3T MRI improves the detection of transmantle sign in type 2 focal cortical dysplasia.

PURPOSE: Type 2 focal cortical dysplasia (FCD2) is one of the main causes of refractory partial epilepsy, but often remains overlooked by MRI. This study aimed to elucidate whether 3T MRI offers better detection and characterization of FCD2 than 1.5T, using similar coils and acquisition time. METHODS: Two independent readers reviewed the 1.5T and 3T MR images of 25 patients with histologically proven FCD2. For both magnetic fields, the ability to detect a lesion was analyzed. We compared the identification of each of the five criteria typical of FCD2 (cortical thickening, blurring, cortical signal changes, subcortical signal changes, and "transmantle" sign) and artifacts, using a four-point scale (0-3). Interobserver reliability for lesion detection was calculated. KEY FINDINGS: Seventeen lesions (68%) were detected at 3T, two of which were overlooked at 1.5T. Interobserver reliability was better at 3T (κ = 1) than at 1.5T (κ = 0.83). The transmantle sign was more clearly identified at 3T than 1.5T (mean visualization score: 1.72 vs. 0.56; p = 0.002). SIGNIFICANCE: The use of 3T MRI in patients suspected of type 2 FCD improves the detection rate and the lesion characterization owing to the transmantle sign being more clearly seen at 3T. This point is of interest, since this feature is considered as an MR signature of FCD2.

Focal myositis of the calf following S1 radiculopathy.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the clinical, pathological, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics and outcome of focal myositis of the calf associated with S1 radiculopathy. METHODS: Case report and systematic review of literature using a literature review based on a Medline search from 1950 to 2006. Only cases with myositis documented on muscle biopsy examination were included. RESULTS: Six patients, including ours, with focal myositis of the calf associated with chronic S1 radiculopathy have been reported. Creatine phosphokinase levels were high in 5 cases. MRI provided evidence of global hypertrophy and inflammatory signals affecting the whole of 1 or several muscle heads of the triceps. Electromyography confirmed the existence of neurogenic abnormalities with nearly constant spontaneous activity. Histological analysis of muscle tissue showed an inflammatory infiltrate and denervation lesions. Progression was slow and corticosteroid treatment had little effect. There was no extension toward a diffuse form. CONCLUSIONS: Hypertrophy in a denervated muscle should lead the physician to consider a diagnosis of localized secondary myositis. On the other hand, localized hypertrophic myositis is suggestive of previous radicular distress in the territory concerned. The identification of this condition in focal myositis makes it possible to avoid unnecessary additional investigations and escalation of treatment.

[E coli spondylitis after ureteroscopy for lithiasis]. / Spondylodiscite à E. Coli après urétéroscopie pour lithiase.

The authors report a rare complication of ureteroscopy for stones of the lumbar ureter: Escherichia coli spondylitis.