[Diffusion-Weighted Imaging infarct volume and neurologic outcomes after ischemic stroke]. / Volumétrie de l'ischémie cérébrale en IRM de diffusion et déficit fonctionnel secondaire après thrombolyse intraveineuse.

BACKGROUND: This study's purpose was to demonstrate a relationship between growth of stroke volume measured on Diffusion-Weighted MRI (DWI) at admission (baseline) and 24 hours later (follow-up) and functional outcome at 90 days evaluated by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). METHODS: DWI infarct volumes were calculated, using an Analyze Software. Clinical outcomes were assessed at 90 days by the mRS. Univariate regression analysis was performed to assess the relationship between changes in DWI lesion volume and mRS less or equal to 1. RESULTS: Sixty-nine cases had serial DWI scans with a measurable lesion at baseline and follow-up. The median baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) was 10, 5 and 7 at 24 hours. At 90 days, the proportion of patients with Rankin less or equal to 1 was 51.7%. The average baseline volume was 19.7 cm(3) and average follow-up volume was 46.1 cm(3). For each 10 cm(3) of growth in DWI infarct volume, the odds ratio for a mRS less or equal to 1 was 10,1 (IC 95%, 3-33.9). CONCLUSION: The results of this study provide evidence of a significant inverse relationship between infarct growth measured by DWI and good functional clinical outcome at 90 days.

Bone formation in hydroxyapatite tricalcium phosphate ceramic implants used in the treatment of the postenucleation socket syndrome.

PURPOSE: To determine the histopathologic changes in coralline hydroxyapatite tricalcium phosphate (HA-TCP) blocks used in the treatment of the postenucleation socket syndrome (PESS). METHODS: Twenty-four patients were treated with HA-TCP blocks placed directly into the orbital fat to correct the PESS. Eight of these patients required partial removal of the material for various reasons between 32 and 371 days after the initial operation. The orbital implants were decalcified and processed for light and electron microscopic examination. RESULTS: Light microscopy demonstrated fibrovascular ingrowth into the pores of the implant in all cases. Osteogenesis was observed in three cases in the periphery of the implant. Ossification occurred in the implants after a mean implantation duration of 276 days versus 67 days in cases without ossification. CONCLUSION: Implants of HA-TCP, a new material used in ophthalmology, demonstrate the presence of fibrovascular ingrowth, reflecting the excellent biointegration of this material.

Endoscopic endonasal management of invasive skull base mucocele: report of two cases.

Two cases of massive erosive skull base sphenoid mucocele are reported. Even if intra-sphenoid mucoceles are an ENT pathology, when extensive they become of neurosurgical interest. An endoscopic minimally invasive procedure was performed in both cases with an excellent outcome. Patient 1 presented with several years of retro-orbital bilateral pain and several months of purulent pharyngeal leak. CT scan and MRI imaging showed an extensive erosive intra-sphenoid mass, with peripheral contrast enhancement. Patient 2 was referred because of several months of frontal headache and decreased left visual acuity. A wide intra-sphenoid mass was evident at CT scan and MRI. This mass included an anterior compartment, hyperintense on both T (1)- and T (2)-weighted images, and a posterior part, hypointense on T (1)- and hyperintense on T (2)-weighted images. A pure endoscopic endonasal one nostril pure procedure was performed in both cases. Endoscopic technique has been shown to be an easy and minimally invasive procedure. It should be the treatment of choice in case of invasive skull base mucocele in order to avoid blind damage of vasculo-nervous structures which are not protected by the bone, extensively eroded by the lesion.

Abnormalities of orbital volume.

New information on the physiopathology and treatment of orbital volumes pathologies is described: 1) In post-enucleation or evisceration socket syndrome placing of synthetic material (HA-TCP) directly in the intraconal orbital fat can correct most of the symptoms. However the best approach is to prevent orbital volume deficiencies during first surgery using an implant large enough to allow a future prosthesis of a volume less than 2 mL. New procedures for placing the implant after enucleation or evisceration are described. 2) In proptosis related to Graves' orbitopathy relative indications are given for orbital decompression by removal of fat or bone.

CT appearances of chronically retained wooden intraorbital foreign bodies.

Identification of wooden intraorbital foreign bodies (WIOFB) is crucial for avoiding severe orbital infection. Despite careful clinical examination, WIOFB are often not recognised. We report the CT findings in chronically retained WIOFB. When not initially diagnosed, WIOFB create a granulomatous inflammatory foreign-body reaction. CT demonstrates the WIOFB as a linear dense structure surrounded by a soft-tissue mass with density similar to that of muscle, corresponding to the foreign-body reaction.

Interventional radiology in female infertility: technique and role.

The purpose of this paper is to describe the modifications in the radiologic approach to female infertility. The role of hysterosalpingography (HSG) has evolved from being the only source of information about the uterus to a more minor role, after ultrasound, that essentially deals with the morphology of the fallopian tubes. But if its diagnostic yield in the uterus is challenged by ultrasound and hysterosonography, it retains a major impact in the work-up of female infertility. Hysterosalpingography brings decisive diagnostic information concerning the state of the tubes and peritoneum. The interventional procedures of selective salpingography and tubal recanalization have a definite therapeutic effect and allow numerous pregnancies that would otherwise have required in vitro fertilization or tubal microsurgery.

Static and dynamic MRI of a urinary control intra-vaginal device.

The aim of this study was to describe by MRI, in dynamic conditions at rest and straining, the anatomical modifications induced by a commercially available intravaginal device (IVD) aimed at relieving female stress urinary incontinence. Ten female patients complaining of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) had pelvic MRI with static and dynamic sequences, without and with a self-inserted IVD. We studied positions and angulations of the IVD in the pelvis. Paired t-test allowed comparisons of: position of the bladder neck; urethral angulation with the pubis axis; position of the urethra; and posterior urethro-vesical angle (PUVA) without and with IVD. At rest, in ten of ten cases IVD laid cranial to the pubo-rectal muscle; with an average angulation of 95 +/- 10 degrees with the pubis axis, laterally tilted in three of ten cases. In maximum straining with IVD bladder neck descent was lower by an average of 5.2 +/- 3.1 mm (p = 0.001), pubo-urethral angle opening was smaller by an average of 22 +/- 20 degrees (p = 0.015), and bladder neck to pubis distance was shorter by an average of 5.7 +/- 4 mm. Posterior urethro-vesical angle was not significantly modified. Dynamic MRI allowed a non-invasive assessment of the mode of action of an IVD. The main modifications were a support of the bladder base and bladder neck, with a superior displacement of the urethra toward the pubis.

Cytokeratins expression in paragangliomas of the cauda equina.

BACKGROUND: Paragangliomas rarely involve the cauda equina region. In this location, these tumors can show misleading morphological features such as trabecular or papillary growth patterns and variable expression of cytokeratins. METHODS: We comparatively studied the immunohistochemical and ultrastructural patterns of 3 paragangliomas of the cauda equina (PCE) and of 8 paragangliomas from other sites. RESULTS: All the paragangliomas expressed neuroendocrine markers (neuron-specific enolase, chromogranin A, synaptophysin and neurofilament protein). In PCE, chief cells exhibited a strong positivity with a broad spectrum anti-cytokeratin antibody. The staining was diffuse in the cytoplasm or had a paranuclear dot-like disposition. In other sites, only one paraganglioma showed a focal expression of cytokeratins. At ultrastructural level, chief cells of PCE contained characteristic dense core granules and intermediate-sized filaments sometimes grouped in paranuclear whorls. CONCLUSION: The dual immunophenotype of PCE, paraganglionic and epithelial, must be recognized in order to distinguish these tumors from, for example, a metastasis of a neuroendocrine carcinoma. PCE are slow-growing tumors and have mostly a favorable prognosis after complete surgical excision.

Treatment of the postenucleation socket syndrome with a new hydroxyapatite tricalcium phosphate ceramic implant.

PURPOSE: Surgical correction of the postenucleation socket syndrome (PESS) is challenging. Various biomaterials are used for reconstruction of the anophthalmic orbit, often with unsatisfactory long-term results. Implants have been placed between the periorbital and the orbital floor. The authors describe a new material composed of hydroxyapatite tricalcium phosphate (HA-TCP) in the form of ceramic blocks, to be placed into the orbital fat as a new surgical site. METHODS: Ten patients with PESS underwent surgery to compensate the volume deficit of the anophthalmic orbit. Blocks of HA-TCP were created by fragmentation of a larger piece, tailored as needed, and implanted in the orbital fat. The patients were monitored regularly with clinical and radiologic examinations to evaluate the behavior of the implants. RESULTS: The volume of the HA-TCP was measured in 5 cases (mean, 2.95 +/- 1.08 ml). A significant reduction of enophthalmos was obtained: mean Hertel exophthalmometry measured 12.7 +/- 2.5 mm preoperatively and 14 +/- 2.4 mm postoperatively (p < 0.05). The average prosthesis volume was significantly reduced in the cases measured: 2.7 ml +/- 0.94 ml preoperatively and 1.8 +/- 0.7 ml postoperatively (p < 0.02). There was a negative correlation between the HA-TCP implant volume and postoperative prosthesis volume (correlation coefficient = -0.925; p < 0.05). According to photographic evaluation, correction of the enophthalmos and of the superior sulcus depression were obtained in 70% and 90% of cases, respectively. Magnetic resonance imaging seems to demonstrate that the blocks become well integrated into the surrounding orbital tissue. CONCLUSION: The HA-TCP blocks correct some anomalies of PESS. Placement of the blocks directly into the orbital fat is a promising alternative to the traditional subperiosteal location.

[Cerebral miliary granulomatosis with Histoplasma capsulatum in an HIV seronegative patient]. / Miliaire granulomateuse cérébrale à histoplasma capsulatum chez un patient séronégatif pour le VIH.

A 51 year old patient who worked in Africa for eight years, presented twelve years later a progressive ataxia associated with headaches. Neuroimaging studies done after a partial complex seizure demonstrated multiple supra and sub-tentorial cortical ring enhancing lesions. Histoplasma capsulatum histoplasmosis was found on histological examination of brain biopsy and confirmed by isolation of the fungus. Medical treatment with intravenous amphotericin B followed by oral itraconazole (400 mg per day) improved both clinical and radiological status. This observation of cerebral histoplasmosis is rather unusual for a seronegative HIV patient in a non endemic area.

Correlation of volumetric magnetization transfer imaging with clinical data in MS.

We examined the relations between quantitative volumetric estimates of cerebral lesion load based on magnetization transfer imaging (MTI), clinical data, and measures of neuropsychological function in 44 patients with clinically diagnosed MS. In this population we assessed the correlation between several volumetric MTI measures, measures of neurologic function (Kurtzke Expanded Disability Status Scale and Ambulation Index), and disease duration using Spearman's correlation coefficient. Patients were classified on the basis of neuropsychological test performance as severely impaired, moderately impaired, and normal. We assessed differences between these groups with respect to MTI results using the Kruskal-Wallis test. MTI measures corrected for brain volume were found to correlate with disease duration (p < 0.01) and showed suggestive correlations with measures of neurologic impairment (p < 0.05). Individual neuropsychological tests correlated with MTI measures corrected and not corrected for brain volume (p < 0.001). An MTI measure not corrected for brain volume differed (p < 0.05) between severely impaired, moderately impaired, and normal patients. These preliminary results suggest that volumetric MTI analysis provides new measures that reflect more accurately the global lesion load in the brain of MS patients, and they may serve as a method to study the natural course of the disease and as an outcome measure to evaluate the effect of drugs.

Global volumetric estimation of disease burden in multiple sclerosis based on magnetization transfer imaging.

We report a semiautomated postprocessing method based on magnetization transfer MR imaging that can quantify the extent of global disease in patients with multiple sclerosis. The technique combines segmentation and quantitative analysis of imaging data reflecting the structural integrity of white matter. Applications of this technique may include assessment of disease progress and of the efficacy of experimental therapeutic intervention. The height of the histogram peak corresponding to white matter was found to be lowered in patients with multiple sclerosis and the overall distribution of magnetization transfer ratios was shifted to lower values.

Anatomic and MRI study of the subtalar ligamentous support.

The diagnosis of subtalar instability remains difficult both clinically and radiographically. The authors present an anatomic and MRI study of the subtalar ligamentous support. The anatomic study has consisted in dissections and sections of cryoconserved hindfeet (15 cases) which precises the organisation of ligamentous bundles in the lateral (sinus tarsi) and central (canalis tarsi) subtalar compartments, mainly represented by the trilayered inferior extensor retinaculum, the cervical talo-calcaneal ligament and the interosseous talo-calcaneal ligament. MRI study (1.5 tesla) of anatomic specimens was performed according to defined types of sections: sagittal, coronal, coronal oblique, axial transverse. The correlations of anatomic and MRI sections allowed a precise interpretation of the subtalar ligamentous support as anatomically described. A complementary clinical MRI study was performed which allowed the validation of "the inversion test": this test optimizes the visualization of the different ligamentous structures. Relative to the difficulties of conventional imaging procedures, MRI appears of clinical relevance in the diagnosis of subtalar instabilities. This technique allows direct visualization of ligaments (or their rupture) and therefore a better evaluation of subtalar involvement in ankle sprain. This paper present a functional concept in MRI articular ligamentous restraints concern.

Granular cell myoblastoma of the cervical esophagus: MR findings.

Granular cell myoblastomas are uncommon, typically benign tumors. Involvement of the esophagus is rare, and frequently they are asymptomatic. We report a granular cell myoblastoma involving the cervical esophagus in a patient who had paralysis of the true vocal cord and progressive dysphagia. At MR imaging, the circumscribed mass was hypointense on T1-weighted images and mildly hyperintense on T2-weighted images, with homogeneous contrast enhancement.

Evaluation of magnetic resonance imaging for the detection of sacroiliitis in patients with early seronegative spondylarthropathy.

A prospective study was conducted in 23 patients to evaluate magnetic resonance imaging versus computed tomography and plain film radiography for the early detection of sacroiliitis in patients with spondylarthropathy and an Amor score of less than 6. Computed tomography was significantly better than the other two techniques despite some false-positive results, particularly in patients older than 40 years. Magnetic resonance imaging lacked sensitivity for detecting elementary lesions, particularly of the cartilage, but demonstrated clearly that the earliest abnormality was edema of the subchondral bone.

[The lateral retromalleolar groove: a radio-anatomic study]. / La gouttière rétromalléolaire latérale: étude radio-anatomique.

The anatomy of the malleolar peroneal groove is presented. The results are based on a coupled osteological and CTscan study of 20 samples of fibulae. The average distal fibular torsion was 64 degrees. The peroneal groove was oriented posteriorly (mean value: 78 degrees). Three types of morphological variations were found: concave, flat, convex (the convex shaped groove was the most frequent one: 70%). The average width of the groove was 9 mm. These morphometric results were compared to "clinical" ones performed on patients with a peroneal tendons dislocation syndrome: CTscan study showed an osseous dysplasia concerning the groove depth (flat or convex) and/or a torsional insufficiency. Hypothesis of a bone dysplasia in peroneal dislocation syndrome is discussed.