The relationship between bone health and type of intracranial internal carotid calcifications in patients with ischemic stroke.

INTRODUCTION: Vascular calcifications, primarily in the aorta and its proximal branches, are commonly observed among subjects with impaired bone health. In this study, we sought to determine if a comparable association holds true for the calcifications in the intracranial internal carotid arteries (IICA), in general and also for particular calcification patterns. METHODS: A consecutive series of ischemic stroke patients were prospectively enrolled into the study, where computed tomography angiography source images were used to determine the presence and type of IICA calcifications, and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was used to determine the bone mineral density in the left femoral neck region. IICA calcifications were categorized as none, intimal, medial, and mixed types based on previously validated classification schemes. Their relationships with femoral bone T-scores were evaluated by bivariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: Femoral neck T-score was highest among patients without any vascular calcifications (n=65), when compared to the bone density measures among patients with any type of calcification (n=185) (p<0.001). After adjustment for age, gender, vascular risk factors, and serum biomarkers related to bone health, the T-score remained significantly associated only with the pattern of intimal calcification [OR 0.63 (0.42 - 0.95), p=0.028]. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that the intracranial vasculature, in particular the internal carotid arteries, is not immune to the interplay between suboptimal bone health and vascular calcifications. This association was most robust for an intimal type of IICA calcification pattern, while no such relationship could be demonstrated for other types of vascular calcifications.

The RSNA Cervical Spine Fracture CT Dataset.

This dataset is composed of cervical spine CT images with annotations related to fractures; it is available at https://www.kaggle.com/competitions/rsna-2022-cervical-spine-fracture-detection/.

Effects of Two Exercise Regimes on Patients with Chiari Malformation Type 1: a Randomized Controlled Trial.

This study aims to measure the effects of two different exercise programs on neck pain, proprioception, balance, coordination, posture, and quality of life in patients with Chiari malformation (CM) type 1. Sixteen patients were randomized to two different exercise programs: a tailored exercise protocol for CM (TEP-CM) and cervical spinal stabilization exercises (CSSE). Both exercise programs were implemented by a physiotherapist 3 days a week for 6 weeks. The primary outcome was Neck Disability Index. Secondary outcomes were visual analogue scale for pain, joint position sense error measurement, Berg Balance Scale, Time Up and Go Test, International Coordination Ataxia Rating Scale, PostureScreen Mobile, and Short Form-36. Assessments were done immediately before and after the intervention programs. Both groups showed significant improvement in Neck Disability Index, and some secondary outcome measures (P < 0.05). However, there were no statistical differences in post-intervention changes between the groups (P > 0.05). This is the first study to examine the effects of different exercise programs on symptoms in patients with CM type 1. Our preliminary findings indicate that exercise programs can improve pain, balance, proprioception, posture, coordination, and quality of life in CM type 1. Therefore, exercise should be considered safe, beneficial, and low-cost treatment option for CM type 1 patients without surgical indications.

Assessment of glymphatic function in narcolepsy using DTI-ALPS index.

INTRODUCTION: Sleep is a modulator of glymphatic activity which is altered in various sleep disorders. Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), rapid onset of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, cataplexy, disturbed night sleep with fragmentation. It is categorized into two types, type 1 (NT1) and type 2 (NT2) depending on the presence of cataplexy and/or absence of orexin. We sought for alterations in glymphatic activity in narcoleptic patients using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) along perivascular space (ALPS) index on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Adult patients diagnosed with NT1 or NT2 who had polysomnography (PSG) and MRI with DTI were included in the study. Sleep recording included Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) score, sleep latency during multiple sleep latency test (MSLT), sleep efficiency during night PSG, wake after sleep onset (WASO), REM sleep latency during PSG, percentage of non-REM (NREM), REM sleep and wakefulness during night PSG. DTI-ALPS index was calculated for each patient and age-sex matched healthy control(HC)s. RESULTS: The study group was composed of 25 patients [F/M = 15/10, median age = 34 (29.5-44.5)], 14 with NT1 and 11 with NT2 disease. ESS, WASO and percentage of wakefulness were significantly higher in NT1 patients (p < 0.05). Mean DTI-ALPS was not significantly different neither between narcoleptic patients and HCs, nor between NT1 and NT2 patients (all, p > 0.05). However, DTI-ALPS was negatively correlated with WASO (r = -0.745, p = 0.013) and percentage of wakefulness (r = -0.837, p = 0.005) in NT1 patients. DTI-ALPS correlated negatively with percentage of N1 sleep (r = -0.781, p = 0.005) but positively with REM percentage (r = 0.618, p = 0.043) in NT2 patients. CONCLUSION: In this study, DTI-ALPS was not significantly different in narcoleptic patients than the HCs. However, the glymphatic index as assessed by DTI-ALPS correlated with PSG parameters; negatively with WASO, percentage of wakefulness in NT1, percentage of N1 sleep in NT2, and positively with REM sleep in NT2. A tendency for a reduction in DTI-ALPS in NT1 patients compared to both NT2 patients and HCs was also found. These findings might show the first evidence of an alteration of glymphatic activity, especially in NT1 patients, thus warrant further prospective studies in larger size of narcoleptic patient cohorts.

An Unusual Pattern of Skull Base Pneumatization.

OBJECTIVE: Our aim is to describe an unusual pattern of craniocervical pneumatization resulting in a spontaneous fracture in a patient, who presented with tinnitus. METHODS: Temporal CT was ordered in a patient with tinnitus lasting over a year. His audiogram was normal. No history of previous trauma, recent flight, diving, or weight lifting was present. Further questioning revealed his habitual Valsalva maneuvers to relieve symptoms of nasal congestion. RESULTS: Temporal CT showed abnormal pneumatization of the occipital bone and C1 vertebra. A definite cortical defect resulted with the presence of air around the neighboring soft tissues. The emphysema was most prominent in the suboccipital fossa but it was also seen in the epidural space of the spinal canal. CONCLUSION: Abnormal pneumatization of the skull base and cervical vertebra can be symptomatic due to its tendency to fracture. The presumed cause of pneumatization in this patient is habitual Valsalva maneuvers.

Every other day stereotactic radiation therapy for the treatment of uveal melanoma decreases toxicity.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: To report the long-term results of stereotactic radiosurgery and fractionated stereotactic radiation therapy (SRS/FSRT) in patients with uveal melanoma (UM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated the results of patients treated between 2007 and 2019. The primary endpoints were local control (LC), local recurrence-free survival (LRFS), enucleation-free survival (EFS) and treatment toxicity. RESULTS: 443 patients with 445 UMs were treated via CyberKnife®. According to the COMS classification, 70% of the tumors were small/medium and 30% were large. Median total RT dose was 54 Gy, median BED10 was 151 Gy. After a median 74-months follow-up, SRS/FSRT yielded an 83% overall LC rate. The 5- and 10-year LRFS rate was 74% and 56%, respectively. Patient age and the COMS size were prognostic for all survival endpoints. An increased SRS/FSRT dose was associated with higher LRFS and EFS rates. SRS/FSRT-related toxicity was observed in 49% of the eyes. Median visual acuity (VA) significantly deteriorated after SRS/FSRT in 76% of the treated eyes. The overall eye preservation rate was 62%, and the 5- and 10-year EFS rate was 64% and 36%, respectively. The delivery of FSRT every other day resulted in a significantly lower rate of toxicity and enucleation compared to FSRT on consecutive days. CONCLUSION: A total dose of ≥45 Gy and BED10Gy ≥ 112.5 SRS/FSRT is associated with a higher LC rate in patients with UM. Despite the favorable outcomes, treatment toxicity is the major limitation of this treatment. Toxicity and enucleation can be minimized by treating the eye every other day.

Imaging spectrum of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation related neurologic events in children.

BACKGROUND: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) can be associated with severe neurological complications increasing morbidity and mortality. We aimed to evaluate imaging findings in patients with neurological complications associated with ECMO. METHODS: Children ( < 18 years) who had ECMO support and received cross-sectional imaging (cranial CT and/ or MRI) were retrospectively evaluated. Age, gender, clinical and imaging findings were documented and the relation to ECMO duration and survival rates with imaging findings and imaging time (during ECMO or after weaning) were examined. RESULTS: Twenty children who had cranial CT/MRI during (n=6) ECMO and after weaning (n=14) were included in the study. The median duration of ECMO was 12.5 days (IQR=5-25 days) with a survival rate of 65%. Fourteen patients had positive imaging findings including ischemic stroke (n=4), hemorrhagic stroke (n=4), hypoxicischemic encephalopathy (n=2), posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) (n=3) and cerebral vein thrombosis (n=1). The duration of ECMO and survival rates did not significantly differ between patients with positive and unremarkable imaging findings. However, the survival rate was significantly higher (p < 0.001) and the duration of ECMO was significantly lower in patients scanned after weaning compared to patients imaged during ECMO support (p=0.033). CONCLUSIONS: Our series revealed PRES in ECMO-related neurologic events in addition to commonly reported thrombotic and hemorrhagic stroke in the literature. Availability of cross-sectional imaging and awareness of radiologists to these complications during ECMO or after weaning help in prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Pediatric head and neck rhabdomyosarcoma; the role of MRI in differentiation from other common pediatric malignant head and neck tumors.

BACKGROUND: The tumor localization/extent and imaging characteristics of rhabdomyosarcomas (RMSs) especially parameningeal type, could overlap with the common tumors of the head and neck (H&N) such as lymphoma and nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Our goal was to investigate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features that could favor the diagnosis of RMS over lymphoma and NPC in H&N region. METHODS: Pretreatment MRI of 42 pediatric patients (mean: 9.7±5.1 years, min-max: 2-18 years) with a recent diagnosis of RMS (n=12), lymphoma (n=14) and NPC (n=16) were retrospectively studied. Tumor localization, extension and spread were evaluated. Signal and enhancement characteristics of the tumors and the presence of necrosis were noted. ADC values were measured by using both the small sample and single slice methods. For comparison of three groups, the Kruskal Wallis test and Pairwise comparisons were used. The intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) was calculated for the assessment of inter-observer agreement. RESULTS: Nasopharynx ±parapharyngeal space involvement was detected in 58.3% of RMSs. Rhabdomyosarcoma was more heterogeneous in T2 images compared to lymphoma (p=0.014). Rhabdomyosarcoma showed significantly higher frequency of heterogeneous enhancement (p < 0.001) and necrosis (p < 0.001) among these tumors. The mean ADC values of lymphoma were significantly lower than the values of RMS (p < 0.001) and NPC (p < 0.01) for both observers. The mean ADC values were higher in RMSs than NPCs (p > 0.05). Intra-class correlation in ADC measurements was higher for the single slice method (ICC=0.997) than the small sample method (ICC=0.989). CONCLUSIONS: Rhabdomyosarcoma tends to have higher ADC values than lymphoma and has a higher frequency of heterogeneous enhancement and necrotic parts than both lymphoma and nasopharyngeal carcinoma. These features could help radiologists to differentiate RMS from the above-mentioned mimickers.

Synthetic MRI in children with tuberous sclerosis complex.

OBJECTIVE: The generation of numerous sequences and quantitative data in a short scanning time is the most potential advantage of Synthetic MRI (SyMRI). We aimed to test detection of the tubers and to determine underlying tissue characteristics, and morphometric alterations in the brain of pediatric tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) patients, using SyMRI. METHODS: Conventional brain MRI (cMRI) and SyMRI were prospectively obtained from 10 TSC patients and 18 healthy control subjects (HCs). Two neuroradiologists independently evaluated tubers on both scans. Additionally, automatically segmented volume calculation and myelin quantification, including the subcortical part of the tubers and normal-appearing brain parenchyma (NABP) of patients, were carried out using SyMRI. RESULTS: The cMRI and SyMRI comparison showed a very good correlation on the detection of the tubers (k = 0.82-0.94). Automatic segmentation of Non-gray matter/white matter/cerebrospinal fluid (Non), %Non/brain parenchymal volume, and %Non/intracranial volume was significantly higher; however, %Myelin/intracranial volume and %Myelin/brain parenchymal volume were significantly lower in the TSC patients (p < 0.05). The proton density values were significantly increased, and myelin fraction volume and myelin-correlated compound values were significantly decreased in the NABP in TSC patients on myelin maps (p < 0.05). The white-matter volume, myelin and white-matter fractional volume, longitudinal relaxation rate, transverse relaxation rate, and myelin-correlated compound values were significantly decreased in the subcortical part of tubers on quantification maps (p < 0.001) in TSC patients. CONCLUSION: SyMRI enables the detection of cortical tubers and is a developing tool in the quantification of morphometric and tissue alterations in pediatric TSC patients with a rational scanning time.

Comparison of early- and late-phase CT angiography findings in brain death.

BACKGROUND: Late-phase images on computed tomography angiography (CTA), traditionally used for assessing cerebral circulatory arrest in brain death, suffer from suboptimal diagnostic yield due to stasis filling. Herein, we assessed contrast filling in individual intracranial arteries and veins in the early and late phases of CTA in patients with clinically confirmed brain death. METHODS: Contrast opacification within 28 arterial/venous segments was evaluated in both phases of CTA in 79 patients. This information was combined with reports in the literature to calculate prevalence of contrast filling in different intracranial vessels. Additionally, diagnostic sensitivity of 4-point, 7-point, and 10-point scores defined for brain death were compared among ratings based on early, late, and both phases (arteries rated on early, veins rated on late phase) of imaging. RESULTS: The median (IQR) number of vessel segments with contrast opacification was 0 (0-2) in early phase and 6 (0-10) in late phase. All segments showed increased prevalence of opacification when evaluated in late phase (p < 0.05). The M4 segments of MCA, internal cerebral veins, and vein of Galen had the lowest percentage of opacification in both phases. The sensitivity of 4-, 7-, and 10-point scoring algorithms increased from 59-91% to 94-99% when ratings were performed using early-phase images rather than based solely on late-phase images. CONCLUSIONS: The incorporation of early-phase images might be considered as a strategy to improve the sensitivity of CTA as an ancillary test in confirming brain death, especially in patients without missing or questionable elements in clinical examination.

Not just about machines: Analysis of MRI quality determinants in the Turkish health system context.

This study aims to investigate the determinants of the quality MRI in the Turkish healthcare system. The analysis is done by analysing the referred cases to a major university radiology department in Turkey, and matching the hospital and MRI use characteristics of the source institutions, where the original MRI was taken. Quality of MRI was measured by specialist radiologists. The resulting quality was analysed by gender and imaging area characteristics, source institutional quality, MRI use statistics in source institution and MRI machine use inclination of the source institution. Chi-square and logistic regression were conducted, with regional fixed effects. In the largest dataset, the highest quality institutions have significantly higher average expected MRI quality compared to one level beneath them (0.74 vs. 0.63) (P = 0.02), there is also a significant MRI quality difference between the second highest level of institution, and the third and the fourth (0.63-0.54). Smaller (<0.1) but significant quality difference (P = 0.05) exists for institutions with the lowest two quality levels. In the smaller dataset, with data only from the lowest two institutional quality groups, with a finer institutional quality grading, differences in institutional quality is again found to be a significant driver of MRI quality (P = 0.035).

Reduced myelin in patients with isolated hippocampal sclerosis as assessed by SyMRI.

PURPOSE: Synthetic MRI (SyMRI) enables to quantify brain tissue and morphometry. We aimed to investigate the WM and myelin alterations in patients with unilateral hippocampal sclerosis (HS) with SyMRI. METHODS: Adult patients with isolated unilateral HS and age-matched control subjects (CSs) were included in this study. The SyMRI sequence QRAPMASTER in the coronal plane perpendicular to the hippocampi was obtained from the whole brain. Automatic segmentation of the whole brain was processed by SyMRI Diagnostic software (Version 11.2). Two neuroradiologists also performed quantitative analyses independently from symmetrical 14 ROIs placed in temporal and extratemporal WM, hippocampi, and amygdalae in both hemispheres. RESULTS: Sixteen patients (F/M = 6/10, mean age = 32.5 ± 11.3 years; right/left HS: 8/8) and 10 CSs (F/M = 5/5, mean age = 30.7 ± 7 years) were included. Left HS patients had significantly lower myelin and WM volumes than CSs (p < .05). Myelin was reduced significantly in the ipsilateral temporal lobe of patients than CSs, greater in left HS (p < .05). Histopathological examination including luxol fast blue stain also revealed myelin pallor in all of 6 patients who were operated. Ipsilateral temporal pole and sub-insular WM had significantly reduced myelin than the corresponding contralateral regions in patients (p < .05). No significant difference was found in WM values. GM values were significantly lower in hippocampi in patients than CSs (p < .05). CONCLUSION: SyMRI revealed myelin reduction in the ipsilateral temporal lobe and sub-insular WM of patients with HS. Whether this finding correlates with electrophysiological features and SyMRI could serve as lateralization of temporal lobe epilepsy need to be investigated.

Assessment of 4DCT imaging findings of parathyroid adenomas in correlation with biochemical and histopathological findings.

PURPOSE: To assess polar vessel presence and enhancement 4DCT imaging and their relation with biochemical and histopathological features. METHODS: Patients with primary hyperparathyroidism and preoperative 4DCT imaging were screened retrospectively and those with histopathologically proven diagnosis of PA were included. Biochemical findings, densitometric measurements (HUprecontrast, HUarterial, HUvenous, HUwash-in, HUwash-out, HUretained) and CTvolume of PA on 4DCT, presence of a polar vessel (PV), and histopathological features were recorded. Correlations between serum PTH, calcium levels and densitometric measurements of PA on 4DCT were investigated. Differences between subgroups created according to PV presence were also evaluated. RESULTS: Thirty-nine patients were enrolled (F/M = 32/7, median age = 57, interquartile range = 50-62 years). In all patients, serum PTH levels positively correlated with CTvolume (r = 0.398, p = 0.012) but negatively correlated with HUarterial (r = - 0.366; p = 0.022), HUvenous (r = - 0.452; p = 0.004) and HUretained (r = - 0.421; p = 0.008). In PV (-) PAs, PTH levels were positively correlated with CTvolume (r = 0.608, p ≤ 0.002) and negatively with HUarterial (r = - 0.449, p ≤ 0.028), HUvenous (r = - 0.560, p = 0.004), HUwash-in (r = - 0.460, p = 0.024), and HUretained (r = - 0.539, p = 0.007). No correlation between PTH levels and densitometric measurements was found in PV (+) PAs. HUwash-in and HUwash-out were significantly higher in PV (+) PAs compared to PV (-) PAs (p = 0.021 and p = 0.033, respectively). Histopathologic features revealed no difference according to the presence of PV. CONCLUSION: PTH levels might have an association with imaging findings of PAs, especially when categorized with respect to PV presence. PTH levels were negatively correlated with degree of enhancement in PV (-) PAs. Therefore, radiologists should be aware that in patients with high serum PTH levels and without a discernible PV, PA might be difficult to localize.

X-linked deafness/incomplete partition type 3: Radiological evaluation of temporal bone and intracranial findings.

PURPOSE: X-linked deafness (XLD) is a rare disease, characterized by typical cochlear incomplete partition type 3 anomaly (IP-III). Accompanying hypothalamic anomalies were also recently described. The purpose of this study was to document the temporal bone and intracranial imaging findings in a series of patients with XLD with a review of the literature, to better understand this anomaly. METHODS: The CT and MRI studied of 13 XLD patients were retrospectively evaluated. All structures of the otic capsule (OC) were subjectively and retrospectively assessed. The OC thickness and the size of the cochlea were measured and compared to the age-matched control group. Intracranial structures were also evaluated with specific attention to the hypothalamic region. RESULTS: All cases had bilateral IP-III anomaly, bulbous internal auditory canals (IACs), absent bony modiolus with preserved interscalar septa, intact cochleovestibular, and facial nerves. OC thickness was decreased in all cases compared to the control group (p<0.001). In XLD patients, the cochlea had decreased transverse dimension and increased height compared to the control group (p< 0.001). Five patients (38.4%) had bilateral cystic structures adjacent to the vestibule and/or semicircular canals (SCCs). Hypothalamus was thickened or had a lobular appearance in all cases (subtle in one). Additionally, hamartoma-like appearance of the hypothalamus was present in half. CONCLUSION: XLD is a rare inner ear anomaly that is frequently associated with hypothalamic malformations. The OC thickness of IP-III patients appears to be decreased with accompanying decreased transverse dimension of the cochlea which could have implications in electrode selection during cochlear implantation. Cystic /diverticular lesions surrounding the vestibule and semicircular canals are also frequently seen but a rarely reported finding.

Value of shoulder US compared to MRI in infants with obstetric brachial plexus paralysis.

PURPOSE: Children with brachial plexus birth injury (BPBI) may eventually develop glenohumeral instability due to development of unbalanced muscular strength. Our major goal in this study is to compare the accuracy of physical examination and ultrasonography (US) in determination of glenohumeral instability in infants with BPBI compared with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as a gold standard, and to investigate the role and value of US as a screening modality for assessing glenohumeral instability. METHODS: Forty-two consecutive patients (mean age, 2.3±0.8 months) with BPBI were enrolled into this prospective study. Patients were followed up with physical examination and US with dynamic evaluation in 4-6 weeks intervals. Patients who developed glenohumeral instability based on physical examination and/or US (n=21) underwent MRI. Glenohumeral instability was defined as alpha angle >30° and percentage of posterior humeral head displacement >50%. Diagnostic accuracy of physical examination and US was calculated and quantitative parameters were compared with Wilcoxon test. RESULTS: Glenohumeral instability was confirmed with MRI in 15 of 21 patients. Accuracy and sensitivity of physical examination and US were 47%, 66% and 100%, 100%, respectively in determination of glenohumeral instability. No significant difference was found for the alpha angle (p = 0.173) but the percentage of posterior humeral head displacement was statistically significant between US and MRI (p = 0.028). CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that US with dynamic evaluation is a good alternative for MRI in assessment of glenohumeral instability in infants with BPBI, since it is highly accurate and specific, and quantitative measurements used for glenohumeral instability were comparable to MRI. US can be used as a screening method to assess glenohumeral instability in infants with BPBI.

Hemangioma fusocelular en las fosas nasales y los senos etmoidales en un lactante de 4 meses de edad / Spindle cell hemangioma of nasal passage and ethmoidal sinus in a 4-month old infant

El hemangioma fusocelular es una neoplasia vascular benigna infrecuente. Afecta la dermis y la hipodermis de la parte distal de las extremidades; la afectación de la cabeza y el cuello es muy poco frecuente y nunca se informó compromiso de los senos paranasales. Este es el caso de un lactante de 4 meses con obstrucción nasal desde las 2 semanas debido a un tumor en los senos etmoidales que obstruía las fosas nasales. Se diagnosticó hemangioma fusocelular y se extirpó parcialmente el tumor. A los seis meses de seguimiento, se observó una regresión mínima con lesiones residuales. A los 30 meses, se observó que el tumor residual había desaparecido. El hemangioma fusocelular es infrecuente en cabeza y cuello y, a veces, la presentación no es indicativa del diagnóstico. El examen histopatológico ayuda con el diagnóstico diferencial y el tratamiento. La sensibilización sobre el hemangioma fusocelular podría aumentar los casos informados.

Spindle cell hemangioma (SCH) is a benign unusual vascular neoplasm. It does not have gender predilection and can occur at all ages. The disease affects dermis and subcutis of distal extremities predominantly; head and neck involvement is very rare, paranasal sinus involvement has not been reported before. Herein we present a 4-month-old infant with nasal obstruction since two weeks of age due to a mass in ethmoid sinus obliterating the nasal passage. After the histopathological diagnosis of SCH, the tumor was partially resected. In the sixth month follow-up, there was minimal regression of residual lesions. In the imaging studies performed 30 months after the surgery, the residual mass was found to be disappeared. SCH is not frequent in the head and neck, and presentation of some patients may not suggest the diagnosis. Histopathology is important for differential diagnosis and to orientate treatment. Awareness of SCH may increase the reported cases

Spindle cell hemangioma of nasal passage and ethmoidal sinus in a 4-month old infant. / Hemangioma fusocelular en las fosas nasales y los senos etmoidales en un lactante de 4 meses de edad.

Spindle cell hemangioma (SCH) is a benign unusual vascular neoplasm. It does not have gender predilection and can occur at all ages. The disease affects dermis and subcutis of distal extremities predominantly; head and neck involvement is very rare, paranasal sinus involvement has not been reported before. Herein we present a 4-month-old infant with nasal obstruction since two weeks of age due to a mass in ethmoid sinus obliterating the nasal passage. After the histopathological diagnosis of SCH, the tumor was partially resected. In the sixth month follow-up, there was minimal regression of residual lesions. In the imaging studies performed 30 months after the surgery, the residual mass was found to be disappeared. SCH is not frequent in the head and neck, and presentation of some patients may not suggest the diagnosis. Histopathology is important for differential diagnosis and to orientate treatment. Awareness of SCH may increase the reported cases.

El hemangioma fusocelular es una neoplasia vascular benigna infrecuente. Afecta la dermis y la hipodermis de la parte distal de las extremidades; la afectación de la cabeza y el cuello es muy poco frecuente y nunca se informó compromiso de los senos paranasales. Este es el caso de un lactante de 4 meses con obstrucción nasal desde las 2 semanas debido a un tumor en los senos etmoidales que obstruía las fosas nasales. Se diagnosticó hemangioma fusocelular y se extirpó parcialmente el tumor. A los seis meses de seguimiento, se observó una regresión mínima con lesiones residuales. A los 30 meses, se observó que el tumor residual había desaparecido. El hemangioma fusocelular es infrecuente en cabeza y cuello y, a veces, la presentación no es indicativa del diagnóstico. El examen histopatológico ayuda con el diagnóstico diferencial y el tratamiento. La sensibilización sobre el hemangioma fusocelular podría aumentar los casos informados.

Single shot echo planar imaging (ssEPI) vs single shot turbo spin echo (ssTSE) DWI of the orbit in patients with ocular melanoma.

OBJECTIVES: Diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) has become important for orbital imaging. However, the echoplanar imaging (EPI) DWI has inherent obstacles due to susceptibility to magnetic field inhomogeneities. We conducted a comparative study assessing the image quality of orbits in a patient cohort with uveal melanoma (UM). We hypothesized that single shot turbo spin echo (ssTSE) DWI would have better image quality in terms of less distortion and artifacts and yield better tissue evaluation compared to ssEPI-DWI. METHODS: ssEPI-DWI and ssTSE-DWI of orbits were obtained from 50 patients with uveal melanoma who were prospectively enrolled in the study. Distortion ratio (DR), signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), diffusion signal properties, and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values were collected and compared between ssEPI-DWI and ssTSE-DWI. Two reviewers evaluated and compared the geometric distortion, susceptibility and ghosting artifacts, resolution, demarcation of ocular mass, and overall quality. RESULTS: A higher DR was found in ssEPI-DWI compared to ssTSE-DWI (p < 0.001). SNR and CNR were lower for the temporal lobe cortex (p ≤ 0.004), but higher for melanoma in ssEPI-DWI than ssTSE-DWI (p ≤ 0.037). Geometric distortion and artifacts were more common in ssEPI-DWI (p < 0.001). Resolution (p ≤ 0.013) and overall quality (p < 0.001) were better in ssTSE-DWI. Ocular masses were demarcated better on ssEPI-DWI (p ≤ 0.002). Significant negative correlations between T1 and T2 signal intensities (r = -0.369, p ≤ 0.008) and positive correlations between T2 and both DWI signal intensities (r = 0.686 and p < 0.001 for ssEPI-DWI, r = 0.747 and p < 0.001 for ssTSE-DWI) were revealed. CONCLUSION: With less geometric distortion and susceptibility artifacts, better resolution, and overall quality, ssTSE-DWI can serve as an alternative to ssEPI-DWI for orbital DWI. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE: ssTSE-DWI can be a better alternative of diffusion imaging of orbits with less susceptibility artifact and geometric distortion compared to ssEPI-DWI.

Aprepitant in the Treatment of Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study.

BACKGROUND: Aprepitant is a neurokinin-1 receptor antagonist approved for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced nausea. We aimed to investigate the safety and efficacy of aprepitant in patients with subacute sclerosing panencephalitis. METHODS: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted in patients with subacute sclerosing panencephalitis assigned to receive two courses of aprepitant 250 mg/day orally or placebo for 15 days with an interval of two months between courses. Primary end points were safety and tolerability, and secondary end point was clinical improvement or stabilization assessed by subacute sclerosing panencephalitis scoring system. Electroencephalography (EEG), brain magnetic resonance imaging, and cerebrospinal fluid measles-specific immunoglobulin G index were evaluated before and after treatment. RESULTS: Sixty-two patients with subacute sclerosing panencephalitis were allocated to aprepitant (n = 31, median age 18 years) or placebo (n = 31, median age 22 years) group. Fifteen patients left the study within the first six months and 12 patients left between six and 12 months. Aprepitant was well tolerated and treatment-associated adverse events were similar to those described in the treatment of nausea. Clinical status at six and 12 months' follow-up did not differ between aprepitant and placebo groups. Post-treatment EEG scores at 12 months were better in the aprepitant group (P = 0.015). Cerebral atrophy on magnetic resonance imaging increased in both groups, whereas measles-specific immunoglobulin G index decreased in the placebo group. CONCLUSIONS: In this first clinical trial of aprepitant treatment in patients with subacute sclerosing panencephalitis, the drug was safe and well tolerated. No clinical effect was observed. A modest improvement in EEG findings might justify trials for longer periods because EEG changes can precede clinical findings in subacute sclerosing panencephalitis.