AJNR. American journal of neuroradiology
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AJNR Am J Neuroradiol · Mar 2013
ReviewHigh-resolution 3T MR neurography of the brachial plexus and its branches, with emphasis on 3D imaging.
With advancement in 3D imaging, better fat-suppression techniques, and superior coil designs for MR imaging and the increasing availability and use of 3T magnets, the visualization of the complexity of the brachial plexus has become facile. The relevant imaging findings are described for normal and pathologic conditions of the brachial plexus. These radiologic findings are supported by clinical and/or EMG/surgical data, and corresponding high-resolution MR neurography images are illustrated. Because the brachial plexus can be affected by a plethora of pathologies, resulting in often serious and disabling complications, a better radiologic insight has great potential in aiding physicians in rendering superior services to patients.
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AJNR Am J Neuroradiol · Mar 2013
Review Case ReportsCT and MR imaging findings of sinonasal schwannoma: a review of 12 cases.
Schwannomas are benign tumors that are rarely found in the sinonasal cavity, and the purpose of this study was to characterize the CT and MR imaging findings of 12 patients with surgically proved sinonasal schwannomas. Assessed features include location, margin, shape, size, internal architecture, pattern and degree of enhancement, and associated bony wall changes. ⋯ The tumors were isoattenuating on CT and predominantly isointense on both T1- and T2-weighted MR images, compared with the brain stem. Mild contrast enhancement on CT and strong enhancement on MR images were also demonstrated in most of the tumors, and cystic or hemorrhagic changes were noted in 2 cases.
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AJNR Am J Neuroradiol · Mar 2013
Randomized Controlled TrialA randomized trial comparing 2 techniques of balloon kyphoplasty and curette use for obtaining vertebral body height restoration and angular-deformity correction in vertebral compression fractures due to osteoporosis.
Vertebral compression fractures often result in pain and vertebral deformity. We compared 2 different balloon kyphoplasty techniques both using intraoperative curettage. ⋯ Both techniques resulted in significant vertebral body height and pain improvement. Procedure and adverse event data demonstrated safe curette use in conjunction with balloon kyphoplasty procedures.
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AJNR Am J Neuroradiol · Mar 2013
Randomized Controlled TrialStent-assisted coiling of bifurcation aneurysms may improve endovascular treatment: a critical evaluation in an experimental model.
Endovascular treatment of wide-neck bifurcation aneurysms often results in incomplete occlusion or aneurysm recurrence. The goals of this study were to compare results of coil embolization with or without the assistance of self-expandable stents and to examine how stents may influence neointima formation. ⋯ Stent-assisted coiling may improve results of embolization by allowing more complete initial coiling, but these high-porosity stents did not provide a scaffold for more complete neointimal closure of aneurysms.
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AJNR Am J Neuroradiol · Mar 2013
Clinical TrialCT-guided cervical transforaminal steroid injections: where should the needle tip be located?
The aim of CT-guided CTSI is to inject medication into the foraminal region where the nerve root is inflamed. The optimal location for needle placement and therapeutic delivery, however, remain uncertain. The purpose of this study was to investigate how needle positioning and angle of approach impact the transforaminal distribution of injectate. ⋯ Needle-tip location at the outer edge of the neural foramen (junctional location) correlated well with intraforaminal distribution of contrast for CT-guided CTSI and compared favorably with injectate distribution following foraminal zone needle positioning. Junctional needle positioning may be preferred over the foraminal zone by some proceduralists. Extraforaminal needle positioning resulted in less favorable contrast distribution, which may significantly diminish the therapeutic efficacy of CTSI.