AJNR. American journal of neuroradiology
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AJNR Am J Neuroradiol · Feb 2012
ReviewPeripheral nerve surgery: the role of high-resolution MR neurography.
High-resolution MRN is becoming increasingly available due to recent technical advancements, including higher magnetic field strengths (eg, 3T), 3D image acquisition, evolution of novel fat-suppression methods, and improved coil design. This review describes the MRN techniques for obtaining high-quality images of the peripheral nerves and their small branches and imaging findings in normal as well as injured nerves with relevant intraoperative correlations. Various microsurgical techniques in peripheral nerves, such as neurolysis, nerve repairs by using nerve grafts, and conduits are discussed, and MRN findings of surgically treated nerves are demonstrated.
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AJNR Am J Neuroradiol · Feb 2012
The predictive value of 3D time-of-flight MR angiography in assessment of brain arteriovenous malformation obliteration after radiosurgery.
The purpose of radiosurgery of bAVMs is complete angiographic obliteration of its nidus. We assessed the diagnostic accuracy of 1.5T T2-weighted MR imaging and TOF-MRA images for detecting nidus obliteration after radiosurgery. ⋯ MRA is insufficient to diagnose obliteration in the follow-up of bAVMs after radiosurgery. A remaining nidus diameter <10 mm seems to be the major limiting factor for reliable assessment of obliteration. We highly recommend follow-up DSA for definitive diagnosis of complete obliteration.
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AJNR Am J Neuroradiol · Jan 2012
Review Meta AnalysisSafety and efficacy of balloon remodeling technique during endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms: critical review of the literature.
The balloon remodeling technique was initially designed for the endovascular treatment of anatomically complex aneurysms, specifically wide-neck aneurysms. A nondetachable balloon is inflated in front of the aneurysm neck during coil deposition and removed at the end of the procedure. ⋯ Anatomic results are also probably better after remodeling. Finally, due to equivalent safety and better anatomic results, the remodeling technique can be widely used in the management of both ruptured and unruptured aneurysms.
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AJNR Am J Neuroradiol · Jan 2012
Hospitalization costs for endovascular and surgical treatment of unruptured cerebral aneurysms in the United States are substantially higher than medicare payments.
Both endovascular and surgical options are available for treatment of unruptured cerebral aneurysms. We conducted a study to determine the costs versus Medicare reimbursement for hospitalization of these patients, which is important information for understanding the economic impact of these patients on hospitals. ⋯ Hospitalization costs for patients undergoing clipping and coiling of unruptured cerebral aneurysms are substantially higher than Medicare payments.