AJNR. American journal of neuroradiology
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AJNR Am J Neuroradiol · Oct 2009
Localization of the subthalamic nucleus: optimization with susceptibility-weighted phase MR imaging.
On clinical MR images, the subthalamic nuclei (STN) are poorly delineated from adjacent structures, impeding safe direct targeting for placement of electrodes in the treatment of Parkinson disease. Susceptibility-weighted MR phase imaging offers improved contrast and spatial resolution at reduced imaging times relative to clinically used T2-weighted spin-echo imaging for STN visualization. Our purpose was to assess STN visibility by using phase imaging, comparing phase and magnitude images obtained concurrently by using susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI). The goal was to identify an efficient scanning protocol for high-quality phase images of STN. ⋯ Visualization and delimitation of STN was superior on phase images and was achieved at 3T in <2.5 minutes. A TE of 20 ms and an acceleration factor of
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AJNR Am J Neuroradiol · Oct 2009
Case ReportsA case of spinal cord infarction following lumbar transforaminal epidural steroid injection: MR imaging and angiographic findings.
Spinal cord infarction following lumbar transforaminal epidural steroid injection is a rare and devastating complication. We describe the case of a 55-year-old woman who developed spinal cord infarction following right L2-3 transforaminal epidural injection, diagnosed on the basis of clinical and MR imaging findings. Spinal angiography demonstrated occlusion of the right L2 segmental artery with reconstitution of the radicular branch from collaterals. The artery of Adamkeiwicz could not be demonstrated and was presumably occluded by the steroid injection.