AJNR. American journal of neuroradiology
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AJNR Am J Neuroradiol · May 2008
Randomized Controlled Trial Controlled Clinical TrialValue of diagnostic lumbar selective nerve root block: a prospective controlled study.
Although diagnostic lumbar selective nerve root blocks are often used to confirm the pain-generating nerve root level, the reported accuracy of these blocks has been variable and their usefulness is controversial. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of diagnostic lumbar selective nerve root blocks to analyze potential causes of false results in a prospective, controlled, single-blinded manner. ⋯ The accuracy of diagnostic lumbar selective nerve root blocks is only moderate. To improve the accuracy, great care should be taken to avoid inadequate blocks and overflow, and to precisely interpret spot radiographs.
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AJNR Am J Neuroradiol · May 2008
ReviewThe modic vertebral endplate and marrow changes: pathologic significance and relation to low back pain and segmental instability of the lumbar spine.
Two decades following their description, the significance of Modic vertebral endplate and marrow changes remains a matter of debate. These changes are closely related to the normal degenerative process affecting the lumbar spine, and their prevalence increases with age. However, the exact pathogenesis underlying these changes and their relation to segmental instability of the lumbar spine and to low back pain remain unclear. In this paper, we review the literature relevant to this topic and discuss the currently available evidence regarding the pathologic and clinical significance of Modic changes.
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AJNR Am J Neuroradiol · May 2008
Comparative StudyAccuracy of the Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score during the first 3 hours of middle cerebral artery stroke: comparison of noncontrast CT, CT angiography source images, and CT perfusion.
The Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) is a reliable method of delineating the extent of middle cerebral artery (MCA) stroke. Our aim was to retrospectively compare the accuracy of ASPECTS on noncontrast CT, CT angiography (CTA) source images, and CT perfusion maps of cerebral blood volume (CBV) during the first 3 hours of middle cerebral artery (MCA) stroke. ⋯ In a retrospective cohort of MCA infarcts imaged <3 hours from stroke onset, ASPECTS was most accurately determined on CT perfusion CBV maps.
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AJNR Am J Neuroradiol · May 2008
Comparative StudyCharacterization of carotid atherosclerosis and detection of soft plaque with use of black-blood MR imaging.
In the treatment of carotid atherosclerosis, the rate of stenosis and characteristics of plaque should be assessed to diagnose vulnerable plaques that increase the risk for cerebral infarction. We performed carotid black-blood (BB) MR imaging to diagnose plaque components and assess plaque hardness based on MR signals. ⋯ BB-MR imaging can diagnose plaque components and predict plaque hardness. This procedure provides useful information for planning therapeutic strategies of carotid atherosclerosis.