"National survey for preliminary evaluation of neuroradiological protocols in patients with infective endocarditis".

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to identify imaging protocols in patients with infective endocarditis through a nationwide survey. METHODS: An electronic evolutionary survey was sent to interventional Neuroradiologists among neuroradiological centers, under the aegis of the Société Française de Neuroradiologie. Among 33 contacted centers, 25 completed the survey (21 universitary hospitals and 4 peripheric hospitals). RESULTS: Most of the centers (88%) used systematic imaging screening in IE patients. MRI was the first imaging method used in 66% of cases, while CT was used in 44%. When no IIA was detectable in CT-scan screening, 6 (54,54%) stopped investigations, while 9 (81,81%) continued with MRI exploration in case of hemorrhage, ischemia or enhancement. Sulcal hemorrhage on MRI was an indication of complementary DSA in 25 centers (100%). Regarding IIA characterization, 12 centers (48%) used systematic DSA, whereas for 10 centers (40%), DSA was conditioned by hemorrhage or patient status. CONCLUSION: We highlighted large variations in Neuroimaging exploration and follow-up of IE patients in real-world practices. Expert guidelines able to standardize practices are warranted to improve the management of this serious and often misdiagnosed pathology.

Susceptibility-Diffusion Mismatch in Hyperacute Stroke: Correlation with Perfusion-Diffusion Mismatch and Clinical Outcome.

BACKGROUND: A prominent vein (PV) on susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) was recently proposed to be a marker of the penumbra. We aimed to compare the utility of SWI and perfusion-weighted imaging (PWI) sequences for the evaluation of the penumbra in hyperacute middle cerebral artery (MCA) stroke, and to determine whether SWI-DWI mismatch is a neuroimaging marker of clinical outcome. METHODS: A total of 149 consecutive patients with MCA stroke were prospectively enrolled. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed within 6 hours of the onset of stroke. The ASPECTS values on diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), PWI (delayed mean transit time), and SWI (visualization of PVs) were calculated by 2 independent raters. Correlation between PWI-ASPECTS and SWI-ASPECTS was calculated with the Pearson coefficient. Reliability of the PV rating system was calculated by an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Favorable outcome was defined as a modified Rankin Scale score of 0-2 at 3 months for the 88 patients who received thrombolytic therapy. RESULTS: The ASPECTS-SWI and ASPECTS-PWI scores showed a good correlation (Pearson coefficient of .69, P <.001). The reproducibility between the findings of the junior and the senior radiologists was excellent with an ICC of .89 (confidence interval of 95% (IC95): .85-.92, P <.001). However, neither SWI-DWI mismatch nor PWI-SWI mismatch was associated with clinical outcome. CONCLUSION: SWI and PWI were complementary but not commutable for the assessment of the penumbra. Susceptibility-diffusion mismatch was not found in this study to have predictive value for stroke outcome.

Delayed cauda equina compression after spinal dura repair with BioGlue: magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography aspects of two cases of "glue-oma".

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Bovine serum albumin and glutaraldehyde (BSAG) (BioGlue) is a surgical adhesive widely used for off-label applications in neurosurgical procedures to minimize the risk of cerebrospinal fluid leakage after dural closure. PURPOSE: To describe magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) aspects of two cases of postoperative BSAG expansion causing delayed cauda equina compression requiring further surgery. STUDY DESIGN: A case report. PATIENT SAMPLE: Two cases of delayed cauda equina compression complicating the closure, with BSAG, of small unintentional tears in the dura requiring lumbar decompressive surgery. OUTCOME MEASURES: They included postoperative CT and MRI findings. METHODS: We compared postoperative imaging and perioperative findings during subsequent surgery. RESULTS: In both cases, imaging showed cauda equina compression due to epidural masses found during subsequent surgery comprising BioGlue. These masses appeared slightly hyperdense on CT scans and markedly hypointense on T2-weighted MRI scans. CONCLUSIONS: When applied as a thick layer during use as a dural sealant, BSAG may swell, leading to a symptomatic "glue-oma" giving a hypointense image on T2-weighted MRI scans.

Campylobacter fetus subspecies fetus spondylodiscitis.

Campylobacter spp. are common causes of gastrointestinal infections. Campylobacter fetus is a much rarer pathogen in humans, and usually causes bacteraemia and systemic complications in patients with predisposing conditions. We report a case of spondylodiscitis caused by C. fetus subsp. fetus as revealed by vertebral biopsy culture. This identification was confirmed by sequencing the 16S rRNA gene and by phylogenetic analysis. Treatment consisted of 6 weeks antimicrobial therapy combined with a strict initial immobilization, followed by a re-education program. The patient's recovery was uneventful.