Neuroimaging clinics of North America
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Neuroimaging Clin. N. Am. · Nov 2017
ReviewApplications of Resting-State Functional MR Imaging to Epilepsy.
We discuss the value of resting-state functional MR imaging (rsfMR imaging) as an emerging technique to address questions about memory and language that are central in surgery for temporal-lobe epilepsy, namely the identification and characterization of eloquent cortex to avoid surgical morbidity. The emergence of a robust set of data using rsfMR imaging has opened new avenues for exploring more direct relationships between neural networks and current cognitive function and prediction of postoperative change. These techniques are also being explored for their potential to characterize epilepsy subtypes, identify epileptic foci, and monitor treatment effects.
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Resting-state functional connectivity is the synchronization of brain regions with each another. Alterations are suggestive of neurologic or psychological disorders. This article discusses methods and approaches used to describe resting-state brain connectivity and the results in neurotypical and diseased brains.
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Neuroimaging Clin. N. Am. · Nov 2017
ReviewGraph Theoretic Analysis of Resting State Functional MR Imaging.
Graph theoretic analyses applied to examine the brain at rest have played a critical role in clarifying the foundations of the brain's intrinsic and task-related activity. There are many opportunities for clinical scientists to describe and predict dysfunction using a network perspective. ⋯ Major practices, concepts, and findings are concisely reviewed. The theoretic and practical frontiers of resting state functional MR imaging are highlighted with observations about major avenues for conceptual advances and clinical translation.
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Neuroimaging Clin. N. Am. · Nov 2017
ReviewMethods and Considerations for Dynamic Analysis of Functional MR Imaging Data.
Functional MR imaging (fMR imaging) studies have recently begun to examine spontaneous changes in interregional interactions (functional connectivity) over seconds to minutes, and their relation to natural shifts in cognitive and physiologic states. This practice opens the potential for uncovering structured, transient configurations of coordinated brain activity whose features may provide novel cognitive and clinical biomarkers. However, analysis of these time-varying phenomena requires careful differentiation between neural and nonneural contributions to the fMR imaging signal and thorough validation and statistical testing. In this article, the authors present an overview of methodological and interpretational considerations in this emerging field.
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Neuroimaging Clin. N. Am. · Aug 2017
ReviewDual-Energy Computed Tomography Applications for the Evaluation of Cervical Lymphadenopathy.
There is recent interest in the use of dual-energy computed tomography (CT) in head and neck imaging, and the results are encouraging. This article reviews dual-energy CT applications as complementary tools to conventional CT scanning in the evaluation of cervical lymphadenopathy. ⋯ Single-source and dual-source dual-energy applications including virtual noncontrast images, linear and nonlinear image blending, monochromatic images, iodine quantification, and spectral Hounsfield unit attenuation curve analysis are reviewed. Future directions and research suggestions are discussed in brief.