The anterior choroidal artery syndrome

We reviewed 12 cases of infarcts in the territory of the anterior choroidal artery (AChA) on CT and/or MRI. In each case vascular occlusion in the region was verified angiographically. Although the extent of the lesion on CT/MR images was variable, all were located on the axial images within an arcuate zone between the striatium anterolaterally and the thalamus posteromedially. The distribution of the lesions on mutiplanar MRI conformed well to the territory of the AChA demonstrated microangiographically. The variability of the extent of the infarcts may be explained by variations in the degree of occlusive changes in the AChA or the development of collateral circulation through anastomoses between the AChA and the posterior communicating and posterior cerebral arteries. The extent of the lesion appeared to be closely related to the degree of neurological deficit.     

Spontaneous subcapsular hepatic hemorrhage associated with pregnancy: Report of a case

We report herein a case of spontaneous subcapsular hepatic hemorrhage which occurred in a 33-year-old woman 1 day after she had been delivered of her second child by cesarean section following an uneventful pregnancy. She complained of right upper quadrant pain on the 1st postoperative day, and computed tomography (CT) showed subcapsular low-density masses in both liver lobes, while extravasation was demonstrated by CO₂ intraarterial digital subtraction angiography (IADSA). The hemorrhage was successfully controlled by transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE). However, on the 3rd day after TAE, an exploratory laparotomy was performed to establish an exact diagnosis to explain the persistent abdominal pain and abnormal liver function tests. Subcapsular hematomas in both lobes were confirmed and no visible laceration was present. The patient recovered gradually by spontaneous absorption of the hematomas and was discharged on the 22nd postoperative day. Spontaneous hepatic hemorrhage associated with pregnancy is a very rare complication, and establishing a correct diagnosis and initiating appropriate therapy are essential for this life-threatening disease.     

Mycotic aneurysm of the aorta: MRI and MRA features

Mycotic aneurysms of the abdominal aorta are potentially fatal but uncommon. We report the MRI and MRA features of an abdominal aortic mycotic aneurysm in a patient who presented with nonspecific low back pain. By delineating the saccular nature of the aneurysm and identifying the coexistence of vertebral enhancement, MRI was crucial for the final diagnosis. A potential pitfall of contrast-enhanced MRA is also demonstrated.     

First experimental study of carbon dioxide digital subtraction lymphangiography

Fourteen pigs with an average weight of 17 kg were used in this study. Under general anesthesia and magnification 1–3 ccm/kg of carbon dioxide were administered in the lymph vessels of the front and rear legs. Imaging of the peripheral lymph vessels, lymph nodes and the thoracic duct was achieved with digital subtraction angiography. The quality of lymphangiography was satisfactory and comparable with that of the standard non-ionic contrast agent. It is anticipated that further technical evolution will permit the application of CO₂/DSA lymphangiography to man. Carbon dioxide is non-nephrotoxic and is non-allergic; it is inexpensive, can be administered in unlimited quantity and is quickly eliminated via the pulmonary system.     

X-刀立体定向放射治疗颅内肿瘤的近期疗效分析

目的:分析立体定向X-刀放射治疗颅内肿瘤后的近期疗效,并进行阶段性工作总结。材料和方法:53例不同类型脑瘤患者,以CT、MR、DSA图像资料作为定位依据,用德国Brain LAB治疗计划系统设计三维优化方案,西门子MD-2型直线加速器旋转照射。结果:53例患者经X-刀治疗后,近期均取得了满意效果,诸如以卡氏评分法评价,临床症状有所改善;以CT增强扫描复查观察,肿瘤大小趋于缩小或消失。结论:立体定向放射治疗后的追踪观察表明,只要严格掌握适应症,精确定位,精确计划,精心治疗,X-刀是一种安全、有效、无痛苦的治疗脑肿瘤的方法。它可起到改善临床症状,提高患者生活质量,延长生存期限的作用。     

A prospective radiologic and neurologic follow-up study of 61 HIV-1 -infected subjects: early beginning and slow progression of brain atrophy

The course of the organic brain disease caused by human immunodeficency virus (HIV-1) was evaluated in a follow-up study. The primary material included 200 consecutive HIV-1 infected persons. Sixty-one subjects, in whom other brain-affecting factors were excluded, consented to the follow-up. They underwent 278 radiologic examinations: computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, or a combination of both (mean 4.6 examinations/subject). Clinical neurologic status and, in 40 subjects, cognitive performance were repeatedly evaluated. Sixteen subjects were followed up until death and 11 of them were autopsied. Median follow-up time was 27 mo (range 2.5–66 mo). The most common radiologic finding was atrophy, found in 19 subjects at study entry and developing in 10 subjects during the study. Twenty-four subjects (39%) showed the development and/or progression of atrophy. Atrophic changes progressed most rapidly in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), but mild developing/progressive atrophy was found even in 33% of asymptomatic or neurologically intact subjects. Cognitive and radiologic worsening were simultaneous in 6/7 subjects with declining neuropsychologic test performance. Signal intensity changes including HIV-1 leukoencephalopathy appeared in AIDS patients with clear cognitive decline.     

Intracranial alveolar echinococcosis: CT and MRI

Intracranial alveolar echinococcosis is uncommon. We report a patient with right frontal lobe and palpebral lesions secondary to a primary hepatic focus with secondary lesion in the lung. The intracranial and palpebral cystic masses were totally removed and both proved to be alveolar hydatid cysts. An unusual feature in this case is CT and MRI demonstration of dural and bony extension.     

Open surgery of giant paraclinoid aneurysms improved by intraoperative angiography and endovascular retrograde suction decompression

Summary In three consecutive cases of giant left sided paraclinoid aneurysms we employed an endovascular retrograde suction decompression technique in combination with intra-operative angiography. A double-lumen balloon catheter was placed in the left internal carotid artery by the transfemoral route. After balloon inflation and placement of a temporary clip distal to the aneurysm blood was aspirated and the aneurysm collapsed. Thus further dissection of the aneurysm could easily be achieved and clips could be placed. Afterwards real-time digital subtraction angiography was performed. Intra-operative angiography led to clip repositioning in all cases either due to a clip induced stenosis of the parent vessel, or because of incomplete aneurysm obliteration. Afterwards successful clipping could be confirmed in all cases. Outcome was excellent in one case, good in the other. The third case, extremely complicated by an accompanying craniopharyngioma, showed a satisfactory outcome, but presented new neurological deficits.     

肺静脉异常连接X线诊断 (附11例报告)

目的:提高X线对肺静脉异常连接的诊断准确性,为手术治疗提供可靠的依据。材料与方法:回顾性分析了11例肺静脉异常连接的X线胸片和病理生理改变,男3例,女8例,年龄8—34岁。从血液动力学变化分析了“8”字征,镰刀综合征等X线典型征象。结果:11例中完全性肺静脉异常连接4例,部分性7例。按部位分心上型6例;心内型4例;心下型1例。肺静脉异常连接或多或少合并房间隔缺损,法鲁氏三联症,以及右肺和肺动脉发育不全。结论:肺静脉异常连接的X线征象十分复杂而多变,因此,术前的仔细观察和精心判别对于手术治疗是非常重要的。     

Flow-independent angiography for peripheral vascular disease: Initial in-vivo results

Flow-independent angiography (FIA), an approach that isolates arterial blood using MR relaxation characteristics rather than flow effects, was evaluated for application in peripheral vascular disease (PVD). First, pilot studies were conducted in which FIA coronal projection images were obtained from controls and symptomatic patients with PVD to assess clinical utility. All control images corresponded to the expected leg arterial anatomy with little interference from deep veins (one of five) and muscle (zero of five). Superficial venous signal was less well suppressed in comparison to deep veins (four of five). Images of symptomatic patients were less consistent with difficulty suppressing muscle and deep venous signal in some cases and edema when present. We then compared T2 values for muscle (T2_m, tibialis anterior), arterial blood (femoral and popliteal arteries), and venous blood (femoral, popliteal, and saphenous veins) in controls (n = 8) and symptomatic patients with intermittent claudication (n = 5) or ischemic rest pain (n = 7). Changes in T2 measurements of various tissues accounted for poorer contrast in symptomatic patients. Patients with ischemic rest pain had significantly higher T2_m compared with controls (T2_m = 39.3 ± 2.1 (1 standard error of the mean [SEM]) versus 30.9 ± .4, P < .01). For all measurements, other than saphenous vein, variances were greater in symptomatic patients. To realize the inherent advantages of FIA for this clinical application, additional work on suppression of signals from muscle, veins, and edema is required. One promising approach involves shifting from projection images to three-dimensional acquisitions for improved tissue suppression.