AJNR. American journal of neuroradiology
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AJNR Am J Neuroradiol · Oct 2007
Characteristics of abnormal diffusivity in normal-appearing white matter investigated with diffusion tensor MR imaging in tuberous sclerosis complex.
Although patients with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) manifest various structural abnormalities, we hypothesized that white matter (WM) structures that appear normal on conventional MR imaging may be accompanied by microstructural changes, such as gliosis and myelinization defects. Our objective was to determine in vivo whether there was evidence for WM microstructural changes by using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). ⋯ Our findings revealed a decrease in anisotropy and an increase in longitudinal and radial diffusivities in NAWM beyond the location of TSC lesions seen on conventional MR imaging. The axonal microstructural changes suggested by our study may be related to changes in myelin packing due to giant cells accompanied by gliosis and myelination defects known to occur in TSC WM.
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AJNR Am J Neuroradiol · Oct 2007
Symptomatic spinal epidural collections after lumbar puncture in children.
Complications from lumbar puncture (LP) include headache; mild puncture-site pain; and, rarely, subdural, epidural, or subarachnoid hemorrhage. In infants, asymptomatic leakage of CSF documented with ultrasound is common. We report the MR imaging findings and clinical course of 25 symptomatic patients with spinal epidural collections after LP. ⋯ Symptomatic epidural fluid collections after LP are often extensive and may compromise the thecal sac. These collections are not usually the result of a difficult LP and have signal intensity characteristics most consistent with CSF leak rather than hemorrhage. Signs and symptoms typically resolve with time, without treatment and with no serious sequelae.