Journal of neuroimaging : official journal of the American Society of Neuroimaging
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Sensory neuronopathies (SN) are a group of disorders characterized by primary damage to the dorsal root ganglia neurons. Clinical features include multifocal areas of hypoaesthesia, pain, dysautonomia, and sensory ataxia, which is the major source of disability. Diagnosis relies upon clinical assessment and nerve conductions studies, but sometimes it is difficult to distinguish SN from similar conditions, such as axonal polyneuropathies and some myelopathies. ⋯ MRI is able to evaluate the dorsal columns of the spinal cord and has proven useful in the workup of SN patients. Although T2 weighted hyperintensity restricted to the posterior fasciculi without contrast enhancement is the typical finding, additional abnormalities have been recently reported. The aim of this review is to gather available information on neuroimaging findings of SN, discuss their clinical correlates and the potential impact of novel MRI-based techniques.
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This study investigates 36 subjects aged 55-65 from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) database to expand our knowledge of early-onset (EO) Alzheimer's Disease (EO-AD) using neuroimaging biomarkers. ⋯ These results may explain some of the differences between EO-AD and EO-MCI, and some of the characteristics of the EO cognitive impairment subjects.
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A magnetic resonance diffusion fiber tracking study in neonate diagnosed with left hemisphere hemimegalencephaly is presented. Despite diffuse morphologic deformities identified in conventional imaging, all major pathways were identifiable bilaterally with minor aberrations in vicinity of morphologic lesions.
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Review Case Reports
The Neuroimaging Spectrum of Septum Posticum Derangement and Associated Thoracic Myelopathy.
Arachnoid cysts and meningeal membranes are among the differential diagnostic considerations of extra-medullary causes of thoracic myelopathy. In this case series of 7 patients, we present compressive meningeal membranes mimicking dorsal arachnoid cyst. The propensity of the meningeal membranes for the dorsal aspect of upper thoracic spine may reflect derangements of the septum posticum. ⋯ Derangements of septum posticum may present a spectrum of findings that should be considered in the differential of thoracic myelopathy. Flattening of the posterior cord margin is a reliable imaging clue for a dorsal extra-medullary compressive lesion. Cord compression results from combination of adhesive membranes and turbulent CSF flow. The clinical course may be difficult to predict. Periodic imaging follow up can be helpful to confirm stability of findings in expectantly managed cases.
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The lumbosacral plexus is a complex anatomic area that serves as the conduit of innervation and sensory information to and from the lower extremities. It is formed by the ventral rami of the lumbar and sacral spine which then combine into larger nerves serving the pelvis and lower extremities. It can be a source of severe disability and morbidity for patients when afflicted with pathology. ⋯ It can identify the cause for disability, indicate prognosis for improvement, and be a tool for delivery of interventions. Knowledge of proper MR protocols and imaging features is key for appropriate and timely diagnosis. Here we discuss the relevant anatomy of the lumbosacral plexus, appropriate imaging techniques for its evaluation, and discuss the variety of pathologies that may afflict it.