Journal of neuroimaging : official journal of the American Society of Neuroimaging
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Recently, several studies reported increased signal intensity (SI) of the dentate nucleus (DN) on unenhanced T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as a possible consequence of multiple applications of gadolinium-based contrast agents. The aim of this study was to investigate with sodium (23 Na) MRI possible tissue abnormalities of the DN in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. ⋯ Normal sodium signal in the T1-hyperintense DN in MS patients may point to relative tissue integrity despite gadolinium deposition in this area.
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The diagnostic value of susceptibility-weighted magnetic resonance imaging of acute stroke patients has shown potential as a surrogate marker of impaired hemodynamics. We investigate the value of asymmetrical hypointense cerebral vessels (HV) for the identification of vessel status and tissue at risk of infarction (TaR). ⋯ Visual analysis of HV in SWI identifies tissue at risk in patients with anterior circulation stroke. Potentially pre-existing extracranial ICA occlusions leading to prominent HV have to be considered as a confounding factor.
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Compared to the intracranial vasculature in sickle cell disease (SCD) patients, the morphologic changes of the extracranial vasculature in SCD patients are less well understood. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the tortuosity of the extracranial carotid and vertebral arteries in patients with SCD compared to age-matched controls. ⋯ Extracranial carotid and vertebral arterial tortuosity is increased in SCD patients. This could be related to aberrations in hemodynamics from nonlaminar flow in these vessels. These increases in extracranial vascular tortuosity could potentially lead to alterations in intracranial vascular tortuosity and may be an independent risk factor for cerebral infarct.
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Safety and Tolerability of SonoVue® in Patients with Large Artery Anterior Circulation Acute Stroke.
Ultrasound contrast agents (UCAs) are routinely used to improve the visualization of intracranial arteries. Since a higher rate of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) has been observed in patients undergoing sonothrombolysis in combination with UCAs, we conducted this study with the aim of assessing safety and tolerability of SonoVue® in patients with acute ischemic stroke due to anterior circulation large artery occlusion (LAO) and eligible to intravenous thrombolysis and/or mechanical thrombectomy. ⋯ According to our study, SonoVue® can be safely administered to acute ischemic stroke patients with suspected anterior circulation LAO and/or inadequate temporal bone window.