Interictal arterial spin-labeling MRI perfusion in intractable epilepsy

INTRODUCTION: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is required for the investigation of surgically intractable epilepsy. In addition to the standard MRI techniques, perfusion sequences can be added to improve visualization of underlying pathological changes. Arterial spin-labeling (ASL) MRI perfusion does not require contrast administration and, for this reason, may have advantages in these patients. METHODS: We report here on 16 patients with epilepsy who underwent MRI of the brain with ASL and positron emission tomography (PET). RESULTS: Despite a slightly reduced resolution with ASL, we found a correlation between ASL, PET and electrophysiological data, with hypoperfusion on ASL that corresponded with hypoperfusion on interictal PET. CONCLUSION: Given the correlation between ASL and PET and electrophysiology, perfusion with ASL could become part of the standard work-up in patients with epilepsy.

Diffusion-Weighted MRI Helps Predict Outcome in Basilar Artery Occlusion Patients Treated with Intra-Arterial Thrombolysis

Intra-arterial thrombolysis (IAT) can improve clinical outcome in patients with acute basilar artery occlusion (BAO). The purpose of this study was to determine whether the severity of neurological symptoms, the extent of early ischemic damage on pretreatment diffusion-weighted MRI (DWI), and the lesion progression or regression on post-treatment MRI can predict functional outcome in patients with BAO treated with IAT.

Myelography in the Age of MRI: Why We Do It, and How We Do It

Myelography is a nearly ninety-year-old method that has undergone a steady development from the introduction of water-soluble contrast agents to CT myelography. Since the introduction of magnetic resonance imaging into clinical routine in the mid-1980s, the role of myelography seemed to be constantly less important in spinal diagnostics, but it remains a method that is probably even superior to MRI for special clinical issues. This paper briefly summarizes the historical development of myelography, describes the technique, and discusses current indications like the detection of CSF leaks or cervical root avulsion.

Three-year follow-up of human transplanted kidneys by diffusion-weighted MRI and blood oxygenation level-dependent imaging

To prospectively determine the 3-year stability and potential changes of functional parameters in renal allograft recipients obtained from diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) MRI.

Alterations of the transverse ligament: an MRI study comparing patients with acute whiplash and matched control subjects

The objective of our study was to evaluate whether there is injury to the transverse ligament of the atlas in patients with acute whiplash.

Differentiation of ante-mortem and post-mortem fractures with MRI: a case report

We describe a case of a fatal speed flying accident in which the victim was electrocuted, burned and fell from a great height. Post-mortem imaging revealed acute appearing fractures on CT, without bone marrow oedema on MRI. Based on the known clinical imaging findings of bone marrow oedema in acute fractures, we concluded that the speed flyer died from electrocution rather than the fall and that the fractures occurred post-mortem. Radiological imaging augmented the reconstruction of the peri-mortem events. Further research is needed to assess whether bone marrow oedema in acute fractures is a reliable vital sign.

The influence of body temperature on image contrast in post mortem MRI

To assess the temperature dependency of tissue contrast on post mortem magnetic resonance (PMMR) images both objectively and subjectively; and to visually demonstrate the changes of image contrast at various temperatures.

Femoroacetabular cam-type impingement: diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of radiographic views compared to radial MRI

To retrospectively assess the diagnostic sensitivity of 45° Dunn view and cross-table lateral radiographs for the assessment of cam deformity by comparison with radial MRI.

Parametric T2 and T2* mapping techniques to visualize intervertebral disc degeneration in patients with low back pain: initial results on the clinical use of 3.0 Tesla MRI

To assess, compare and correlate quantitative T2 and T2* relaxation time measurements of intervertebral discs (IVDs) in patients suffering from low back pain, with respect to the IVD degeneration as assessed by the morphological Pfirrmann Score. Special focus was on the spatial variation of T2 and T2* between the annulus fibrosus (AF) and the nucleus pulposus (NP).

Hip Osteoarthritis MRI Scoring System (HOAMS): reliability and associations with radiographic and clinical findings

To develop a semiquantitative MRI-based scoring system (HOAMS) of hip osteoarthritis (OA) and test its reliability and validity.

Gadolinium diethylenetriaminepentaacetate enhancement kinetics in the menisci of asymptomatic subjects: a first step towards a dedicated dGEMRIC (delayed gadolinium-enhanced MRI of cartilage)-like protocol for biochemical imaging of the menisci

It was our aim to investigate the gadolinium diethylenetriaminepentaacetate (Gd-DTPA(2-) ) enhancement kinetics in the menisci of the knee joint over a prolonged period of time. Six asymptomatic volunteers (four men and two women; mean age, 25 ± 2.4 years) were enrolled. Sagittal, T(1) -weighted, spin-echo MR sequences of the right knee joint were obtained at 3 T. Imaging was performed before (baseline), 1 h after and in half-hour intervals up to 9 h after the intravenous administration of 0.2 mmol/kg of Gd-DTPA(2-) . To measure the rates of contrast enhancement relative to the baseline, regions of interest that covered the anterior and posterior horns of the medial and lateral meniscus were defined on each of two adjacent sections, and enhancement curves were constructed. An enhancement peak between 2.5 and 4.5 h after Gd-DTPA(2-) administration was observed, and analysis of variance also revealed no significant difference (p=0.94), in terms of enhancement, within this time interval. Pair-wise, post hoc testing also revealed no significant differences between 2.5 and 3, 3 and 3.5, 3.5 and 4, and 4 and 4.5 h post Gd-DTPA(2-) application. Our preliminary data therefore suggest that the time window suitable for a dGEMRIC (delayed gadolinium-enhanced MRI of cartilage)-like T(1) mapping of the menisci is relatively short, and lies between 2.5 and 4.5 h after Gd-DTPA(2-) injection.

Evaluation of articular cartilage in patients with femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) using T2* mapping at different time points at 3.0 Tesla MRI: a feasibility study

To define the feasibility of utilizing T2* mapping for assessment of early cartilage degeneration prior to surgery in patients with symptomatic femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), we compared cartilage of the hip joint in patients with FAI and healthy volunteers using T2* mapping at 3.0 Tesla over time.