Journal of neuroimaging : official journal of the American Society of Neuroimaging
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We attempted to measure DTI parameters of the brainstem pyramidal tract using two approaches, ie, simple ROI and tract-specific analyses. Results obtained for healthy subjects and ALS patients were compared. ⋯ These results suggest, compared with simple ROI analysis, that tract-specific analysis using DTI fiber-tracking is more reliable and sensitive for detecting upper motor neuron pathology in ALS.
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Sensory neuronopathies (SN) represent a specific subgroup of peripheral nervous system diseases, characterized by degeneration of dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and its projections. We tried to estimate the frequency and extent of spinal cord MRI abnormalities in a group of patients with SN and correlate these with clinical and neurophysiological features. ⋯ These findings support volumetric spinal cord MRI as a useful tool in the assessment of chronic SN.
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Several methods are being used to assess cerebral vasomotor reactivity (CVR), including transcranial Doppler (TCD) sonography and blood oxygenation level-dependent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). The aim was to assess the correlation of TCD and fMRI in the CVR assessment. ⋯ In the evaluation of CVR, there is only a minimal correlation between the particular TCD tests (both BH/HV and BHI), and fMRI examination. However, there is a moderate correlation between TCD and fMRI in the case of congruity of both TCD tests.
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Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is the most common cause of spinal cord dysfunction in older individuals. Controversy remains in terms of the optimal timing and indications for surgical intervention. In this context, it would be of benefit to define clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) predictors of outcome after intervention for CSM. ⋯ Patients with high intramedullary signal change on T2WI who do not have clonus or spasticity may experience a good surgical outcome and may have reversal of the MRI abnormality. A less favorable surgical outcome is predicted by the presence of low intramedullary signal on T1WI, clonus, or spasticity. These data suggest that there may be a window of opportunity to obtain optimal surgical outcomes in patients with CSM.
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We describe a case of stent-assisted coil embolization of a wide neck right posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) aneurysm via a transbrachial artery approach. ⋯ Current advances in technology produce neuroendovascular devices that are smaller with increased flexibility, allowing nonfemoral vascular access to the cerebral circulation via alternate arterial routes. This patient case demonstrates transbrachial access is a viable approach for endovascular aneurysm coil embolization, with or without stent assistance, in cases with an unstable guide catheter due to tortuous vessels or abnormal anatomy when femoral access is complicated or contraindicated.