The “dural tail” adjacent to meningiomas studied by dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI: a comparison with histopathology

We examined 32 patients with intracranial tumors (17 meningiomas, 8 neuromas, 7 pituitary adenomas) by conventional and dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI. Our aim was to clarify whether the pathological dural contrast enhancement adjacent to meningiomas (the dural tail) is specific to meningiomas and, more important, whether it represents neoplastic dural infiltration or hypervascularization as a tumor accompanying reaction. A dural tail was found in 9 of 17 meningiomas. None of the other extra-axial tumours (neuromas, pituitary adenomas) showed comparable dural enhancement. Dynamic examinations with an ultrafast single slice imaging technique (snapshot-FLASH) after a bolus injection of contrast medium showed a dural tail in seven out of these nine meningiomas, while in two cases the dural tail turned out to be a cortical vein with a characteristic dynamic contrast enhancement pattern. In the dynamic study all seven dural tails were found to have earlier, steeper contrast enhancement than the corresponding tumours. All the tumours and part of the adjacent dura mater in four of the seven meningiomas with dural enhancement were examined histopathologically. In none of these four cases was neoplastic tissue found more than 2 mm away from the main tumour. The results strongly support the suggestion that the dural tail adjacent to meningiomas represents a hypervascular, non-neoplastic dural reaction.     

The dural tail of intracranial meningiomas on fluid-attenuated inversion-recovery images

We evaluated the dural tail associated with 48 intracranial meningiomas on fluid-attenuated inversion-recovery (FLAIR) and contrast-enhanced T1-weighted images. In 30 (62.5%), a dural tail was observed on contrast-enhanced T1-weighted images, and thickening of the dura mater and abnormal signal were identified in the corresponding region on FLAIR images. Thus, FLAIR imaging was useful for showing dural abnormality associated with meningiomas without the needed for contrast medium.     

The Chiari II malformation: Part IV. The hindbrain deformity

Summary Computed tomography successfully delineates the multiple components of the Chiari II malformation at the craniocervical junction, the hindbrain, and the cervical spinal cord. These include wide foramen magnum and upper cervical spinal canal; incomplete fusions of the posterior arches of C1 and lower cervical vertebrae; cascading protrusions of vermis, fourth ventricle, medulla, and cervical cord into the spinal canal; cervicomedullary kinking; anterior displacement and sequential sagittal compression of each protrusion by the protrusions posterior to it; compression of all protrusions by the posterior lip of foramen magnum and the posterior arch of C1; and associated cervical hydromyelia, cervical diastematomyelia, and cervical arachnoid cysts.Presented in part at the CT '82, International Computer Tomography Symposium, Seefeld/Tirol, Austria, 28–30 January 1982; and presented in nearly complete form at the 10th Annual Meeting of the International Society for Paediatric Neurosurgery, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA, 12–15 September 1982     

Computed tomography and angiography do not reliably discriminate malignant meningiomas from benign ones

Summary Histological anaplasia, found in up to 10% of meningiomas, is an important prognostic sign as it is associated with increased recurrence rate and volume growth rate. We studied in retrospect a series of 230 primary intracranial meningiomas to discover whether histological anaplasia can be reliably foreseen in CT scans and angiograms. 205 meningiomas were histologically benign, and 25 meningiomas were classified as malignant (atypical or anaplastic), with either incipient (20) or overt (5) signs of anaplasia. Often CT parameters tested, three were associated significantly more often with malignant meningiomas: nodular contour (58.3% vs 26.7%), cysts (20.0% vs 4.4%) and absence of calcifications (92% vs 65.3%); none of these parameters was an absolute sign of anaplasia. Mushrooming, previously regarded as a definite sign of malignancy, was seen in 9% of benign meningiomas and in 21% of malignant ones. In angiography, no apparent differences between benign and malignant meningiomas were seen. The conclusion is that it is not possible to distinguish malignant meningiomas from benign ones with CT or angiography.     

MR imaging of intraspinal tumors—Capability in histological differentiation and compartmentalization of extramedullary tumors

Summary Magnetic resonance (MR) images of 29 consecutive patients with intraspinal neoplasms (9 intramedullary tumors, 20 extramedullary tumors) were reviewed to evaluated the utility of MR imaging in distinguishing the intraspinal compartmental localisation and signal characteristics of each lesion. Compartment and histology of all neoplasms were surgically proven. MR correctly assigned one of three compartments to all lesions, 9 intramedullary, 14 intradural extramedullary (6 schwannomas, 3 neurofibromas, 5 meningiomas), and 6 extradural (3 schwannomas, 1 meningioma, 1 cavernous hemangioma, 1 metastatic renal cell carcinoma). All intramedullary tumors showed swelling of the spinal cord itself. In all five extradural tumors a low intensity band was visualized between the spinal cord and tumor. On the other hand, a low intensity band was demonstrated in no cases with intradural tumors. Visualization of this low intensity band is important in differentiating extradural from intradural-extramedullary lesions. We call this low intensity band, the extradural sign. Signal intensity of intradural tumors varied with histology. In extramedullary tumors, signal intensity of schwannomas was similar to that of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) both on T1 weighted (inversion recovery) and T2 weighted spin echo (SE) images. On the other hand, meningiomas tended to be isointense to the spinal cord on both T1 and T2 weighted SE images. We found relatively reliable signal characteristics to discriminate meningioma from schwannoma.     

Headache after lumbar iohexol myelography: the influence of a history of headaches and early ambulation

Whether a history of headache or early versus late ambulation (no bed rest or bed rest for 24 h) influence the occurrence of headache after lumbar iohexol myelography was studied by blinded interviews in 158 consecutive patients referred for elective lumbar myelography (LM) because of suspected lumbar disc prolapse or spinal stenosis. Headache after LM occurred more often in patients with a history of headache (57%) than in patients without such a history (29%),P<0.001. Patients with normal myelographic findings complained of headache after LM more often (55%) than patients with abnormal normal myelographams (31%),P<0.008. No difference in the incidence of headache after LM was demonstrated in early versus late ambulation.Died 27 July 1991     

Problems with the “dural tail” sign

Prominent enhancement of the dura mater, the dural tail adjacent to a peripherally located mass on gadolinium-enhanced MRI has been described as being characteristic of meningiomas. We present a cerebral glioma showing the classical dural tail.     

Differences on intraoperative ultrasonography between meningioma and neurilemmoma

We examined the differences on intraoperative ultrasonography between 17 cases of meningioma and 29 of neurilemmoma, the common intradural extramedullary tumors. In meningiomas, cysts were rarely seen (in 12.5 %, P < 0.01 %) and echogenicity was high (in 82.3 %, P < 0.01 %). In neurilemmoma, many cysts were seen (72.5 %) and low echoes tended to be more common (72.4 %, P < 0.01 %). In the neurilemmomas with high or isoechogenicity, Antoni A types, histologically rich in collagen fibres, predominanted.     

A new approach to computer-aided comparison of skull and photograph

A computer-based method developed for the purpose of checking the results of identification performed with the traditional method of video-superprojection (developed by Helmer and Grüner) is demonstrated; it does not require any special programs in addition to those necessary for digitising the video pictures. The method is suitable for filtering out false-positive cases. A great advantage is that the phase of computer evaluation can be separated from the job performed in the video studio, both in time and space. The process can be reconstructed, which means it can be checked. The results can be easily documented and interpreted for lay people.     

Verteilungsmuster und funktionelle Bezüge der nachWernicke benannten Encephalopathie

Zusammenfassung Die Wernicke'sche Encephalopathie als eine der Folgen des chronischen Alkoholismus wird hinsichtlich ihrer Auswirkungen auf die Verkehrstauglichkeit besprochen. Anhand von 33 Fällen werden die neurologischen Symptome aufgezeigt, und es wird auf die möglichen Persönlichkeitsdefekte bei thalamischen Schädigungen und abortiven Krankheitsformen hingewiesen.

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Summary Wernicke's encephalopathy, as one of the sequelae of chronic alcoholism, is discussed with regard to its effects on driving ability. The neurological symptoms are presented with reference to 33 cases and the possible personality defects with thalamic lesions and abortive types of disease are emphasized.

Als Vortrag gehalten auf der Jahrestagung der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Verkehrsmedizin in Heidelberg (21.-22.5.1977)     

Sodium bicarbonate-augmented stress thallium myocardial scintigraphy

It is well known that sodium bicarbonate in pharmacological doses induces transient alkalosis, causing intracellular transport of serum potassium. The aims of this study were (a) to investigate whether, in humans, myocardial thallium-201 uptake can be augmented by pretreatment with a single bolus of sodium bicarbonate at a pharmacological dose, (b) to verify general safety aspects of the intervention and (c) to evaluate the clinical implications of augmentation of ²⁰¹Tl uptake, if any. Routine exercise myocardial scintigraphy was performed twice in eight adult volunteers (five normal and three abnormal), once without intervention and the second time (within a week) following intravenous administration of sodium bicarbonate (88 mEq in 50 ml) as a slow bolus 1 h prior to the injection of ²⁰¹Tl. Conventional myocardial thallium study was compared with sodium bicarbonate interventional myocardial scintigraphy with respect to myocardial uptake (counts per minute per mCi injected dose), washout patterns in normal and abnormal myocardial segments, and overall clinical interpretation based on planar and single-photon emission tomographic (SPET) images. All patients remained asymptomatic after the intervention. A mean increase of 53% in myocardial uptake of thallium was noted in post-exercise acquisitions after the intervention, confirming uptake of the tracer via the potassium-hydrogen pump and its augmentation by transient alkalosis. The washout pattern remained unchanged. The visual quality of planar and SPET images improved significantly after the intervention. Out of the five abnormal myocardial segments identified in three cases, four showed significant filling-in after the intervention, causing the diagnosis to be upgraded from partial scar to ischaemia, or from ischaemia to normal. The overall scan impression changed in two out of three such cases. Sodium bicarbonate augmentation may have significant implications for stress-thallium scintigraphy and may be a new parameter for defining myocardial viability.     

Resolution of spinal epidural vascular pseudotumor following balloon occlusion of a postoperative vertebral arteriovenous fistula

Summary We describe a case of a vascular mass arising secondary to a postoperative vertebral arteriovenous fistula mimicking recurrent cervical neurofibroma on CT in a patient with neurofibromatosis. Angiography was required for diagnosis. The recurrent tumor resolved following balloon embolization of the fistula.     

Intraoperative sonography in spinal trauma

Intraoperative spinal sonography (IOSS) was performed in 39 spinal trauma patients. IOSS was used to detect and assess the significance of bone fragments and spinal malalignment, cord or thecal sac compression, foreign bodies, and the late complications of spinal trauma, namely post-traumatic intramedullary and subarachnoid cysts. IOSS was also used to evaluate the efficacy of reduction of vertebral fractures, guide the shunting of cysts, and differentiate myelomalacia from intramedullary cysts, thus avoiding unnecessary exploration of the spinal cord. IOSS is a safe and simple procedure that can alter surgical management. The use of IOSS during surgery performed for spinal trauma and its complications is recommended.     

Location of the “zero zone” and its role in the pathogenesis of cervical spondylosis

Summary Significant correlation between the location of the zero zone and spondylosis was found in the cervical spine. The possible role of the zero zone in the development of spondylosis is suggested and the deleterious effect of counteracting forces as compared with a unidirectional traction is stressed.

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Die Stelle der Nullzone und ihre Rolle in der Pathogenese der zervikalen Spondylose

Zusammenfassung Die Ergebnisse der dynamischen Studien scheinen darauf hinzuweisen, daß ein Zusammenhang zwischen den häufigsten Stellen der Nullzone und der Spondylose besteht. Es scheint, daß das Bindegewebssystem der Halswirbelsäule auf die Überlastung durch entgegengesetzte Zugkomponenten sehr empfindlich ist und durch diese stärker beschädigt wird als durch eine Traktion, die nur in einer Richtung ausgeübt wird.

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Localisation de la zone zero et son rôle dans la pathogenie de la spondylose cervicale

Résumé Il semble y avoir une corrélation entre la zone zéro et le développement d'une spondylose cervicale et que la détérioration discale se fasse spécialement au niveau des mouvements intervertébraux bidirectionnels opposés.

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From the annual congress of the European Society of Neuroradiology (Geilo, September 1975)     

Morphological analysis of the cervical spinal canal,dural tube and spinal cord in normal individuals using CT myelography

To verify the conventional concept of developmental stenosis of the cervical spinal canal, we performed a morphological analysis of the relations of the cervical spinal canal, dural tube and spinal cord in normal individuals. The sagittal diameter, area and circularity of the three structures, and the dispersion of each parameter, were examined on axial sections of CT myelograms of 36 normal subjects. The spinal canal was narrowest at C4, followed by C5, while the spinal cord was largest at C4/5. The area and circularity of the cervical spinal cord were not significantly correlated with any parameter of the spinal canal nor with the sagittal diameter and area of the dural tube at any level examined, and the spinal cord showed less individual variation than the bony canal. Compression of the spinal cord might be expected whenever the sagittal diameter of the spinal canal is below the lower limit of normal, that is about 12 mm on plain radiographs. Thus, we concluded that the concept of developmental stenosis of the cervical spinal canal was reasonable and acceptable.     

Improvement of brain single photon emission tomography (SPET) using transmission data acquisition in a four-head SPET scanner

Attenuation coefficient maps (-maps) are a useful way to compensate for non-uniform attenuation when performing single photon emission tomography (SPET). A new method was developed to record single photon transmission data and a-map for the brain was produced using a four-head SPET scanner. Transmission data were acquired by a gamma camera opposite to a flood radioactive source attached to one of four gamma cameras in the four-head SPET scanner. Attenuation correction was performed using the iterative expectation maximization algorithm and the-map. Phantom studies demonstrated that this method could reconstruct the distribution of radioactivity more accurately than conventional methods, even for a severely non-uniform-map, and could improve the quality of SPET images. Clinical application to technetium-99m hexamethylpropylene amine oxime (HMPAO) brain SPET also demonstrated the usefulness of this method. Thus, this method appears to be promising for improvement in the image quality and quantitative accuracy of brain SPET.This work was presented in part at the World Congress on Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, 7–12 July 1991, Kyoto, Japan     

The immunohistochemical localization of alpha1-antichymotrypsin and fibronectin and its meaning for the determination of the vitality of human skin wounds

Summary A total of 39 vital human skin wounds (20 cases with short survival times ranging from a few seconds to approximately 30 min and 19 cases with wound ages between 50 min and 13 days) were investigated. Alpha,-antichymotrypsin (A₁-ACT) was visualized by immunohistochemistry. Additionally, fibronectin was localized in 13 of these wounds (8 cases with short and 5 cases with longer survival times). Furthermore, 13 postmortem lesions (stab wounds) were removed from corpses approximately 4h after infliction and analyzed for A₁-ACT and fibronectin. The vital reaction previously described for A₁-ACT in form of a band-shaped staining pattern at the wound edges was observed in both vital wounds and in most postmortem lesions. A similar reaction was also obtained for fibronectin in wounds inflicted after death, but could be unambiguously distinguished from vital fibronectin staining by morphological criteria. Therefore, it seems questionable that the vitality of skin wounds can be determined by the immunohistochemical detection of A₁-ACT and probably other proteinase inhibitors. The meaning of the localization of fibronectin for the determination of the vitality of human skin wounds with a survival time of at least a few minutes could be confirmed.This study was supported by a grant from the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (grant No. Ei 209/3-1) and by a grant from the Friedrich-Baur-Stiftung, University of Munich, Germany     

The value of T1-weighted images in the differentiation between MS,white matter lesions,and subcortical arteriosclerotic encephalopathy (SAE)

Summary The aim of the study was to define reliable criteria for the differentiation of MR imaging between patients with MS and with vascular white matter lesions/SAE. We examined 35 patients with proven MS according to the Poser criteria and 35 patients with other white matter lesions and/or SAE. The result is that with MR a differentiation can be achieved provided that T1-weighted spin-echo sequences are included and the different pattern of distribution is considered. MS plaques are predominantly located in the subependymal region, vascular white matter lesions are mainly located in the water-shed of the superficial middle cerebral branches and the deep perforating long medullary vessels in the centrum semiovale. Infratentorial lesions are more often seen in MS. Confluence at the lateral ventricles is frequently accompanied by confluent abnormalities around the third ventricle, Sylvian aqueduct, and fourth ventricle, which is uncommon in SAE. In MS many lesions visible on T2-weighted images have a cellular or intracellular composition that renders them visible also on T1-weighted ones as regions with low signal intensity and more or less distinct boundary. Vascular white matter lesions and SAE mainly represent demyelination and can there-fore be seen on T2-weighted images, but corresponding low signal intensity lesions on T1-weighted images are uncommon. In some exceptions there are such lesions with low signal representing lacunar infarcts or widened Virchow-Robin-spaces.     

PET and MR imaging in a neuro-behçet syndrome

Positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies were performed on a case of neuro-Behçet's syndrome. In accordance with the clinical signs, FDG PET (using¹⁸F-labeled 2-F-2-desoxyglucose) revealed disseminated storage defects in the cerebrum and cerebellum. Focal regions of enhanced signal intensity were demonstrated in the parietal white matter of the cerebrum in T2-weighted images and in the brain stem by MRI.This article was presented at the 1st EEC workshop on accuracy determination in PET, January 19–20th. 1989 Pisa, Italy (COMAC-BME Concerted Project Characterization and Standardization of PET Instrumentation)     

Intraoperative spinal sonography of soft-tissue masses of the spinal cord and spinal canal

Intraoperative spinal sonography (IOSS) was used to evaluate and monitor the progress of surgery in 18 patients with soft-tissue masses of the spinal canal and spinal cord. With intramedullary masses, IOSS showed not only the site of maximum cord enlargement so that a precise biopsy could be performed but also was able to demonstrate the zone of transition between the mass and normal cord tissue. With extradural masses and intradural extramedullary masses, IOSS showed the exact size and location of the masses and confirmed their removal and/or adequate spinal cord decompression. IOSS indicated the extent of bone removal necessary to give adequate exposure to accomplish total removal of these masses or to localize the proper level for tissue biopsy. IOSS also indicated the need to open the dura when there had been unsuspected transdural tumor spread or when bony decompression had not been sufficient to relieve the pressure on the spinal cord in tonsillar ectopia. Intraoperative spinal sonography is recommended in all cases of spinal surgery performed to resect or biopsy soft-tissue masses of the spinal canal or spinal cord.