Journal of neuroimaging : official journal of the American Society of Neuroimaging
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The authors define the frequency, nature, and extent of cerebrovascular sequelae of Takayasu arteritis using functional imaging. Retrospective analysis of the cases derived from the Durban Stroke Data Bank (n = 1100) and Durban Metropolitan Vascular Surgery Database (n = 5300) consisted of evaluation by contemporary neuroimaging modalities including single positron emission computed tomography (SPECT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) diffusion scanning, and transcranial Doppler (TCD). Of all the patients identified with Takayasu disease (n = 142), 29 (20%) patients were identified with a primarily cerebrovascular presentation. ⋯ Single positron emission computed tomography scanning revealed areas of hypoperfusion, mostly multiple, in all of the 7 cases investigated. The cerebral perfusion index was determined in 7 patients, with a good prognosis in 2 patients and a moderate prognosis in 5. Cerebral effects of Takayasu disease are best monitored by a combination of clinical and functional imaging such as TCD and SPECT scanning.
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The pathophysiology of focal spinal cord MRI T2 hyperintensity (SCHI) in patients with cervical spondylosis is uncertain. This study was undertaken to determine the frequency and cause of SCHI. The authors reviewed serial cervical spine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) reports and reviewed scans with spondylosis and cord compression or SCHI. ⋯ Patients with SCHI were older (58.3 years +/- 12.8 years versus 46.8 +/- 8.1 years) (p = 0.007) and had a higher SS (5.7 +/- 2.4 versus 3.9 +/- 1.4) (p = 0.02) than patients without SCHI. The SCHI relates to the severity of cervical spondylosis. The anterior spinal artery territory location, the normal cord between SCHI and the compressive lesion, and the presence of SCHI at a distance from the compressive level all suggest an ischemic basis for SCHI.