Neuroimaging clinics of North America
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Neuroimaging Clin. N. Am. · May 2005
ReviewThe evolving role of acute stroke imaging in intravenous thrombolytic therapy: patient selection and outcomes assessment.
In early trials of thrombolysis, unenhanced CT was used to exclude patients with brain hemorrhage or large infarctions but was insensitive to stroke pathophysiology or early signs of cerebral ischemia or infarction. Currently, CT angiography, CT perfusion, and MR imaging can provide information about stroke mechanisms and prognosis, quantify penumbral tissue, and support risk stratification and patient selection. This article reviews the role of neuroimaging in the original intravenous thrombolytic trials, current application of these technologies, and the potential future role of imaging to extend the time window for thrombolysis and to augment therapeutic success.
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Neuroimaging Clin. N. Am. · May 2005
ReviewCatheter-based recanalization techniques for acute ischemic stroke.
Recent advances in endovascular interventional therapies have revolutionized the management of acute ischemic stroke. For patients who present with occluded circle of Willis vessels, timely and successful arterial recanalization is the best predictor of clinical improvement. ⋯ Moreover, the US Food and Drug Administration has recently approved the use of a mechanical clot retrieval device for acute embolic stroke, and a number of other similar strategies are under various stages of investigation. This article reviews the diagnostic and interventional approach to the management of large vessel embolic stroke.
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Although the diagnosis of retinoblastoma (Rb) is made primarily by means of clinical examination, CT and MR imaging are helpful to confirm the diagnosis, determine the extent of the intraocular tumor, and exclude extraocular or intracranial involvement. They are also valuable in differentiating Rb from lesions that simulate Rb.
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The anatomy of the sella and parasellar region is discussed. Pertinent ophthalmologic findings and syndromes relating to this anatomic region are described. Pathologic processes, such as pituitary adenoma, pituitary apoplexy, craniopharyngioma, Rathke's cleft cyst, lymphocytic adenohypophysitis, and other such parasellar lesions are discussed along with their ophthalmologic manifestations.
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Neuroimaging Clin. N. Am. · Feb 2004
ReviewThe brachial plexus: normal anatomy, pathology, and MR imaging.
The brachial plexus is the most technically and anatomically challenging area of the peripheral nervous system for diagnostic imaging. Marked improvements in spatial and contrast resolution of plexus images have resulted from the use of phased-array technology and newer MR pulse sequence designs. ⋯ Brachial plexus anatomy and its appearance on multiplanar MR images are reviewed. The morphologic features and MR signal characteristics that have been found useful in distinguishing between normal and abnormal plexus components,and in detecting neuropathic lesions, are addressed in the context of clinical indications for plexus imaging as follows: mass involving the plexus, traumatic injury, entrapment syndrome, posttreatment evaluation, and miscellaneous conditions.