AJNR. American journal of neuroradiology
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AJNR Am J Neuroradiol · May 2001
Comparative StudyDiffusion-weighted MR imaging of intracerebral masses: comparison with conventional MR imaging and histologic findings.
The purposes of this study were to find the role of diffusion-weighted MR imaging in characterizing intracerebral masses and to find a correlation, if any, between the different parameters of diffusion-weighted imaging and histologic analysis of tumors. The usefulness of diffusion-weighted imaging and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps in tumor delineation was evaluated. Contrast with white matter and ADC values for tumor components with available histology were also evaluated. ⋯ Contrary to the findings of previous studies, we found no clear advantage of diffusion-weighted echo-planar imaging in the evaluation of tumor extension. The contrast between gliomas, metastases, meningioma, and white matter was generally lower on diffusion-weighted images and ADC maps compared with conventional MR imaging. Unlike gliomas, the two cases of lymphomas showed hyperintense signal on diffusion-weighted images whereas the case of cerebral abscess showed the highest contrast on diffusion-weighted images with very low ADC values. Further study is required to find out whether this may be useful in the differentiation of gliomas and metastasis from lymphoma and abscess.
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AJNR Am J Neuroradiol · May 2001
Spinal metastases from renal cell carcinoma: effect of preoperative particle embolization on intraoperative blood loss.
Surgical repair of spinal metastases from renal origin is often complicated by excessive bleeding. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of preoperative particulate embolization on intraoperative blood loss. ⋯ Preoperative embolization of spinal metastases of renal origin with polyvinyl alcohol particles is safe and might reduce intraoperative blood loss significantly. Even partial embolization seems to be effective.
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AJNR Am J Neuroradiol · Apr 2001
Evolution of apparent diffusion coefficient, diffusion-weighted, and T2-weighted signal intensity of acute stroke.
Serial study of such MR parameters as diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), ADC with fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (ADC(FLAIR)), and T2-weighted imaging may provide information on the pathophysiological mechanisms of acute ischemic stroke. Our goals were to establish the natural evolution of MR signal intensity characteristics of acute ischemic lesions and to assess the potential of using specific MR parameters to estimate lesion age. ⋯ Our findings further clarify the time course of stroke evolution on MR parameters and indicate that the ADC map may be useful for estimating lesion age. Application of an inversion recovery pulse results in lower, potentially more accurate, absolute ADC values.
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AJNR Am J Neuroradiol · Apr 2001
Serial proton MR spectroscopic imaging of recurrent malignant gliomas after gamma knife radiosurgery.
The diagnosis of brain tumors after high-dose radiation therapy is frequently limited by the lack of metabolic discrimination available with conventional imaging methods. The purpose of this study was to use proton MR spectroscopy to investigate serial changes in recurrent malignant gliomas after gamma knife radiosurgery to characterize tissue response to high-dose radiation. ⋯ Proton MR spectroscopic imaging provided diagnostic and monitoring information before and after radiosurgery. Evaluation of metabolic changes with proton MR spectroscopy and structural changes with MR imaging improved tissue discrimination and provided correlation with histologic findings.
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Rabies encephalitis is perhaps one of the few infectious diseases that command attention and fear not only from the layman but also from physicians. The unique mode of transmission, the virtually exclusive neurotransmission shown by the agent, and the complete hopelessness of the established disease sets rabies apart from other zoonoses transmitted to man. Rabies encephalitis is a fatal disease and its diagnosis is usually based on the clinical presentations and findings. ⋯ We present the imaging findings in two confirmed cases of rabies encephalitis in which antemortem diagnosis was obtained by corneal impression smears showing the presence of viral antigens. The differential diagnosis of the imaging findings as well as the role and the relevance of imaging in the diagnosis of this disease are discussed. The current literature on the subject is also reviewed.