Conclusions T1 and T2 mapping are noninvasive MRI techniques reflecting changes in the biochemical composition of cartilage and menisci. T1 values reflect changes in proteoglycan content, and T2 values are sensitive to interaction between water molecules and collagen network. Mapping techniques assess early cartilage and meniscal matrix degeneration in osteoarthritis of the knee, and help in initiating treatment and monitoring disease progression. MRI is a sensitive modality for assessment of pathological changes in articular cartilage. With use of T1 and T2 mapping techniques, it is possible to evaluate the collagen network and proteoglycan content in articular cartilage and meniscal matrix. Copyright © Polish Medical Society of Radiology 2019.Purpose The aim of our study was to categorise the anatomical variations of rectus abdominis muscle diastasis (diastasis recti) by using ultrasound (US). Material and methods In a one-year period 92 women were evaluated with US because of suspected diastasis of rectus muscles. Patients were examined in a supine position, with head extended, upper limbs aligned to the trunk, and knees flexed. US was performed with high-frequency, broad-band transducers. Trapezoid field-of-view and extended field-of-view were employed to measure diastasis exceeding 5 cm. Diastasis was defined as a margin-to-margin distance > 20 mm at rest and classified according to the following anatomical patterns open only above the navel, open only below the navel, open at the navel level, open completely but wider above the navel, and open completely but wider below the navel. Results Diastasis was found in 82 patients (30-61 years old, mean age 35 years). The width was 21-97 mm, mean 39 mm. The prevalence and severity of the anatomical patterns was as follows open only above the navel in 48 patients (21-88 mm, mean 40 mm), open only below the navel in one patient (33 mm), open at the navel level in seven patients (23-39 mm, mean 34 mm), open completely but wider above the navel in 24 patients (21-97 mm, mean 41 mm), open completely but wider below the navel in two patients (21-29 mm, mean 25 mm). Conclusions The above-navel patterns of recti muscle diastasis are the most common. Even when open completely, diastasis is usually wider above the navel. Knowledge of the anatomical type of rectus muscle diastasis could be of value to the patient (exercises to do and to avoid) and to the surgeon (abdominoplasty planning). Copyright © Polish Medical Society of Radiology 2019.Purpose There are challenges with pain management related to a severely ischaemic limb. Although opioid-based treatment has been the cornerstone of pain relief, the use of these drugs should be limited because of their side effects in such vulnerable patients. We evaluated the utility and efficiency of sciatic nerve block as an alternative method to relieve severe rest pain during endovascular treatment of critical limb ischaemia. Material and methods We retrospectively investigated 10 patients who received ultrasound-guided popliteal sciatic nerve block for the relief of severe rest pain during endovascular treatment of critical limb ischaemia. The degree of pain relief was evaluated by using subjective criteria, from no relief of pain (= 1) to complete relief of pain (= 4). Details of endovascular treatment, time to perform the block, amount of local anaesthetics, duration of the block, need for supplemental analgesia, patient and operator satisfaction, and complications were recorded. Results All blocks were technically successful, and all of the patients had complete resolution of the pain within five minutes. The degree of pain relief was 3 in two patients and 4 in eight patients. All patients were satisfied with the block anaesthesia, and no patient required additional analgesia during this period. Operator satisfaction was very good in all cases. Complications secondary to block did not occur in any patient. Conclusions Ultrasound-guided popliteal sciatic nerve block provides effective pain control, which results in excellent patient and operator satisfaction during endovascular treatment of critical limb ischaemia with severe rest pain. Copyright © Polish Medical Society of Radiology 2019.Purpose Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) growth after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) is still unpredictable. The issue of optimal frequency of computed tomography angiography for surveillance and its measurement method accuracy remain unclear. We aimed to assess the value of abdominal aneurysm sac volume measurement for detecting expansions and the association of preprocedural intraluminal thrombus (ILT) volume with aneurysm sac growth following EVAR. Material and methods A total of 107 patients underwent elective EVAR. Inclusion criteria provided a cohort of 39 patients. Changes of postoperative maximum aneurysm sac diameter and AAA volume were calculated. Volumetric AAA changes and demographic data of the cases with clinically irrelevant AAA diameter enlargement were evaluated. Preoperative ILT volumes were collected. ILT and AAA sac volume ratio was calculated. Statistical data analysis was performed using standard methods. Results The mean changes of maximum AAA diameter and volume in percentage after EVAR were -5.08 ± 8.20 mm and -13.39 ± 23.32%, respectively. A moderate positive linear correlation between those changes was found (R 2 = 0.731; p less then 0.0001). The mean relative AAA volume increase in cases without clinically relevant diameter enlargement was 11.50 ± 8.27%. The means of ILT and AAA sac ratios were 0.59 ± 0.17 and 0.52 ± 1.8 in growing AAA sac and in stable or shrinking AAA sac groups, respectively (p = 0.308). Conclusions Volumetric AAA measurement may be useful as an additional method to diameter measurement after EVAR to identify clinically relevant sac growth. https://www.selleckchem.com/products/Cyt387.html Preoperative volume of ILT may not significantly affect the growth rate of AAA after EVAR. Copyright © Polish Medical Society of Radiology 2019.Purpose To evaluate the ability of coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) with model-based iterative reconstruction (MBIR) algorithm in detecting significant coronary artery stenosis compared with invasive coronary angiography (ICA). Material and methods We retrospectively identified 55 patients who underwent CCTA using the MBIR algorithm with evidence of at least one significant stenosis (≥ 50%) and an ICA within three months. Patients were stratified based on calcium score; stenoses were classified by type and by coronary segment involved. Dose-length-product was compared with the literature data obtained with previous reconstruction algorithms. Coronary artery stenosis was estimated on ICAs based on a qualitative method. Results CCTA data were confirmed by ICA in 89% of subjects, and in 73% and 94% of patients with CS less then 400 and ≥ 400, respectively. ICA confirmed 81% of calcific stenoses, 91% of mixed, and 67% of soft plaques. Both the dose exposure of patients with prospective acquisition (34) and the exposure of the whole population were significantly lower than the standard of reference (p less then 0.