Neuroimaging clinics of North America
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MRI is currently the best imaging modality to assess myelin maturation in the human brain. Myelin is the insulator for nerves and is present in both the peripheral nervous system and the central nervous system (CNS). ⋯ Standard T1-weighted and T2-weighted sequences can be performed on any MR imaging platform and with knowledge of normal age-related myelin maturation, myelin delay can be detected. Myelination progresses in a constant predetermined pattern from bottom to top, central to peripheral and back to front.
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Neuroimaging Clin. N. Am. · May 2013
ReviewWhite matter anatomy: what the radiologist needs to know.
Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) has allowed in vivo demonstration of axonal architecture and connectivity. This technique has set the stage for numerous studies on normal and abnormal connectivity and their role in developmental and acquired disorders. Referencing established white matter anatomy, DTI atlases, and neuroanatomical descriptions, this article summarizes the major white matter anatomy and related structures relevant to the clinical neuroradiologist in daily practice.
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Childhood transverse myelitis is an acute inflammatory disorder of the spinal cord with a risk of permanent disability. A timely and accurate diagnosis is imperative, and the radiologist needs to discern between a variety of extra-axial and spinal cord abnormalities that produce similar symptoms but require vastly differing treatments. This article presents the range of imaging characteristics seen in childhood transverse myelitis and the differentiation from its mimics.
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Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor encephalitis is a severe but potentially reversible neurologic disorder that is clinically recognizable in children and adolescents. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential to facilitate recovery. ⋯ Patients with tumor-associated encephalitis benefit from tumor resection. More than 75% of patients make a substantial recovery, which occurs in the reverse order of symptom presentation associated with a decline in antibody titers.
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Neuroimaging Clin. N. Am. · May 2013
ReviewStandardized magnetic resonance imaging acquisition and reporting in pediatric multiple sclerosis.
Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is one of the most important paraclinical tools for the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS), and monitoring of disease progression and treatment response. This article provides clinicians and neuroradiologists caring for children with demyelinating disorders with a suggested standard MR imaging acquisition and reporting protocol, and defines a standard lexicon for lesion features typical of MS in children. As there is considerable overlap between the MR imaging features of pediatric- and adult-onset MS, the recommendations provided herein may be of relevance to radiologists and clinicians caring for adults with multiple sclerosis.