Bilateral Low-Flow Type-D Dural Carotid-Cavernous Fistula: Diagnosis and Treatment with 3D Time-of-Flight Magnetic Resonance Angiography.

BACKGROUND Carotid-cavernous fistula (CCF) is a rare, atypical vascular shunt between the carotid arterial system and the venous channels of the cavernous sinus, classified according to the shunt's anatomy, by etiology (resulting from trauma or occurring spontaneously), or by hemodynamic characteristics (such as low- or high-flow fistulas). CASE REPORT A 62-year-old female patient with poorly controlled arterial hypertension presented with bilateral periorbital edema, conjunctival chemosis, ophthalmoplegia, diplopia, and diminished visual acuity. On magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), abnormal arterial flow along the cavernous sinuses was noted, suggestive of bilateral CCF. The diagnosis of indirect dural low-flow CCF (Barrow Type D) was later confirmed by digital subtraction angiography, with feeding arteries from intracavernous internal carotid artery branches, and meningeal branches of the external carotid artery, draining bilaterally to ophthalmic veins, the intracavernous sinus, and the inferior petrosal sinus. The patient was successfully treated with endovascular embolization. At 7-month follow-up, no residual arteriovenous shunting was detected. This case highlights the importance of non-invasive radiological methods for CCF, and presents rarely published radiological findings of bilateral Type-D dural CCFs on 3-dimensional time-of-flight MRA with post-treatment MRA follow-up. CONCLUSIONS Regardless of the patient's history of possible trauma, a patient presenting with bilateral periorbital edema, conjunctival chemosis, ophthalmoplegia, diplopia, and diminished visual acuity should have a spontaneous bilateral CCF investigated to prevent delayed treatment. Experienced neuroradiologists are needed to accurately detect indirect CCF, since this condition often does not demonstrate classic symptoms.

Giant Myxopapillary Ependymoma with Multi-Site Neural Axis Metastases: A Rare Case with Suboptimal Outcome.

BACKGROUND Myxopapillary ependymoma is a rare type of slow-growing tumor that mainly occurs in the spinal cord, particularly in the region of the conus medullaris and the cauda equina. It originates from the ependymal glial cells found in the filum terminale. CASE REPORT We present a clinical case of a 44-year-old male patient who presented with symptoms of non-specific pain in the lower back persisting for the past 2 years. He did not report any specific neurological deficits or radicular symptoms. Unenhanced MRI of the lumbar spine showed a giant intradural, extramedullary, heterogenous, expansive tumor at the level L1-S4 with erosion of the sacral bone and invasion of presacral tissue. Based on its characteristic localization and growth pattern, suspicion arose for myxopapillary ependymoma. Biopsy confirmed the initial diagnosis. Partial resection of the tumor with laminectomy and laminoplasty was deemed necessary. Preoperative neural axis MRI showed contrast-enhancing lesions in the cerebellum and the cervical and thoracic spine; therefore, adjuvant radiation therapy was administered. Following the surgery, the patient experienced intermittent episodes of neurological deficits and required physiotherapy. Control MRI a year after the operation showed tumor growth and more metastases along the neural axis. CONCLUSIONS Complete surgical excision of the tumor is the preferred treatment approach, but there is a risk of recurrence even after total excision, so radiotherapy is recommended to minimize the risk of recurrence. Prior to surgery, it is essential to conduct MRI/PET/CT of the head and spine to assess the possibility of metastases.

Tic Cough in an Adolescent with Organic Brain Pathology-A Case Report and Literature Review.

Chronic cough in children and adolescents can be troublesome both to the patient and the whole family. The most common causes of chronic cough in children are protracted bacterial bronchitis and bronchial asthma. However, differential diagnostic workup and treatment can become complicated when a cough of different etiology is encountered, especially in a child having a complex medical history for an unrelated pathology. A cough lacking any identified somatic cause and response to medical treatment in combination with core clinical features of tics that include suppressibility, distractibility, suggestibility, variability, and the presence of a premonitory sensation is labeled tic cough. Here we discuss a case of an adolescent who had atrophy of the corpus callosum and a history of ventriculoperitoneal shunting due to hydrocephalus caused by stenosis of the sylvian aqueduct, but now presented with a debilitating dry cough lasting for several months. After physical causes of cough were ruled out, the diagnosis of tic cough was reached, and multidisciplinary treatment ensured complete recovery. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case showing coincidence of tic cough and hydrocephalus. The co-occurrence of non-syndromic corpus callosum atrophy and tic cough might hypothetically suggest a predisposing pathogenetic link via reduced signaling through cortical inhibitory neurons; further studies are needed. The importance of careful assessment of medical history, clinical picture, and features of the cough itself are emphasized in order to reach the correct diagnosis. Increased awareness of medical society is mandatory to recognize tic cough and to distinguish it from the neurologic manifestations of organic brain pathology.

Crossed Cerebellar Diaschisis in a Status Epilepticus Patient with Stroke-Mimicking Changes: A Case Report with Suboptimal Outcome.

BACKGROUND Crossed cerebellar diaschisis is a rare phenomenon characterized by reduction of hemispheric cerebellar blood flow and metabolism that occurs contralateral to supratentorial injury. This finding is generally detected after ischemic stroke, but can also be observed during status epilepticus. CASE REPORT A 45-year-old woman with a history of focal epilepsy and alcohol abuse presented with an episode of seizure with initial stroke-mimicking changes and no epileptiform activity on electroencephalogram. Upon further examination, the radiological findings revealed a broad cytotoxic edema in the left hemisphere and a smaller lesion in the right cerebellum, showing a rare phenomenon of crossed cerebellar diaschisis. Later, diagnosis of status epilepticus was established. Although the initial trend of the patient's condition was negative, after weeks of therapy and intensive care, the patient slightly improved in her condition and there was a partially reversible lesion in the left cerebral hemisphere and right cerebellum. CONCLUSIONS It is crucial to detect seizures in patients with stroke-like changes on unenhanced computed tomography examination, and especially in cases in which there are no arterial occlusion on computed tomography angiography and asymmetric arterial vasodilatation are seen. Status epilepticus can mimic stroke, establishing this as a major diagnostic challenge. Although the radiological findings in the left cerebral hemisphere lesion and the right cerebellar hemisphere were similar, its characteristics on diffusion-weighted imaging and apparent diffusion coefficient value differed, raising an important question of the exact mechanics of how crossed cerebellar diaschisis occurs, as it seems to be a rare phenomenon.

Functional Disability and Brain MRI Volumetry Results among Multiple Sclerosis Patients during 5-Year Follow-Up.

Background and Objectives: We aimed to determine the link between brain volumetry results and functional disability calculated using the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) among multiple sclerosis (MS) patients in relation to the provided treatment (disease-modifying therapies (DMTs)) during a 5-year follow-up period. Materials and Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed enrolling 66 consecutive patients with a confirmed diagnosis of MS, predominantly females (62% (n = 41)). Relapsing-remitting (RR) MS was noted in 92% (n = 61) of patients, with the rest being patients with secondary progressive (SP) MS. The mean age was 43.3 years (SD 8.3 years). All patients were evaluated clinically using the EDSS and "FreeSurfer© 7.2.0" radiologically during a 5-year follow-up. Results: A significant increase in patient functional disability was noted, calculated using the EDSS during a 5-year follow-up. The baseline EDSS ranged between 1 and 6 with a median of 1.5 (IQR 1.5-2.0), and after 5 years, the EDSS was between 1 and 7, with a median EDSS of 3.0 (IQR 2.4-3.6). Compared with RRMS patients, SPMS patients demonstrated a significant increase in EDSS score during a 5-year period, with a median EDSS of 2.5 in RRMS patients (IQR 2.0-3.3) and 7.0 (IQR 5.0-7.0) among SPMS patients. Significantly lower brain volumetry results in different brain areas were found, including cortical, total grey and white matter, p < 0.05. Statistically significant differences were observed between baseline volumetry results of the hippocampus and the middle anterior part of the corpus callosum and their volumetry results after 5 years, p < 0.001. In this study population, the thalamus did not demonstrate significant changes in volumetry results during follow-up, p > 0.05. The provided treatment (DMTs) did not demonstrate a significant impact on the brain MRI volumetry results during a 5-year follow-up, p > 0.05. Conclusions: Brain MRI volumetry seriously impacts the early detection of brain atrophic changes. In this study, significant relationship between brain magnetic resonance volumetry results and disability progression among MS patients with no important impact of the provided treatment was described. Brain MRI volumetry may aid in the identification of early disease progression among MS patients, as well as enrich the clinical evaluation of MS patients in clinical patient care.

Neurosyphilis Mimicking Herpes Simplex Encephalitis on Magnetic Resonance Imaging: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND Neurosyphilis is a central nervous system infection caused by Treponema pallidum, that can develop at any time after the initial infection. The clinical signs of neurosyphilis are very variable, as well as its radiological features, and it is a diagnostic challenge. Knowledge of clinical symptoms and correct laboratory diagnostics, combined with routine radiological examination and additional diagnostic tools, such as high-resolution, three-dimensional FLAIR sequence, T2-weighted, and T1-weighted contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are key to making an accurate diagnosis of neurosyphilis. CASE REPORT We present the clinical case of a patient who presented a 1-year history of vague clinical symptoms and was misdiagnosed with herpes simplex virus (HSV) encephalitis. Initial head MRI revealed extensive cerebral white matter lesions with cortical contrast enhancement, mainly of anterior and medial parts of the left temporal lobe, as typically seen in HSV encephalitis. Empirical therapy with acyclovir was started until a diagnosis of syphilis was confirmed with laboratory findings. Later, the therapy was changed to penicillin G. The patient's condition improved after receiving targeted treatment. A control MRI scan was performed, and previously detected changes in the brain had decreased significantly. CONCLUSIONS MRI is the imaging of choice to support the diagnosis of neurosyphilis. Our findings suggest that neuroimaging can play an important role in indicating suspicion of syphilitic encephalitis. Enhancement of the anterior and medial parts of the temporal lobe is an atypical imaging finding, and it can simulate an infection with HSV. Early treatment is critical to a positive outcome.

Rare Case of Hodgkin Lymphoma Transformation into Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma with Atypical Spread Epidurally, Intradurally and Intramedullary: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) transformation into diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is uncommon, and scant information has been published on transformed high-grade lymphomas. Therefore, it is important to present and discuss cases of lymphoma transformation to make new information on disease progression, diagnosis, and treatment more readily available. In this paper, we present a case of HL transformation into DLBCL with atypical dissemination. CASE REPORT A 39-year-old woman presented with severe hip pain. A computed tomography (CT) scan was performed, which showed massive pathological retroperitoneal and pelvic lymphadenopathy. The lymph nodes were biopsied and revealed HL. The patient then underwent 7 cycles of ABVD therapy; however, clinical concern was raised for persistent disease due to the poor response to therapy. A vertebral body biopsy was performed to clarify the diagnosis, and histological analysis revealed DLBCL. Therefore, specific chemotherapy with the R-CHOP scheme was begun; the patient received 8 cycles of rituximab and residual lymphoma tissue irradiation. Two months later, magnetic resonance imaging later demonstrated radiological disease progression with multiple widespread metastases in the spinal vertebrae as well as prevertebral, epidural, intradural, and intramedullary metastatic spread. The patient underwent intrathecal chemotherapy and radiation therapy, after which, full metabolic remission was observed on PET/CT. CONCLUSIONS Vigilance should be maintained for patients with poor response to HL treatment owing to the possible transformation into DLBCL. However, even in such cases, full metabolic remission can be achieved with appropriate treatment.

Use of High-Resolution Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) for Radiological Diagnosis of Neurovascular Conflict: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND Neurovascular conflict (NVC) or neurovascular compression syndrome is a pathoanatomical phenomenon that puts the vessel and the cranial nerve in direct contact, resulting in mechanical irritation to the nerve. Several clinical syndromes in which abnormal activity spreads in the nerve innervation zone are known to be associated with neurovascular compression syndrome. Radiological examination and precise diagnostic measures are the cornerstones for successful diagnosis, but a precise diagnosis of NVC is not always easily achievable. Apart from routine radiological examination, additional diagnostic tools should be used, including high-resolution, three-dimensional (3D), T2-weighted (T2W) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), and precise diagnostic radiological criteria. CASE REPORT We present the cases of 2 patients diagnosed with trigeminal neuralgia V2/3 and severe facial pain for more than 5 years for whom treatment with medication was unsuccessful. Their primary MRI scans did not show specific signs of possible NVC. For clarification, additional high-resolution, T2W MRI scans were performed. Radiological evidence of NVC was found. During neurosurgery, an NVC was confirmed among the trigeminal nerve, the roots of the cerebellum, and the petrosal vein. The procedure was successful in both patients. CONCLUSIONS High-resolution, T2W MRI sequences together with 3D MRA (TOF-MRA) are the most sensitive tools available for detection of cranial nerve root entrance area vascular compression. The best way that radiologists can increase the accuracy of diagnosis of NVC is to take a systematic approach to evaluation and to apply the recommended criteria to images from patients suspected of having the condition.

Endovascular thrombectomy in anterior circulation stroke and clinical value of bridging with intravenous thrombolysis.

BACKGROUND: Bridging treatment with intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) before endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) in acute ischemic stroke is applied under the assumption of benefits for patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO). However, the benefit of this additional step has not yet been proven. PURPOSE: To compare procedural parameters (procedural time, number of attempts), complications, and clinical outcome in patients receiving EVT vs. patients with bridging treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this prospective study all patients had acute anterior cerebral circulation occlusion and were treated with EVT. All patients were selected for treatment based on clinical criteria, multimodal computed tomography (CT) imaging. Eighty-four patients were treated with bridging IVT followed by EVT; 62 patients were treated with EVT only. RESULTS: Bridging therapy did not influence endovascular procedure time ( P = 0.71) or number of attempts needed ( P = 0.63). Bleeding from any site was more common in the bridging group (27, 32%) vs. the EVT group (12, 19%) ( P = 0.09). Functional independence modified Rankin Scale after 90 days was slightly higher in the bridging group (44%) vs. the EVT group (42%) ( P = 0.14). Mortality did not differ significantly at 90 days: 17% in the bridging group vs. 21% in EVT alone ( P = 0.57). Both treatment methods showed high recanalization rates: 94% in the bridging group and 89% for EVT alone. CONCLUSION: Bridging treatment in LVO did not show benefits or elevated risks of complications in comparison to EVT only. The bridging group did not show significantly better neurological outcome or significant impact on procedural parameters vs. EVT alone.