Recommendations for the diagnosis and radiological follow-up of pituitary neuroendocrine tumours.

Pituitary neuroendocrine tumours (PitNETs) constitute a heterogeneous group of tumours with a gradually increasing incidence, partly accounted for by more sensitive imaging techniques and more extensive experience in neuroradiology in this regard. Although most PitNETs are indolent, some exhibit aggressive behaviour, and recurrence may be seen after surgical removal. The changes introduced in the WHO classification in 2017 and terminological debates in relation to neuroendocrine tumours warrant an update of the guidelines for the diagnosis, preoperative and postoperative management, and follow-up of response to treatment of PitNETs. This multidisciplinary document, an initiative of the Neuroendocrinology area of the Sociedad Española de Endocrinología y Nutrición [Spanish Society of Endocrinology and Nutrition] (SEEN), focuses on neuroimaging studies for the diagnosis, prognosis and follow-up of PitNETs. The basic requirements and elements that should be covered by magnetic resonance imaging are described, and a minimum radiology report to aid clinicians in treatment decision-making is proposed. This work supplements the consensus between the Neuroendocrinology area of the SEEN and the Sociedad Española de Anatomía Patológica [Spanish Society of Pathology] (SEAP) for the pathological study of PitNETs.

Spontaneous Haematomas in Anticoagulated Covid-19 Patients: Diagnosis and Treatment by Embolization.

PURPOSE: To assess the safety and efficacy of embolization for spontaneous bleeding in anticoagulated patients with COVID-19. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Single center retrospective study in 9 patients with COVID-19 who experienced bleeding complications following anticoagulation. The study included 8 men and 1 woman aged from 48 to 80 years (mean 69.7 years), who had a total of 10 soft tissue haematomas: 1 in the thigh, 1 in the anterior abdominal wall, 6 retroperitoneal and 2 thoracic haematomas. All patients were referenced for vascular embolization, mostly with Onyx-18. RESULTS: A total of 10 haematomas were embolized in 9 patients. Technical success was achieved in all patients. No complications or adverse events were noted. One patient required percutaneous drainage of an infected haematoma 88 days after embolization. The mean hemoglobin level before embolization was 8,64 mg/dL and increased to 9,08 mg/dL after embolization (p = 0,3). After embolization all patients recovered haemodynamic stability and blood pressure levels improved. Seven patients resumed anticoagulation therapy after embolization. There were no recurrences or new bleedings in all treated patients. No patients required any additional invasive therapies or surgery. Mean intensive unit care and hospital stay was 6.7 and 35.2 days, respectively. All patients were discharged and were well at follow-up clinic visits 2-7 months after embolization. Seven patients performed a control CT scan 1-6 months after embolization, showing complete resolution of the haematoma. CONCLUSION: Embolization is safe and effective to treat spontaneous haematomas in anticoagulated patients with COVID-19, allowing to resume anticoagulation therapy. Level of evidence IV Level 4, case-series.

Fibrin-Platelet Clots in Acute Ischemic Stroke. Predictors and Clinical Significance in a Mechanical Thrombectomy Series.

Introduction: The histological composition of the clot influences its mechanical properties, affects the efficacy of endovascular treatment (EVT), and could determine the clinical outcome of patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Insights into clot composition may guide therapeutic decision-making prior to EVT and facilitate revascularization therapies. Material and Methods: Consecutive patients with AIS recorded in a prospective single-center reperfusion registry from December 2015 to December 2019 and treated with EVT were included. Baseline, laboratory [including post-procedural C-reactive protein (CRP)], radiological, and angiographic variables were analyzed. We aimed to study the relationship between histological composition of the clot with basal neuroimaging, laboratory markers, and recanalization technique. The secondary outcome was to analyze the correlation between clot composition and functional outcome at 3 months assessed by the modified Rankin scale (mRS). Results: From the study period, 360 AIS patients treated with EVT were included, of whom 189 (53%) fulfilled the inclusion criteria. One hundred (53%) cases of fibrin-predominant clot (FPC) were recorded. Full recanalization in FPC cases was achieved with higher probability when stent retrievers (SR) were selected as the first-line device (68.2%, p = 0.039). Patients with FPC had higher levels of CRP (p = 0.02), lower frequency of the hyperdense middle cerebral artery (HMCA) in baseline imaging (p = 0.039), and higher rates of mortality (p = 0.012). The multivariate analysis showed that the absence of HMCA (OR = 0.420; 95% CI 0.197-0.898; p = 0.025) and higher levels of CRP (OR = 1.01; 95% CI 1.003-1.019; p = 0.008) were predictors of FPC. Leukocytes and platelet counts were not associated with clot histology. Conclusions: The absence of HMCA and higher levels of CRP were markers of FPC. In patients with FPC, complete recanalization was most likely to be achieved when a SR was selected as first line of treatment. Mortality was higher in patients within this histologic group.

Cyanocobalamin Ultraflexible Lipid Vesicles: Characterization and In Vitro Evaluation of Drug-Skin Depth Profiles.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) and psoriasis are the most common chronic inflammatory skin disorders, which importantly affect the quality of life of patients who suffer them. Among other causes, nitric oxide has been reported as part of the triggering factors in the pathogenesis of both conditions. Cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12) has shown efficacy as a nitric oxide scavenger and some clinical trials have given positive outcomes in its use for treating skin pathologies. Passive skin diffusion is possible only for drugs with low molecular weights and intermediate lipophilicity. Unfortunately, the molecular weight and hydrophilicity of vitamin B12 do not predict its effective diffusion through the skin. The aim of this work was to design new lipid vesicles to encapsulate the vitamin B12 to enhance its skin penetration. Nine prototypes of vesicles were generated and characterized in terms of size, polydispersity, surface charge, drug encapsulation, flexibility, and stability with positive results. Additionally, their ability to release the drug content in a controlled manner was demonstrated. Finally, we found that these lipid vesicle formulations facilitated the penetration of cyanocobalamin to the deeper layers of the skin. The present work shows a promising system to effectively administer vitamin B12 topically, which could be of interest in the treatment of skin diseases such as AD and psoriasis.

Comaneci device-assisted embolization of wide-necked carotid aneurysms with an unfavorable ratio.

BACKGROUND: Endovascular treatment is the technique of choice for most intracranial aneurysms. However, the treatment of morphologically complex wide-necked aneurysms with an unfavorable anatomy is still a therapeutic challenge. The purpose of the study is to describe the initial experience with the Comaneci embolization assist device for the treatment of wide-necked aneurysms with an unfavorable ratio for direct embolization. METHODS: We report a retrospective single-center analysis taken from a prospective database of consecutive aneurysms of the anterior circulation treated using the Comaneci device in the period from March 2017 to March 2019. RESULTS: Eighteen aneurysms were collected from 16 patients (9 women and 7 men) treated using the Comaneci device. The mean age was 48.4 years (range 36-81). Twelve patients had SAH, three were incidental aneurysms and one had compressive symptoms. A complete asymptomatic occlusion rate of 88.8% was obtained. The major complication rate was 5.55%. CONCLUSION: The Comaneci embolization assist device is a safe, effective option for endovascular treatment of complex aneurysms with an unfavorable ratio.

Endovascular management of an unsual case of spontaneous Retroperitoneal Haemorrhage due to Fibromuscular Dysplasia.

BACKGROUND: Fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) is an uncommon vascular disease that results in stenosis, dissection or aneurysmal degeneration. However, it can sometimes manifest atypically, as we show in this case. CASE PRESENTATION: A 24-year old patient with no relevant medical history with severe left hypochondrium pain. The physical examination showed blood pressure levels of 160/90 mmHg. An abdominopelvic CT evidenced left retroperitoneal haematoma associated with active bleeding and left renal artery stenosis. Given these findings, it was decided to perform an endovascular treatment. Significant stenosis was seen during the arteriography in both renal arteries, suggesting fibromuscular dysplasia and development of a collateral neovascular network responsible for the retroperitoneal haematoma. It was embolised in association with angioplasty of the left renal artery. The patient had a favourable outcome; however, high blood pressure levels persisted. A new bilateral renal angioplasty was performed, which returned blood pressure values to normal. The patient was discharged without needing antihypertensives. CONCLUSIONS: FMD is a rare disease that can show multiple clinical presentations and need individualized treatment options. Endovascular techniques are in the first therapeutic line regarding fibromuscular dysplasia.

Simultaneous Angioplasty and Mechanical Thrombectomy in Tandem Carotid Occlusions. Incidence of Reocclusions and Prognostic Predictors.

OBJECTIVES: The best revascularization technique for tandem carotid occlusions is not clearly defined. The primary objective of this study is to describe our technical and clinical results, analyzing the main predictors of functional independence. The secondary objective is the analysis of stent reocclusion rate. METHODS: A single-center series of 250 mechanical thrombectomies in the anterior circulation was studied. A subsequent analysis of 40 carotid occlusions was performed. The demographics, etiology, angiographic results, antithrombotic drugs, and 3-month follow-up were registered. A bivariate analysis was performed to establish the association of the study variables with major clinical complications (death, symptomatic hemorrhagic transformation and early recurrence) and the functional prognosis. In addition, the relationship between the preprocedure antiaggregation regimen and the reocclusions was studied, as well as its clinical impact. Independent predictive factors were studied using a multivariate logistic regression model. RESULTS: Complete recanalization was achieved in 30 cases (75%). Simultaneous stent placement was decided in 32 cases (80%). Functional independence was reached in 19 cases (47.5%), and 3 (7.5%) died at 3 months. Seven major complications were reported (17.5%). In patients with satisfactory revascularization where a carotid stent was used, 9 reocclusions (28.1%) were detected during the follow-up, 2 of them symptomatic. The only factor related independently with functional independence was the administration of single antiaggregation (odds ratio = .31; 95% confidence interval .002-.595; P = .021). CONCLUSIONS: Urgent endovascular treatment of tandem carotid occlusions has shown to be effective and safe in our series. The administration of single antiaggregation is a predictor of functional independence. In patients treated with carotid stent, the reocclusion rate is high, but generally asymptomatic.

Histopathological and Bacteriological Analysis of Thrombus Material Extracted During Mechanical Thrombectomy in Acute Stroke Patients.

PURPOSE: Management of stroke secondary to septic emboli (SE) remains challenging, due to both the lack of specific recommendations and the gravity of the underlying pathology.The aim of this study is to describe the presence of SE in a series of mechanical thrombectomies (MT), analyzing technical complexity and outcomes with respect to the patients by means of histological analysis and microbiological study of the clot. METHODS: All the retrieved clots were studied under an established protocol, including histopathological and bacteriological study with hematoxylin-eosin, Gram and Gomori trichrome staining.Technical complexity in SE with respect to the series was evaluated by analyzing time of the procedures, number of passes and use of intracranial definitive stents. RESULTS: Over a 24-month period, bacteria were detected in the retrieved clot of four out of 65 patients (incidence 6.2%). Two cases were eventually diagnosed with infective endocarditis, while the remaining two were diagnosed with urinary tract infection and respiratory septicemia, respectively. Three of the four patients (75%) required an intracranial definitive stent in order to achieve successful recanalization.These procedures were significantly longer (137.7 vs. 59.8 min, p < 0.001), needed a higher number of passes (5.8 vs. 2.2, p < 0.001), and delivery of an intracranial stent more frequently (75% vs. 1.6%, p = 0.008), with respect to the rest of the series. CONCLUSIONS: In our series, systematic histopathological and bacteriological study of the MT samples allowed a higher proportion of SE diagnosis in comparison with previous reports.

Estudio del colículo inferior de pacientes con esquizofrenia mediante espectroscopía de resonancia magnética / Study of the inferior colliculus in patients with schizophrenia by magnetic resonance spectroscopy

Introducción. Algunos estudios anteriores en pacientes con esquizofrenia han sugerido alteraciones morfométricas y funcionales en el colículo inferior. Las alucinaciones auditivas son uno de los síntomas centrales en la esquizofrenia. Se piensa que en este evento complejo y multidisciplinar, tanto la atención como la emoción desempeñan un papel clave. Objetivo. Estudiar los cambios metabólicos en el colículo inferior, un núcleo integrado en la vía auditiva, en pacientes con esquizofrenia y su posible relación con las alucinaciones auditivas. Sujetos y métodos. Se llevaron a cabo estudios de espectroscopía de resonancia magnética en 30 pacientes diestros con esquizofrenia crónica (19 de ellos con alucinaciones auditivas) y 28 controles. Se adquirió una secuencia 2D de espectroscopía de resonancia magnética y se seleccionaron los vóxeles representativos de ambos colículos inferiores. Se calculó el área de los picos de N-acetilaspartato (NAA), creatina (Cr) y colina (Co). Resultados. Los pacientes con esquizofrenia mostraron una reducción significativa de NAA/Cr en el colículo inferior derecho comparados con los sujetos control. Los datos metabólicos en el colículo inferior derecho se correlacionaron con los ítems emocionales de las alucinaciones auditivas. Conclusiones. La contribución del colículo inferior a las bases neuronales de las alucinaciones auditivas es particularmente relevante para el colículo inferior derecho y se centra en el componente atencional-emocional de este síntoma (AU)

Introduction. Previous studies have suggested morphometric and functional abnormalities in the inferior colliculus in patients with schizophrenia. Auditory hallucinations are one of the central symptoms in schizophrenia. In this complex and multidimensional event both attention and emotion are thought to play a key role. Aim. To study metabolic changes in the inferior colliculus, a nucleus integrated in the auditory pathway, in patients with schizophrenia and the possible relationship with auditory hallucinations. Subjects and methods. Magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging studies were performed in 30 right-handed patients with chronic schizophrenia (19 of them with auditory hallucinations) and 28 controls. A magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging 2D slice was acquired and the voxels representative of both inferior colliculi were selected. N-acetylaspartate (NAA), creatine (Cr) and choline (Cho) peak areas were measured. Results. The patients with schizophrenia showed a NAA/Cr significant reduction in the right inferior colliculus compared to the control subjects. The metabolic data in the right inferior colliculus were correlated with emotional auditory hallucinations items (AU. Conclusions. The contribution of the inferior colliculus on neural underpinnings of auditory hallucinations is particularly relevant for the right inferior colliculus and is centered on attention-emotional component of this symptom (AU)

Focalidad neurológica en paciente anticoagulado / Focal neurologic signs in an anticoagulated patient

Presentamos el caso de una mujer de 63 años que acude a urgencias por dificultad en la emisión del lenguaje y debilidad en extremidades derechas de instauración súbita. Entre sus antecedentes personales encontramos una fibrilación auricular (FA) crónica insuficientemente anticoagulada. El primer diagnóstico a tener en cuenta es el de ictus isquémico agudo de origen cardioembólico. La enfermedad vascular cerebral es la segunda causa de mortalidad en el mundo. El tiempo entre el inicio del ictus y el tratamiento de revascularización, bien sea farmacológico (intravenoso o intraarterial) o mecánico, nos marcará la evolución y pronóstico del paciente (AU)

We report the case of a 63 year old woman who came to the emergency department due to difficulty in expressing herself linguistically and right limb weakness of sudden onset. She had a history of chronic atrial fibrillation (AF) and being insufficiently anticoagulated. The first diagnosis to consider is acute ischemic stroke of cardioembolic origin. Cerebrovascular disease is the second cause of death worldwide. The time between the onset of stroke and revascularization, either pharmacological (intravenous or intraarterial) or mechanical, will determine the patient's evolution and prognosis (AU)

Organic preservation of fossil musculature with ultracellular detail.

The very labile (decay-prone), non-biomineralized, tissues of organisms are rarely fossilized. Occurrences thereof are invaluable supplements to a body fossil record dominated by biomineralized tissues, which alone are extremely unrepresentative of diversity in modern and ancient ecosystems. Fossil examples of extremely labile tissues (e.g. muscle) that exhibit a high degree of morphological fidelity are almost invariably replicated by inorganic compounds such as calcium phosphate. There is no consensus as to whether such tissues can be preserved with similar morphological fidelity as organic remains, except when enclosed inside amber. Here, we report fossilized musculature from an approximately 18 Myr old salamander from lacustrine sediments of Ribesalbes, Spain. The muscle is preserved organically, in three dimensions, and with the highest fidelity of morphological preservation yet documented from the fossil record. Preserved ultrastructural details include myofilaments, endomysium, layering within the sarcolemma, and endomysial circulatory vessels infilled with blood. Slight differences between the fossil tissues and their counterparts in extant amphibians reflect limited degradation during fossilization. Our results provide unequivocal evidence that high-fidelity organic preservation of extremely labile tissues is not only feasible, but likely to be common. This is supported by the discovery of similarly preserved tissues in the Eocene Grube Messel biota.

Relationship between low back pain, disability, MR imaging findings and health care provider.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the association between the self-report of pain and disability and findings on lumbar MR images, and to compare two different health care providers in Spanish patients with low back pain (LBP). DESIGN: Cross-sectional MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 278 patients, 137 men and 141 women aged 44+/-14 years submitted with low back pain (LBP) were studied. One hundred and nine patients were from the National Health System (NHS) and 169 from private practice. Patients with previous discitis, surgery, neoplasm or traumatic episodes were excluded. Every patient completed a disability questionnaire with six core items, providing a score of disability from 2 to 28. All patients had sagittal spin-echo T1 and turbo spin-echo T2, axial proton-density and MR myelography weighted images. MR images of the two most affected disc levels were read, offering an MR imaging score from 0 to 30. RESULTS: Patients with a combination of LBP and sciatica showed the highest levels of disability (p=0.002). MR imaging scores only correlated with pain interference with normal work (p=0.04), but not with other disability questions. Patients from the NHS showed greater disability scores than private ones (p=0.001) and higher MR imaging scores (p=0.01). CONCLUSION: In patients with LBP, MR imaging only correlates with pain interference with work but not with other disability questions. Differences are found between private and NHS patients, the latter being more physically affected.

Relationship between Northwick Park neck pain questionnaire and cervical spine MR imaging findings.

The study was aimed at determining the association between the self-report of pain and disability by means of Northwick neck pain questionnaire (NPQ) and cervical spine MR imaging findings. A random sample of 251 patients, 132 men and 119 women aged 43+/-13 years, submitted with neck pain were investigated. Patients with previous discitis, surgery, neoplasm or hospitalized for cervical spine trauma were excluded. All patients completed the NPQ and were studied with sagittal gradient-echo T1 and turbo spin-echo T2, axial gradient-echo T2* and heavily T2 weighted MR myelographic weighted images. MR images of the two most affected disc levels were read, offering an MR imaging score from 0 to 30. There was no statistically significant correlation between NPQ and MR imaging scores. From the NPQ items, only difficulty in sleeping and numbness were related to the MR imaging score. Disc extrusion was the only MR finding almost significantly associated with NPQ (P=0.054). Neck injury did not increase NPQ scores. In patients with neck pain, NPQ scores do not correlate with MR imaging findings. NPQ and cervical spine MR imaging show different facets of the multidimensional complex of neck pain.

Upper thoracic-spine disc degeneration in patients with cervical pain.

OBJECTIVE: To study the relationship of upper thoracic spine degenerative disc contour changes on MR imaging in patients with neck pain. The relation between upper thoracic and cervical spine degenerative disc disease is not well established. DESIGN AND PATIENTS: One hundred and fifty-six patients referred with cervical pain were studied. There were 73 women and 77 men with a mean age of 48.6 +/- 14.6 years (range, 19 to 83 years). All MR studies were performed with a large 23-cm FOV covering at least from the body of T4 to the clivus. Discs were coded as normal, protrusion/bulge or extrusion. RESULTS: Degenerative thoracic disc contour changes were observed in 13.4% of patients with cervical pain. T2-3 was the most commonly affected level of the upper thoracic spine, with 15 bulge/protrusions and one extrusion. Upper degenerative thoracic disc contour changes presented in older patients than the cervical levels (Student-Newman-Keuls test, P < 0.001). Degenerative disc contour changes at the C7-T1, T1-2, T2-3 and T3-4 levels were significantly correlated ( P = 0.001), but unrelated to any other disc disease, patient's gender or age. Degenerative cervical disc disease was closely related together ( P < 0.001), but not with any thoracic disc. CONCLUSION: A statistically significant relation was found within the upper thoracic discs, reflecting common pathoanatomical changes. The absence of relation to cervical segments is probably due to differences in their pathomechanisms.

Effect of subcutaneous butylscopolamine administration in the reduction of peristaltic artifacts in 1.5-T MR fast abdominal examinations.

In abdominal MR imaging, ghost artifacts from noncyclic bowel movements can reduce the quality of the images. Although pharmacologic suppression of motion is effective, no study has being conducted to analyze the influence of drug motion suppression on fast breath-hold 1.5-T examinations of the upper abdomen. A prospective, randomized, double-blind trial was conducted in 50 patients. Patients were randomly distributed into two groups: The control group received only an oral solution, whereas the other group received the oral solution plus a subcutaneous injection of 20 mg of butylscopolamine 10 min before the MR examination. Breath-hold T1-weighted gradient-recalled-echo (GRE) MR images were obtained in a 1.5-T superconductive unit. Quantitative image analysis was performed with region-of-interest (ROI) measurements of the signal intensity of the liver and in background air anterior and lateral to the patient. A qualitative analysis of the subjective quality of the T1-weighted images was also done, and the adverse reactions were registered. The groups were homogeneous regarding age, gender, and weight distribution. No significant differences in the signal intensity of the liver and in the incoherent noise measurements were found between the two groups. Gastrointestinal noise showed significant differences between groups, with lower values for the butylscopolamine group compared with the control group. There was also a statistically significant difference in the image quality between groups, and optimal studies were only found in the butylscopolamine group, where most patients had a good-quality evaluation. Regarding adverse events, there were non-significant differences between groups. In conclusion, administration of an antiperistaltic agent to reduce the movements of the gastrointestinal tract diminishes the motion artifacts generated on MR imaging of the abdomen, even at high field strength and with fast imaging sequences. Images of the upper abdomen obtained after pharmacologic suppression of the gastrointestinal movement are of significantly superior quality.

Concomitant lower thoracic spine disc disease in lumbar spine MR imaging studies.

Our objective was to study the coexistence of lower thoracic-spine disc changes in patients with low back pain using a large field of view (FOV) in lumbar spine MR imaging. One hundred fifty patients with low back pain were referred to an MR examination. All patients were studied with a large FOV (27 cm), covering from the coccyx to at least the body of T11. Discs were coded as normal, protrusion, and extrusion (either epiphyseal or intervertebral). The relationship between disc disease and level was established with the Pearson chi(2) test. The T11-12 was the most commonly affected level of the lower thoracic spine with 58 disc cases rated as abnormal. Abnormalities of T11-12 and T12-L1 discs were significantly related only to L1-L2 disease ( p=0.001 and p=0.004, respectively) but unrelated to other disc disease, patient's gender, and age. No correlation was found between other discs. Magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbar spine can detect a great amount of lower thoracic disease, although its clinical significance remains unknown. A statistically significant relation was found within the thoracolumbar junctional region (T11-L2), reflecting common pathoanatomical changes. The absence of relation with lower lumbar spine discs is probably due to differences in their pathomechanisms.

Craniopharyngiomas: identification of different semiological patterns with MRI.

Our objectives were to analyze different semiological patterns in craniopharyngiomas studied with CT and MR sequences. Retrospective study of 26 patients with confirmed craniopharyngiomas. All cases were examined with CT and MR imaging using a variety of pulse sequences (spin echo, inversion recovery, gradient echo in-phase and opposed-phase). The analyzed component patterns were classified as solid, calcium, proteic-like, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)-like, hematic-like, and fatty patterns. The different patterns were related by means of contingency tables and the Fisher exact test and also to epidemiological findings and tumor size. A solid pole was detected in all patients, whereas a cystic component was present in 92.3% of the cases. Calcification was visualized in 65.3%, proteic-like in 53.8%, CSF-like in 23%, hematic-like in 19.2%, and fatty component in 15.3%. There were no statistical associations between patterns, with the exception that in no case did CSF-like and proteic-like patterns coexist ( P=0.004). Tumor size was related to components. Hematic-like (17.0+/-18.9 vs 3.9+/-2.6 mm, non-present vs present) and CSF-like (16.9+/-19.6 vs 6.5+/-4.0 mm) patterns were observed most frequently in smaller tumors, whereas larger tumors usually had proteic-like (5.9+/-5.4 vs 21.1+/-21.0 mm) and calcified (4.6+/-1.9 vs 19.1+/-19.9 mm) patterns. Computed tomography and a combination of different MR images frequently allow the detection of different semiological patterns in these tumors. Semiological patterns were correlated only to tumor size.

Formas de presentación de las masas intraarticulares / Modes of presentation of intraarticular masses

Objetivo: Las tumoraciones intraarticulares son relativamente raras y sus características en resonancia magnética (RM) poco conocidas. Nuestro objetivo en este trabajo ha sido valorar la presentación y los hallazgos de imagen en RM para las diferentes formas histológicas en una serie de 22 pacientes. Material y métodos: Revisamos los hallazgos de imagen en RM de 22 masas intraarticulares (18 en la rodilla, dos en tobillo y dos en hombro). Las variables estudiadas fueron: calcificaciones, edema, morfología, metahemoglobina, hemosiderina, homogeneidad, márgenes, alteraciones óseas, intensidad de señal en T1, intensidad de señal en T2/STIR, presentación clínica y edad. Las relaciones estadísticas se establecieron con las pruebas de X2 y de ANOVA (Student-NewmanKeuls). Resultados: Los tumores intraarticulares se distribuyen en 14 (63,6 por ciento) sinovitis villonodular pigmentada (SVNP), tres (13,6 por ciento) hemangiomas, tres (13,6 por ciento) sarcomas sinoviales y dos (9,1 por ciento) condrosarcomas. Se encontraron relaciones estadísticamente significativas entre los tipos histológicos de tumor y las calcificaciones (p = 0,004), irregulares en condrosarcomas y flebolito en hemangiomas; la forma (p = 0,007), serpiginosa en los hemangiomas y oval en la SVNP focal; las áreas de hemosiderina (p = 0,002), de la SVNP y el sarcoma sinovial; la presentación clínica (p = 0,003), con alteraciones cutáneas en los hemangiomas; y la edad (p = 0,04), siendo más jóvenes los pacientes con hemangiomas (media, 21 años) y mayores los pacientes con sinoviosarcomas (media, 56 años). Conclusión: En las tumoraciones intraarticulares la presencia de calcificaciones, la morfología del tumor, la presencia de hemosiderina, la edad del paciente y la presentación clínica son datos estadísticamente diferentes en función del tipo histológico. (AU)

Mapas de resonancia magnética funcional obtenidos con PC / Functional magnetic resonance maps obtained by personal computer

Objetivos: El estudio de resonancia magnética funcional (RMf) tiene una especial relevancia en el análisis de diversas activaciones cerebrales. En este trabajo se describe el desarrollo de un programa informático para PC que analiza estas imágenes para obtener mapas de activación funcional de una forma sencilla. Material y Métodos: Los mapas de activación se basan en las diferencias temporales de oxihemoglobina en un plano tomográfico. Para detectar estas diferencias se comparan las intensidades registradas repetidamente durante dos estados distintos del cerebro, control y activación. Los experimentos se han realizado en un equipo de RM de 1,5 Teslas. Para comprobar el correcto funcionamiento del programa se han realizado estudios de RMf en cuatro sujetos sanos (12 cortes contiguos, 80 imágenes por corte cada 3,1 segundos, 960 imágenes totales).Todas las imágenes se transfirieron a un PC. El procesamiento de las imágenes se hizo píxel a píxel dentro de cada secuencia, obteniéndose una curva de intensidad/tiempo. El análisis mediante métodos estadísticos (t de Student y correlación cruzada) permite decidir la activación de cada píxel. En la preparación de las imágenes se usó filtrado espacial, filtrado temporal, corrección de la línea base, normalización y segmentación del parénquima. En el posprocesado del resultado se usó la eliminación de píxeles aislados, superposición de una imagen anatómica de mayor resolución espacial y el filtrado anti-aliasing. Resultados: La aplicación (Xfun 1.0, Valencia) se ha desarrollado en el entorno Microsoft Visual C++ 5.0 Developer Studio para Windows NT Workstation. En un ejemplo representativo el programa tardó 8,2 segundos para calcular y presentar los resultados de un estudio completo (12 mapas funcionales). En los experimentos de activación motora y visual se observó la activación correspondiente a regiones próximas al surco central del hemisferio contralateral a la mano que ejercía la acción y en la corteza occipital. Discusión: Si bien existen programas que calculan mapas de activación, el desarrollo de un programa para PC en entorno Windows tiene unas características clave para su utilización rutinaria: facilidad de manejo y alta capacidad de cómputo. La aplicación desarrollada es capaz de discriminar cuáles son las zonas del cerebro que se activan como respuesta a un estímulo de las que no se modifican (AU)

Utilidad de la mielografía mediante resonancia magnética en el diagnóstico de las enfermedades de la columna vertebral / Value of MR myelography in the diagnosis of the spine disorders

Fundamento: Valorar la utilidad de la mielografía obtenida mediante RM (RM-mielografía) como estudio complementario en los pacientes a los que se les realiza un estudio con RM convencional de la columna vertebral. Pacientes y métodos: Se incluyen 275 pacientes a los que se les realizó una RM-mielografía con dos planos, coronal y sagital, con técnica TSE single shot (turbo espín eco) junto con un estudio de RM convencional de columna. Ciento treinta pacientes eran varones y 145 mujeres, con edades comprendidas entre los 20 y 71 años (media, 45 años). Las variables analizadas fueron edad, sexo, segmento vertebral estudiado, afección del saco dural, raíces nerviosas intradurales, emergencias radiculares y presencia de lesiones intradurales, quistes meníngeos y estenosis del conducto. Se clasificó la información aportada por el estudio de RM-mielografía frente al de RM convencional en nueva o redundante, y relevante o no. Resultados: Con la RM-mielografía se obtuvo información nueva en 81 casos (32 por ciento), siendo esta información considerada irrelevante en 35 casos y en 46 casos (16,7 por ciento del total) relevante (amputaciones de emergencias radiculares y alteraciones de las raíces intradurales). La RM-mielografía no aportó ningún tipo de información adicional a la RM convencional en 187 casos (68 por ciento del total). Conclusiones: La RM-mielografía es una técnica de rápida adquisición que complementa al estudio de RM convencional de la columna vertebral al aportar una información relevante en el análisis de las enfermedades de la columna vertebral hasta en un 16,7 por ciento de casos. (AU)