgery. Our data confirmed, in a higher number of cases than in previously published studies, the efficacy of PTX, not only to rapidly restore normal levels of PTH and calcium, but also to normalize biochemical parameters of bone resorption and bone formation, and to improve spine and femur bone mass, in both MEN1 PHPT and sPHPT. Evaluation of single-patient BMD changes after surgery indicates an individual variable bone mass improvement in a great majority of MEN1 PHPT patients. In MEN1 patients, PTX is strongly suggested in the presence of increased PTH and hypercalcemia to prevent/reduce the early-onset bone mass loss and grant, in young patients, the achievement of the bone mass peak; routine monitoring of bone metabolism and bone mass should start from adolescence. Therapy with anti-fracture drugs is indicated in MEN1 patients with BMD lower than the age-matched normal values.

The liver is the major drug-metabolizing and drug-detoxifying organ. Many drugs can cause liver damage through various mechanisms; however, the liver response to injury includes a relatively narrow spectrum of alterations that, regardless of the cause, are represented by phlogosis, oxidative stress and necrosis. The combination of these alterations mainly results in three radiological findings: vascular alterations, structural changes and metabolic function reduction. Chemotherapy has changed in recent decades in terms of the drugs, protocols and duration, allowing patients a longer life expectancy. As a consequence, we are currently observing an increase in chemotherapy-associated liver injury patterns once considered unusual. Recognizing this form of damage in an early stage is crucial for reconsidering the therapy regimen and thus avoiding severe complications. In this frontier article, we analyze the role of imaging in detecting some of these pathological patterns, such as pseudocirrhosis, “yellow liver” due to chemotherapy-associated steatosis-steatohepatitis, and “blue liver”, including sinusoidal obstruction syndrome, veno-occlusive disease and peliosis.