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1.
Neuroradiology ; 2024 Oct 27.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39465428

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: As pregnancy progresses, the germinal matrix volume decreases. Residual periventricular germinal matrix may be mistaken for hypoxic-ischemic white matter injury. This study aims to determine the prevalence and imaging characteristics of these findings. METHODS: This retrospective study analyzed brain MRIs of newborns from 2012-2023, performed within the first week of life. MRIs were done for suspected hypoxic-ischemic injuries, post-natal neurological symptoms, and evaluation of prenatally diagnosed structural anomalies. Image analysis targeted the remnants of the frontal periventricular germinal matrix, assessing its imaging characteristics, including diffusion, T1, and T2 signal characteristics, and laterality. Frontal migrating cell bands were also assessed. RESULTS: Seventy newborns were included (mean gestational age at delivery was 38.3 ± 2.1 weeks, mean scan age 5.1 ± 1.9 days). Frontal periventricular gray matter was detected in 39 newborns (90% bilateral) on T2-weighted images, negatively correlated with gestational age (r = -0.31, p = 0.013); none showed decreased ADC or shortened T1 signal compared with the basal ganglia. Frontal periventricular bands were found in 37 newborns (97.3% bilateral), strongly correlating with periventricular gray matter (r = 0.71, p < 0.001). No correlation was found between clinical hypoxic-ischemic injuries and these features. CONCLUSION: The presence of frontal periventricular gray matter observed in early neonatal MRIs, without decreased ADC values or shortened T1 signal, is developmental, reflecting a late maturation phase. Careful interpretation of MRI characteristics, including diffusion, T1, and T2 signal intensities, is necessary before attributing these findings to hypoxic-ischemic white matter injury.

2.
J Magn Reson Imaging ; 58(6): 1875-1881, 2023 12.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37052820

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Papilledema is thought to be the hallmark sign of increased intracranial pressure (ICP). Distension of the subarachnoid space within the optic nerve sheath is also commonly reported in MR studies as an indirect sign of increased ICP. HYPOTHESIS: General anesthesia and positive pressure ventilation might result in changes in optic sheath diameter (OSD) observed on clinical brain MRI. STUDY TYPE: Retrospective. POPULATION: One hundred forty-five  patients (154 MRI scans, 7.3 years ± 5.1); 97 studies in the anesthesia group (4.4 years ± 3.4) of which 22 had papilledema, and 57 in the non-anesthesia group (12.3 years ± 3.2), of which 28 had papilledema. FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE: 1.5T or 3.0T volumetric T2 images. T2 images were obtained from different vendors. ASSESSMENT: OSD, optic nerve diameter (OND), and peri-optic cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were measured manually on T2-weighted MR images for various population subgroups (with and without anesthesia; with or without papilledema). The correlation between these measurements and the clinical diagnosis of papilledema was evaluated via receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. STATISTICAL TESTS: Chi-square test; Mann-Whitney Test; Spearman's test and ROCs; Interclass correlation coefficient, P = 0.05. RESULTS: General anesthesia resulted in significantly larger mean OSD in patients with or without papilledema (7.3 ± 1.0 mm vs. 6.1 ± 1.1 mm and 6.7 ± 1.0 mm vs. 5.4 ± 0.9 mm, respectively). In the non-anesthesia group, the average OSD values (6.1 ± 1.1 mm) were significantly higher in papilledema patients compared to non-papilledema patients (5.4 ± 0.9 mm), with larger peri-optic CSF rim (1.6 ± 0.4 mm vs. 1.3 ± 0.3 mm). In the anesthesia group, OND was significantly larger in papilledema patients (3.4 ± 0.4 mm vs. 3.1 ± 0.5 mm), though the average peri-optic CSF rim did not reach a significance in papilledema compared with non-papilledema patients (2.0 ± 0.3 mm vs. 1.8 ± 0.4 mm, P = 0.06). In patients with general anesthesia, peri-optic CSF rim had a limited correlation with increased ICP. DATA CONCLUSION: In the pediatric population, imaging findings of increased OSD on brain MRI might be related to general anesthesia rather than increased ICP. The interpretation of optic nerve sheath distention should be reported cautiously in conjunction with anesthesia status, especially in the pediatric population. EVIDENCE LEVEL: 4 Technical Efficacy: 5.


Subject(s)
Intracranial Hypertension , Papilledema , Humans , Child , Papilledema/diagnosis , Retrospective Studies , Optic Nerve/diagnostic imaging , Anesthesia, General
3.
J Magn Reson Imaging ; 58(2): 642-649, 2023 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36495014

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) diagnosis is usually performed by analyzing contrast-weighted images, where pathology is detected once it reached a certain visual threshold. Computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) has been proposed as a way for achieving higher sensitivity to early pathology. PURPOSE: To compare conventional (i.e., visual) MRI assessment of artificially generated multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions in the brain's white matter to CAD based on a deep neural network. STUDY TYPE: Prospective. POPULATION: A total of 25 neuroradiologists (15 males, age 39 ± 9, 9 ± 9.8 years of experience) independently assessed all synthetic lesions. FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE: A 3.0 T, T2 -weighted multi-echo spin-echo (MESE) sequence. ASSESSMENT: MS lesions of varying severity levels were artificially generated in healthy volunteer MRI scans by manipulating T2 values. Radiologists and a neural network were tasked with detecting these lesions in a series of 48 MR images. Sixteen images presented healthy anatomy and the rest contained a single lesion at eight increasing severity levels (6%, 9%, 12%, 15%, 18%, 21%, 25%, and 30% elevation in T2 ). True positive (TP) rates, false positive (FP) rates, and odds ratios (ORs) were compared between radiological diagnosis and CAD across the range lesion severity levels. STATISTICAL TESTS: Diagnostic performance of the two approaches was compared using z-tests on TP rates, FP rates, and the logarithm of ORs across severity levels. A P-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: ORs of identifying pathology were significantly higher for CAD vis-à-vis visual inspection for all lesions' severity levels. For a 6% change in T2 value (lowest severity), radiologists' TP and FP rates were not significantly different (P = 0.12), while the corresponding CAD results remained statistically significant. DATA CONCLUSION: CAD is capable of detecting the presence or absence of more subtle lesions with greater precision than the representative group of 25 radiologists chosen in this study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 1 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 3.


Subject(s)
Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Multiple Sclerosis , Male , Humans , Prospective Studies , Sensitivity and Specificity , Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods , Multiple Sclerosis/diagnostic imaging , Multiple Sclerosis/pathology , Computers , Brain/diagnostic imaging , Brain/pathology , Retrospective Studies
4.
Pediatr Blood Cancer ; 70(12): e30689, 2023 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37740614

ABSTRACT

Retinal vein occlusion (RVO) and superior ophthalmic vein thrombosis (SOVT) are rare diseases in the pediatric population; however, the ophthalmic and neurologic morbidity are significant. As published data are scarce for these conditions, we present our experience with pediatric ocular venous thrombosis in four patients, and discuss recommended management for evaluation and treatment. We suggest performing thrombophilia workup for all pediatric patients with RVO or SOVT. In patients with thrombophilia risk factors or patients with additional thrombi, we highly recommend initiating anticoagulation therapy. There is a need for more research in order to determine the optimal management strategy.

5.
Neuroradiology ; 65(10): 1517-1525, 2023 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37436475

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Abnormal fetal brain measurements might affect clinical management and parental counseling. The effect of between-field-strength differences was not evaluated in quantitative fetal brain imaging until now. Our study aimed to compare fetal brain biometry measurements in 3.0 T with 1.5 T scanners. METHODS: A retrospective cohort of 1150 low-risk fetuses scanned between 2012 and 2021, with apparently normal brain anatomy, were retrospectively evaluated for biometric measurements. The cohort included 1.5 T (442 fetuses) and 3.0 T scans (708 fetuses) of populations with comparable characteristics in the same tertiary medical center. Manually measured biometry included bi-parietal, fronto-occipital and trans-cerebellar diameters, length of the corpus-callosum, vermis height, and width. Measurements were then converted to centiles based on previously reported biometric reference charts. The 1.5 T centiles were compared with the 3.0 T centiles. RESULTS: No significant differences between centiles of bi-parietal diameter, trans-cerebellar diameter, or length of the corpus callosum between 1.5 T and 3.0 T scanners were found. Small absolute differences were found in the vermis height, with higher centiles in the 3.0 T, compared to the 1.5 T scanner (54.6th-centile, vs. 39.0th-centile, p < 0.001); less significant differences were found in vermis width centiles (46.9th-centile vs. 37.5th-centile, p = 0.03). Fronto-occipital diameter was higher in 1.5 T than in the 3.0 T scanner (66.0th-centile vs. 61.8th-centile, p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: The increasing use of 3.0 T MRI for fetal imaging poses a potential bias when using 1.5 T-based charts. We elucidate those biometric measurements are comparable, with relatively small between-field-strength differences, when using manual biometric measurements. Small inter-magnet differences can be related to higher spatial resolution with 3 T scanners and may be substantial when evaluating small brain structures, such as the vermis.


Subject(s)
Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Magnets , Female , Humans , Retrospective Studies , Cohort Studies , Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods , Brain/diagnostic imaging , Brain/anatomy & histology , Biometry/methods
6.
Neuroradiology ; 64(6): 1249-1254, 2022 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34820712

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values in the developing fetus provide valuable information on the diagnosis and prognosis of prenatal brain pathologies. Normative ADC data has been previously established in 1.5 T MR scanners but lacking in 3.0 T scanners. Our objective was to measure ADC values in various brain areas in a cohort of normal singleton fetuses scanned in a 3.0 T MR scanner. METHODS: DWI (diffusion-weighted imaging) was performed in 47 singleton fetuses with normal or questionably abnormal results on sonography followed by normal structural MR imaging. ADC values were measured in cerebral lobes (frontal, parietal, temporal lobes), basal ganglia, and pons. Regression analysis was used to examine gestational age-related changes in regional ADC. RESULTS: Median gestational age was 30.1 weeks (range, 26-34 weeks). There was a significant effect of region on ADC values, whereby ADC values were highest in cerebral lobes (parietal > frontal > temporal lobes), compared with basal ganglia. The lowest values were found in the pons. On regression analysis, there was a decrease in ADC values in basal ganglia and pons with increasing gestational age. ADC values in frontal, parietal, and temporal lobes were stable in our cohort. CONCLUSION: Regional brain ADC values in 3.0 T scanners are comparable with previously reported values in 1.5 T scanners, with similar changes over gestational age. Using 3.0 T scanners is increasing worldwide. For fetal imaging, establishing normal ADC values is critical as DWI enables a sensitive and quantitative technique to evaluate normal and abnormal brain development.


Subject(s)
Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Brain/diagnostic imaging , Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods , Female , Humans , Infant , Pregnancy , Pregnancy Trimester, Third , Prenatal Diagnosis/methods
7.
Neuroradiology ; 64(3): 611-620, 2022 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34532765

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a genetic disorder characterized by multiorgan hamartomas, including cerebral lesions, with seizures as a common presentation. Most TSC patients will also experience neurocognitive comorbidities. Our objective was to use machine learning techniques incorporating clinical and imaging data to predict the occurrence of major neurocognitive disorders and seizures in TSC patients. METHODS: A cohort of TSC patients were enrolled in this retrospective study. Clinical data included genetic, demographic, and seizure characteristics. Imaging parameters included the number, characteristics, and location of cortical tubers and the presence of subependymal nodules, SEGAs, and cerebellar tubers. A random forest machine learning scheme was used to predict seizures and neurodevelopmental delay or intellectual developmental disability. Prediction ability was assessed by the area-under-the-curve of receiver-operating-characteristics (AUC-ROC) of ten-fold cross-validation training set and an independent validation set. RESULTS: The study population included 77 patients, 55% male (17.1 ± 11.7 years old). The model achieved AUC-ROC of 0.72 ± 0.1 and 0.68 in the training and internal validation datasets, respectively, for predicting neurocognitive comorbidity. Performance was limited in predicting seizures (AUC-ROC of 0.54 ± 0.19 and 0.71 in the training and internal validation datasets, respectively). The integration of seizure characteristics into the model improved the prediction of neurocognitive comorbidity with AUC-ROC of 0.84 ± 0.07 and 0.75 in the training and internal validation datasets, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This proof of concept study shows that it is possible to achieve a reasonable prediction of major neurocognitive morbidity in TSC patients using structural brain imaging and machine learning techniques. These tools can help clinicians identify subgroups of TSC patients with an increased risk of developing neurocognitive comorbidities.


Subject(s)
Tuberous Sclerosis , Adolescent , Adult , Child , Child, Preschool , Female , Humans , Machine Learning , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Male , Neurocognitive Disorders/complications , Retrospective Studies , Seizures/diagnostic imaging , Seizures/etiology , Tuberous Sclerosis/complications , Tuberous Sclerosis/diagnostic imaging , Young Adult
8.
Prenat Diagn ; 42(8): 978-984, 2022 07.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35726441

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To determine the rate of fetal and neonatal brain lesions and define risk factors for such lesions in pregnancies complicated by Twin Anemia Polycythemia Sequence (TAPS). METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of monochorionic twin pregnancies which were diagnosed with TAPS in a single tertiary medical center between 2013 and 2021. Pregnancies were followed with fetal brain neurosonogram every 2 weeks and fetal brain MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) was performed when indicated at 28-32 weeks of gestation; post-natal brain imaging included neonatal brain ultrasound. Pregnancies with pre- and post-natal brain lesions were compared to those without such findings. RESULTS: Overall, 23 monochorionic diamniotic pregnancies were diagnosed with TAPS over the study period resulting in perinatal survival of 91.3% (42/46). In 6/23 (26%) pregnancies and 7/46 (15.2%) fetuses pre- or post-natal brain lesions were detected, of whom five were the polycythemic twins and two were the anemic twins. Brain findings included intra-cerebral hemorrhage and ischemic lesions and were diagnosed prenatally in 6/7 (85.7%) cases. No risk factors for severe brain lesions were identified. CONCLUSIONS: TAPS may place the fetuses and neonates at increased risk for cerebral injuries. Incorporation of fetal brain imaging protocols may enhance precise prenatal diagnosis and allow for accurate parental counseling and post-natal care.


Subject(s)
Anemia , Brain Injuries , Fetofetal Transfusion , Polycythemia , Anemia/complications , Anemia/diagnostic imaging , Anemia/epidemiology , Female , Fetofetal Transfusion/complications , Fetofetal Transfusion/diagnostic imaging , Fetofetal Transfusion/epidemiology , Fetus , Humans , Infant, Newborn , Polycythemia/complications , Polycythemia/diagnostic imaging , Polycythemia/epidemiology , Pregnancy , Pregnancy, Twin , Retrospective Studies , Twins, Monozygotic , Ultrasonography, Prenatal
9.
Am J Otolaryngol ; 43(1): 103237, 2022.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34560599

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Bone impaction (BI) is a common cause for emergency room visits. Among foreign bodies, fish bone is considered the most common. The sensitivity of symptoms in predicting BI is relatively low, making imaging a central tool to aid diagnosis. Current imaging practices include both neck plain film radiography and none-contrast CT scans of the neck. We evaluated the accuracy of neck plain film radiography and CT scans of the neck for the diagnosis of BI. METHODS: Retrospective review of all patients who presented to the emergency room between 2009 and 2016 with a suspicious history of BI whom underwent plain film neck radiography or CT. All Images were reviewed by two neuro-radiologist blinded to the clinical symptoms and findings. Symptoms, clinical findings and images results were compared to the final diagnosis. RESULTS: 89 patients (30.7%), out of 290 patients who presented with complaints of BI, were diagnosed with BI. Mean age was 44.7 years old. Plain film neck radiography failed to predict BI (sen. 14.4%, spe 89.8% accuracy 63.2%), neck CT has an improved accuracy and sensitivity in locating BI (sen. 83.3%, spe. 94.1% accuracy 92.5%). Interobserver agreement between the two neuro-radiologists was moderate (0.46) and substantial (0.77) in neck radiography and CT images, respectively. Neck radiography missed 60 (out of 61) oropharyngeal BI's. CONCLUSION: Neck radiography has high inter-observer variability and low sensitivity for the diagnosis of BI. Neck CT should be the first imaging modality in patients with suspicious complaints for BI and negative physical exam.


Subject(s)
Foreign Bodies/diagnostic imaging , Neck Pain/diagnostic imaging , Neck/diagnostic imaging , Radiography/statistics & numerical data , Tomography, X-Ray Computed/statistics & numerical data , Adult , Animals , Bone and Bones/diagnostic imaging , Diagnosis, Differential , Female , Fishes , Foreign Bodies/complications , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Neck Pain/etiology , Observer Variation , Radiography/methods , Sensitivity and Specificity , Tomography, X-Ray Computed/methods
10.
Isr Med Assoc J ; 23(10): 625-630, 2021 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34672443

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Only a small proportion of schizophrenia patients present with catatonic symptoms. Imaging studies suggest that brain motor circuits are involved in the underlying pathology of catatonia. However, data about diffusivity dysregulation of these circuits in catatonic schizophrenia are scarce. OBJECTIVES: To assess the involvement of brain motor circuits in schizophrenia patients with catatonia. METHODS: Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) was used to measure white matter signals in selected brain regions linked to motor circuits. Relevant DTI data of seven catatonic schizophrenia patients were compared to those of seven non-catatonic schizophrenia patients, matched for sex, age, and education level. RESULTS: Significantly elevated fractional anisotropy values were found in the splenium of the corpus callosum, the right peduncle of the cerebellum, and the right internal capsule of the schizophrenia patients with catatonia compared to those without catatonia. This finding showed altered diffusivity in selected motor-related brain areas. CONCLUSIONS: Catatonic schizophrenia is associated with dysregulation of the connectivity in specific motoric brain regions and corresponding circuits. Future DTI studies are needed to address the neural correlates of motor abnormalities in schizophrenia-related catatonia during the acute and remitted state of the illness to identify the specific pathophysiology of this disorder.


Subject(s)
Diffusion Tensor Imaging/methods , Motor Cortex , Schizophrenia, Catatonic , Adult , Anisotropy , Cerebellum/diagnostic imaging , Cerebellum/physiopathology , Connectome/methods , Corpus Callosum/diagnostic imaging , Corpus Callosum/physiopathology , Correlation of Data , Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders , Female , Humans , Internal Capsule/diagnostic imaging , Internal Capsule/physiopathology , Male , Motor Cortex/diagnostic imaging , Motor Cortex/physiopathology , Psychiatric Status Rating Scales , Schizophrenia, Catatonic/diagnosis , Schizophrenia, Catatonic/physiopathology
11.
Neuroradiology ; 61(7): 757-765, 2019 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30949746

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: While MRI is the modality of choice for the assessment of patients with brain tumors, differentiation between various tumors based on their imaging characteristics might be challenging due to overlapping imaging features. The purpose of this study was to apply a machine learning scheme using basic and advanced MR sequences for distinguishing different types of brain tumors. METHODS: The study cohort included 141 patients (41 glioblastoma, 38 metastasis, 50 meningioma, and 12 primary central nervous system lymphoma). A computer-assisted classification scheme, combining morphologic MRI, perfusion MRI, and DTI metrics, was developed and used for tumor classification. The proposed multistep scheme consists of pre-processing, ROI definition, features extraction, feature selection, and classification. Feature subset selection was performed using support vector machines (SVMs). Classification performance was assessed by leave-one-out cross-validation. Given an ROI, the entire classification process was done automatically via computer and without any human intervention. RESULTS: A binary hierarchical classification tree was chosen. In the first step, selected features were chosen for distinguishing glioblastoma from the remaining three classes, followed by separation of meningioma from metastasis and PCNSL, and then to discriminate PCNSL from metastasis. The binary SVM classification accuracy, sensitivity and specificity for glioblastoma, metastasis, meningiomas, and primary central nervous system lymphoma were 95.7, 81.6, and 91.2%; 92.7, 95.1, and 93.6%; 97, 90.8, and 58.3%; and 91.5, 90, and 96.9%, respectively. CONCLUSION: A machine learning scheme using data from anatomical and advanced MRI sequences resulted in high-performance automatic tumor classification algorithm. Such a scheme can be integrated into clinical decision support systems to optimize tumor classification.


Subject(s)
Brain Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Machine Learning , Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Brain Neoplasms/pathology , Diagnosis, Differential , Female , Glioblastoma/diagnostic imaging , Glioblastoma/pathology , Humans , Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted/methods , Lymphoma/diagnostic imaging , Lymphoma/pathology , Male , Meningioma/diagnostic imaging , Meningioma/pathology , Middle Aged , Prospective Studies , Sensitivity and Specificity
12.
Fetal Diagn Ther ; 45(4): 268-274, 2019.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30121678

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Chiari II malformation is a congenital abnormality characterized by a small posterior fossa with downward displacement of the hindbrain into the foramen magnum. Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) can be used to quantitatively characterize brain injury and physiological maturation. We aim to evaluate DWI parameters of the infra- and supratentorial brain in fetuses with Chiari II malformation. METHODS: MRI and US studies of 26 fetuses with Chiari II malformation and 15 controls were evaluated for the presence/severity of hydrocephalus, myelomeningocele level, and brain apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values. Cerebral flow impedance parameters (resistance and pulsatile indexes, resistance index [RI], and pulsatility index [PI] respectively) from concurrently preformed fetal US were also evaluated. RESULTS: Of the Chiari II group, 16 fetuses had hydrocephalus. There was increasing severity of lateral ventriculomegaly in the high compared to low spinal dysraphism subgroups. There were significant lower ADC values in the frontal (p = 0.01) and temporal lobes (p = 0.05) in Chiari II group compared with normal, regardless of the presence or severity of hydrocephalus. Fetuses with Chiari II showed significantly lower RI and PI values. CONCLUSIONS: Abnormal ADC values indicate supratentorial microstructural changes in fetuses with Chiari II malformation. Further investigation of the role of diffusion imaging metrics in evaluating abnormal brain development, parenchymal damage and efficacy of fetal surgery is needed.


Subject(s)
Arnold-Chiari Malformation/diagnostic imaging , Cerebrum/diagnostic imaging , Hydrocephalus/diagnostic imaging , Arnold-Chiari Malformation/complications , Arnold-Chiari Malformation/physiopathology , Cerebrum/embryology , Fetal Development , Humans , Hydrocephalus/complications , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Ultrasonography, Prenatal
14.
Neuroradiology ; 60(2): 137-150, 2018 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29279945

ABSTRACT

The current classification of malformations of cortical development is based on the type of disrupted embryological process (cell proliferation, migration, or cortical organization/post-migrational development) and the resulting morphological anomalous pattern of findings. An ideal classification would include knowledge of biological pathways. It has recently been demonstrated that alterations affecting the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway result in diverse abnormalities such as dysplastic megalencephaly, hemimegalencephaly, ganglioglioma, dysplastic cerebellar gangliocytoma, focal cortical dysplasia type IIb, and brain lesions associated with tuberous sclerosis. We review the neuroimaging findings in brain abnormalities related to alterations in the mTOR pathway, following the emerging trend from morphology towards genetics in the classification of malformations of cortical development. This approach improves the understanding of anomalous brain development and allows precise diagnosis and potentially targeted therapies that may regulate mTOR pathway function.


Subject(s)
Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods , Malformations of Cortical Development/diagnostic imaging , Malformations of Cortical Development/genetics , Mechanistic Target of Rapamycin Complex 1/genetics , Neuroimaging/methods , Humans
16.
J Ultrasound Med ; 36(11): 2379-2386, 2017 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28649730

ABSTRACT

Sensitive, specific, and safe bedside evaluation of brain perfusion is key to the early diagnosis, treatment, and improved survival of neonates with hypoxic ischemic injury. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (US) imaging is a novel imaging technique in which intravenously injected gas-filled microbubbles generate enhanced US echoes from an acoustic impedance mismatch. This article describes contrast-enhanced US imaging in 2 neonates with hypoxic ischemic injury and future directions on developing quantitative contrast-enhanced US techniques for improved characterization of perfusion abnormalities. The importance of studying the temporal evolution of brain perfusion in neonatal hypoxic ischemic injury is also highlighted.


Subject(s)
Contrast Media , Hypoxia-Ischemia, Brain/diagnostic imaging , Image Enhancement/methods , Ultrasonography/methods , Brain/diagnostic imaging , Humans , Infant, Newborn , Male , Microbubbles
18.
Pediatr Radiol ; 46(2): 237-45, 2016 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26454840

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: When administered to an immune-compromised patient, BCG (Bacille Calmette-Guérin) can cause disseminated and life-threatening infections. OBJECTIVE: To describe the imaging findings in children with primary immunodeficiency and BCG-related infections. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed the imaging findings of children with primary immunodeficiency treated at a children's hospital during 2012-2014 with localized or disseminated BCG infection. Imaging modalities included US, CT and radiography. RESULTS: Nine children with primary immunodeficiency had clinical signs of post-vaccination BCGitis; seven of these children showed disseminated disease and two showed only regional lesions with characteristic ipsilateral lymphadenopathy. Overall, lymphadenopathy was the most prevalent feature (n = 8) and characteristically appeared as a ring-enhancing hypodense (CT) or hypoechoic (US) lesion. Visceral involvement with multiple abscesses appeared in the spleen (n = 2), liver (n = 1) and bones (n = 1). All lesions regressed following appropriate anti-tuberculosis treatment. CONCLUSION: BCG infection needs to be considered in children with typical findings and with suspected primary immunodeficiency.


Subject(s)
BCG Vaccine/adverse effects , Immunologic Deficiency Syndromes/diagnosis , Lymphadenitis/diagnosis , Mycobacterium Infections/diagnosis , Tomography, X-Ray Computed/methods , Ultrasonography/methods , Child, Preschool , Diagnosis, Differential , Female , Humans , Immunologic Deficiency Syndromes/complications , Immunologic Deficiency Syndromes/immunology , Infant , Lymphadenitis/etiology , Lymphadenitis/immunology , Male , Mycobacterium Infections/etiology , Mycobacterium Infections/immunology , Reproducibility of Results , Sensitivity and Specificity
19.
Ann Intern Med ; 160(9): 644-8, 2014 May 06.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24798526

ABSTRACT

On the night of 21 August 2013, sarin was dispersed in the eastern outskirts of Damascus, killing 1400 civilians and severely affecting thousands more. This article aims to delineate the clinical presentation and management of a mass casualty event caused by a nerve agent as shown in the social media. Authors searched YouTube for videos uploaded of this attack and identified 210 videos. Of these, 67 met inclusion criteria and were evaluated in the final analysis.These videos displayed 130 casualties; 119 (91.5%) of which were defined as moderately injured or worse. The most common clinical signs were dyspnea (53.0%), diaphoresis (48.5%), and loss of consciousness (40.7%). Important findings included a severe shortage of supporting measures and lack of antidotal autoinjectors. Decontamination, documented in 25% of the videos, was done in an inefficient manner. Protective gear was not noticed, except for sporadic use of latex gloves and surgical masks.This is believed to be the first time that social media was used to evaluate clinical data and management protocols to better prepare against future possible events.


Subject(s)
Chemical Terrorism , Mass Casualty Incidents , Sarin/poisoning , Social Media , Atropine/therapeutic use , Child , Cholinergic Antagonists/therapeutic use , Decontamination , Disaster Planning , Female , Humans , Infant , Injections, Intravenous , Male , Poisoning/complications , Poisoning/diagnosis , Poisoning/therapy , Syria/epidemiology
20.
Epilepsia ; 55(12): 1953-8, 2014 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25377630

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Organophosphates (OPs) are commonly used insecticides for agriculture and domestic purposes, but may also serve as nerve agents. Exposure to OPs result in overstimulation of the cholinergic system and lead to status epilepticus (SE), a life-threatening condition that is often resistant to treatment. SE is associated with significant neuronal damage, neurocognitive dysfunction, and the development of lifelong epilepsy. Therefore, rapid termination of SE and prevention of brain damage is of high interest. Here we tested the efficacy of sec-butyl-propylacetamide (SPD) and two of its individual stereoisomers, (2S,3S)-SPD and (2R,3R)-SPD, in discontinuing OP-induced seizures. SPD is a one carbon homolog of valnoctamide, a central nervous system (CNS)-active constitutional isomer of valproic acid (VPA) corresponding amide valpromide. METHODS: Rats were implanted with epidural telemetric electrodes to allow electrocorticography (ECoG) recording 24 h prior, during and 24 h after poisoning with the OP paraoxon (at a dose equivalent to 1.4 LD50 Median lethal dose). All rats were provided with antidotal treatment of atropine and toxogonin. Epileptic activity was measured using a novel automated system to evaluate the different effects of midazolam, SPD, and its individual stereoisomers in comparison to nontreated controls. RESULTS: Treatment with SPD or its individual stereoisomer (2S,3S)-SPD significantly shorten paraoxon-induced SE and reduced the duration of recorded pathologic activity after SE was terminated. (2S,3S)-SPD was superior to racemic-SPD in diminishing delayed pathologic epileptiform activity within the first 8 h after SE. SIGNIFICANCE: These results suggest SPD as an efficient drug for the rapid termination of SE and pathological epileptiform activity following OP poisoning, a strategy to reduce neuronal dysfunction and the risk for lifelong epilepsy.


Subject(s)
Amides/therapeutic use , Anticonvulsants/therapeutic use , Status Epilepticus/drug therapy , Valproic Acid/analogs & derivatives , Amides/chemistry , Animals , Anticonvulsants/chemistry , Disease Models, Animal , Electroencephalography , Insecticides/toxicity , Male , Paraoxon/toxicity , Rats , Rats, Sprague-Dawley , Statistics, Nonparametric , Status Epilepticus/chemically induced , Stereoisomerism , Treatment Outcome , Valproic Acid/chemistry , Valproic Acid/therapeutic use
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