Journal of neuroimaging : official journal of the American Society of Neuroimaging
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Spinal cord injury (SCI) results in the loss of motor and sensory function from disconnections between efferent and afferent pathways. Most SCI patients are affected with chronic neuropathic pain, but there is a paucity of data concerning neuroplastic changes following SCI. Chronic pain disrupts default networks and is associated with abnormal insular connectivity. The posterior insula (PI) is associated with the degree of pain and intensity of pain. The anterior insula (AI) is related to signal changes. Comprehension of SCI pain mechanisms is essential to elucidate effective treatment options. ⋯ These findings illustrate that there is a complex hyperconnectivity and modulation of pain pathways after traumatic SCI.
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Malignant cerebral edema (MCE) secondary to ischemic stroke is a highly morbid condition. Decompressive craniectomy (DC) is the only treatment for MCE that has been shown to reduce mortality. We examined whether early infarction and/or hypoperfusion in specific topographic regions was predictive of the need for later DC. ⋯ Scattered temporal and frontal lobe regions on baseline diffusion and perfusion MRI were found to be mildly to moderately predictive of the need for subsequent DC in patients with LVO stroke.
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Neuroform Atlas stent can be deployed directly via gateway balloon for angioplasty and stent placement without the need for exchange maneuver required for Wingspan stent use. We present our initial experience of this strategy in intracranial atherosclerosis-associated large vessel occlusions. ⋯ Our preliminary experience suggests possible safety and feasibility of deploying Neuroform Atlas stent through a compatible Gateway balloon microcatheter without the need for ICH-associated microcatheter exchange. Further studies with long-term clinical and angiographic follow-up are warranted to corroborate our initial findings.