Martin Ryan MD, PRESENTER: Nothing to Disclose

Abstract: HTML Purpose: To evaluate the role of STIR imaging in the diagnosis of muscle compartment syndrome . Methods and Materials: Twelve high performance athletes with suspected compartment syndrome underwent MR imaging using a 1.5T Phillips Intera system. Imaging was acquired in the coronal and axial plane using inversion recovery sequences performed pre and immediately post exercise, with stress achieved using a treadmill. Conventional T2 weighted scans were acquired of each patient pre and post exercise. Images were reviewed by two radiologists, with discrepancy resolved by consensus. Imaging findings were correlated with subsequent patient outcome, surgical record or calf pressure studies. Results: In five of the twelve patients significant signal changes were identified in the muscle compartments of the calf on the fat supressed inversion recovery sequence immediately post exercise. No visually discernable signal changes were documented on the axial T2 weighted scans or on the pre excercise imaging. In the remaining seven patients no signal abnormality was detected. In each of the five patients with post exercise signal abnormality, the diagnosis of suspected compartment syndrome was confirmed by correlation with clinical history and examination, pressure studies (two cases) and surgical intervention (one case). Conclusion: Axial fast inversion recovery images acquired pre and post exercise allow non invasive diagnosis of compartment syndrome.      

Ryan MD, M, Pre and Post Exercise Fast Spin Echo Inversion Recovery Imaging in the Diagnosis of Compartment Syndrome.  Radiological Society of North America 2003 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 30 - December 5, 2003 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2003/3101996.html