Journal of neuroimaging : official journal of the American Society of Neuroimaging
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Comparative Study Observational Study
Transcranial Sonography versus CT for Postoperative Monitoring After Decompressive Craniectomy.
Computed tomography (CT) is the actual gold standard diagnostic tool for monitoring patients after decompressive craniectomy. It is validated and provides a wide number of information. However, it takes time, expensive, and requires patient transportation. Transcranial sonography (TCS) could represent an alternative diagnostic tool in these patients. The aim of this study is to compare TCS versus CT scan after decompressive craniectomy in terms of diagnosing complications and costs evaluation. ⋯ TCS could be a reliable alternative diagnostic tool for major complications in patients undergoing decompressive craniectomy. It could limit the number of CT scans per patient overcoming several limitations, such as costs, radiation exposure, and need to move the patient.
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Although transcranial Doppler detects microembolic signals (MES) in numerous settings, the practical significance of such findings remains unclear. ⋯ MES may help to risk stratify patients as their presence is associated with ischemic recurrence and worse outcomes.
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Ultrasound (US) measurement of the optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) and optic nerve diameter (OND) is a method frequently used to screen for an increased intracranial pressure. The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of US measurements of ONSD and OND, when compared to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measurements as the criterion standard. ⋯ In measuring ONSD and OND, US measurements showed a modest correlation between axial and coronal measurements, but no concordance was found between US and MRI in our setting.
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Blood-derived monocytes/macrophages can be labeled with ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxides (USPIO) at periphery and subsequently migrate into areas of inflammation in the brain. We investigated temporal pattern of migration of peripheral immune cells in Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV) model of chronic demyelination by USPIO-enhanced imaging. ⋯ Serial USPIO imaging is a promising biomarker for investigating the effect of therapeutic interventions on monocytes/macrophages and microglia activation and neurodegeneration in TMEV-infected animals.
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Cerebrovascular disease is a common comorbidity in older adults, typically assessed in terms of white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) on MRI. While it is well known that WMHs exacerbate cognitive symptoms, the exact relation of WMHs with cognitive performance and other degenerative diseases is unknown. Furthermore, based on location, WMHs are often classified into periventricular and deep WMHs and are believed to have different pathological origins. ⋯ Of note, more associations were detected between cognitive performance and deep WMHs than between cognitive performance and periventricular WMHs. Mechanistically, both deep and periventricular WMHs were associated with increased MD. Both deep and periventricular WMHs were also associated with reduced CBF in the gray matter.