Journal of neuroimaging : official journal of the American Society of Neuroimaging
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Pediatric patients are commonly referred to imaging following abnormal ophthalmological examinations. Common indications include papilledema, altered vision, strabismus, nystagmus, anisocoria, proptosis, coloboma, and leukocoria. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain and orbits (with or without contrast material administration) is typically the imaging modality of choice. ⋯ Fat-suppressed T2-weighted fast spin echo sequences should enable proper assessment of the globes, optic nerves, and perioptic subarachnoid spaces. Contrast material should be given judiciously, ideally according to clinical circumstances and precontrast scans. In this review, we discuss the major indications for imaging following abnormal ophthalmological examinations.
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As human life expectancy increases, there is an increased prevalence of neurodegenerative disorders and dementia. There are many ongoing research trials for early diagnosis and management of dementia, and neuroimaging is a critical part of such studies. However, conventional neuroimaging often fails to provide enough diagnostic findings in patients with neurodegenerative disorders. ⋯ Also, SWI is a useful sequence to detect the low signal intensity of precentral cortices in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Being familiar with SWI findings in neurodegenerative disorders is critical for an accurate diagnosis. In this paper, the authors review the technical parameters of SWI, physiologic, and pathologic iron deposition in the brain, and the role of SWI in the evaluation of neurodegenerative disorders in daily practice.
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Vascular malformations (VMs) of the central nervous system (CNS) include a wide range of pathological conditions related to intra and extracranial vessel abnormalities. Although some VMs show typical neuroimaging features, other VMs share and overlap pathological and neuroimaging features that hinder an accurate differentiation between them. Hence, it is not uncommon to misclassify different types of VMs under the general heading of arteriovenous malformations. ⋯ Beyond MR images, new insights using 3D printed models are being incorporated as part of the armamentarium for a noninvasive evaluation of VMs. In this paper, we briefly review the pathophysiology of CNS VMs, focusing on the MRI findings that may be helpful to differentiate them. We discuss the role of each conventional and advanced MRI sequence for VMs assessment and provide some insights about the value of structured reports of 3D printing to evaluate VMs.
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Lower reward responsiveness has been associated with fatigue in multiple sclerosis (MS). However, association of MS-related fatigue with damage to the mesocorticolimbic reward pathway (superolateral medial forebrain bundle [slMFB]) has not been assessed. We investigated the association of fatigue and depression with slMFB damage in MS patients stratified based on longitudinal fatigue patterns. ⋯ Microstructural changes to the left slMFB may play a role in the comorbid development of fatigue and depression in MS.
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Cognitive impairment is a critical health problem in the elderly population. Research has shown that patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) may develop dementia in later years. Therefore, early identification of MCI could allow for interventions to help delay the progression of this devastating disease. Our objective in this study was to detect the early presence of MCI in elderly patients via neuroimaging and dual-task performance. ⋯ This study highlighted the potential of dual-tasking and MRI morphometric changes as a simple and accurate tool for early detection of cognitive impairment among community-dwelling older adults. The strong interaction effects of cognitive group on UEF dual-task score suggest higher association between atrophy of these brain structures and compromised dual-task performance among the MCI group.