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BACKGROUND: The Canadian Special Operations Forces Command conducts explosives operations and training which exposes members to explosive charges at close proximity. This 5-year longitudinal trial was conducted in follow-up to our initial trial which examined military breachers with MRI and EEG pre and post blast exposure. PURPOSE: To examine brain MRI findings in military personnel exposed to multiple repeated blast exposures. STUDY TYPE: Five-year longitudinal prospective trial. POPULATION: Ninety-two males aged 23-42 with an average of 9.4 years of blast exposure. FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE: 3 T brain MRI/T1-weighted 3D with reconstruction in three planes, T2-weighted, T2-weighted fluid attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) 3D with reconstruction in three planes, T2-weighted gradient spin echo (GRE), saturation weighted images, DWI and ADC maps, diffusion tensor imaging. ASSESSMENT: All MRI scans were interpreted by the two neuroradiologists and one neuroradiology Fellow in a blinded fashion using a customized neuroradiology reporting form. STATISTICAL TESTS: Matching parametric statistics represented the number of participants whose brain parameters improved or deteriorated over time. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were computed using log regression modeling to determine volume loss, white matter lesions, hemosiderosis, gliosis, cystic changes and enlarged Virchow Robin (VR) spaces. A Kappa (κ) statistic with a 95% CI was calculated to determine rater variability between readers. RESULTS: A significant deterioration was observed in volume loss (OR = 1.083, 95% CI 0.678-1.731, permutation test), white matter changes (OR: 0.754, 95% CI 0.442-1.284, permutation test), and enlargement of VR spaces (OR: 0.775, 95% CI 0.513-1.171). Interrater reliability was low: κ = 0.283, 0.156, and 0.557 for volume loss, white matter changes, and enlargement of VR spaces, respectively. DATA CONCLUSION: There were significant changes in brain volume, white matter lesions, and enlargement of VR spaces. EVIDENCE LEVEL: 2 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 2.
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PURPOSE: Pulsatile tinnitus can be caused by a high-riding jugular bulb (HRJB), characterized by the superior position of the jugular bulb in the petrous temporal bone. The anatomical position and morphology of this entity make it challenging for endovascular treatment. We report our experience with two patients successfully treated with a stent-assisted Woven EndoBridge (WEB; Microvention, Tustin, CA, USA) device. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We describe two cases of HRJB in patients presenting with disabling pulsatile tinnitus. Temporary balloon occlusion of the jugular bulb prior to the intervention reduced tinnitus intensity. Both patients were subsequently treated under general anesthesia with the WEB device deployed in the HRJB which was held by a stent deployed in the sigmoid sinus. RESULTS: Both procedures were successful with good positioning of the WEB device and no procedural complications. Both patients had complete resolution of pulsatile tinnitus immediately after the procedure. Follow-up imaging showed successful occlusion of the venous cavity with a widely patent stent. CONCLUSION: Among patients with pulsatile tinnitus caused by an ipsilateral HRJB, a stent-assisted WEB device seems to be a viable endovascular option with angiographic and clinical success.
