Bloody Bile and Rescue Intervention-A Case Series of Post-PTBD Hemorrhagic Complications With a Review of the Literature.

Percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) is a routinely performed interventional radiological procedure. A myriad of complications can occur after PTBD, the most important being hemorrhagic complications that require immediate attention. Hemorrhage following PTBD may result from arterial, portal, or hepatic venous injury. A catheter or pull-back cholangiogram often demonstrates the venous injury. A computed tomogram angiogram aids in identifying bleeding sources and procedural planning. Catheter repositioning, upsizing, or clamping often suffice for minor venous bleeding. However, major venous injury necessitates tract embolization, portal vein embolization, or stent grafting. Arterial injury may lead to significant blood loss unless treated expeditiously. Transarterial embolization is the treatment of choice in such cases. Adequate knowledge about the hemorrhagic complications of PTBD will allow an interventional radiologist to take necessary precautionary measures to reduce their incidence and take appropriate steps in their management. This article entails four different hemorrhagic complications of PTBD and their interventional management. It also discusses the various treatment options to manage different kinds of post-PTBD hemorrhagic complications.

Correlation between Vertebral Marrow Fat Fraction in MRI Using DIXON Technique and BMD in DXA in Patients of Suspected Osteoporosis.

Aim Osteoporosis is a common metabolic bone disease accounting for low back pain (LBP). It is diagnosed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a routine investigation for LBP, is also sensitive to detect fat fraction (FF) of the vertebral body that increases with increasing age. This study aimed to correlate vertebral marrow FF using MRI and bone mineral density (BMD). Material and Methods Patients presenting with low backache and suspected osteoporosis were included. All patients underwent an MRI of lumbosacral spine and DXA. Patients were categorized into an osteoporotic and a nonosteoporotic group based on the T-score obtained from DXA. "T-scores" of < -2.5 on BMD were considered as osteoporotic spine. T-score of > -2.5 was considered as nonosteoporotic. The FF obtained from the DIXON sequence of MRI was correlated between the two groups. Result Thirty-one patients were included with a mean age of 54.26 ± 11.6 years. Sixteen patients were osteoporotic based on the defined criteria in the methods. The mean vertebral marrow FF was significantly higher in the osteoporotic patients (64.98 ± 8.8%) compared with the nonosteoporotic (45.18 ± 13.2%) ( p = 0.001). The mean FF of the vertebra having fracture (69.19 ± 7.73%) was significantly higher than that of patients without fracture (57.96 ± 5.75%) ( p = 0.03). Taking a cutoff value of vertebral marrow FF of 54.85, the sensitivity and specificity of diagnosing osteoporosis were 93 and 80%, respectively, with a confidence interval of 95%. The area under the curve was 0.925. Conclusion Increased vertebral marrow FF is noted in the osteoporotic spine. FF has an inverse correlation with the T-score obtained from BMD. MRI with FF measurement can provide indirect evidence of osteoporosis, which can be done under one roof, especially in young patients where we need to avoid ionizing radiation.

From periphery to center, untold story of pure neuritic leprosy: an electrophysiological study.

BACKGROUND: Pure neuritic leprosy (PNL) is uncommon form of leprosy involving peripheral nerves. Some isolated case reports have shown imaging changes in the central nervous system (CNS) and also impairment in visual evoked potential (VEP), somatosensory evoked potential (SSEP) and brain stem auditory-evoked potentials (BAEPs) parameters in PNL, but there is lack of large study. This prospective observational study evaluates impairment in these central conduction studies among PNL patients. METHODS: We screened patients with leprosy presenting with features of neuropathy and/or thickened nerves. Patients with bacilli-positive nerve biopsies were included in the study and subjected to routine tests along with nerve conduction study (NCS), VEP, tibial SSEP and BAEPs. Parameters of these studies were analyzed based on data from previous studies. RESULTS: Of 76 patients screened for PNL 49 had positive findings in biopsy. Most of patients were male and mean age group was 46.35 ± 15.35 years. Mononeuritis multiplex was most common NCS pattern in 46.93% (23/49) patients. We found abnormal VEP in 13 out of 35 patients (37.14%). Similarly abnormal SSEP and BAEPs among 42.85% and 40% patients respectively. DISCUSSION: This study shows that in PNL significant number of patients have subclinical CNS involvement. Exact pathophysiology of CNS involvement is not known till now but study of VEP, SSEP and BAEPs parameter may help in early diagnosis of PNL.

Does indirect decompression by oblique lateral interbody fusion produce similar clinical and radiological outcomes to direct decompression by open transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion.

Objectives: Open transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (O-TLIF) remains the most popular and widely practiced lumbar fusion method even today, providing direct decompression. Oblique lateral interbody fusion (OLIF) is a novel retroperitoneal approach that allows placement of a large interbody cage which provides an indirect neural decompression, and screws can be placed minimal invasively or through the Wiltse OLIF (W-OLIF) approach. We aim to find out the short-term efficacy of W-OLIF to O-TLIF in terms of radiological and clinical outcomes in patients of lumbar degenerative diseases. Materials and Methods: Fifty-two patients were divided equally into two groups (group O-TLIF and group W-OLIF). Several parameters were measured, such as the spinal cord cross-sectional area (SC-CSA), foraminal cross-sectional area (F-CSA), disc height (DH), foraminal height (FH), Schizas grade for stenosis, and Meyerding's grading for olisthesis. Functional scores were measured using the visual analog scale (VAS) for low back pain (LBP) and lower limbs, Oswestry Disability Index. All parameters were repeat measured at 3 months follow-up. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS software. Results: Both groups were similar in composition preoperatively. There was significant improvement in all clinical and radiological parameters post-surgery in either group. However, at 3 months, The DH, FH, FSA, and VAS (LBP) were better in the W-OLIF group than in O-TLIF. Procedure-related complications were seen in both groups (15% in the O-TLIF group and 19% in the W-TLIF group), but only one patient in O-TLIF required revision due to cage migration. Conclusion: Similar improvement occurs in most of the clinical and radiological parameters in the W-OLIF group compared to the O-TLIF group. Few radiological parameters such as the DH, FH, and F-CSA and the VAS (LBP) correction are superior in the W-OLIF group in the short-term follow-up. We conclude that indirect decompression by W-OLIF provides equivalent, if not better, results than the traditional O-TLIF lumbar fusion.

Reverse Y stenting in the management of vertebrobasilar junction fenestrated aneurysm: A novel technique.

Fenestrated aneurysm at vertebrobasilar junction (VBJ) is very rare and can occur due to non-fusion of longitudinal neural axis forming basilar artery in the early stage of embryonic life. Due to defects in tunica media and weakness in its wall, these fenestrations are more likely to develop an aneurysm. Various treatment strategies are required for the management of these types of aneurysms including simple coiling, stent-assisted coiling, balloon remodeling technique, and more recently kissing flow diverters. Herein, we report the case of ruptured fenestrated VBJ aneurysm which was managed successfully with novel reverse Y stenting with coiling.

A Prospective Observational Study of Diagnostic Reliability of Semiquantitative and Quantitative High b-Value Diffusion-Weighted MRI in Distinguishing between Benign and Malignant Lung Lesions at 3 Tesla.

Aim The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of high b-value diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) to differentiate benign and malignant lung lesions in 3 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Materials and Methods Thirty-one patients with lung lesions underwent a high b-value (b= 1000 s/mm 2 ) DW MRI in 3 Tesla. Thirty lesions were biopsied, followed by histopathological analysis, and one was serially followed up for 2 years. Statistical analysis was done to calculate the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of different DWI parameters in distinguishing benign and malignant lesions. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to determine the cutoff values of different parameters. Results The qualitative assessment of signal intensity on DWI based on a 5-point rank scale had a mean score of 2.71 ± 0.75 for benign and 3. 75 ± 0.60 for malignant lesions. With a cutoff of 3.5, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 75, 86, and 77.6%, respectively. The mean ADC min (minimum apparent diffusion coefficient) value of benign and malignant lesions was 1. 49 ± 0.38 × 10-3 mm 2 /s and 1.11 ± 0.20 ×10-3 mm 2 /s, respectively. ROC curve analysis showed a cutoff value of 1.03 × 10-3 mm 2 /s; the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 87.5, 71.4, and 83.3%, respectively. For lesion to spinal cord ratio and lesion to spinal cord ADC ratio with a cutoff value of 1.08 and 1.38, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 83.3 and 87.5%, 71.4 and 71.4%, and 80.6 and 83.8%, respectively. The exponential ADC showed a low accuracy rate. Conclusion The semiquantitative and quantitative parameters of high b-value DW 3 Tesla MRI can differentiate benign from malignant lesions with high accuracy and make it a reliable nonionizing modality for characterizing lung lesions.

Diffusion-Weighted Imaging and Chemical Shift Imaging to Differentiate Benign and Malignant Vertebral Lesion: A Hospital-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and chemical shift imaging (CSI) for the differentiation of benign and malignant vertebral lesions. Methods Patients with vertebral lesions underwent routine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) along with DWI and CSI. Qualitative analysis of the morphological features was done by routine MRI. Quantitative analysis of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) from DWI and fat fraction (FF) from CSI was done and compared between benign and malignant vertebral lesions. Results Seventy-two patients were included. No significant difference was noted in signal intensities of benign and malignant lesions on conventional MRI sequences. Posterior element involvement, paravertebral soft-tissue lesion, and posterior vertebral bulge were common in malignant lesion, whereas epidural/paravertebral collection, absence of posterior vertebral bulge, and multiple compression fractures were common in benign vertebral lesion ( p < 0.001). The mean ADC value was 1.25 ± 0.27 mm 2 /s for benign lesions and 0.9 ± 0.19 mm 2 /s for malignant vertebral lesions ( p ≤ 0.001). The mean value of FF was 12.7 ± 7.49 for the benign group and 4.04 ± 2.6 for the malignant group ( p < 0.001). A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that an ADC cutoff of 1.05 × 10 -3 mm 2 /s and an FF cutoff of 6.9 can differentiate benign from malignant vertebral lesions, with the former having 86% sensitivity and 82.8% specificity and the latter having 93% sensitivity and 96.6% specificity. Conclusion The addition of DWI and CSI to routine MRI protocol in patients with vertebral lesions promises to be very helpful in differentiating benign from malignant vertebral lesions when difficulty in qualitative interpretation of conventional MR images arises.

A Study of Organophosphorus Induced Delayed Myelopathy: Uncommon Sequelae of a Common Poisoning.

Introduction: Organophosphorus (OP) compounds, with their lipophilicity, are responsible for a spectrum comprising of acute cholinergic symptoms, intermediate syndrome, as well as delayed neurological sequelae in the form of OP-induced delayed neuropathy and subsequently, myeloneuropathy with predominantly thoracic cord affection, manifested on partial recovery of the neuropathy. The pathogenesis of this myeloneuropathy in humans is still not well perceived. Aim of Study: To determine the onset and course of development of delayed myeloneuropathy in patients of OP poisoning. Materials and Methods: Twelve patients of OP ingestion presenting with delayed myeloneuropathy were evaluated with prior history, examination, MR imaging, nerve conduction and electromyography studies, and various evoked potentials to elicit the pattern of disease manifestation and progression. Results: Among the included patients, a majority had consumed chlorpyrifos and permethrin composition, a majority had undergone gastric lavage. Five (41.7%) had experienced acute worsening and 8 (66.7%) patients had developed intermediate syndrome. OPIDN had appeared after a median of 4 (1-8) weeks after the poisoning. All patients had lower limb hypertonia with wasting and distal more than proximal weakness with pure motor or sensorimotor involvement. MRI showed thoracic cord atrophy in 3 (25%) patients. Motor-evoked potential with reduced amplitude was noted in lower limbs on lumbar stimulation but absent on cortical stimulation. Conclusion: Various animal models have shown similar patterns of neurotoxicity in OP poisoning with predominant thoracic cord pathology. Further research in humans may be undertaken to elicit the pathogenesis, thereby improving the treatment modality.

Long-segment Continuous Multi-level Spinal Tuberculosis without Bony Destruction Leading to Rapid Paraplegia in an Immunocompetent Patient.

Introduction: Spinal tuberculosis (STB) accounts for 1% of all tuberculosis (TB) cases and 50% of skeletal TB. The classic presentation is a paradiscal involvement leading to the destruction of bodies, progressive kyphosis that can end with neurological weakness. The advent of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has made detection early but at the same time, we find multilevel involvement which can be continuous/noncontinuous. Case Report: A 26-year-old male, non-alcoholic, non-smoker presented with complete paraplegia involving the bladder and bowel. His clinical examination did not show any gibbus. He was started on empirical antitubercular therapy and then referred to us as he failed to show improvement. An MRI of the spine showed extensive long-segment continuous spinal involvement with epidural abscess. The patient was taken for surgery with posterior decompression and instrumentation which was proven to be TB. He received complete treatment of 1 year and had complete recovery of his sensory and incomplete recovery of motor of lower limbs (became a wheelchair ambulator) with regain of bowel and bladder control at the end of treatment. Conclusion: This case report revealed that long-segment continuous STB without extensive destruction is atypical presentation. The clinical findings of paraplegia helped us to evaluate and clinch the diagnosis on MRI. However, the prognosis of rapid paraplegia remains guarded and patient had partial recovery of motor so he could become wheel chair ambulator only.

Comparing accuracy of cochlear measurements on magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography: A step towards radiation-free cochlear implantation.

Objective: Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) are commonly employed in pre-operative evaluation for cochlear implant surgery. However, with a decrease in the age of implantation, even minor radiation exposure can cause detrimental effects on children over their lifetime. The current study compares different cochlear measurements from CT and MRI scans and evaluates the feasibility of using only an MRI scan for radiological evaluation before cochlear implantation. Methods: A longitudinal observational study was conducted on 94 ears/47 children, employing CT and MRI scans. The CT and MRI scan measurements include, A value, B value, Cochlear duct length (CDL), two-turn cochlear length, alpha and beta angles to look for cochlear orientation. Cochlear nerve diameter was measured using MRI. The values were compared. Results: The mean difference between measurements from CT and MRI scans for A value, B value, CDL, and two-turn cochlear length values was 0.567 ± 0.413 mm, 0.406 ± 0.368 mm, 2.365 ± 1.675 mm, and 2.063 ± 1.477 mm respectively without any significant difference. The alpha and beta angle measures were comparable, with no statistically significant difference. Conclusion: The study suggests that MRI scans can be the only radiological investigation needed with no radiation risk and reduces the cost of cochlear implant program in the paediatric population. There is no significant difference between the measurements obtained from CT and MRI scans. However, observed discrepancies in cochlear measurements across different populations require regionally or race-specific standardized values to ensure accurate diagnosis and precision in cochlear implant surgery. This aspect must be addressed to ensure positive outcomes for patients.

Multidetector computed tomography evaluation of normal thymus and variations with age.

Background: Thymus is a T-cell-producing lymphoid organ that appears prominent in the paediatric population and involutes in size with ageing. The gland shows a wide variety of appearances across different age groups. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the computed tomography (CT) appearance of thymus gland in the normal population with a focus on size, CT attenuation and fatty infiltration in different age groups. Patients and Methods: This is a retrospective study done after taking approval from the Institutional Ethics Committee. Patients undergone CT scans of the thorax were identified from our database. All evaluations were done in non-contrast CT scans. Patients having underlying diseases that may have associated thymic abnormality were excluded. The appearance of thymus and the presence of fatty replacement were assessed. The size of thymus (length and thickness of right limb and left limb) and non-contrast CT Hounsfield unit (HU) value of thymic tissue were measured and compared in various age groups. Results: Four hundred and fifty patients were included, 262 (58.2%) were male. Mean age was 33.6 ± 17.1 years, range (3 months-80 years). The size of thymus was observed to decrease with increasing age. The mean age of complete fatty replacement in our study was 45 years. Complete fatty replacement was noted in all cases with an age of more than 60 years. The most common shape was arrowhead, and the most common location was pre-aortic and para-aortic location. Non-contrast CT HU value was maximum in infants and gradually decreased with advancing age. Conclusion: Even normal thymus can show varied appearance on CT which changes with the age of the patient being imaged. A comparison with normative data could help differentiate normal from abnormal glands to avoid unnecessary intervention.

Super refractory status epilepticus as a possible manifestation of COVID-19 disease.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is one of the worst pandemics in history, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2, a novel zoonotic coronavirus. COVID-19 disease can present from asymptomatic or mild infection to rapidly progressive, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and death. Neurological presentation is not so uncommon now. Super refractory status epilepticus (SRSE) can be a possible manifestation of COVID-19 disease. Here, we report a patient affected by COVID-19 who presented with SRSE.

Bilateral Central Retinal Vein Occlusion in Recurrent Frontal Lobe Tumor.

Systemic malignancy can induce hypercoagulation and can cause retinal vein occlusion (RVO). Although RVO has been reported in association with breast, renal, lung, prostate, and ovarian malignancies, it has not been reported in brain tumors. We are reporting a case of bilateral central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) associated with recurrent frontal lobe gliosarcoma. The association was established after ruling out all other systemic causes that can produce bilateral CRVO. The importance of this case report lies in the fact that, while evaluating bilateral CRVO cases, these rare associations should also be kept in mind.

MRI of wrist and diffusion tensor imaging of the median nerve in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome.

Objectives: Diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is based on the clinical symptoms and nerve conduction study. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is non-invasive objective tool for assessing the median nerve and carpal tunnel. The purpose of this study was to evaluate MRI changes in patients with CTS, and compare them with healthy subjects. Materials and Methods: Forty-three CTS patients and 43 age matched control were included and scanned in a 3T MRI scanner. Cross-sectional areas (CSA) of median nerve were measured at the level of distal radio-ulnar joint level (CSA1), proximal row of carpal bone (CSA2), and hook of hamate (CSA3). Flattening ratio (FR) of median nerve, thickness of flexor retinaculum, median nerve signal intensity, and thenar muscles were assessed. Fractional anisotropy (FA), average diffusion coefficient (ADC), and radial diffusivity (RD) of median nerve of CTS patients were obtained from diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and compared with those of controls. Results: Thirty-three patients (76.7%) were female. Mean duration of the pain was 7.4 ± 2.6 months. The mean CSA1 (13.2 ± 4.2 mm2), CSA2 (12.5 ± 3.5 mm2), and CSA3 (9.2 ± 1.5 mm2) in CTS patients were significantly higher compared to control group: CSA1 (10.15 ± 1.64 mm2), CSA2 (9.38 ± 1.37 mm2), and CSA3 (8.4 ± 0.9 mm2), (P = 0.001 in all). The mean FR of median nerve and thickness of flexor retinaculum were increased in CTS patients. The mean FA was reduced in CTS patients compared to control proximal to carpal tunnel and within the tunnel. Mean ADC and RD values were higher in CTS patients as compared to control for both levels. Conclusion: MRI can detect subtle changes in the median nerve and thenar muscles in CTS and may be useful in equivocal cases and to exclude secondary causes of CTS. DTI shows reduced FA and increased ADC and RD in CTS patients.

Prevalence of Pancreato-Biliary Maljunction in Children with Choledochal Cyst - A Prospective Observational Study.

Background: Pancreatico-biliary maljunction (PBM) is often found to be associated with choledochal cysts (CCs). According to a European multicenter study, the prevalence of PBM in cases of CC is found to be 72.2%, however, there is no Indian study depicting the prevalence of PBM in Indian children with CCs, which is one of the main postulated factors in the etiopathogenesis of CC. In this study, we have attempted to observe prospectively the prevalence of PBM in children with CC and correlate this to its morphological and biochemical parameters. The association between the presence of PBM and histopathological findings such as epithelial changes of the mucosa of the CC, inflammation, metaplasia or dysplasia, and histopathology of the liver has also been evaluated. Materials and Methods: We carried out a single center, prospective observational study with a single arm study group. We prospectively selected all patients of CC admitted for surgery from November 2018 to October 2020. Data on biochemical, radiological, and histopathological parameters were collected and analyzed. Results: We included a total of 20 patients in our study. The mean age of the participants was 6.22 ± 4.32 years. Among them, 11 (55.0%) were male and 9 (45%) were female. Abdominal pain was the most common presenting complaint among our patients (75.0%) and had a significant association with the presence of a PBM (P = 0.001). In symptomatic children, the mean duration of symptoms was 4.50 ± 2.26 months for jaundice, 4.50 ± 1.98 months for abdominal distension, and 5.07 ± 2.02 months for abdominal pain. Among the 3 children with cholangitis, the mean number of episodes was 3.33 ± 2.08, with a median of four episodes. Fourteen (70.0%) of the children had type I a CC, 1 (5.0%) participant each for types I b, I c, II and IV a and 2 (10.0%) of them had type IV b cyst. The mean size of the cyst (cm) was 7.41 ± 3.03 with a median of 6.85 cm. Among the children, 9 (45%) showed the presence of PBM on magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP), with 7 (77.8%) showing Komi's C-P type and 2 (22.2%) showing Komi's PC type. The mean common channel length (mm) on MRCP was 8.11 ± 2.47 with a median length of 8.00 mm. The biochemical analysis of a bile fluid amylase and lipase is the functional indicator of the presence of a PBM. Histopathological examination showed the presence of ulceration in the walls of the CC in 10 (50.0%) of the specimens. There was a significant association of the presence of PBM and ulceration in the mucosa of the CC (P ≤ 0.001), with the median levels being the highest in the PBM present group. Conclusion: Abdominal pain is the most common complaint in a child with CC, and when present, it is significantly associated with the presence of a PBM. MRCP is the gold standard tool to detect CCs and find out the morphology of PBM. The prevalence of PBM in children with CC of 45% with a mean common channel length of 8.11 mm. The biochemical analysis of a bile amylase and lipase is the functional indicator of the presence of a PBM and there is a significant association of their higher levels and presence of PBM. The presence of chronic inflammation and microscopic ulcers is significant histologic parameters depicting the presence of a PBM.

Correlation of bone mineral density using the dual energy x-ray absorptiometry and the magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbar spine in Indian patients.

Background: Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan is extensively used to diagnose osteoporosis. But surprisingly, osteoporosis remains an underdiagnosed condition with many fragility fracture patients who have failed to undergo DEXA or received concomitant treatment for osteoporosis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the lumbar spine is a routine radiological investigation bring done for low back pain. MRI can detect changes in the bone marrow signal intensity on the standard T1-weighted images. This correlation can be explored to measure osteoporosis in elderly and post-menopausal patients. The present study aims to find any correlation of bone mineral density using the DEXA and MRI of the lumbar spine in Indian patients. Methods: Five regions of interest (ROI) of size 130-180 mm2 were placed in the vertebral body in the mid-sagittal section and parasagittal sections on either side (four in L1-L4 and one outside body) of elderly patients who underwent MRI for back pain. They also underwent a DEXA scan for osteoporosis. Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) was calculated by dividing the mean signal intensity obtained for each vertebra by the standard deviation of the noise. Similarly, SNR was measured for 24 controls. An MRI-based "M score" was calculated by getting the difference in SNR patients to SNR controls and then dividing it by the control's standard deviation (SD). Correlation between the T score on DEXA and M scores on MRI was found out. Results: With the M score greater than or equal to 2.82, the sensitivity was 87.5%, and the specificity was 76.5%. M scores negatively correlated with the T score. With the increase in the T score, the M score decreased. The Spearman correlation coefficient for the spine T score was -0.651, with a p-value of <0.001, and the hip T score was -0.428, with a p-value of 0.013. Conclusion: Our study indicates that MRI investigations are helpful in Osteoporosis assessments. Even though MRI may not replace DEXA, it can give insight into elderly patients who get an MRI routinely for back pain. It may also have a prognostic value.

Comparison of post contrast fluid attenuated inversion recovery, 3D T1-SPACE, and T1W MRI sequences with fat suppression in the diagnosis of infectious meningitis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the usefulness of post contrast Fluid attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR), 3D T1-SPACE, and T1W magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences with fat suppression in diagnosis of infectious meningitis. METHODS: 75 patients with clinical suspicion of meningitis were evaluated with post contrast FLAIR (PC-FLAIR), post contrast T1-SPACE (PC-T1-SPACE), and post contrast T1WI (PC-T1WI). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of individual sequences were assessed. RESULTS: The sensitivity of PC-FLAIR (88.4%) was greater than PC-T1-SPACE (85.5%) and PC-T1WI (82.6%), considering cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis as gold standard (p < 0.05). Kappa inter-rater agreement between two radiologists was 0.921 for PC-T1-SPACE, 0.921 for PC-T1WI, and 1.0 for PC-FLAIR with a p value <0.05. Both PC-T1-SPACE and PC-FLAIR performed equally in sulcal space enhancement. PC-T1-SPACE and PC-T1WI performed better in evaluation of pachymeningeal enhancement, ependymal enhancement in cases of ventriculitis, whereas PC-FLAIR was more sensitive in assessment of basal cistern enhancement and enhancement along the cerebellar folia. CONCLUSION: Meningeal enhancement could be better appreciated in PC-FLAIR image than PC-T1WI and PC-T1-SPACE. Enhancement in PC-T1-SPACE was comparable to that of PC-T1WI. Being a T1 based spin echo sequence, PC-T1-SPACE has all the advantages of PC-T1WI in addition to its ability to differentiate meningeal enhancement from leptomeningeal vessels. Hence, PC-T1WI can be replaced by PC-T1-SPACE and PC-FLAIR can be added to routine MRI protocol in suspected case of meningitis.