Colour Doppler flow imaging of the superior ophthalmic vein in dural arteriovenous fistulas before and after surgery

The aim of this study was to examine the clinical significance of the colour Doppler flow imaging (CDFI) findings of the superior ophthalmic vein (SOV) in intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVF). The SOV was examined by CDFI in 12 cases of DAVF before and after surgery. Before surgery, the average SOV diameter was 3.57±1.18 mm (mean ± standard deviation, which was significantly wide (P<0.05) compared with the control value. One case showed reversed flow. Four cases showed an abnormal waveform. The cases with the more severe clinical symptoms showed wider SOV diameters and more abnormal waveforms than those with mild clinical symptoms. Postoperatively, the mean SOV diameter and mean resistance index improved significantly (P< 0.05); the flow direction and waveform became normal in each. The SOV CDFI findings were found to be useful as screening and follow-up techniques for the intracranial DAVFs.     

Potential value of radionuclide cisternography in diagnosis and management planning of spontaneous intracranial hypotension

OBJECTIVES: Spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) is caused by spontaneous spinal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks. However, there is debate regarding clinical indication of radionuclide cisternography (RNC) for identification of the actual site of a CSF leak. We therefore investigated the potential value of RNC in SIH. PATIENTS AND METHODS: RNC was performed on 30 patients with SIH. Patients were managed with conservative management only or epidural blood patches (EBPs) according to clinical conditions and RNC findings. RESULTS: RNC revealed direct signs of spinal CSF leaks in 80% of patients. Of this group, complete resolution of headache was obtained in 12 (71%) of 17 patients who received EBP vs. 1 (14%) of 7 patients treated with conservative management only (p=0.02). Complete headache relief with conservative management only was seen in one (14%) patient with direct signs of spinal CSF leaks compared to five (83%) patients without direct signs (p=0.03). CONCLUSION: RNC is useful for diagnosis and better management planning of SIH.     

经眼上静脉入路行海绵窦栓塞的应用解剖学

目的:为经眼上静脉入路行海绵窦栓塞术,治疗颈动脉-海绵窦瘘提供解剖学依据.方法:成人头部标本24个,解剖观测眼上静脉及其眶外属支的形态、长度及外径等.结果:①眼上静脉由眶上静脉支和内眦静脉交通支组成.眶上静脉支穿经眶上孔处外径为1.3mm.内眦静脉外径为1.4mm,距内眦6～8mm,其交通支外径为14mm.②眼上静脉在眶内分为3段,外径平均达2.1～2.5mm.结论:经眼上静脉及其属支入路可用于颈动脉-海绵窦瘘的血管内栓塞治疗     

Dural sinus thrombosis in spontaneous intracranial hypotension

Dural sinus thrombosis (DST) is rarely associated with spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH). Engorgement of the venous system, caused by the CSF loss that occurs in SIH, is considered to favour the thrombosis, although signs of both SIH and DST are usually seen simultaneously at the first diagnostic MRI. We observed two patients with SIH and DST. Changes in pattern of headaches and MRI findings demonstrated that DST followed SIH. In SIH, the velocity of the blood flow in the dural sinuses may be reduced because of dilatation of the venous system which compensates the CSF loss. Other possible mechanisms seem unlikely on the grounds of both clinical presentation and MRI studies. Received in revised form: 6 December 2005     

Optic Nerve and Perioptic Sheath Diameter (ONSD), Eyeball Transverse Diameter (ETD) and ONSD/ETD Ratio on MRI in Large Middle Cerebral Artery Infarcts: A Case-Control Study

BackgroundDespite recent progress in the multidisciplinary management of large middle cerebral artery infarcts, the neurological prognosis remains worrying in a non-negligible number of cases. The objective of this study is to analyze the contribution of optic nerve and perioptic sheath measurement on MRI to the acute phase of large middle cerebral artery infarcts.MethodsA retrospective case-control study between January 2008 and December 2019 in a single academic medical center was performed. Cases and controls were selected by interrogation of International Classification of Diseases (ICD), 10th edition, with ischemic stroke as criterion (code I64). Decompressive hemicraniectomy was a criterion for large middle cerebral artery infarcts (cases). Cases were matched with controls (1:3) based on age (± 5 years), sex, and year of hospitalization (± 2 years) The examinations were performed on 3T MRI (Siemens IRM 3T Magnetom).Optic nerve and perioptic sheath diameter was calculated using electronic calipers, 3 mm behind retina and in a perpendicular vector with reference to the orbit in axial 3D TOF sequence.ResultsOf 2612 patients, 22 patients met all the criteria of large middle cerebral artery infarcts and they were paired with 44 controls. Patients were mainly women, mean age of 53.6 years. There is a significant difference in the size of the optic nerve and perioptic sheath diameter measured on MRI at patient's admission (right: 5.13 ± 0.2 mm vs. 4.80 mm ± 0.18, p <0. 0001, left: 5.16 ± 0.17 vs 4.78 ± 0.20, p<0.0001). The AUC of optic nerve and perioptic sheath diameter was 0.93 (95%IC [0.85-1.00]), for a threshold at 5.03 mm, the sensitivity was 0.82 (95%IC [0.6-0.93]), specificity 0.94 (95%IC [0.85-0.98]). The Odds Ratio of large middle cerebral artery infarcts was 46.4 for optic nerve and perioptic sheath diameter the (95%IC [6.15-350.1] p=0.0002).ConclusionOptic nerve and perioptic sheath diameter in the first MRI can predict the risk of developing large middle cerebral artery infarcts requiring a decompressive hemicraniectomy.     

Spontaneous intracranial hypotension: correlation of imaging findings with clinical features

BACKGROUND: Spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) is increasingly recognized as a clinically variable and likely underdiagnosed syndrome caused by non-traumatic CSF leaks. The aim of this study was to correlate the findings of imaging studies - magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), radionuclide cisternography - with clinical features and CSF pressure in SIH in order to improve the diagnostic yield and management in patients with SIH. METHODS: Clinical case study of 10 consecutive cases of SIH, MRI, radio-isotope cisternography. RESULTS: 5 out of 10 patients had unusual clinical symptoms of SIH(2 subdural haematomas, 1 gait ataxia, 1 tinnitus, 1 haemodialysis-associated headache). In 7 patients pachymeningeal gadolinium enhancement was detected in MRI accompanied by a reduced CSF opening pressure. In contrast, the 3 patients with normal MRI also had a normal CSF pressure. Radio-isotope cisternography was abnormal in all patients tested. There was no correlation between the severity of clinical symptoms and MRI or radionuclide cisternography findings. CONCLUSIONS: The spectrum of clinical symptoms and imaging findings in SIH is highly variable. There- fore the diagnosis of SIH is often delayed. Radio-isotope cisternography is an important additional diagnostic method to detect CSF leaks or pathological kinetics of radio-isotope movement particularly in cases with normal MRI findings.     

Carotid intima-media thickness in late-onset major depressive disorder

BACKGROUND: This study explored whether patients with late-onset major depressive disorder showed higher carotid artery intima-medium thickness (IMT) and investigated the relationship between the IMT and white matter hyperintensities on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) among patients. METHODS: Fourteen elderly patients with late-onset major depressive disorder from a psychiatric outpatient clinic and 11 non-depressed controls received a comprehensive psychiatric assessment, ultrasound IMT measurements of the carotid arteries, and cerebral MRI. RESULTS: The carotid IMT was higher in the patient group vs the control group (1.26 +/- 0.30 vs 1.00 +/- 0.20 mm; t = 2.40, p < 0.03). The difference was more apparent in the common carotid artery (1.20 +/- 0.32 vs 0.97 +/- 0.13 mm; t = 2.31, p < 0.04). There was a high correlation (r = 0.55, p < 0.05) between the carotid IMT and white matter hyperintensities among patients with late-onset major depressive disorder. CONCLUSION: Results of this study suggest that atherosclerosis represented by the carotid IMT contributes to the development of late-onset major depressive disorder. The findings support the vascular depression hypothesis.     

自发性低颅压综合征31例临床特征和影像学分析

目的 探讨自发性低颅压综合征（SIH）的临床特点和影像学改变.方法 回顾性分析31例SIH患者的临床及影像资料.结果 所有患者均有体位性头痛,可伴有恶心、呕吐、头晕、耳鸣、听力丧失、行走不稳、一过性视物模糊、复视、颈肩部疼痛、颈强直 CSF压力均＜70 mmH2O,蛋白升高12例,WBC增多11例,RBC增多7例 全部患者行头颅CT检查,8例见脑肿胀,脑沟变浅,脑室变窄,临床症状消失后复查均恢复正常 15例行头颅MRI检查,8例行增强检查示硬脑膜弥漫性强化,头颅CT及MRI检查见4例硬膜下积液、2例硬膜下血肿 全部患者采用内科综合疗法,1例行硬膜下血肿清除术,均痊愈.结论 SIH的临床表现多样,体位性头痛是特征性症状,腰穿CSF及头颅MRI检查具有诊断价值 本病预后良好,但少数并发硬膜下血肿.     

Differentiation of Parkinson's disease and progressive supranuclear palsy with magnetic resonance imaging: the first Brazilian experience

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study is to differentiate PSP from Parkinson's disease through magnetic resonance imaging. METHODS: We included 14 consecutive patients with PD (9) or PSP (5). These measures included the third ventricle, midbrain diameter, quadrigeminal plate, brainstem volumetry, and interpeduncular angle. RESULTS: Patients with PSP presented enlargement of third ventricle (100% vs. 33%), lower midbrain diameter (mean 13.2 +/- 1.7 mm vs. 16.5 +/- 1.7 mm) and thinning of the quadrigeminal plate (mean 2.7 +/- 0.3 mm vs. 3.6 +/- 0.3 mm) in comparison with PD. CONCLUSIONS: Characteristic findings on MRI may help to differentiate PD from PSP.     

Pseudo-subarachnoid hemorrhage: A potential imaging pitfall associated with spontaneous intracranial hypotension

Objective

(1) To determine the frequency of CT mimics of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) in a large cohort of subjects with spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH). (2) To emphasize the distinctive radiologic features of SIH.

Patients and methods

CT scans of 95 subjects with SIH were retrieved and reviewed to search for findings of pseudo-SAH (CT mimics of SAH in the absence of blood).

Results

Pseudo-SAH radiologic findings (increased attenuation in the basilar cisterns, sylvian fissures, or along the tentorium) were detected on CT scans of 10 of the 95 SIH subjects. However, on MRI scans, these subjects exhibited the typical SIH abnormalities (diffuse pachymeningeal enhancement and brain sagging with obliteration of basilar cisterns).

Conclusions

In the emergency room, SIH should be considered in the differential diagnosis between SAH and pseudo-SAH. Although SIH and SAH can share some radiologic features, SIH has distinctive MRI and CT findings. Their recognition should obviate the need for more invasive procedures (e.g., cerebral angiography) to definitely rule out SAH and an aneurismal source of bleeding.     

High-dose atorvastatin in peripheral arterial disease (PAD): effect on endothelial function, intima-media-thickness and local progression of PAD. An open randomized controlled pilot trial

Beneficial effects of aggressive lipid-lowering with high-dose atorvastatin (80 mg/day) have been demonstrated in patients with coronary and cerebrovascular disease. The impact of such a therapy in patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is less known so far. Here we studied the effects of high-dose atorvastatin on brachial artery endothelial function, common carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and local progression of PAD in these patients. One hundred of 500 patients screened with documented PAD were randomly assigned to receive 80 mg of atorvastatin daily for six months or to continue on conventional medical treatment. Ninety-six percent of patients in the control group were on standard statin treatment. High resolution B-mode ultrasonography was used to study brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD), IMT and ankle-brachial index (ABI) at baseline and at six months. FMD and IMT at baseline and at six months were 4.1 (0.06-8.6) versus 5.0 (0.76 vs. 8.1) %, p = 0.96, and 0.76 (0.66-0.82) versus 0.73 (0.63-0.81) mm, p = 0.41, respectively, in the atorvastatin group, and 2.66 (-1.9-6.9) versus 3.65 (0.0-8.6)%, p = 0.02, and 0.78 (0.71-0.90) versus 0.77 (0.70-0.90) mm, p = 0.48, in the control group. ABI at baseline and at six months was not different in either group. LDL cholesterol was reduced from 2.53 (2.21-3.28) to 1.86 (1.38-2.29) mM (p < 0.0001) in the atorvastatin group, whereas levels remained stable in the control group [2.38 (1.94-3.16) vs. 2.33 (1.82-2.84) mM, p = 0.61]. Major adverse cardiovascular events occurred in 2.1% in the atorvastatin group and 1.9% in the control group (p = 0.61). In conclusion, in this pilot trial aggressive lipid-lowering with 80 mg of atorvastatin daily for six months had no effect on brachial artery FMD in patients with PAD. IMT and ABI were also similar in patients with and without high-dose atorvastatin at six months.     

Spontaneous intracranial hypotension with pachymeningeal enhancement on MRI.

Spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) is a rarely reported syndrome of spontaneously occurring postural cephalalgia associated with low CSF pressure. We report a case of SIH in which MRI of the brain revealed diffuse symmetric pachymeningeal enhancement that resolved without specific therapy.     

Axonal damage in the spinal cord of MS patients occurs largely independent of T2 MRI lesions

OBJECTIVE: To determine the degree of axonal damage in relationship to signal abnormalities on T2-weighted high-resolution MRI in spinal cord tissue of patients with MS. METHODS: Spinal cord specimens of nine patients with MS and four controls were imaged at high resolution (4.7 T) in an axial plane and scored for lesions with increased signal intensity (SI). Histopathologic sections were cut and immunostained with NE14 (neurofilament marker) and Luxol fast blue (myelin stain). For each area, axonal density and diameter were quantified; axonal irregularity, NE14 axonal staining intensity, and myelin content were semiquantitatively scored. Included were 209 areas from MS cases and 109 areas from control cases distributed over lateral, posterior, and anterior columns. RESULTS: In control cases, no SI changes were found, average density of axons was 26,989/mm(2), average diameter was 1.1 micro m, and all scores for axonal irregularity, NE14 staining intensity, and myelin were normal. In MS cases, areas with increased SI were found, average axonal density was 11,807/mm(2) (p < 0.0001), and average axonal diameter 2.0 micro m (p = 0.001). Areas with high SI on MRI had lowest axonal density (average count: 10,504/mm(2); range: 3,433 to 26,325/mm(2)), largest diameter (average: 2.3 micro m; range: 1.0 to 4.0 micro m), and highest axonal irregularity and NE14 staining intensity compared to normal appearing cord tissue (NACT). However, NACT of MS cases also had lower axonal density (14,158/mm(2)) and higher average axonal diameter (1.6 micro m) than controls. CONCLUSIONS: Marked axonal loss occurs in MS spinal cords, largely independent of the degree of signal abnormality on T2-weighted MRI.     

貌似蛛网膜下腔出血的自发性低颅压综合征

目的探讨临床貌似蛛网膜下腔出血（SAH）的自发性低颅压综合征（SIH）患者的临床、脑脊液及影像学特征及鉴别要点。方法回顾性分析14例SIH住院病例，观察其临床表现、脑脊液压力、常规生化指标及头颅影像学特点。结果所有SIH病例均有直立性头痛，多数病人伴随有恶心等症状，可出现脑神经受累及脑膜刺激征，腰穿脑脊液均有不同程度的细胞数和蛋白增高，头颅MRI加强扫描有广泛脑膜强化。结论了解SIH临床、脑脊液及影像学特点对于鉴别SIH与SAH至关重要，直立性头痛、腰穿压力、病程、头颅MRI加强扫描等是鉴别SIH与SAH的有效方法。     

Spontaneous intracranial hypotension in the absence of magnetic resonance imaging abnormalities

BACKGROUND: Spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) is a neurologic syndrome of unknown etiology, characterized by features of low cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) pressure, postural headache and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) abnormalities. METHODS: Four symptomatic cases of SIH presented to our institution over a six-month period. Magnetic resonance imaging studies were performed in all four cases. Diagnostic lumbar puncture was done in all except one case. RESULTS: All of the patients on whom lumbar punctures were performed demonstrated low CSF pressure and CSF protein elevation with negative cultures and cytology. Three out of the four patients exhibited MRI findings of diffuse spinal and intracranial pachymeningeal gadolinium enhancement and extradural or subdural fluid collections. One patient had no MRI abnormalities despite prominent postural headache and reduced CSF pressure at lumbar puncture. All patients recovered with intravenous fluids and conservative treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Magnetic resonance imaging abnormalities are found in most, but not all patients, with SIH. Cerebral spinal fluid abnormalities can be detected even in patients with normal MRI studies. It is important to recognize the variability of imaging results in this usually benign disorder.     

Spontaneous intracranial hypotension causing reversible frontotemporal dementia

Spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) causes postural headache and neurologic symptoms owing to traction and brain compression. A 66-year-old man with chronic headache and progressive personality and behavioral changes typical of frontotemporal dementia was examined. He had MRI findings of SIH with low CSF pressure. His headache, dementia, and imaging abnormalities abated after treatment with prednisone. SIH can cause reversible frontotemporal dementia, and should be considered when dementia and behavioral changes are accompanied by headache.     

Headache attributed to spontaneous intracranial hypotension

Recent evidence suggests that spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) is not as rare as previously thought. Orthostatic headache is the prototypical manifestation of SIH, but various headache syndromes have also been reported such as migraine-like headache, tension-type headache and non-specific headaches among the others. The International Headache Society (IHS) has recently proposed diagnostic criteria for headache attributed to SIH. Seventy patients consecutively seen at our institution between 1993 and 2005 and diagnosed with SIH were included in the study. SIH diagnosis was confirmed in all patients by brain-enhanced MRI: 23 were males (33%), 47 females (77%) and mean age was 45 years (range 18–69). Follow-up: median value 35 months (range: 8 months-14 years). Time between symptom onset and diagnosis was 4 months (median) (range 15 days-45 months). The IHS (2004) criteria for “Headache attributed to SIH” were applied. Typical brain imaging findings confirmed the diagnosis of SIH in all patients: criteria B and C were fulfilled in all patients. Criterion A of the IHS classification was not fulfilled in 34 (49%) patients. Sixty-two (89%) patients did not fulfil criterion D of the IHS classification; 28 (40%) did not fulfil both criterion A and D. So far, only 2 (3%) fulfilled all IHS criteria for headache attributed to SIH. The IHS criteria for headache attributed to SIH could not classify the headache in most of our SIH patients. A revision of the IHS criteria for headache attributed to SIH is necessary.     

Increased brain injury and vascular leakage after pretreatment with p38-inhibitor SB203580 in transient ischemia

OBJECTIVES: Focal cerebral ischemia activates intracellular signaling pathways including the mitogen-activated protein kinase p38, which may be involved in the process of ischemic brain injury. In this study, the effect of pretreatment with the p38-inhibitor SB203580 on infarct size and blood-brain barrier (BBB) breakdown was investigated with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Rats were given SB203580 (n = 6) or vehicle (n = 6) in the right lateral ventricle prior to transient (90 min) middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) on the left side. The rats were examined with serial MRI during MCAO, at reperfusion and after 1 and 4 days. RESULTS: The mean infarct size on T2-weighted images after 1 day was significantly higher in the SB203580-treated group than in controls (300 +/- 95 mm3 vs 126 +/- 75 mm3; P < 0.01). Vascular gadolinium leakage, indicating BBB breakdown, was significantly larger in the SB203580-treated group than in controls after 1 day (median leakage score 18.5; range 15-21 vs 6.5; 4-17; P < 0.05) and 4 days (11; 6-15 vs 3.5; 1-9; P < 0.05), although no significant difference was seen initially. CONCLUSION: Pretreatment with SB203580 may aggravate ischemic brain injury and cerebral vascular leakage in the present model of transient ischemia.     

Dynamic history of low-grade gliomas before and after temozolomide treatment

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the natural progression and the impact of temozolomide in low-grade gliomas and to correlate these changes with the profile of genetic alterations. METHODS: The mean tumor diameter (MTD) of low-grade gliomas was evaluated on serial magnetic resonance images before (n = 39), during, and after (n = 107) treatment with neoadjuvant temozolomide. MTD growth curves were correlated with chromosomes 1p-19q loss and p53 overexpression in the tumors. RESULTS: Before temozolomide onset, MTD increased linearly over time, indicating a continuous growth that was significantly slower in 1p-19q deleted tumors (3.4 vs 5.9mm/year; p = 0.0016) and in tumors that did not overexpress p53 (4.2 vs 6.3mm/year; p = 0.05). During temozolomide treatment, almost all patients (92%) experienced initial decrease of MTD. Subsequently, some tumors started to resume growth despite continuous administration of temozolomide, with a lower rate of relapse in 1p-19q deleted tumors (16.6 vs 58%; p = 0.0004) and in tumors that did not overexpress p53 (26 vs 68%; p = 0.003). When temozolomide was discontinued in the absence of tumor progression, a majority of tumors resumed their progressive growth within a year. INTERPRETATION: Untreated low-grade gliomas grow continuously at a rate that is influenced by the genetic alterations of the tumors. Temozolomide reverses this pattern at the onset, but this effect is often brief in patients whose tumors overexpress p53 and do not harbor the 1p-19q codeletion, suggesting acquired chemoresistance. A majority of tumors will resume their growth when treatment is discontinued, raising the issue of the optimal duration of treatment in continuously responding patients.     

自发性低颅压症的影像学特征及硬膜外注液治疗的效果(附1例报告)

目的研究自发性低颅压症(SIH)的影像学特征及硬膜外注液治疗的效果。方法回顾性分析1例SIH患者的临床资料。结果本例患者临床表现体位性头痛伴恶心、呕吐,腰穿脑脊液(CSF)压力测不出。头颅MRI显示有典型的硬膜下积液、硬脑膜的弥漫性增强、静脉窦充血扩张、垂体充血增大、脑组织下移。高分辨率CT脊髓造影精确显示CSF漏出点。于硬膜外腔注入生理盐水15ml治疗,头痛症状缓解。结论SIH的影像学特征为静脉窦扩张、硬脑脊膜强化、硬膜下腔积液;硬膜外注液治疗的效果好。