Lung Perfusion Scintigraphy in Pulmonary Vein Occlusion After Radiofrequency Ablation.

ABSTRACT: We describe functional and anatomical imaging findings in an 86-year-old woman who was treated for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation 5 years ago with radiofrequency ablation. She had been symptom-free for 4 years. Five years after the ablation, she presented with exertional dyspnea of several months' duration. She had left bundle branch block and aortic insufficiency with normal ejection fraction on 2-dimensional echocardiogram, none of which explained her symptoms. A CT coronary angiogram showed no obstructive coronary artery disease: Coronary Artery Disease Reporting and Data System category 1. Complete occlusion of the left superior pulmonary vein was, however, noted at its origin. Lung perfusion scintigraphy was obtained to evaluate differential perfusion.

Intramedullary Neurocysticercosis Mimicking Cord Tumor.

Isolated spinal intramedullary involvement by neurocysticercosis is extremely rare. We report a case of a Hispanic female with right-sided weakness, magnetic resonance imaging showing cervical intramedullary lesion. Surgery was performed due to the progressive nature of symptoms. The cervical cord lesion was completely removed; pathology was consistent with degenerated cysticercosis. Progressive clinical improvement with physiotherapy was achieved. Although rare, especially in the absence of intracranial lesions, the diagnosis should be considered in appropriate patient population as it usually presents a peripherally enhancing cystic lesion.

An Unusual Complication of the "Supported" Ross Procedure.

We present a unique surgical complication in a 19-year-old patient who underwent a "supported" Ross procedure for congenital aortic stenosis. In the present case, herniation of pulmonary autograft material through coronary fenestrations in the Dacron supporting material can be appreciated. This case suggests a possible need to modify surgical technique to ensure that all autograft tissue remains contained within the Dacron bolster.

MR spectroscopy in brain infections.

Infection of the central nervous system can be life-threatening and hence requires early diagnostic support for its optimal management. Routine definitive laboratory diagnostic tests can be time-consuming and delay definitive therapy. Noninvasive imaging modalities have established themselves in the diagnosis of various neurologic diseases. In this article, a pragmatic review of the current role of magnetic resonance spectroscopy in the diagnosis and management of intracranial infections is addressed.