Assessment of the patient with hyperacute stroke: imaging and therapy

Neuroimaging is an important part of the assessment of patients with hyperacute stroke. As new treatments that may reverse cerebral ischemia have been developed, the role of neuroimaging has changed from simply anatomic depiction of early infarction to identification, by means of physiologic (rather than simply anatomic) information, of regions that are at risk for infarction. The goal of such imaging techniques is to monitor successes and complications of recently developed treatments such as thrombolysis.     

Small pulmonary nodules: volume measurement at chest CT--phantom study

Three-dimensional methods for quantifying pulmonary nodule volume at computed tomography (CT) and the effect of imaging variables were studied by using a realistic phantom. Two fixed-threshold methods, a partial-volume method (PVM) and a variable method, were used to calculate volumes of 40 plastic nodules (largest dimension, <5 mm: 20 nodules with solid attenuation and 20 with ground-glass attenuation) of known volume. Tube current times (20 and 120 mAs), reconstruction algorithms (high and low frequency), and nodule characteristics were studied. Higher precision was associated with use of a PVM with predetermined pure nodule attenuation, high-frequency algorithm, and diagnostic CT technique (120 mAs). A PVM is promising for volume quantification and follow-up of nodules.     

Distension technique to improve computed tomographic evaluation of oral cavity lesions

BACKGROUND: The apposing mucosa of the oral cavity makes the computed tomographic identification of a clinically obvious mass difficult. Contrast distension techniques have been used in radiology to evaluate for presence of a "hidden" mass. OBJECTIVE: To illustrate the utility of distending the oral cavity with air, water, or contrast to display otherwise obscure oral cavity lesions. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In 3 normal subjects and 5 patients with biopsy-proved oral cavity lesions, serial contiguous 3-mm axial and coronal computed tomographic scans were obtained before and after distension of the oral cavity using intraoral air or water. Air distension was achieved by having the subjects perform a modified Valsalva maneuver during the scan acquisitions. Fluid distension was obtained using approximately 40 mL of water. RESULTS: In each case, the contrast successfully distended the oral cavity, separating the mucosal surfaces. Gingivobuccal lesions that were obscured by apposition of the lips and cheeks to the gums and teeth, or by apposition of the tongue to the inner margins of the gums and teeth, were clearly demonstrated. Lesions involving or extending into the retromolar trigone were also well demonstrated using this distension technique. CONCLUSIONS: Computed tomographic display of the anatomy and pathology of the oral cavity can be improved simply by distending the oral cavity using air or water as a contrast medium. This technique successfully shows lesions that are obscured by the apposing surfaces of the vestibule and the oral cavity proper, improving computed tomographic diagnosis.     

Anatomic substrates of language: emphasizing speech

This article reviews in detail the gross anatomy of the auditory and language areas, the present concepts of unimodal and multimodal association cortices, the classic model of language, problems with the classic model, and newer approaches to conceptualizing the structural interconnections that subserve audition and language.     

The parasagittal line: an anatomic landmark for axial imaging

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: No validated imaging landmark exists for characterizing the medial-lateral position of abnormalities at the high convexity-parasagittal region. Our understanding of the courses and deflections of the upper cerebral sulci is limited. Our purpose, therefore, was to define a frontooccipital line with reproducible anatomic relations to the upper cerebral gyri and sulci and to validate that line for use as an anatomic landmark by specific analysis of the gyral-sulcal relationships along it. METHODS: In 100 subjects of all ages, the gyri and sulci visualized on serial axial CT sections of the upper brain were traced onto a single flat surface to delineate the anatomic relationships among the midline interhemispheric fissure, the paramedian superior frontal sulci (SFS) and intraoccipital sulci (IOS), the medial surface sulci, the high convexity sulci, and the inner table of the skull. These tracings provided a template for drawing a straight, best-fit parasagittal line from the SFS to the IOS and for assessing how reproducibly key anatomic structures align along the parasagittal line. To assure the applicability of the line to MR imaging, selected relationships were retested on serial axial MR sections in the same subjects. RESULTS: The parasagittal line could be drawn in each case and showed reproducible alignment with the SFS, hand-motor area, partes marginales, pars deflections, postcentral "parentheses," distal intraparietal sulci, and IOS. In supraventricular sections, the parasagittal line separated the sulci arising along the medial surface from those arising along the convexity. CONCLUSION: Because the anatomic relationships of the parasagittal line are reproducible, it may serve as a reference line or landmark. The tendency of this line to demarcate medial sulci from convexity sulci suggests immediate application to the definition of vascular territories and vascular watersheds, a topic under active investigation.     

Experience with the Amplatz retrievable vena caval filter. Work in progress

The Amplatz retrievable vena caval filter was designed in an attempt to decrease complications associated with the placement of Mobin-Uddin or Kimray-Greenfield filters. The design allows percutaneous retrieval, thus expanding application of the filter to situations requiring temporary prophylaxis against pulmonary embolism. Filters have been placed in 16 patients, nine (56%) for prophylactic purposes. All filters were easily inserted percutaneously. Complications occurred in three patients; these included complete thrombosis of the inferior vena cava below the filter, misplacement of one filter into the pericaval retroperitoneal tissue, and development of thrombus cranial to the filter. With the current introduction system, the possibility of filter misplacement has been essentially eliminated. No patient experienced symptoms suggestive of pulmonary embolism after filter insertion. One filter retrieval has been performed, with no complications.     

Effect of medial arch-heel support in inserts on reducing ankle eversion: a biomechanics study

Background  

Excessive pronation (or eversion) at ankle joint in heel-toe running correlated with lower extremity overuse injuries. Orthotics and inserts are often prescribed to limit the pronation range to tackle the problem. Previous studies revealed that the effect is product-specific. This study investigated the effect of medial arch-heel support in inserts on reducing ankle eversion in standing, walking and running.     

MR appearance of bilateral, spontaneous patellar tendon rupture in systemic lupus erythematosus

Bilateral spontaneous patellar tendon rupture is an unusual complication in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. The ability of magnetic resonance to detect these tendon abnormalities is demonstrated.     

MR imaging of pulmonary parenchyma: comparison with CT in evaluating cadaveric lung specimens

Magnetic resonance (MR) images (0.5 and 1.5 T) and thin section CT scans were obtained in 17 cadaveric lungs (11 fixed, 6 both pre and post fixation). Standard T1-weighted spin echo (SE) sequences were used for all lungs. In six lungs, additional gradient-refocused echo (GRE) sequences were also obtained. The MR images and CT scans were compared to corresponding gross and microscopic pathologic sections. In all cases, MR SE sequences proved comparable to CT for delineation of normal anatomic structures as well as a range of pathologic conditions, including both air space and interstitial disease. Although image quality was markedly degraded on GRE compared to SE images, they did permit visualization of pulmonary vasculature and focal pathology.