Antitrust and the Consumer Interest

Public control of business in the United States has proceeded, in most sectors of the economy, on the assumption that free, open competition in the market should be the primary regulator. It is felt that consumer welfare will be maximized by such an organization of the economy. Courts, governmental agencies, and, to a certain extent, private agencies have performed the role of ensuring that free markets are not displaced by other, less desirable alternatives

Quantitative Three-dimensional Assessment of Knee Joint Space Width from Weight-bearing CT.

Background Imaging of structural disease in osteoarthritis has traditionally relied on MRI and radiography. Joint space mapping (JSM) can be used to quantitatively map joint space width (JSW) in three dimensions from CT images. Purpose To demonstrate the reproducibility, repeatability, and feasibility of JSM of the knee using weight-bearing CT images. Materials and Methods Two convenience samples of weight-bearing CT images of left and right knees with radiographic Kellgren-Lawrence grades (KLGs) less than or equal to 2 were acquired from 2014 to 2018 and were analyzed retrospectively with JSM to deliver three-dimensional JSW maps. For reproducibility, images of three sets of knees were used for novice training, and then the JSM output was compared against an expert's assessment. JSM was also performed on 2-week follow-up images in the second cohort, yielding three-dimensional JSW difference maps for repeatability. Statistical parametric mapping was performed on all knee imaging data (KLG, 0-4) to show the feasibility of a surface-based analysis in three dimensions. Results Reproducibility (in 20 individuals; mean age, 58 years ± 7 [standard deviation]; mean body mass index, 28 kg/m2 ± 6; 14 women) and repeatability (in nine individuals; mean age, 53 years ± 6; mean body mass index, 26 kg/m2 ± 4; seven women) reached their lowest performance at a smallest detectable difference less than ±0.1 mm in the central medial tibiofemoral joint space for individuals without radiographically demonstrated disease. The average root mean square coefficient of variation was less than 5% across all groups. Statistical parametric mapping (33 individuals; mean age, 57 years ± 7; mean body mass index, 27 kg/m2 ± 6; 23 women) showed that the central-to-posterior medial joint space was significantly narrower by 0.5 mm for each incremental increase in the KLG (threshold P < .05). One knee (KLG, 2) demonstrated a baseline versus 24-month change in its three-dimensional JSW distribution that was beyond the smallest detectable difference across the lateral joint space. Conclusion Joint space mapping of the knee using weight-bearing CT images is feasible, demonstrating a relationship between the three-dimensional joint space width distribution and structural joint disease. It is reliably learned by novice users, can be personalized for disease phenotypes, and can be used to achieve a smallest detectable difference that is at least 50% smaller than that reported to be achieved at the highest performance level in radiography. © RSNA, 2021 Online supplemental material is available for this article. See also the editorial by Roemer in this issue

Multiparametric 3-D analysis of bone and joint space width at the knee from weight bearing computed tomography

Objective: Computed tomography (CT) can deliver multiple parameters relevant to osteoarthritis. In this study we demonstrate that a 3-D multiparametric approach at the weight-bearing knee with cone beam CT is feasible, can include multiple parameters from across the joint space, and can reveal stronger relationships with disease status when parameters are combined. Design: Weight-bearing (WBCT) images of the knees of 33 participants were analyzed with joint space mapping and cortical bone mapping to deliver joint space width (JSW), subchondral bone plate thickness, endocortical thickness, and trabecular attenuation on both sides of the joint. All data were co-localized to the same canonical surface. Statistical parametric mapping (SPM) was applied in uni- and multivariate models to demonstrate significant dependence of parameters on Kellgren & Lawrence grade (KLG). Correlations between JSW and bony parameters and 2-week test-retest repeatability were also calculated. Results: SPM revealed that the central-to-posterior medial tibiofemoral joint space was significantly narrowed by up to 0.5 mm with significantly higher tibial trabecular attenuation — up to 50 attenuation units for each increment in KLG as a single parameter — and in a wider distribution when combined with others (p<0.05). They were also more strongly correlated with worsening KLG grade category. Test-retest repeatability was subvoxel (0.37 mm) for nearly all thickness parameters. Conclusions: 3-D JSW and tibial trabecular attenuation are repeatable and significantly dependent on radiographic disease severity at the weight-bearing knee joint and even more so in combination. A quantitative multiparametric approach with WBCT may have potential for more sensitive investigation of disease progression in osteoarthritis

Case Reports1. A Late Presentation of Loeys-Dietz Syndrome: Beware of TGFβ Receptor Mutations in Benign Joint Hypermobility

Background: Thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAA) and dissections are not uncommon causes of sudden death in young adults. Loeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS) is a rare, recently described, autosomal dominant, connective tissue disease characterized by aggressive arterial aneurysms, resulting from mutations in the transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) receptor genes TGFBR1 and TGFBR2. Mean age at death is 26.1 years, most often due to aortic dissection. We report an unusually late presentation of LDS, diagnosed following elective surgery in a female with a long history of joint hypermobility. Methods: A 51-year-old Caucasian lady complained of chest pain and headache following a dural leak from spinal anaesthesia for an elective ankle arthroscopy. CT scan and echocardiography demonstrated a dilated aortic root and significant aortic regurgitation. MRA demonstrated aortic tortuosity, an infrarenal aortic aneurysm and aneurysms in the left renal and right internal mammary arteries. She underwent aortic root repair and aortic valve replacement. She had a background of long-standing joint pains secondary to hypermobility, easy bruising, unusual fracture susceptibility and mild bronchiectasis. She had one healthy child age 32, after which she suffered a uterine prolapse. Examination revealed mild Marfanoid features. Uvula, skin and ophthalmological examination was normal. Results: Fibrillin-1 testing for Marfan syndrome (MFS) was negative. Detection of a c.1270G > C (p.Gly424Arg) TGFBR2 mutation confirmed the diagnosis of LDS. Losartan was started for vascular protection. Conclusions: LDS is a severe inherited vasculopathy that usually presents in childhood. It is characterized by aortic root dilatation and ascending aneurysms. There is a higher risk of aortic dissection compared with MFS. Clinical features overlap with MFS and Ehlers Danlos syndrome Type IV, but differentiating dysmorphogenic features include ocular hypertelorism, bifid uvula and cleft palate. Echocardiography and MRA or CT scanning from head to pelvis is recommended to establish the extent of vascular involvement. Management involves early surgical intervention, including early valve-sparing aortic root replacement, genetic counselling and close monitoring in pregnancy. Despite being caused by loss of function mutations in either TGFβ receptor, paradoxical activation of TGFβ signalling is seen, suggesting that TGFβ antagonism may confer disease modifying effects similar to those observed in MFS. TGFβ antagonism can be achieved with angiotensin antagonists, such as Losartan, which is able to delay aortic aneurysm development in preclinical models and in patients with MFS. Our case emphasizes the importance of timely recognition of vasculopathy syndromes in patients with hypermobility and the need for early surgical intervention. It also highlights their heterogeneity and the potential for late presentation. Disclosures: The authors have declared no conflicts of interes