Neuroradiology
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Review Case Reports
Ruptured fusiform aneurysm of fenestrated A1 segment of the anterior cerebral artery. Case report and review of the literature.
We present a case report of a 56-year-old woman with a ruptured fusiform aneurysm of a fenestrated A(1) segment of the anterior cerebral artery (ACA). Fenestrated A(1) segments are rare and only a few case reports have been published of a saccular type aneurysm formation. To the best of our knowledge, there have been no documented cases of fusiform aneurysms in these segments.
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Advanced magnetic resonance (MR) imaging techniques provide physiologic information that complements the anatomic information available from conventional MR imaging. We evaluated the roles of diffusion and perfusion imaging for the assessment of grade and type of histologically proven intraaxial brain tumors. A total of 28 patients with intraaxial brain tumors underwent conventional MR imaging (T2- and T1-weighted sequences after gadobenate dimeglumine injection), diffusion imaging and T2*-weighted echo-planar perfusion imaging. ⋯ In the peritumoral areas of untreated high-grade gliomas and metastases, the mean rCBV values were higher for high-grade gliomas (1.7+/-0.37) than for metastases (0.54+/-0.18) while the mean ADC values were higher for metastases. The rCBV values of four lymphomas were low and the signal intensity-time curves revealed a significant increase in signal intensity after the first pass of gadobenate dimeglumine. Diffusion and perfusion imaging, even with relatively short imaging and data processing times, provide important information for lesion characterization.
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Although the rat subarachnoid hemorrhage model is well established in vasospasm research, the angiographic evaluation is difficult due to the animal's small size. For this reason, the aim of the study was to develop a standardized angiographic examination technique without additional complex equipment. Under general anesthesia, 11 Sprague-Dawley rats underwent selective cerebral digital subtraction angiography using a 0.3 mm focal spot and a 2.0-fold linear magnification. ⋯ Histological examination of sections stained with hematoxylin and eosin under a light microscope confirmed vasospasm. In conclusion, biplane digital subtraction angiography allows precise and reliable evaluation of arterial diameter reduction and hemodynamic parameters in a rat vasospasm model. However, further investigation is required for assessment of vasoactive drugs, e.g., endothelin receptor antagonists.
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We present the long-term clinical and angiographic follow-up results of 100 consecutive intracranial aneurysms treated with Onyx liquid embolic system (MTI, Irvine, Calif.), either alone or combined with an adjunctive stent, in a single center. A total of 100 aneurysms in 94 patients were treated with endosaccular Onyx packing. Intracranial stenting was used adjunctively in 25 aneurysms including 19 during initial treatment and 6 during retreatment. ⋯ Onyx provides durable aneurysm occlusion with parent artery reconstruction resulting in perfectly stable 1-year to 5-year follow-up angiography both in small aneurysms treated with balloon assistance only (0% recanalization rate) and large or giant aneurysms treated with stent and Onyx combination (4% recanalization rate). Endosaccular Onyx packing with balloon assistance may not be adequate for stable long-term results in those with a large or giant aneurysm. However, the recanalization rate of 36% in these aneurysms is better than the reported results with other techniques, i.e., coils with or without adjunctive bare stents.
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Reduced cerebral blood flow after severe head injury results in an increased risk of ischemic brain damage. Blood flow should therefore be monitored with a simple, reliable method. Transcranial color-coded Doppler sonography (TCCS) is an accepted tool for the diagnosis of cerebral vasospasm; however, its usefulness in evaluating patients with head injury has not been proven. ⋯ Changes in blood-flow parameters correlated with the clinical state, and in most cases, a poor prognosis. In some patients, blood-flow velocity increased above the normal reference limit and this implied poor prognosis. Transcranial color-coded Doppler sonography is a reliable, repeatable, and accessible tool that provides information about cerebral blood-flow disturbances and may hold diagnostic and prognostic importance.