Diffusion-weighted mr in cerebral venous thrombosis

The diagnosis of cerebral venous thrombosis is often difficult both clinically and radiologically and until now there is no method available to predict if brain lesions, detected clinically and using conventional brain imaging methods, may lead to full recovery, as expected in vasogenic edema or ischemic infarcts and even a hematoma. New fast neuroimaging techniques such as diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) are sensitive to different reasons of changes in local tissular water concentration thus giving further insight into the pathophysiological mechanism as well as prognosis of cerebral venous thrombosis. We report the cases of 18 consecutive patients with a diagnosis of cerebral venous thrombosis based on clinical and imaging criteria. All patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain, which comprised isotropic diffusion-weighted MR. Diffusion-weighted MRI showed positive findings in 17/18 cases. In 7 cases the clot could be directly visualized as an area of hyperintensity in the affected vein on DWI. In 7 cases DWI showed areas of signal loss corresponding to hematomas. In 6 cases DWI showed changes in signal intensity that were more subtle. In 4 cases of superficial venous thrombosis, there were areas of decreased ADC values (0.65-0.79 x 10(-3) mm(2)/s) whereas in 2 cases of deep venous thrombosis, increased DWI intensities could be found that corresponded to both an increase and a decrease in ADC, corresponding to a coexistence of cytotoxic and vasogenic edemas. Diffusion-weighted MRI can demonstrate directly the presence of an intravenous clot in a select number of patients. It can also demonstrate early ischemic changes, and can differentiate conventional T2-weighted MR areas of cytotoxic from vasogenic edema.     

Diffusion-weighted MR findings in isolated angiitis of the central nervous system (IACNS)

OBJECTIVES: To describe the diffusion-weighted MR (DWI) findings of isolated angiitis of the central nervous system (IACNS) and narrow the differential diagnosis. METHODS: The DWI findings of two IACNS patients. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values were measured in the abnormal lesions, and DWI and T2-weighted MR images were visually inspected. RESULTS: IACNS was diagnosed based on clinical history, MR findings and cerebral angiographic findings. DWI showed hyperintense lesions with heterogeneous ADC values (287-1359 x 10(-6) mm2/s), which indicate the coexistence of cytotoxic and vasogenic oedema. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that the various stages of inflammatory process with ischaemia might exist in IACNS and allow a differentiation from the usual arterial ischaemic infarction. DWI with ADC map can be a useful non-invasive diagnostic test increasing specificity in the diagnosis of IACNS, combined with conventional MRI and cerebral angiography.     

Relevant imaging findings of cerebral aspergillosis on MRI: a retrospective case-based study in immunocompromised patients

The aim of the study was to assess neuroimaging patterns of cerebral aspergillosis with magnetic resonance imaging (1.5 T). The clinical and imaging data of nine patients were reviewed. Patients were included in the study if the diagnosis of aspergillosis was confirmed by either biopsy, autopsy, aspergillus antigen determination and/or neuroradiological and clinical response to specific treatment. Four patients had single or multiple abscesses presenting as ring-enhancing lesions on T1-weighted images, hypointensity of the ring on T2-weighted MR images and low to high signal intensity on diffusion-weighted imaging. Four patients had single or multiple infarctions affecting all compartments of the brain with hyperintensities on T2-weighted images in three of four patients, irregular parenchymal contrast enhancement in all patients and hemorrhagic transformation of the infarcted parenchyma in one patient. Diffusion-weighted images were positive in all ischemic areas. One patient with paranasal sinusitis developed a mycotic aneurysm of the internal carotid artery. Cerebral aspergillosis presents three principal neuroimaging findings: areas consistent with infarction; ring lesions consistent with abscess formation following infarction; and dural or vascular infiltration originating from paranasal sinusitis or orbital infiltration. Recognition of these patterns in cerebral aspergillosis may lead to more timely and effective diagnosis and treatment.     

Diffusion‐Weighted Echo‐Planar MRI of the Brain with Calculated ADCs: A Useful Tool in the Differential Diagnosis of Tumor Necrosis from Abscess?

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: It was the aim of this study to evaluate whether brain abscesses could be distinguished reliably from necrotic brain tumors using diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) with calculated apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs). METHODS: The authors studied 27 lesions in 26 patients (21 tumors and metastases, 5 pyogenic brain abscesses, and 1 cerebral toxoplasmosis). DWI was obtained with a single-shot echo-planar imaging spin-echo sequence. ADCs were calculated for all images. RESULTS: ADCs (x 10(-3) mm2/s) measured in the necrotic parts of the tumors ranged from 2.94 (glioblastoma) to 1.51 (astrocytoma III). In the inflammatory lesions, ADCs ranged between 0.91 and 3.07 (cerebral toxoplasmosis and pyogenic abscess). The contrast-enhanced parts of the lesions showed ADC values from 0.77 (pyogenic abscess) up to 1.68 (glioblastoma). CONCLUSIONS: DWI with calculated ADC values does not allow the reliable differentiation of enhanced central necrotic intracranial lesions.     

The usefulness of the method of planar diffusion echo imaging (EPI DWI) in the diagnosis of cerebral ischemia

The preliminary results of MR echoplanar diffusion-weighted imaging (EPI DWI) in patients with stroke are presented. Twelve patients (5 females, 7 males) aged 36-78 years (mean 63.8) were examined by 2T system. No focal lesions were found in the acute phase of stroke on T1-weighted images. Narrowing of sulci in the region of stroke was the only abnormal finding. Focal hyperintense lesions were shown on PD and T2-weighted images in 50% of patients in the acute phase, 7 hours after the onset of clinical symptoms. On EPI diffusion-weighted images focal decrease of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) was observed in all cases of the acute phase of stroke after 3 hours. EPI DWI allows for earliest detection of ischaemic lesions in brain tissue. The method is especially useful in characterisation of the acute phase of stroke and shows its evolution thanks to the use of ADC.     

弥散成像和血流灌注成像磁共振诊断急性缺血性脑血管病的意义

目的评价弥散成像（DWI）、血流灌注成像（PWI）磁共振对急性缺血性脑血管病的诊断价值。方法用DWI、PWI诊断急性脑缺血,并与常规MRI结果比较。结果经MRI检查证实的急性缺血性脑血管病患者共22例。其中发病后90分钟至6小时检查者11例,其CT及常规MRI未见异常,3例短暂性脑缺血发作（TIA）患者的DWI、PWI正常;其余8例脑梗死患者经DWI、PWI检查,均发现相对应的病灶,且6例灌注减低体积（PWIv）＞弥散异常体积（DWIv）,2例PWIv＝DWIv。起病在6－12小时5例,4例行PWI检查,3例PWIv＞DWIv,1例PWIv＝DWIv。起病在12－48小时6例,2例行PWI检查,PWIv＝DWIv。8例陈旧病灶在DWI上表现为低信号,所有新病灶在DWI上均为高信号。结论DWI、PWI可超早期诊断脑梗死,并可帮助了解缺血半暗带。T2加权像和DWI结合可以鉴别新旧梗死灶。     

脑梗死磁共振弥散加权成像信号改变和近似弥散系数的时间演变规律

目的 :确定脑梗死磁共振弥散加权成像 (DWI)信号改变和近似弥散系数 (ADC)的时间演变规律。方法 :分析 10 1例脑梗死患者的 13 5次DWI资料。结果 :超急性、急性和亚急性期脑梗死DWI为高信号 ,慢性早期多数病灶仍为高信号 ,慢性晚期绝大部分病灶为等或低信号。超急性期、急性期和亚急性期脑梗死ADC下降 ,慢性早期多数病灶接近或高于正常 ,慢性晚期明显升高。结论 :脑梗死的DWI信号和ADC变化具有特征性的时间演变规律 ,结合常规MRI ,DWI可以推断脑梗死所处的时期     

弥散加权成像在超急性期脑梗死诊断中的应用

目的 将磁共振弥散加权成像（DWI）与常规MR技术作对比。评价DWI对超急性期脑梗死诊断的准确性和敏感性。方法 对52例超急性期，急性期，亚急性期，慢性期的患者行DWI，快速自旋回波T2WI，FLAIR及3DTOF法磁共振血管成像检查。对所有病例的病变部位均按神经解剖进行准确定位并与患者的症状，体征相联系。结果 超急性期和急性期脑梗死在DWI图像上表现为高信号，在表观弥散系数（ADC）图上表现为低信号，ADC值低于对侧相应的区域。在超急性期和急性期，病灶的ADC值显著下降,rADC值也明显下降。平均下降约59.12%。而在慢性期ADC值明显升高，甚至较正常组织还高，平均升高达20.3%。结论 DWI对6h症状起病的急性卒中的诊断明显高于传统MRI，DWI可以在超急期发现缺血病灶，早于常规T2WI及FLAR序列图像。DWI对脑梗死的早期诊断及评价起重要的作用。     

磁共振弥散成像在超急性缺血性脑梗死诊断中的研究

目的评价磁共振扩散加权成像（DWI）和表观扩散系数（ADC）图对超急性期脑梗死的诊断价值。方法对17例以卒中样发病6h以内、临床怀疑脑梗死的患者进行单次激发平面回波DWI和常规T2WI扫描,测定梗死灶和对侧相应部位正常脑组织的ADC值。结果DWI上表现为高信号,ADC图上表现为低信号,病灶ADC值较对侧相应区域明显下降者,诊断为脑梗死阳性,共15例,其最终临床诊断均为超急性脑梗死;阴性2例,其最终临床诊断均为短暂性脑缺血发作。DWI和ADC图诊断超急性期脑梗死的敏感性和特异性均为100％,比常规T。wI有更高的敏感性与特异性。结论DWI和ADC图对超急性期脑梗死的诊断中发挥重要作用。     

Cerebral infarction presenting pure motor monoparesis: diagnosis by diffusion-weighted MR imaging]

We studied 10 patients with acute ischemic cerebrovascular disorders presenting paralysis confined to one limb, unaccompanied by sensory signs(pure motor monoparesis, PMM) on diffusion-weighted MR imaging(DWI). DWI revealed fresh ischemic lesions in all patients, except for 2 cases of transient ischemic attack. On DWI, acute infarction in multiple lesions was identified, and small superficial lesions were clearly described. Superficial lesions were seen in 4 patients, and deep lesions were also seen in 4 patients. DWI is useful for lesion analysis in cerebral infarction with PMM.     

磁共振弥散加权成像在急性脑梗死动脉溶栓治疗中的应用

目的观察磁共振弥散加权成像(DWI)在大脑中动脉供血区脑梗死动脉溶栓治疗前后变化的临床意义。方法对20例发病小于6h的大脑中动脉供血区脑梗死患者,采用MRA-DWI不匹配方法判断存在半暗带后,行选择动脉尿激酶溶栓治疗。所有再通病例均于1w至10d内复查MR,注意观察对比DWI的变化。结果血管再通患者1w¹0d内复查MR,DWI高信号区域明显缩小。结论急性脑梗死DWI动态观察是动脉溶栓治疗一个临床观测指标。     

Diffusion-weighted MRI and 99mTc-HMPAO SPECT in delayed relapsing type of carbon monoxide poisoning: evidence of delayed cytotoxic edema

BACKGROUND: Carbon monoxide (CO) is a common cause of poisoning, and its sequelae include a progressive (25%) and a delayed relapsing form (75%). We report the diffusion-weighted MRI (DWI) findings in the delayed relapsing form of CO poisoning and characterize the types of edema. METHODS: From November 1, 2000 to June 1, 2003, 5 consecutive patients (2 men, 3 women, range of age: 54-67 years), who had the delayed relapsing type of CO poisoning, underwent DWI, conventional MRI, MR angiography and SPECT. CO poisoning was diagnosed by the presence of a typical clinical history, an abnormally increased level of serum carboxyhemoglobin and MRI findings. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values were measured in all of the abnormal lesions with visual inspection of DWI and T(2)-weighted echo-planar imaging. RESULTS: DWI showed high signal intensities in bilateral periventricular white matter, in the splenium of the corpus callosum, in internal capsules, and brainstem showing moderately decreased ADC values. In the globus pallidus, the ADC values were rather increased with low signal intensities on DWI. Brain SPECT showed decreased perfusion in bilateral white matter and some parts of the cerebral cortex, which correlated well with the DWI findings. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest that prominent, symmetric restricted diffusion can occur in periventricular white matter, brainstem, and corpus callosum after the delayed relapsing type of CO poisoning. Delayed cytotoxic edema can occur in this setting, which provides a new guidance for the pathogenesis of CO poisoning and the differential diagnosis of white matter diseases.     

Differentiating Intracranial Aspergillosis from a High Grade Glioma Using MRI and MR Spectroscopic Imaging

We compare the MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and MRSI (MR spectroscopic imaging) findings in a patient with intracerebral aspergillosis to those typically seen in an infiltrating high-grade glioma (HGG). We demonstrate paramagnetic areas of T2-hypointensity due to the pathologic deposition of iron and other paramagnetic elements seen in intracerebral aspergillosis. We also demonstrate the diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) findings and discuss how MR spectroscopy can be useful in differentiating an aspergilloma from a high-grade glioma.     

常规磁共振与弥散性磁共振检查对多发性硬化的诊断价值

目的：比较常规磁共振（MRI）检查和弥散磁共振（MR－DWI）检查技术对判定脑内多发性硬化（MS）的价值。方法：经临床表现与实验室检查明确MS的病例有26例行MRI扫描,T1,T2加权及质子密度像,MRDWI用平面回波成像技术,将两者所见进行比较,同时使用软件进行MRI－DWI的弥散系数（apparent diffusion coefficient ADC)值及影像分析。结果：MRI扫描在T2W1像上可见明确T2高信号及高质子密度者占25／26,脑室旁白质为主占病灶总数的83％,T1W1表现为低信号者占16／26,可见急性期发作的病灶均有不同程度的强化,96．5％是多病灶的,MR－DWI示发病早期12例可见高信号,ADC值高于脑缺血但低于脑肿瘤,结论：使用多种MRI技术可以明确判定脑内白质区的MS病灶是急性期还是非急性期。同时应用MR－DWI,ADC图检查对判断病灶是脑缺血性病灶或肿瘤有较大帮助,是诊断MS等脱髓鞘疾病的有效影像学方法。     

Diffusion-weighted MRI during early global cerebral hypoxia: a predictor for clinical outcome?

OBJECTIVES: As prognostic assessment of prolonged cerebral hypoxia is often difficult on clinical grounds, a tool for an early prognosis of clinical outcome is desirable. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a prospective study, we investigated the prognostic value of diffusion-weighted MRI (DWI) in 12 patients within 36 h after global cerebral hypoxia. Results of DWI including apparent diffusion coefficient maps (ADC) were analyzed and related to the clinical outcome after 6 months, in comparison with conventional magnetic resonance imaging (cMRI). RESULTS: Three patients with a short resuscitation time showed normal findings in cMRI and DWI and a good recovery. In seven patients, DWI revealed multiple large hyperintense areas although cMRI was normal. In two patients, large diffuse lesions were observed in DWI which were also found in cMRI. All of these nine patients developed a vegetative state in the follow-up examination. CONCLUSION: Pathological DWI during the early phase after cerebral hypoxia might be superior to cMRI as a predictor of a worse clinical outcome.     

Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and magnetization transfer ratio (MTR) in pediatric hypoxic-ischemic brain injury

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: a review of the literature reveals the increasing interest in using Diffusion magnetic resonance imaging, with diffusion weighted images (DWI) and ADC (Apparent Diffusion Coefficient) quantitation, in pediatric hypoxic-ischemic brain injury. However, ADC and MTR (Magnetization Transfer Ratio) as quantitative tools have not been investigated together in these pathological conditions in young pediatric patients. The aim of this study was to apply a quantitative method by using ADC and MTR calculation in order to propose a reproducible quantitation of brain parenchymal lesions. METHODS: we conducted a prospective study including all children presenting with suspected cerebral hypoxic-ischemic injury. 15 children were included, among them 10 males and 5 females aged from 36 weeks of gestation to 17 months with a median age of 10,5 months. All MR examinations were performed at 1.5 Tesla unit including conventional MR (T1, T2 and Inversion-recovery sequences) and DWI with ADC map. ADC and MTR ROI (region of interest) measurements were made, in the frontal subcortical and periventricular white matter (WM) as well as in the gray matter (GM=basal ganglia), and in focal lesions. RESULTS: ADC and MTR values were abnormal in focal lesions and in diffuse injury with no evidence of lesion on conventional MRI and DWI. We observed a strong inverse correlation between these ADC and MTR (R=0,66 in WM; R=0,61 in GM). CONCLUSION: ADC and MTR calculation may be helpful as a reproductive method to quantify the lesions and detect diffuse lesions in hypoxic-ischemic pediatric brain injury.     

Diffusion-weighted and gradient echo magnetic resonance findings of hemichorea-hemiballismus associated with diabetic hyperglycemia: a hyperviscosity syndrome?

BACKGROUND: The magnetic resonance (MR) imaging findings of hemichorea-hemiballismus (HCHB) associated with hyperglycemia are characterized by hyperintensities in the striatum on T1-weighted MR images and computed tomographic scans, with a mechanism of petechial hemorrhage considered to be responsible. Diffusion-weighted MR imaging (DWI) has been reported to detect early ischemic damage (cytotoxic edema) as bright areas of high signal intensity and vasogenic edema as areas of heterogeneous signal intensity. We report various DWI findings in 2 patients with hyperglycemic HCHB. OBJECTIVES: To describe the DWI and gradient echo findings and characterize the types of edema in HCHB associated with hyperglycemia. SETTING: A tertiary referral center neurology department. DESIGN AND METHODS: Two patients with HCHB associated with hyperglycemia underwent DWI, gradient echo imaging, and conventional MR imaging with gadolinium enhancement. The patients had an elevated serum glucose level on admission and a long history of uncontrolled diabetes, and the symptoms were controlled by dopamine receptor blocking agents. Initial DWIs were obtained 5 to 20 days after symptom onset. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values were measured in the abnormal lesions with visual inspection of DWI and T2-weighted echo planar images. RESULTS: T1- and T2-weighted MR images and brain computed tomographic scans showed high signal intensities in the right head of the caudate nucleus and the putamen. Gradient echo images were normal. The DWIs showed bright high signal intensity in the corresponding lesions (patient 1), and the ADC values were decreased. The decrease in ADC and the high signal intensity on DWI persisted despite the disappearance of HCHB, even after 70 days. CONCLUSIONS: Gradient echo MR imaging findings were normal in HCHB with hyperglycemia, whereas DWI and the ADC map showed restricted diffusion, which suggests that hyperviscosity, not petechial hemorrhage, with cytotoxic edema can cause the observed MR abnormalities.     

Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging in early stage of 5-fluorouracil-induced leukoencephalopathy

We report a case of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-induced leukoencephalopathy in which magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain, including diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), was performed serially. The initial T2-weighted and FLAIR images showed diffuse mild hyperintensity in bilateral deep cerebral white matter and corpus callosum, which on T1WI appeared as non-enhanced faint hypointensity. Isotropic DWI disclosed the abnormality as well-conspicuous diffuse hyperintensity with decreased ADC. Serial studies revealed that majority of the abnormal signal intensity on these sequences resolved, and the decreased ADC values approached normal. Some hyperintensity remained in the deep cerebral white matter and the splenium, but no further significant ADC change after normalization was noted. Measurement of ADC along the three orthogonal directions showed the presence of directional dependence of diffusion throughout the length of study. These findings suggest that early stage of 5-FU-induced leukoencephalopathy is associated with reversible restricted diffusion and preservation of anisotropy. Diffusion-weighted imaging may be useful for the diagnosis.     

动脉粥样硬化性大脑中动脉区域TIA功能磁共振成像分析

目的利用弥散加权成像(DWI)、磁共振血管成像(MRA)对大脑中动脉(MCA)区域TIA进行解剖性定位,评价磁共振对临床实践的指导意义。方法对32例TIA患者,在发作1.5h~7d内行头部MRI、DWI、MRA检查,对DWI图像上的高信号与T2WI像、MRA、临床症状、体征进行对照研究。结果2例DWI正常,但MRA颅内大脑中动脉闭塞,病变血管与临床症状相一致。12例DWI正常,MRA仅轻度狭窄或正常。3例DWI有高信号,T2WI无相应病灶为超早期脑梗死,其中MRA1例动脉硬化样改变,2例大脑中动脉闭塞,病灶与体征相符。15例DWI有高信号、T2WI有相应病灶,2例为早期脑梗死、13例为腔隙性脑梗死,其中MRA8例颅内大血管轻到中度狭窄,2例严重狭窄。MRI显示20例(62.5%)存在多发陈旧腔隙性梗死灶。对于TIA患者发作时MRA相应病变进行χ2四格表精确检验,DWI异常组与正常组比较P<0.05,MRA大血管病变是TIA预后形成梗死的独立危险因素。结论对TIA患者行MRI、DWI、MRA检查,能及时发现超早期脑梗死,还能对新发腔隙性脑梗死准确定位,科学指导临床早期干预治疗。MRA可提供1.2级大血管的供血状态,指导后续的2级预防。     

FLAIR和DWI在急性脑梗死诊断中的应用

目的 比较液体衰减翻转恢复(FLAIR)序列和弥散加权成像(DWI)序列在急性脑梗死中的应用。方法 15例急性脑梗死患者(10例椎基底动脉系统脑梗死，5例颈内动脉系统脑梗死)接受FLAIR和DWI检查，评价病变的显示范围、边界、与周围组织的对比度、检出病灶的数目及病灶的大小。结果 FLAIR和DWI对病变的显示范围、与周围组织的对比均优于常规T2W，除小脑梗死外，发病时间＜24h的，以DWI对病变显示更佳；＞24h的，FALIR及DWI显示病灶大小无明显差异。结论 FLAIR和DWI在急性脑梗死诊断中均优于常规T2W序列，发病时间＜24h的，以DWI显示病灶最好，对靠近颅底的急性病变，FLAIR要优于DWI。