Journal of neuroimaging : official journal of the American Society of Neuroimaging
-
Case Reports
Perivascular Enhancement in a Patient with Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disease during an Optic Neuritis Attack.
We present a case with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disease (NMOSD) who had perivascular enhancement during an optic neuritis attack. Cloud-like enhancement, pencil-thin enhancement, and leptomeningeal enhancement have been defined as specific enhancement patterns to neuromyelitis optica (NMO). Perivascular enhancement has not been described before in NMO/NMOSD. This finding suggests that perivascular enhancement may also be seen in NMO/NMOSD patients.
-
Discovery of genetic abnormalities associated with neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation (NBIA) has led to use of a genetic-based NBIA classification schema. Most NBIA subtypes demonstrate characteristic imaging abnormalities. While clinical diagnosis of NBIA is difficult, analysis of both clinical findings and characteristic imaging abnormalities allows accurate diagnosis of most of the NBIA subtypes. This article reviews recent updates in the genetic, clinical, and imaging findings of NBIA subtypes and provides a practical step-by-step clinicoradiological algorithm toward clinical diagnosis of different NBIA subtypes.
-
Peripheral neuropathies are one of the most common reasons for seeking neurological care in everyday practice. Electrophysiological studies remain fundamental for the diagnosis and etiological classification of peripheral nerve impairment. The recent technological development though of high resolution ultrasound has allowed the clinician to obtain detailed structural images of peripheral nerves. ⋯ On the other hand, multifocal cross sectional area enlargement of cervical roots and/or peripheral nerves is often documented in cases of immune-mediated neuropathies. None of the later pathological ultrasound findings seem to correlate significantly with the electrophysiological parameters or the functional disability. The aim of this review is to provide a timely update on the role of neuromuscular ultrasound in the diagnostic of the most common entrapment and immune-mediated peripheral neuropathies in clinical practice.
-
Comparative Study
Jugular Venous Flow Abnormalities in Multiple Sclerosis Patients Compared to Normal Controls.
To determine if extracranial venous structural and flow abnormalities exist in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). ⋯ After categorizing the MS population into two groups based upon anatomical stenosis, as determined from an absolute quantification of IJV cross section, clear differences in IJV flow between the ST-MS and HC samples became evident. Despite the unknown etiology of MS, abnormal venous flow was noted in a distinct group of MS patients compared to HC.
-
Neuromuscular ultrasound of the cranial nerves is an emerging field which may help in the assessment of cranial neuropathies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of neuromuscular ultrasound in Bell's palsy. A second objective was to assess the possibility of any associated vagus nerve abnormality. ⋯ Ultrasound can detect facial nerve enlargement in Bell's palsy and may have a role in assessment, or follow-up, of Bell's palsy and other facial nerve disorders. The low sensitivity of the current technique precludes its routine use for diagnosis, however, this study demonstrates its validity and potential for future research.