AJNR. American journal of neuroradiology
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AJNR Am J Neuroradiol · Aug 2009
ReviewFunctional imaging of central nervous system involvement in complex regional pain syndrome.
In complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), functional imaging studies gave evidence for an important role of the central nervous system (CNS) in the pathogenesis of the disease. Especially, reorganization in central somatosensory and motor networks was demonstrated, leading to an altered central processing of tactile and nociceptive stimuli, as well as to an altered cerebral organization of movement. ⋯ Neurorehabilitative strategies, which target cortical areas and aim to restore impaired sensorimotor function in patients with CRPS, therefore, may be effective not only in restoring impaired function but also in pain reduction. This article reviews findings of functional imaging studies, which have been conducted to clarify CNS involvement in the course of CRPS.
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AJNR Am J Neuroradiol · Aug 2009
Volume-based morphometry of brain MR images in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis and healthy control subjects.
Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a spinal deformity with unknown cause. Previous studies have suggested that subclinical neurologic abnormalities are associated with AIS. The objective of this prospective study was to characterize systematically neuroanatomic changes in patients with left thoracic AIS vs right thoracic AIS and healthy control subjects by using volume-based morphometry. ⋯ White matter attenuation in the corpus callosum and left internal capsule, responsible for interhemispheric communication and conduit of the corticothalamic projectional fibers, respectively, were found to be significantly lower in left thoracic AIS compared with control subjects; however, this was not the case in right thoracic AIS. Confirmation of the findings is required in future research, which needs to evaluate the relationship of white matter abnormality to curve laterality, pathogenesis, and prognosis in patients with AIS, with biologic significance and possible therapeutic correction.
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AJNR Am J Neuroradiol · Aug 2009
Comparative StudySemiquantitative assessment of intratumoral susceptibility signals using non-contrast-enhanced high-field high-resolution susceptibility-weighted imaging in patients with gliomas: comparison with MR perfusion imaging.
It has been reported that high-resolution susceptibility-weighted imaging (HR-SWI) may demonstrate brain tumor vascularity. We determined whether the degree of intratumoral susceptibility signal intensity (ITSS) on HR-SWI correlates with maximum relative cerebral blood volume (rCBVmax) and to compare its diagnostic accuracy for glioma grading with that of dynamic susceptibility contrast (DSC) perfusion MR imaging. ⋯ The degree of ITSS shows a significant correlation with the value of rCBVmax in the same tumor segments, and its diagnostic performance for glioma grading is comparable with that of DSC.
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AJNR Am J Neuroradiol · Aug 2009
Clinical TrialClinical and angiographic follow-up of stent-only therapy for acute intracranial vertebrobasilar dissecting aneurysms.
Little has been known about the clinical and angiographic follow-up results of stent-only therapy for intracranial vertebrobasilar dissecting aneurysms (VBDA). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility, safety, clinical, and angiographic follow-up of stent-only therapy for VBDA. ⋯ In this small series, stent-only therapy was safe and effective in the treatment of VBDAs that were not deemed suitable for treatment with parent-artery occlusion.
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AJNR Am J Neuroradiol · Aug 2009
Clinical TrialPlacement of covered stents for the treatment of direct carotid cavernous fistulas.
Endovascular detachable balloon occlusion and coil occlusion are 2 well-established options for the treatment of direct carotid cavernous fistulas (DCCFs). In recent years, covered stents have been applied in the treatment of neurovascular pathologies such as aneurysms, pseudoaneurysms, arterial dissections, and DCCFs. The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical efficacy of covered stents for the treatment of DCCFs. ⋯ Although a larger sample and expanded follow-up are needed, our series shows that covered stents can be used in the treatment of DCCFs with symptomatic relief.