Correlation between magnetic resonance imaging and clinical parameters in multiple sclerosis

In this study, the course of 60 consecutive multiple sclerosis patients (relapsing-remitting (RR), relapsing-progressive (RP), primary-progressive (PP)) was compared with the number and mean size of the lesions as well as the total load of the lesions as shown on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Significant differences were found between RR and RP patients in total load and number of lesions. Between RR and PP patients statistical significant differences were found in total load, number and size of the lesions when correlated with EDSS. Between RP and PP patients statistical differences were found in total load and size of the lesions on MRI. Patients with a relapsing course of the MS (RR or RP) had a higher total load and size of the lesions than PP patients. The total load, number and size of the lesions corrected for EDSS were also lower compared to relapsing patients. Factor analysis showed a correlation between clinical progression rate and progression rate of MRI abnormalities. No correlation between EDSS and total load of MRI lesions could be found. In conclusion, this study confirms the results of previous studies of differences between MRI scans of patients with a different course of MS.     

Use of magnetic resonance imaging to predict outcome after stroke: a review of experimental and clinical evidence

Despite promising results in preclinical stroke research, translation of experimental data into clinical therapy has been difficult. One reason is the heterogeneity of the disease with outcomes ranging from complete recovery to continued decline. A successful treatment in one situation may be ineffective, or even harmful, in another. To overcome this, treatment must be tailored according to the individual based on identification of the risk of damage and estimation of potential recovery. Neuroimaging, particularly magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), could be the tool for a rapid comprehensive assessment in acute stroke with the potential to guide treatment decisions for a better clinical outcome. This review describes current MRI techniques used to characterize stroke in a preclinical research setting, as well as in the clinic. Furthermore, we will discuss current developments and the future potential of neuroimaging for stroke outcome prediction.     

颅内原发性淋巴瘤DWI及PWI表现

目的 探讨颅内原发性淋巴瘤扩散加权成像(DWI)和灌注加权成像(PWI)特点.方法 回顾性分析10例颅内原发性淋巴瘤的DWI表现和9例颅内原发性淋巴瘤的PWI特征,所有病例均经病理证实,并结合其病理特征与高级别(Ⅲ、Ⅳ级)星形细胞瘤作对照.结果 颅内原发性淋巴瘤DWI多呈均匀高信号,肿瘤实质ADC值为(79.73±10.21)×10-5mm2/s,明显低于高级别星形细胞瘤ADC值(99.81±19.57)×10-5mm2/s(P=0.002).9例行PWI检查,颅内原发性淋巴瘤肿瘤实质最大rCBV比值为1.71±0.59,而14例高级别星形细胞瘤肿瘤实质最大rCBV比值为5.17±1.73,与高级别旱形细胞瘤比较,颅内原发性淋巴瘤呈低灌注趋势(P=0.001).结论 颅内原发性淋巴瘤DWI、PWI具有一定的特征,术前行DWI、PWI有助于提高MRI对颅内原发性淋巴瘤的诊断水平.     

Magnetic resonance imaging in clinical psychiatry

Although psychiatric researchers have been quick to adopt magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain in their investigations, its clinical application has been slow to develop and most psychiatrists remain unaware of its potential advantages and disadvantages compared with CT scanning. In this article the procedures are compared and the potential advantages of MRI highlighted with the help of neuropsychiatric case histories. Clinical situations are then discussed in which a psychiatrist should consider ordering a MRI scan subsequent to or instead of a CT scan.     

Magnetic resonance perfusion imaging evaluation in perfusion abnormalities of the cerebellum after supratentorial unilateral hyperacute cerebral infarction

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data of 10 patients with hyperacute cerebral infarction (≤6 hours) were retrospectively analyzed.Six patients exhibited perfusion defects on negative enhancement integral maps,four patients exhibited perfusion differences in pseudo-color on mean time to enhance maps,and three patients exhibited perfusion differences in pseudo-color on time to minimum maps.Dynamic susceptibility contrast-enhanced perfusion weighted imaging revealed a significant increase in region negative enhancement integral in the affected hemisphere of patients with cerebral infarction.The results suggest that dynamic susceptibility contrast-enhanced perfusion weighted imaging can clearly detect perfusion abnormalities in the cerebellum after unilateral hyperacute cerebral infarction.     

Cerebellar agenesis: a case report with clinical and MR imaging findings and a review of the literature

We describe the clinical and MRI findings in a 22-year-old male patient with absence of the cerebellum, an extremely rare anomaly. Clinical features included ataxia of limbs, gait and stance, cerebellar oculomotor signs. MRI evaluation showed minute remnants of cerebellar tissue corresponding to the anterior quadrangular lobules. Nine previous cases of total or subtotal cerebellar agenesis have been reported, including Combettes's first report in 1831. We report an additional case and provide MRI of this unusual anomaly detected during life. Diagnosis in this case was made on the basis of MR findings. To our knowledge, this is the fifth report of this disorder being diagnosed in a living patient.     

Clinical application of brain perfusion imaging in detecting stroke mimics: A review

Stroke mimics constitute a significant proportion of patients with suspected acute ischemic stroke. These conditions may resemble acute ischemic stroke and demonstrate abnormalities on perfusion imaging sequences. The most common stroke mimics include seizure/epilepsy, migraine with aura, brain tumors, functional disorders, infectious encephalopathies, Wernicke's encephalopathy, and metabolic abnormalities. Brain perfusion imaging techniques, particularly computed tomography perfusion and magnetic resonance perfusion, are being widely used in routine clinical practice for treatment selection in patients presenting with large vessel occlusion. At the same time, the utilization of these imaging modalities enables the opportunity to better diagnose patients with stroke mimics in a time-sensitive setting, leading to appropriate management, decision-making, and resource allocation. In this review, we describe patterns of perfusion abnormalities that could discriminate patients with stroke mimics from those with acute ischemic stroke and provide specific case examples to illustrate these perfusion abnormalities. In addition, we discuss the challenges associated with interpretation of perfusion images in stroke-related pathologies. In general, perfusion imaging can provide additional information in some cases—when used in combination with conventional magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography—and might help in detecting stroke mimics among patients who present with acute onset focal neurological symptoms.     

急性脑缺血兔磁共振弥散加权成像和灌注加权成像与神经功能缺损的关系

目的研究急性脑缺血兔的弥散加权成像（DWI）及灌注加权成像（PWI）的特点,探讨其与神经功能缺损之间的关系。方法取成年雄性新西兰兔30只,制作大脑中动脉急性脑缺血损伤模型;造模成功后6 h采用Purdy评分评价神经功能损害程度;行MRI DWI和PWI检查,计算DWI高信号区和PWI的脑血流量图（CBF）低灌注区的体积,分析异常信号区体积与神经缺损评分之间的相关性。结果脑缺血兔的CBF低灌注区体积为（91.89±51.31）mm3,DWI高信号区体积为（70.90±43.77）mm3,CBF低灌注区体积大于DWI高信号区,CBF-DWI不匹配区体积为（21.99±16.29）mm3。DWI高信号区和CBF图低灌注区体积均与神经缺损评分呈正相关,CBF-DWI不匹配区体积与神经缺损评分无显著相关性。结论 DWI高信号区与PWI的CBF低灌注区的体积能够反映急性脑缺血兔的神经功能缺损程度。     

Translating pathology in multiple sclerosis: the combination of postmortem imaging,histopathology and clinical findings

Background – Studies combining postmortem magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and histopathology have provided important insights into the abnormalities reflected by MRI. Materials and methods – A short overview of these studies applied to multiple sclerosis (MS) is provided in this review, and the Amsterdam postmortem imaging protocol is specifically highlighted. Conclusion – Postmortem MRI and histopathology correlation studies have enabled a direct translation of basic pathology in MS to the clinical setting, and have simultaneously served as a biological validation of new MRI techniques.     

Voxelwise multivariate analysis of multimodality magnetic resonance imaging

Most brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies concentrate on a single MRI contrast or modality, frequently structural MRI. By performing an integrated analysis of several modalities, such as structural, perfusion‐weighted, and diffusion‐weighted MRI, new insights may be attained to better understand the underlying processes of brain diseases. We compare two voxelwise approaches: (1) fitting multiple univariate models, one for each outcome and then adjusting for multiple comparisons among the outcomes and (2) fitting a multivariate model. In both cases, adjustment for multiple comparisons is performed over all voxels jointly to account for the search over the brain. The multivariate model is able to account for the multiple comparisons over outcomes without assuming independence because the covariance structure between modalities is estimated. Simulations show that the multivariate approach is more powerful when the outcomes are correlated and, even when the outcomes are independent, the multivariate approach is just as powerful or more powerful when at least two outcomes are dependent on predictors in the model. However, multiple univariate regressions with Bonferroni correction remain a desirable alternative in some circumstances. To illustrate the power of each approach, we analyze a case control study of Alzheimer's disease, in which data from three MRI modalities are available. Hum Brain Mapp 35:831–846, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Acanthamoeba meningoencephalitis

Report of a case of young immunocompetent male adult with autopsy proven acanthamoeba meningoencephalitis. The patient presented with a protracted febrile illness of 3 months duration with features of meningoencephalitis, this was followed by rapid deterioration while on anti tuberculous therapy and steroids and ended fatally. His magnetic resonance imaging showed features of hemorrhagic meningoencephalitis and magnetic resonance spectroscopy showed choline peak. Autopsy revealed necrotizing meningoencephalitis and intraocular colonization due to acanthamoeba.     

Perfusion and diffusion magnetic resonance imaging in idiopathic intracranial hypertension

OBJECTIVES: Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is characterized by abnormal elevation of intracranial pressure without any underlying etiologic factor. Papilledema is the major clinical finding whereas neuroradiological imaging findings are almost always normal. The aim of this preliminary study was to determine if diffusion and perfusion magnetic resonance imaging in patients with IIH might be beneficial in the management of the disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospectively, we evaluated standard magnetic resonance, magnetic resonance angiographies and venographies, diffusion and perfusion magnetic resonance findings of 16 patients with IIH and of 16 age-, sex-, and weight-matched normal individuals as a control group. Patients with IIH underwent a detailed neuroophthalmologic examination and lumbar puncture for evaluation of cerebrospinal fluid pressure. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed with 1.5 T equipment. RESULTS: On physical examination, all patients had characteristic papilledema, varying degrees of headache, blurred vision and tinnitus. Cerebrospinal fluid pressure was higher than 250 mm H2O in all patients. A statistically significant decrease in cerebral blood flow in six patients, whereas insignificant increase in two were detected. Cerebral blood volume values were almost similar to normal control group's values. Significant mean transit time prolongation was found in six patients as well. CONCLUSIONS: Idiopathic intracranial hypertension is a clinical syndrome which requires prompt diagnosis and a thorough evaluation. Treatment is crucial for preventing visual loss and improving associated symptoms. It is also important to detect cerebral perfusion changes, as cerebrovascular complications may be associated. Although our patient group is small for statistical evaluation, it is a preliminary study using perfusion and diffusion magnetic resonance which may contribute to IIH management.     

Magnetic resonance imaging, Down's syndrome and Alzheimer's disease: research and clinical implications

Background The diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) remains at times difficult to make using available neuropsychological measures. Neuro‐imaging is a relatively new form of detecting the changes associated with dementia. The present study investigated the role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in diagnosing AD in adults with Down's syndrome (DS). Methods Subjects with DS and Alzheimer‐type dementia were matched to non‐demented controls with DS. Magnetic resonance imaging findings (i.e. volumetric and two‐dimensional scans) were compared between the two groups in order to show a relationship between the changes of AD and structural MRI abnormalities. Results Specific structural abnormalities which are seen in non‐intellectually disabled subjects with dementia are also found in individuals with both DS and AD. However, such findings cannot be used to diagnose clinical AD with good accuracy in adults with DS. A number of practical issues of patient compliance and over‐sedation are demonstrated by the findings. Conclusions Magnetic resonance imaging has an important but limited role to play in the management of AD in the population with DS. If intravenous sedation is used, medical support is essential to prevent a serious mishap.     

Diffusion‐weighted imaging in multiple system atrophy: A comparison between clinical subtypes

Multiple system atrophy can be classified into two main types, a Parkinsonian (MSA‐P) and a cerebellar (MSA‐C) variant based on clinical presentation. We obtained diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI) in 9 MSA‐P and 12 MSA‐C patients and 11 controls, and correlated DWI changes with disease duration and severity. We found that Trace (D) values in the entire and anterior putamen were significantly higher in MSA‐P than in MSA‐C patients and controls, whereas Trace (D) values in the cerebellum and middle cerebellar peduncle (MCP) were significantly higher in MSA‐C than in MSA‐P patients and controls. Increased disease duration was significantly correlated with increased Trace (D) values in pons of MSA‐P patients, and in cerebellum and MCP of MSA‐C patients. Both UMSARS and UPDRS motor scores positively correlated with entire and posterior putaminal Trace (D) values in MSA‐P patients. The diffusivity changes parallel phenotypical and pathologic differences between MSA‐P and MSA‐C patients, suggesting that DWI is a feasible tool for in vivo evaluation of neurodegeneration in MSA. Based on our findings, Trace (D) measurements in the putamen and pons in MSA‐P patients and in the cerebellum and MCP in MSA‐C patients could serve as quantitative markers for microstructural damage in the course of disease. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society     

Diffusion-weighted imaging in brain aspergillosis

Brain aspergillosis is a rare pathology, occurring mainly in immunocompromised patients, responsible for multiple cerebral septic infarctions. Some researchers have described magnetic resonance (MR) findings in cerebral invasive aspergillosis, but diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) has rarely been reported, especially in typical non-enhancing lesions, while it may be helpful for early differential diagnosis and may allow earlier antifungal treatment. We describe three cases of patients presenting brain aspergillosis, with MR imaging including diffusion-weighted sequences and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) cartography. The three patients described in this study presented a total of 23 circular lesions, and one patient presented an infarction area in the territory of the right middle cerebral artery. Lesions were ring-enhancing for one patient, and presented no enhancement for the other two. Eleven lesions were very bright on DWI, with reduced ADC values. Twelve lesions, either enhancing or not enhancing, presented a 'target-like' aspect with central and peripheral hypointense areas on DWI, corresponding to higher ADC value areas, and intermediate marked hypersignal on DWI. This typical aspect of aspergillosis lesions on DWI may allow early diagnosis and treatment of cerebral aspergillosis, and is helpful for differentiating aspergillosis lesions from other infectious or malignant lesions affecting immunocompromised patients.     

Assessing the outcome of stroke: a comparison between MRI and clinical stroke scales

OBJECTIVES: To assess the correlation of diffusion-weighted (DWI) and perfusion-weighted imaging (PWI) findings with the severity of acute neurologic deficit and their ability to predict short and long-term clinical outcomes of stroke. The ability of DWI and PWI to predict the outcome was compared with the ability of clinical stroke scales to predict the outcome. METHODS: Forty-eight patients with acute stroke underwent diffusion DWI and PWI on the first and eighth day after the ictus. Clinical and functional scales were carried out before each scan and 3 months after the stroke. RESULTS: The volumes of both the DWI and the PWI lesions correlated well with the acute neurologic deficit and the final outcome. The first day PWI (r = 0.64) and the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores (r = 0.70) correlated well with the final outcome. However, in logistic regression analysis, only the NIHSS score at the acute stage was the only independent predictor of the long-term clinical outcome. CONCLUSION: While the PWI and DWI lesion volumes correlated well with the outcome of the stroke, the imaging measurements did not improve the prognostic power over plain clinical stroke scale scores.     

脑功能磁共振成像研究进展

主要综述fMRI产生的历史、成像原理、成像技术和方法、已经取得的成绩以及将来研究发展的方向等。fMRI产生技术广泛应用的20世纪90年代,主要受快速成像技术的影响,从有创走向无创,从而受到神经、认知和心理科学领域的极大关注。fMRI原理是根据神经元兴奋后局部氧耗与血流增幅不一致,而BOLD效应机制成像,间接显示神经元活动。成像主要采用平面回波成像（EPI）和快速小角度激发（FLASH）技术、二者在时间和空间分辨率上各有优劣。最后几年来,fMRI技术对脑功能的研究已取得了巨大的成绩,估计将在这一领域继续拥有非常重要的地位。将来fMRI可能主要在BOLD效应的生理过程、临床应用以及高场磁体的应用等领域进一步展开。     

多发性硬化患者的磁化传递及弥散张量成像特点

目的比较多发性硬化(MS)患者脑内病灶、表现正常脑白质(NAWM)及健康志愿者脑白质的磁化传递及弥散特性的差异,探讨MS患者的磁化传递率(MTR)与平均弥散率(MD)的相关性。方法分别对24例复发缓解型MS患者和24名健康志愿者行常规MRI、磁化传递成像(MTI)及弥散张量成像(DTI),经处理后得到相应的MTR、MD及各向异性分数(FA)图。测量MS病灶、对侧NAWM及健康志愿者相应脑白质区域的MTR、MD及FA值。结果MS患者病灶的平均MTR值(23.49%±5.16%)明显低于NAWM组(29.49%±3.38%)及健康对照组(32.78%±3.42%,F=101.44,P<0.01);病灶的平均FA值(0.32±0.09)也明显低于NAWM组(0.42±0.09)及对照组(0.51±0.09,F=95.41,P<0.01);而病灶的平均MD值[(1.10±0.17)×10-3mm2/s]明显高于NAWM组[(0.92±0.13)×10-3mm2/s]及对照组[(0.76±0.04)×10-3mm2/s,F=144.89,P<0.01]。与MS患者T1WI等信号病灶相比,低信号病灶的MTR值及FA值降低,而MD值升高。MS患者病灶的MTR值与MD值显著相关,而NAWM的MTR与MD值无明显相关性。结论MTI和DTI的指标可以反映MS患者脑内不同部位病理变化的不同,为常规MRI提供补充信息。     

Spectrum of epilepsy in neurocysticercosis: a long-term follow-up of 143 patients

To characterize the clinical profile and the prognostic factors of the epilepsy due to parenchymal neurocysticercosis (NCC) 143 patients were analysed. Patients (62 men, 81 women) had a mean age at epilepsy onset of 29 years (range 2-71), mean epilepsy duration of 16 years (range 1-58) and mean follow-up of 5.2 years. Seizures were generalised tonic-clonic (GTC) in 50 patients (35%), simple partial (SP) in 66 (46%) and complex partial (CP) in 27 (19%). Epilepsy began as a single seizure in 73% and as a cluster of seizures or status epilepticus in 27%. Seizures were controlled in 64% of patients. Multivariate analysis revealed that significant prognostic factors associated with seizure control were type of seizures and age at epilepsy onset. Control is more likely in GTC and SP seizures and in patients with a higher age at seizures onset. Our analysis establishes that epilepsy due to NCC is a heterogeneous syndrome concerning age and mode of onset, seizure type, duration of epilepsy and pattern of evolution probably related with different pathogenic mechanisms.     

Chorea due to diabetic hyperglycemia and uremia: Distinct clinical and imaging features

This study was undertaken to describe the clinical and imaging characteristics of patients with chorea associated with nonketotic hyperglycemia (C-NKH) in comparison with patients with chorea associated with uremia (C-URE). We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of consecutive 10 C-NKH and five C-URE patients who were treated between January 1, 2001 and January 31, 2013. Women were more frequently affected by C-NKH (70% vs. 30%) and C-URE (80% vs. 20%) compared with men. The C-NKH patients demonstrated T1–hyperintense and inhomogeneous lesions in the basal ganglia, whereas C-URE patients demonstrated T2-hyperintense and homogeneous lesions in the basal ganglia. The mean time for chorea resolution after treatment was significantly shorter in C-NKH patients than in C-URE patients (4.4 ± 2.6 d vs. 73.8 ± 14.2 d, respectively; P = 0.005). The clinical and imaging features are remarkably different between C-NKH and C-URE patients, suggesting distinct pathogenic mechanisms. © 2015 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society