Traumatic vertebral artery injury: a review of the screening criteria, imaging spectrum, mimics, and pitfalls.

PURPOSE: Traumatic vertebral artery injury (TVAI) can have a varied clinical presentation and appearance on imaging. In this review, we present the screening criteria, spectrum of imaging features, grading, and imaging pitfalls of TVAI. Our review focuses on the imaging of TVAI on computed tomography angiography (CTA), magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), and cases of TVAI mimics. IMAGING: The imaging spectrum on CTA can range from either focal or long segment luminal stenosis (the most common findings), smooth or tapered narrowing of lumen, string of pearls appearance, concentric intramural haematoma, intimal flap (the most definite sign), and double lumen of the artery. On time-of-flight MRA, the most common findings include loss of flow void within the vessel due to slow flow, thrombosis or occlusion, and hyperintense signal within the vessel wall due to intramural haematoma on T1 fat-saturated images. CONCLUSION: The reader should be aware of the screening criteria, common and uncommon findings, variant anatomy, artifacts, and mimics of TVAI when evaluating cases of craniocervical trauma, to be competent in calling in or ruling out injury.

Caudal Regression Syndrome: A Case Series of a Rare Congenital Anomaly.

BACKGROUND: Caudal regression syndrome is a rare, neural tube defect characterized by an abnormal development of the caudal aspect of the vertebral column and the spinal cord., It results in neurological deficits ranging from bladder and bowel involvement to severe sensory and motor deficits in the lower limbs. Maternal diabetes, genetic factors and some teratogens have been shown to be associated with its pathogenesis. Caudal regression syndrome is usually diagnosed initially by antenatal ultrasound with more definitive diagnosis made by antenatal or postnatal MRI. In this case series, we report four cases of caudal regression syndrome in different age groups including prenatal, infant and adult. CASE REPORT: We are presenting multimodal imaging findings of 4 cases of caudal regression syndrome in 4 different age groups including fetus, infant, early childhood and adult. The pathogenesis, associated risk factors, complications, treatment options and prognosis of caudal regression syndrome are discussed as well. CONCLUSIONS: Caudal regression syndrome is a rare entity, characterized by sacrococcygeal dysgenesis with an abrupt termination of a blunt-ending spinal cord. Ultrasound and fetal MRI can be used to make a prenatal diagnosis, while MRI is the imaging modality of choice in adults. Early detection and prompt treatment is very important to decrease the risk of complications, and thus, to improve the prognosis.

Demonstrating the Value of Routine Anesthesiologist Involvement in Acute Stroke Care: A Retrospective Chart Review.

INTRODUCTION: The value of routine involvement of anesthesiologists during endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) for acute ischemic stroke has not been clearly demonstrated. At some institutions, anesthesiologists are involved only as needed, while at other institutions, anesthesiologists are involved from the beginning for every EVT. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the workflow, intraprocedural variables and complications, and outcomes in acute ischemic stroke patients undergoing EVT at a comprehensive stroke center after implementation of routine involvement of an anesthesia team and compared this cohort with patients who received care from sedation-trained nurses working under the supervision of neurointerventionalists with the involvement of anesthesiologists on an as-needed basis. RESULTS: Routine involvement of anesthesiologists was associated with improved workflow performance measures, including decreased median door-to-arterial puncture time (68 min; interquartile range (IQR), 15.5-94.5 min vs. 81 min; IQR, 53-104 min; P =0.001), in-room to arterial puncture time (11 min; IQR, 8-14 min vs. 15 min; IQR, 9-21 min; P <0.0001), and procedure time (51 min; IQR, 40-64 min vs. 60 min; IQR, 40-88.5 min; P =0.007). It was also associated with a nonsignificant trend towards lower rates of desaturation events (8.2% vs. 3.4%; P =0.082) and lower rates of conversion to general anesthesia (1.7% vs. 0%; P =0.160). Ninety-day modified Rankin scores were similar regardless of provider type. CONCLUSION: Implementation of routine involvement of an anesthesia team during EVT was not associated with improved outcomes but was associated with improved efficiency and greater adherence to guidelines-based physiological parameters, supporting the routine involvement of anesthesiologists during EVT.

Elsberg Syndrome with Mixed Presentation as Meningitis Retention Syndrome: A Pediatric Case Report and Comprehensive Review of the Literature.

Elsberg syndrome is a typically infectious syndrome that may cause acute or subacute bilateral lumbosacral radiculitis and sometimes lower spinal cord myelitis. Patients often present with various neurological symptoms involving the lower extremities, including numbness, weakness, and urinary disturbances such as retention. A 9-year-old girl with no significant past medical history presented with altered mental status, fever, urinary retention, and anuria and was found to have encephalomyelitis. An extensive diagnostic workup led to ruling out possible etiologies until identifying Elsberg syndrome. In this report, we describe a case of Elsberg syndrome caused by West Nile virus (WNV). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of its kind in the pediatric population. Utilizing PubMed and Web of Science databases, we reviewed the literature to describe the neurogenic control of the urinary system in correlation to a multitude of neurologic pathologies.

Initial experience with a self-expanding retrievable stent for recanalization of large vessel occlusions in acute ischemic stroke.

INTRODUCTION: Quicker recanalization results in better clinical outcomes in patients with acute ischemic strokes. We describe our experience with the use of a self-expanding, fully retrievable stent in acute intracranial occlusions. METHODS: Patients who underwent intra-arterial procedures with a self-expanding, fully retrievable stent for acute ischemic strokes at our center in 2009 were included in this study. The primary outcome was recanalization [Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) grade 2/3] at end of procedure. Secondary endpoints were procedural interval times, incidence of vasospasm, rupture of vessels, device-related complications, groin complications, postprocedural intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) on noncontrast CT, and all-cause mortality. RESULTS: Fourteen patients (mean age 62.1 years, range 34-81 years; six males) were included in the study. Sites of occlusion are as follows: M1 middle cerebral artery (MCA, n = 8), M2 MCA (n = 1), proximal basilar artery (n = 1), and distal basilar artery (n = 4). An additional device or technique was used in 9 of 14 patients prior to the use of the retrievable stent. Twelve out of 14 (85.7%) achieved TIMI 2-3 recanalization with 4 of 14 (28.6%) achieving TIMI 3. Eight of 14 (57.1%) patients had modified Rankin Scale (0-2) at 3 months or discharge. ICH on follow-up CT was noted in 28.6% (4 of 14) of patients. All-cause mortality was 2 of 14 (14.3%). CONCLUSION: Use of a novel self-expanding, fully retrievable stent resulted in fast and very high recanalization rates in acute ischemic strokes with intravascular occlusions.

A Pediatric Case of Sensory Predominant Guillain-Barré Syndrome Following COVID-19 Vaccination.

Over six billion doses of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines have been administered worldwide. Amidst the global COVID-19 vaccination campaign, vaccine-related side effects are of ongoing concern and investigation. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the United States Department of Health and Human Services, three main conditions in adults have surfaced in association with receiving the COVID-19 vaccines. These include thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS), a rare syndrome involving venous or arterial thrombosis and thrombocytopenia, Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS), and myocarditis. While a number of GBS cases in adults have been published, to our knowledge, only one pediatric case of COVID-19 vaccine-related GBS has been reported. Herein we describe a case of sensory predominant GBS following the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine in a 16-year-old female presenting with bilaterally ascending upper and lower extremity numbness and paresthesia.

Sequestered disc herniation mimicking psoas abscess: A rare case report.

Intervertebral disc herniation is common condition, with majority occurring in lumbar and cervical spine. Most lumbar disk herniations occur within the spinal canal, with approximately 7%-10% identified within the foramen or extraforaminal location. Extraforaminal disc herniation in extreme lateral, retroperitoneal or anterior terms are used when disc material is seen towards anterolateral or anterior to the spine. Disc herniation in these locations is easily mistaken for an abscess or a neoplasm especially when it is not connected to the parent disc (sequestered disc). We describe a case of 60-year male who initially was misdiagnosed as psoas abscess and subjected to invasive investigation which later turned out to be histologically confirmed disc sequestration in the retroperitoneum. Thus, knowledge of this condition is essential in avoiding unnecessary workup and treatment.

Infraoptic anterior cerebral artery or carotid-anterior cerebral artery anastomosis: A very rare embryological variation. Case series and review of literature.

PURPOSE: An infraoptic course of the anterior cerebral artery (ACA) is a rare cerebrovascular variation that can be associated with anterior communicating artery aneurysm. The purpose of this study is: 1. Describe infraoptic ACA or Carotid-ACA anastomosis. 2. Discuss the embryology. 3. Demonstrate this rare variation on CT/MR angiography. 4. Discuss its clinical significance. 5. Understand the anatomy for appropriate management of associated vascular pathology (Anterior communicating aneurysm). 6. METHODS: We describe 2 cases with CT/MR angiographic findings of this rare vascular variation along with review of embryology and literature. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Generally, ACA arises from the internal carotid artery (ICA) terminus and runs medially superior to the optic nerves and communicates with contralateral ACA through the anterior communicating artery. An infraoptic course of the A1 segment of the ACA is associated with a low ICA bifurcation, usually located intradurally at or just above the level of the origin of the ophthalmic artery. Rarely, infraoptic origins of A1 are proximal or at the level of origin of the ophthalmic arteries and arise below the optic strut possibly extradurally. Abberant ACA course has been shown to be associated with aneurysms which needs prompt recognition, to allow optimum treatment planning (surgical/endovascular). Our first case has bilateral infraoptic ACA seen on CT angiography. The second case has ipsilateral (right) infraoptic ACA with associated anterior communicating artery aneurysm.

High-resolution computed tomography temporal bone imaging in achondroplasia.

Achondroplasia is a genetic condition caused by disordered endochondral ossification, which leads to rhizomelic dwarfism and midfacial hypoplasia. Additionally, several morphologic changes in the temporal bone are thought to at least partially contribute to hearing loss in these patients. We present a patient with achondroplasia who presented with hearing loss and was referred to radiology for temporal bone imaging. High-resolution computed tomography of temporal bones demonstrated several interesting morphological abnormalities characteristic of achondroplasia.

Foreign bodies of body orifices: A pictorial review.

INTRODUCTION: Ingestion, inhalation, and insertion of foreign bodies (FB) are commonly encountered problems in the emergency departments (ED). Radiologists pay a key role in their diagnosis and management. Selecting an appropriate imaging modality is important depending on the route of entry and reported type of FB. Diagnosing FB is time sensitive and requires radiologists to be astute and familiar with varied imaging appearances of FB. In this article, we review imaging features of most common FB seen in clinical practice and their complications. TEACHING POINTS: SUMMARY: FB in body orifices are frequently seen in the ED. Imaging plays a pivotal role in the management in majority of the cases. In this article, we present several cases of commonly encountered FB.

Low rates of acute recanalization with intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator in ischemic stroke: real-world experience and a call for action.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Acute rates of recanalization after intravenous (IV) recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) in proximal vessel occlusion have been estimated sparingly, typically using transcranial Doppler (TCD). We aimed to study acute recanalization rates of IV rt-PA in CT angiogram-proven proximal (internal carotid artery [ICA], M1 middle cerebral artery [MCA], M2-MCA, and basilar artery) occlusions and their effects on outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The CT angiogram database of the Calgary stroke program was reviewed for the period 2002 to 2009. All patients with proximal vessel occlusions receiving IV rt-PA who were assessed for recanalization by TCD or angiogram (for acute endovascular treatment) were included for analysis. Rates of acute recanalization as observed on TCD/first run of angiogram and postendovascular therapy recanalization rates were noted. Modified Rankin Scale score ≤2 at 3 months was used as a good outcome. RESULTS: Among 1341 patients in the CT angiogram database, 388 patients with proximal occlusion were identified. Of these, 216 patients had received IV rt-PA; 127 patients underwent further imaging to assess recanalization. Among the patients undergoing TCD (n=46) and cerebral angiogram (n=103), only 27 (21.25%) patients had acute recanalization. By occlusion subtype, the rates of recanalization were: distal ICA (with or without ICA neck occlusion or stenotic disease) 1 of 24 (4.4%); M1-MCA (with or without ICA neck occlusion or stenotic disease) 21 of 65 (32.3%); M2-MCA 4 of 13 (30.8%); and basilar artery 1 of 25 (4%). Onset to rt-PA time was comparable in patients with and without recanalization. Recanalization (P<0.0001; risk ratio, 2.7; 95% confidence interval, 1.5-4.6) was the strongest predictor of outcome (adjusted for age and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score). CONCLUSIONS: A low rate of acute recanalization was observed with IV rt-PA in proximal vessel occlusions identified by baseline CT angiogram. Recanalization was the strongest predictor of good outcome.

Imaging right lower quadrant pain: Not always appendicitis.

Although acute appendicitis (AA) is one of the commonest causes of right lower quadrant abdominal pain (RLQP), there are numerous other conditions in the abdomen and pelvis that can simulate the clinical presentation of AA for which imaging is essential in detection. We discuss the approach to evaluation of patients presenting with acute onset RLQP and the choice of various imaging modalities that can be utilized. Although CT remains the workhorse in evaluation, US and MRI, given lack of radiation, play an important ancillary role, particularly in the pediatric and pregnant patients. We present a spectrum of conditions presenting with RLQP which we have classified systematically ranging from conditions affecting the bowel, mesentery/omentum/peritoneum, vasculature, urinary and reproductive systems to give the reader a checklist of conditions to consider when evaluating a case of RLQP.

Solid pseudopapillary Tumor of the Pancreas: Radiological and surgical review.

Solid Pseudopapillary Neoplasms of the pancreas are rare pancreatic tumors with low-grade malignant potential, typically affecting young females. In this review, we discuss the surgical anatomy; the imaging characteristics, and image reporting essentials for proper surgical planning along with the atypical features which should caution the physician regarding the risk of malignancy. We also discuss the common surgical procedures and organ preservation surgeries along with a comprehensive review of the literature.

Pancreatic echinococcosis.

Echinococcosis (hydatid disease) is caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus. It most frequently involves the liver, followed by the lung. Pancreatic echinococcosis is very rare, even in endemic areas, with an incidence of 0.14% to 0.2%. We describe a case of a 34-year-old woman who presented with epigastric pain for 1 month. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography demonstrated a 4.0-cm hypodense mass in the pancreatic head and an uncinate process with suggestion of hyperdense/enhancing curvilinear densities. Magnetic resonance imaging with and without intravenous contrast showed a nonenhancing cystic mass. Endoscopic ultrasound demonstrated a cystic structure with curvilinear floating membranes consistent with the water lily sign, pathognomonic of hydatid disease. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for echinococcal antigen was positive.

Bisystolic Vertebral Artery: Critical Finding or can be Ignored?

The carotid Doppler imaging findings in three adults presenting with vertigo, transient speech difficulty and for cardiac prebypass graft surgery revealing two systolic peaks in one of the vertebral arteries. In presteal situations, vertebral artery waveform shows two systolic peaks with sharp first and rounded second systolic peak or two systolic peaks with a deep cleft between the two peaks with antegrade flow. With increase in stenosis to more than 80% there is bidirectional flow and later flow reversal. We discuss the types of presteal vertebral artery waveforms, its clinical implications and brief review of literature.

Understanding Idiopathic Spinal Cord Herniation - A Comprehensive Review of Imaging and Literature.

Idiopathic spinal cord herniation (ISCH) is displacement of spinal cord through a dural or arachnoidal defect. Most patients present with back pain or myelopathy, paresthesia, and sensory or motor weakness. Imaging findings include anterior displacement of the cord with possible kink, no filling defect on CT myelography, and no restricted diffusion/mass lesion on magnetic resonance imaging. Abrupt kink in the spinal cord or widened cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) space can be caused by a variety of reasons. The differential considerations include arachnoid web, intradural extramedullary epidermoid or arachnoid cyst, abscess or cystic schwannoma. We discuss the features, imaging, differentials, and treatment of ISCH as a rare cause of such kink in the cord. While reading such cases, a radiologist should include the location, segments involved, cord signal abnormality, visible defect, scalpel sign or C-sign, ventral cord kink, nuclear trail sign, the ventral CSF space preservation, or obliteration and the type.

Isolated intraparenchymal tension pneumocephalus.

Pneumocephalus after trauma is not uncommon but rarely develops into tension pneumocephalus. Delayed-onset spontaneous tension pneumocephalus is rare, and delayed-onset isolated intraparenchymal/intracerebral tension pneumocephalus is even more so. We describe a 35-year-old man who presented with urinary incontinence, left eye vision loss, and nasal discharge/cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea 2 months after recovering from bifrontal hemorrhagic contusions following a road traffic accident. Intraparenchymal/intracerebral tension pneumocephalus was diagnosed with computed tomography and the patient was taken for an urgent decompressive surgery along with repair of the skull base defect.

Isolated medial longitudinal fasciculus syndrome: Review of imaging, anatomy, pathophysiology and differential diagnosis.

Isolated medial longitudinal fasciculus (MLF) syndrome due to infarction limited only to the midbrain is a rare occurrence. The MLF are a group of fiber tracts located in the paramedian area of the midbrain and pons. They control horizontal eye movements by interconnecting oculomotor and abducens nuclei in the brain stem. Such small infarcts can easily be overlooked by young neuroradiologists and trainees. In this review, we discuss the clinical and imaging characteristics, comprehensive review of the anatomy, pathophysiology, and differential diagnosis.

Recurrent diabetic myonecrosis -an under-diagnosed cause of acute painful swollen limb in long standing diabetics.

Diabetic myonecrosis (DMN) is an under-diagnosed complication of long-standing poorly controlled diabetes mellitus. It presents as abrupt pain and swelling of the extremity, mostly lower limbs. Diagnosis is often delayed as it mimics a number of clinical entities such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), cellulitis, necrotizing fasciitis and malignancy. Failure to properly identify this condition can result in increased morbidity through exposure to unnecessary tests and biopsy. A 56-year-old male with a history of complicated type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension presented to emergency with gradually worsening left calf pain for last 2 weeks. A lower-extremity venous Doppler was negative for DVT. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was suggestive of muscle edema likely of inflammatory etiology. Muscle biopsy revealed myonecrosis with ischemic myopathy and was negative for vasculitis or inflammatory myopathy. He was managed conservatively and his symptoms resolved in 4 weeks. After 6 months he had recurrence in right thigh which was managed conservatively too. Given these findings, a diagnosis of recurrent diabetic myonecrosis was made. Myonecrosis is a less known microvascular complications of diabetes and should always be keep in mind when evaluating a diabetic patient with muscle pain. Diagnosis can be made on MRI in appropriate clinical settings. The clinical course is usually self-limiting and patients respond well to supportive medical therapy that involves bed rest, strict glycemic control along with analgesic.

Isolated spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhoea as a rare presentation of idiopathic intracranial hypertension: Case reports with comprehensive review of literature.

Isolated cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhoea as a sole presenting symptom of idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is extremely rare. IIH typically presents with headache, pulsatile tinnitus, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and visual disturbance. We report two cases which presented with acute onset spontaneous CSF rhinorrhoea without any other symptom. In addition, we discuss in detail imaging features of IIH with review of its literature.