Therapeutic plasma-exchange improves short-term, but not long-term, outcomes in patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure: A propensity score-matched analysis.

BACKGROUND: Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is associated with a high short-term mortality rate in the absence of liver transplantation. The role of therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) in improving the outcomes of ACLF and acute decompensation (AD) is unclear. In this retrospective analysis, we aimed to determine the impact of TPE on mortality in patients with ACLF. METHODS: ACLF patients receiving TPE with standard medical treatment (SMT) were propensity score matched (PSM) with those receiving SMT alone (1:1) for sex, grades of ACLF, CLIF C ACLF scores, and the presence of hepatic encephalopathy. The primary outcomes assessed were mortality at 30 and 90 days. Survival analysis was performed using Kaplan Meier survival curves. RESULTS: A total of 1151 patients (ACLF n = 864 [75%], AD [without organ failure] n = 287 [25%]) were included. Of the patients with ACLF (n = 864), grade 1, 2, and 3 ACLF was present in 167 (19.3%), 325 (37.6%), and 372 (43.0%) patients, respectively. Thirty-nine patients received TPE and SMT, and 1112 patients received only SMT. On PSM analysis, there were 38 patients in each group (SMT plus TPE vs SMT alone). In the matched cohort, the 30-days mortality was lower in the TPE arm compared to SMT (21% vs 50%, P = .008), however, the 90-day mortality was not significantly different between the two groups (36.8% vs 52.6%, P = .166); HR, 0.82 (0.44-1.52), P = .549. CONCLUSION: TPE improves short-term survival in patients with ACLF, but has no significant impact on long-term outcomes. Randomized control trials are needed to obtain a robust conclusion in this regard.

Comparison of safety and efficacy of convalescent plasma with fresh frozen plasma in severe covid-19 patients.

BACKGROUND: Role of Convalescent plasma (COPLA) to treat severe COVID-19 is under investigation. We compared efficacy and safety of COPLA with fresh frozen plasma (FFP) in severe COVID-19 patients. METHODS: One group received COPLA with standard medical care (n = 14), and another group received random donor FFP, as control with standard medical care (n = 15) in severe COVID-19 disease. RESULTS: The proportion of patients free of ventilation at day seven were 78.5% in COPLA group, and 93.3 % in control group were not significant (p= 0.258). However, improved respiratory rate, O2 saturation, SOFA score, and Ct value were observed in the COPLA group. No serious adverse events were noticed by plasma transfusion in both groups.

Current Perspective of Synthesis of Medicinally Relevant Benzothiazole based Molecules: Potential for Antimicrobial and Anti-Inflammatory Activities.

The therapeutic potential of the majority of the marketed drugs is due to the presence of a heterocyclic nucleus, which constitutes a huge role in the field of medicinal chemistry. These heterocyclic scaffolds could act as a template in order to design potential therapeutic agents against several diseases. Benzothiazole scaffold is one of the influential heteroaromatic rings in the field of medicinal chemistry owing to its extensive pharmacological features. Herein, we have focused on the synthesis of benzothiazole-based medicinal molecules, which possess antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities. This review covers a systematic description of synthetic routes for biologically relevant benzothiazole derivatives in the last five years. The main aim of this study is to show the diversification of benzothiazole-based molecules into their pharmacologically more active derivatives. This review's synthetic protocols include metal-free, metal-catalyzed, and metal precursor azo dyes strategies for the development of benzothiazole derived bioactive compounds. The discussion under the various headings covers synthetic schemes and biological activities of the most potent molecules in the form of minimum inhibitory concentration.

Spectrum of magnetic resonance abnormalities in leigh syndrome with emphasis on correlation of diffusion-weighted imaging findings with clinical presentation.

Background: Leigh syndrome (LS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder of infancy/early childhood secondary to mitochondrial dysfunction. Imaging plays a pivotal role in the diagnosis of LS with certain typical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings considered as a part of diagnostic criteria. We appraised various MRI findings on conventional MRI sequences and also assessed potential correlation between diffusion abnormalities and patient's clinical presentation. Aims: Our aim was to describe various patterns of central nervous system involvement in LS and to assess the correlation of diffusion-weighted imaging abnormalities with clinical presentation. Settings and Design: The design of the study was retrospective comprising 8 children with LS who had MRI between years 2014 and 2019. Subjects and Methods: Eight children between the age group of 4 months 8 years with LS based on clinical presentation, elevated lactate levels in CSF/Blood, and typical MRI findings were included in the study. Results and Conclusions: Brainstem was involved all (100%) patients while basal ganglia was affected in 5 (62.5%) children. Cerebral white matter involvement was present in 3 (37.5%) children, cerebellar in 2 (25%) children while spinal, corpus callosum, and thalamic involvement were observed in one (12.5%) patient each. Diffusion restriction was observed in 6 children, all of them presented with altered sensorium. Conventional MRI serves as an excellent tool for the diagnosis of LS in children with clinical suspicion. Acute encephalopathy frequently presents with diffusion restriction corresponding to active lesions. Hence, diffusion restriction on MRI predicts the activity of lesions in patients with LS.

Résumé Contexte: Le syndrome de Leigh (LS) est une maladie neurodégénérative progressive de la petite enfance/petite enfance secondaire à des maladies mitochondriales. dysfonctionnement. L'imagerie joue un rôle central dans le diagnostic du LS, certains résultats typiques de l'imagerie par résonance magnétique (IRM) étant considérés comme une partie des critères diagnostiques. Nous avons évalué divers résultats d'IRM sur des séquences d'IRM conventionnelles et également évalué la corrélation potentielle entre anomalies de diffusion et présentation clinique du patient. Objectifs: Notre objectif était de décrire divers modèles d'atteinte du système nerveux central dans le LS et pour évaluer la corrélation des anomalies d'imagerie pondérées en diffusion avec la présentation clinique. Paramètres et conception: la conception de l'étude était rétrospective comprenant 8 enfants atteints de LS qui ont eu une IRM entre les années 2014 et 2019. Sujets et méthodes: Huit enfants entre le groupe d'âge de 4 mois 8 ans avec LS basé sur la présentation clinique, les niveaux élevés de lactate dans le LCR/le sang, et typique Les résultats de l'IRM ont été inclus dans l'étude. Résultats et conclusions : Le tronc cérébral a été impliqué chez tous les patients (100 %) tandis que les ganglions de la base ont été impliqués. touché chez 5 (62,5%) enfants. Une atteinte cérébrale de la substance blanche était présente chez 3 (37,5%) enfants, cérébelleuse chez 2 (25%) enfants alors que Une atteinte de la colonne vertébrale, du corps calleux et du thalamus a été observée chez un patient (12,5 %) chacun. Une restriction de diffusion a été observée chez 6 enfants, tous présentaient un sensorium altéré. L'IRM conventionnelle est un excellent outil pour le diagnostic du LS chez les enfants présentant des soupçon. L'encéphalopathie aiguë se présente fréquemment avec une restriction de diffusion correspondant à des lésions actives. Par conséquent, la restriction de diffusion sur L'IRM prédit l'activité des lésions chez les patients atteints du LS. Mots-clés : ganglions de la base, tronc cérébral, imagerie pondérée en diffusion, hypotonie, lactate sérique.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Calculated Tumor Volumes and Apparent Diffusion Coefficient Values in Predicting Endometrial Cancer Grade.

Background: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been shown to be an accurate imaging technique for the preoperative assessment of local staging of endometrial cancer and for evaluating the depth of myometrial invasion. Materials and Methods: This was a single-center retrospective study performed on patients with histopathologically proven endometrial carcinoma who underwent an MRI examination of the pelvis between October 2017 and May 2020. Results: In the present analysis, mean apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values for each histologic grade were 0.72 ± 0.13 × 10-3 mm2/s (G1), 0.76 ± 0.17 × 10-3 mm2/s (G2), and 0.74 ± 0.12 × 10-3 mm2/s (G3), respectively, showing no significant correlation between ADC values and tumor grade (P = 0.73). Overall, ADC minimum was significant in differentiating grades of endometrial carcinoma (P = 0.02) with the ability to differentiate Grade I and II lesions (P = 0.01). A mean tumor volume of 25.2 cc could differentiate low-grade tumors (Grade I and Grade II) from high-grade tumors (Grade III) with a sensitivity and specificity of 88% and specificity of 89%. The tumor volume/uterine volume ratio (TV/UV) differentiates high-grade tumors from low-grade tumors (P < 0.001), however, no significant difference in the ratio was observed among Grade I and II lesions (P = 0.48). The area under the curve of tumor volume was 0.875 (95% confidence interval 0.0-1.00) (P = 0.001), indicating that tumor volume was an effective tool for distinguishing high-grade and low-grade endometrioid adenocarcinomas. The corresponding sensitivity and specificity were 88.0% and 89.0%, respectively. Conclusion: Preoperative noninvasive radiological assessment for tumor volume, TV/ UV or tumor volume/uterine volume is important surrogate markers for preoperative prognostication of endometrial carcinoma.

Correlation between magnetic resonance enterography and ileo-colonoscopy for assessment of disease activity in terminal ileal Crohn's disease.

BACKGROUND: Magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) has emerged as a novel tool for the assessment of disease activity in Crohn's disease (CD). Real world data from Indian subcontinent on performance of MRE in terminal ileal CD are lacking. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of patients with terminal ileal CD who underwent both ileo-colonoscopy and MRE was performed. Ileo-colonoscopy was considered the gold standard for assessment of disease activity. On ileo-colonoscopy, a simple endoscopic score for Crohn's disease (SES-CD) ≥2 was considered active disease; presence of ulcers indicated severe disease. MRE scoring of the disease activity was performed using magnetic resonance index of activity (MARIA) and simplified MARIA (MARIAs). The measure of agreement between ileo-colonoscopy and MRE and comparison of MARIA and MARIAs for assessment of disease activity and sensitivity of MRE to detect mucosal ulcerations were calculated. RESULTS: Seventy patients with terminal ileal CD (mean age 40.74±15.56 years; 71.4% males [n=50]) were evaluated. The sensitivities of MARIA and MARIAs scores to detect active disease were 0.76 and 0.84, respectively. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) for detecting severe disease was 0.836 (p<0.0001) for MARIA and 0.861 (p<0.0001) for MARIAs. For mild active disease, there was no agreement between SES-CD and MARIA or MARIAs; however, for severe disease, the agreement was fair and moderate for MARIA and MARIAs, respectively. MARIA and MARIAs were comparable for identification of active and severe disease (κ 0.759, p<0.0001 and κ 0.840, p<0.0001, respectively). MRE was 68.18% sensitive to detect mucosal ulcers. CONCLUSION: MRE is a reliable and sensitive tool for detection of endoscopically severe, but not mild, terminal ileal CD.

Adult medulloblastoma mimicking Lhermitte-Duclos disease: can diffusion weighted imaging help?

Lhermitte-Duclos disease, also known as dysplastic cerebellar gangliocytoma, is a rare cerebellar benign tumor with characteristic appearance of thickened cerebellar folia giving a laminated or striated appearance, quite diagnostic of the condition. We had seen a patient with medulloblastoma with imaging findings suspicious for thickened cerebellar folia reminiscent of Lhermitte-Duclos disease. However, it showed patchy contrast enhancement and restricted diffusion on diffusion-weighted imaging, which are not typically associated with Lhermitte-Duclos disease. Presence of restricted diffusion proved to be a useful diagnostic feature for differentiation between the two lesions. This patient highlights the importance of obtaining all the MR imaging sequences in suspected Lhermitte-Duclos disease and histological diagnosis if there is doubt.

Antibody screening and identification in donors and general patients at a tertiary care teaching hospital in Western India.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of the blood transfusion service should be to provide effective blood and blood components, which are as safe as possible and adequate to meet patient's need. To achieve safe blood transfusion practice, many blood transfusion center in India follow routine type and screen protocol for all patient's and donor's blood samples to detect unexpected alloantibodies. The present study is aimed at assessing the frequency and type of unexpected red cell alloantibodies in general patient population and donors at a tertiary care teaching hospital in western India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective study, samples of patients as well as blood donors were processed for ABO and Rh "D" grouping as well as antibody screening with three cell screening panel on fully automated immunohematology analyzer. Positive sample in three cell screening panel was further evaluated for identification of specific alloantibody with eleven cell identification panel by column agglutination technique. Results were recorded, and data were analyzed to calculate the frequency of unexpected alloantibody. RESULTS: A total of 74,214 patient samples and 80,173 donor samples were processed for type and screen. Out of which, 512 patients and 11 donors were identified with alloantibody. Most common alloantibody found in the present study is anti-D (0.075%), followed by anti-E (0.041%), anti-c (0.021%), anti-K (0.0205%) in Rh and Kell blood group system. CONCLUSION: Antibody screening and identification of specific alloantibody help in identifying most appropriate blood unit that lacks the corresponding antigen and prevent alloimmunization.

Cleidocranial dysplasia: Radiological mimic of pyknodysostosis - A case report.

Cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD) is a rare autosomal dominant skeletal disorder with predominant membranous bone involvement. It may also occur as a sporadic mutation. The diagnosis of this condition is based on the clinical, radiological and genetic findings. It is characterised by hypoplasia or aplasia of the lateral thirds of the clavicles; craniofacial and dental anomalies; and hypoplastic iliac bones. Pyknodysostosis is a close radiological mimic of this entity. Definite diagnosis is based on the genetic analysis. A 36-year-old short-statured female was referred for computed tomography of the paranasal regions for complaints of a deviated nasal septum and midline depression in her forehead. Skeletal screening demonstrated an open metopic suture, wormian bones, maxillary hypoplasia, maldentition and aplastic lateral thirds of both clavicles. In this article, we report a case of CCD, discuss various overlapping features between CCD and pyknodysostosis and attempt to differentiate them radiologically.

Role of high resolution ultrasound complementary to digital mammography.

Background: Breast carcinoma is a major cause of mortality among women worldwide. Early detection and cure is the key to reduce the mortality of the disease. This article studied the role of high resolution ultrasound in detection and characterization of lesions to complement mammographic diagnosis and improve patient management. Aims and Objectives: To evaluate the role of complementary high resolution ultrasound, BIRADS scoring and to correlate it with histological diagnosis. Results and Observations: HRUS is excellent in detecting microcalcifications, malignant features of solid masses, differentiating focal asymmetry from masses, differentiating between solid and cystic lesions, simple and complex cysts and detecting satellite lesions and mammographically inaccessible areas for which special views can be done. Conclusions: Every case referred for digital mammography should undergo ultrasound irrespective of the age, symptoms and density of the breast parenchyma and a combined final BIRADS grading should be done. Ultrasound is an excellent imaging modality for breast lesions in expert hands.

RésuméContexte: Le cancer du sein est une cause majeure de mortalité chez les femmes du monde entier. La détection précoce et la guérison sont la clé pour réduire la mortalité de la maladie. Cet article a étudié le rôle de l'échographie à haute résolution dans la détection et la caractérisation des lésions pour compléter le diagnostic mammographique et améliorer la prise en charge des patients. Buts et objectifs: Évaluer le rôle de l'échographie à haute résolution complémentaire, notation de BIRADS et la corréler avec le diagnostic histologique. Résultats et observations: Le HRUS est excellent pour détecter les microcalcifications, les malignités des masses solides, différencier l'asymétrie focale des masses, différencier les lésions solides et kystiques, les kystes simples et complexes et détecter les lésions satellites et les zones mammographiquement inaccessibles. Conclusions: Chaque cas référé pour la mammographie numérique devrait subir une échographie indépendamment de l'âge, des symptômes et de la densité du parenchyme mammaire et un classement final combiné de BIRADS devrait être fait. L'échographie est une excellente modalité d'imagerie pour les lésions mammaires chez les mains expertes.

Evaluation of Clinical and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Profile of Pituitary Macroadenoma: A Prospective Study.

BACKGROUND: Pituitary macroadenoma is a common tumor of middle-aged people. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the investigation of choice for its evaluation. Various parameters regarding the extent, consistency, and contrast uptake can be studied and a noninvasive diagnosis is possible. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To study the MRI features and extent of pituitary macroadenomas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied clinical and MRI features of 33 patients of all age groups and both sexes with pituitary macroadenomas who presented to Dayanand Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana from January 2014 to June 2015. MRI was carried out on MAGNETOM Avanto 18 Channel 1.5 Tesla Machine by Seimens India Ltd. The dedicated sellar protocol consisted of sagittal and coronal T1-weighted image (TI-WI) and T2-WI without intravenous contrast using thin slices (3 mm) and a field of view of <200 mm. RESULTS: On analysis of the 33 cases, we observed that patients of pituitary macroadenoma showed an almost equal sex incidence and average age group of 50-60 years. The common presenting complaints were headache and decreased vision. Superior and inferior extent of the lesion was beyond the defined boundaries of sella in most cases, but the lateral extent was limited, resulting in characteristic "snowman-like" appearance. The imaging characteristics showed solid to predominantly solid consistency, appearing mostly heterogeneously hyperintense on T2-WI, and hypo to isointense on T1-WI with intense postcontrast enhancement. Hemorrhage is less common. Pituitary apoplexy is rare and can result in spontaneous resolution. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that the knowledge of clinical and imaging profile of pituitary macroadenoma can help the radiologists to diagnose these sellar lesions, and hence their therapeutic approach can be defined timely.

A prospective study of magnetic resonance imaging patterns of central nervous system infections in pediatric age group and young adults and their clinico-biochemical correlation.

BACKGROUND: Infections of the central nervous system (CNS) are common and routinely encountered. Our aim was to evaluate the neuroimaging features of the various infections of the CNS so as to differentiate them from tumoral, vascular, and other entities that warrant a different line of therapy. AIMS: Our aim was to analyze the biochemical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features in CNS infections. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This was a longitudinal, prospective study over a period of 1½ years. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We studied cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) findings and MRI patterns in 27 patients of 0-20 years age group with clinical features of CNS infections. MRI was performed on MAGNETOM Avanto 18 Channel 1.5 Tesla MR machine by Siemens India Ltd. The MRI protocol consisted of diffusion-weighted and apparent diffusion coefficient imaging, turbo spin echo T2-weighted, spin echo T1-weighted, fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR), and gradient-echo in axial, FLAIR in coronal, and T2-weighted in sagittal plane. Contrast-enhanced T1-weighted sequence and MR spectroscopy were done whenever indicated. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: We found that most of the children belong to 1-10 years age group. Fungal infections were uncommon, mean CSF adenosine deaminase values specific for tuberculosis and mean CSF glucose-lowered in pyogenic. Hemorrhagic involvement of thalamus with/without basal ganglia and brainstem involvement may indicate Japanese encephalitis or dengue encephalitis. Diffusion restriction or hemorrhage in not expected in the brainstem afflicted lesions of rabies. Congenital cytomegalovirus can cause cortical malformations. T1 hyperintensities with diffusion restriction may represent viral encephalitis. Lesions of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) may mimic viral encephalitis. Leptomeningeal enhancement is predominant in pyogenic meningitis. Basilar meningitis in the presence of tuberculomas is highly sensitive and specific for tuberculosis.

Tuberous sclerosis complex presenting as pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis--a clinicoradiological diagnosis.

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) manifests predominantly as a neurocutaneous disorder. Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a rare pulmonary manifestation of TSC. Imaging evaluation plays an important role in the assessment of patients with tuberous sclerosis complex. In newly diagnosed patients, it helps not only to confirm the diagnosis of TSC, but also helps in identifying clinically significant complications. We describe the radiological findings in lungs and other organs in a middle aged female with TSC.

Anomalies of Pulmonary Circulation as a Cause of Hemoptysis: A Series of Unusual Cases and Review of the Literature.

The expectoration of blood originating from the lower respiratory tract, called hemoptysis, is a common clinical condition with many potential etiologies. Massive hemoptysis is life threatening and needs urgent intervention. Multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) is a useful non-invasive imaging modality for the initial assessment of hemoptysis. Using MDCT with multiplanar reformatted images has improved the diagnosis and management of hemoptysis by providing a more precise depiction of bronchial and non-bronchial systemic arteries than conventional computed tomography (CT). In 95% of hemoptysis cases, the systemic arterial system is the origin of bleeding and pulmonary vascular anomalies are a rare cause. Among these, pulmonary arteriovenous malformation, hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia, and Osler-Weber-Rendu disease are well known entities. However, primary anomalies affecting pulmonary vessels in the mediastinum or diseases secondarily affecting the pulmonary vessels are unusual causes. Here we present three cases where patients had pulmonary vascular anomalies causing hemoptysis. These patients had decreased pulmonary arterial pressures leading to bronchial and systemic arterial hypertrophy and development of bronchopulmonary collaterals. Secondary CT signs in the parenchyma and mediastinum (mosaic attenuation, ground glass haze, subpleural interstitial thickening, and hypertrophied bronchial arteries) were similar in all patients. Hence, evaluation of the MDCT images for primary abnormality led to the diagnosis.

Analysis of computed tomography features of fungal sinusitis and their correlation with nasal endoscopy and histopathology findings.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the computed tomography (CT) features of fungal sinusitis and to correlate them with nasal endoscopy and histopathological findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our study included 16 patients of either sex and any age group who presented in the otorhinolaryngology clinic at our hospital and had evidence of definite sinonasal disease on clinical evaluation. Multidetector CT was carried out on Somatom definition AS + 128 slice CT Machine by Siemens Germany Ltd. Axial sections were performed with the plane of data acquisition parallel to the hard palate and slice thickness of 3 mm, reconstructions at 0.75 mm in coronal and sagittal planes. Scanning parameters included 190 mA S, 120 KV and tube rotation time of 0.5 s. Provisional CT diagnosis was made in all cases and correlated with nasal endoscopy and histopathological findings. RESULTS: Out of total 16 patients, 12 showed immunocompromised status and had infection with mucormycosis. Out of 12, 9 patients (75%) showed extension of disease beyond the sinonasal cavities and 4 (33.3%) showed evidence of bone destruction. All patients with candidiasis showed soft-tissue attenuation with hyperdense areas on CT scan. Nearly, 66.6% patients with aspergillosis showed soft-tissue attenuation with hyperdense areas and expansion of sinonasal cavities. Fifteen patients (93%) were proved to be of fungal sinusitis on histopathology. One patient of non-specific granulomatous infection showed bone destruction and mimicked fungal sinusitis on CT. CONCLUSIONS: In the present study, fungal sinusitis could be correctly diagnosed on CT with high accuracy. Thus, understanding the different CT findings of fungal sinusitis allows the radiologist to play a crucial role in the diagnosis and prompt treatment.

Abdominal splenosis mimicking peritoneal deposits - A case report.

Splenosis is a benign condition among patients with a history of splenic trauma or surgery. Most cases of splenosis are intra abdominal due to direct seeding of surrounding structures, although these heterotopic rests may occur almost anywhere in the body, and its diffuse nature may raise the suspicion of metastatic cancer. The increased prevalence of abdominal trauma due to road accidents and the growing armamentarium of available imaging modalities suggest that abdominal splenosis may be expected more often than ever. We, in this article emphasize the crucial role of taking a thorough patient's medical history concerning splenic trauma in the past and the use of novel non invasive diagnostics modalities that allow accurate diagnosis.

Correlation of qualitative and quantitative MRI parameters with neurological status: a prospective study on patients with spinal trauma.

INTRODUCTION: Spinal trauma is relatively more common in young active individuals. Although its mortality is low, it is an important cause of long term disability. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can accurately depict presence and extent of spinal cord injury (SCI) in these patients. This study was aimed to look for various qualitative and quantitative MRI findings which are predictive of initial neurological deficit in patients with spinal trauma and final outcome on follow-up. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study was conducted on 50 patients with suspected acute cervical or dorsal spinal trauma presenting for MRI study. American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) motor score was used for assessing neurological status at the time of presentation, at the time of discharge/2weeks and at 3-6 months follow up. Various MRI qualitative and quantitative parameters were evaluated for correlation with severity of spinal injury. RESULTS: Normal baseline MRI (pattern 0) was seen in 12 subjects and was associated with incomplete SCI in 4 subjects (ASIA grade D) followed by complete recovery in all patients on follow-up examination. Pattern I (haemorrhage) was associated with complete spinal cord injury. Pattern II (oedema) was associated with incomplete SCI and good functional recovery on follow up.Pattern III (contusion) was associated with intermediate severity of injury. Compression and transection patterns were associated with complete neurological deficit at presentation and increased mortality at subsequent follow-up. All the three quantitative parameters i.e. lesion length,maximum (bony) canal compromise (MCC), maximum spinal cord compression (MSCC) were significantly increased in patients with complete SCI as compared to those with incomplete SCI. The best predictors for baseline ASIA score were MCC, cord oedema and cord haemorrhage. For the final ASIA score, the best predictors were baseline ASIA score and cord haemorrhage. CONCLUSION: MRI is excellent imaging modality for detecting and assessing severity of spinal trauma. In our study, presence of cord haemorrhage, MCC and cord oedema were best predictors of baseline neurological status at presentation, whereas baseline ASIA score and cord haemorrhage were best predictors of final neurological outcome.

Magnetic resonance imaging findings in Reye syndrome: case report and review of the literature.

Magnetic resonance imaging findings in Reye syndrome have been reported only infrequently. A previously well 8-year-old boy presented with repeated episodes of vomiting and abdominal pain followed by altered sensorium and tonic spasms. This occurred 5 days after upper respiratory tract infection. His laboratory data revealed elevated liver enzymes, prolonged prothrombin time, and high blood ammonia levels. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain done on the day of admission revealed diffuse cerebral edema and signal alterations in brainstem, bilateral thalami, medial temporal lobes, parasagittal cortex, and cerebellar and subcortical white matter. Diffusion restriction was seen in thalami, midbrain, cerebellar white matter, subcortical white matter, and parasaggital cortex in the watershed territory. The patient made a full recovery. Follow-up magnetic resonance imaging after a week revealed complete resolution of all except thalamic lesions. Although diffusion restriction in thalami and midbrain has been reported previously, this is the first report indicating diffusion restriction in subcortical white matter and the parasagittal cortex.

Magnetic resonance findings in sellar and suprasellar tuberculoma with hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis is endemic in many counteries like India. It can infect any site in the central nervous system. However, islolated involvement of the sellar and suprasellar region is rare. Sellar tuberculoma with hemorrhage is even more rare. We present magnetic resonance (MR) findings in case of sellar and suprasellar tuberculoma with hemorrhage. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 40-year-old female patient presented with a 1-month history of persistent headache and blurred vision on the left side. A contrast-enhanced MR study revealed peripherally enhancing sellar and suprasellar mass with hemorrhage with compression of the left half of the optic chiasma. There was also evidence of infundibular thickening and enhancement of the adjacent dura. The mass was approached through a transphenoidal approach and was partially resected. Subsequent histopathology was suggestive of tuberculosis. The patient was put on anti-tubercular therapy. Patient reported significant improvement in symptoms. Follow-up MR done 8 months later confirmed complete regression of the mass. CONCLUSION: Because of its rarity, sellar tuberculoma is seldom considered in the differential diagnosis and is often mistaken for pituitary macroadenoma, which is the most common tumor in this region. Although rare, presence of infundibular thickening and enhancement of the adjacent dura should suggest the presence of a granulomatous lesion like tuberculoma.

Case report: Acute calcific discitis with intravertebral disc herniation in the dorsolumbar spine.

Acute calcific discitis is a rare but well-known condition of unknown etiology. In symptomatic cases, the most common site is the cervical spine. We describe the CT scan and MRI findings in a symptomatic patient, with a lesion in the dorsolumbar spine.