Journal of neuroimaging : official journal of the American Society of Neuroimaging
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Patients with symptomatic intracranial neuropathology such as atherosclerotic occlusive disease or unruptured aneurysms face high risks for morbidity and mortality. Magnetic resonance angiography of the circle of Willis is an important tool used to detect and diagnose intracranial neuropathology; however, recent changes to the Medicare local coverage determinations for this procedure threaten to compromise the physician's ability to deliver this current standard of care. Physicians can assume an important role in advocating for this lifesaving procedure on behalf of this vulnerable patient population.
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To investigate differences in T2 intensity of deep gray matter (dGM) structures by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients undergoing various immunomodulatory therapies. ⋯ Our preliminary observations suggest that long-term NAT therapy in MS patients may affect T2 intensity levels of dGM brain nuclei, hence suggesting a potential effect of NAT beyond anti-inflammatory effect. Prospective studies are warranted to provide more insights into our preliminary observations.
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The use of an ultrasound-based evaluation of the optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) has previously been demonstrated for detecting raised intracranial pressure. In order to be feasible in clinical workup, the test qualities of transorbital ultrasonography need to be determined. The aim of this study was therefore to establish normal values and to assess the intra- and interobserver reliability of this method. ⋯ Transorbital B-mode sonography is a feasible method to assess the ONSD with a high intra- and interobsever reliability. Normal values on ONSD are presented in this study that will be useful in future studies on pathological conditions.
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Texture analysis (TA) is a branch of image processing, which attempts to convey "texture" information from digital images, such as magnetic resonance images (MRI). Machado-Joseph disease (MJD) affects mainly cerebellum and brainstem, but recent studies have shown that other cerebral structures may also be affected. ⋯ TA was capable of detecting tissue alterations in MRI of patients with MJD. These alterations were in areas already shown to be affected by histopathological studies. In addition, we confirmed the thalamic involvement in patients with MJD, which had only been demonstrated in volumetric studies.