Journal of neuroimaging : official journal of the American Society of Neuroimaging
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MRI is crucial for multiple sclerosis (MS), but the relative value of portable ultra-low field MRI (pULF-MRI), a technology that holds promise for extending access to MRI, is unknown. We assessed white matter lesion (WML) detection on pULF-MRI compared to high-field MRI (HF-MRI), focusing on blinded assessments, assessor self-training, and multiplanar acquisitions. ⋯ With adequate training, radiological interpretation of pULF-MRI has high sensitivity and positive predictive value for MS lesions but should be approached conservatively. These results suggest utility for patient triage, potentially reducing diagnostic delay, and screening high-risk individuals.
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Endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) with M2 segment occlusion of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) is debatable. This study assessed the efficacy, safety, and functional outcomes of EVT in M2 occlusion patients, examining differences in outcomes based on the dominance of the occluded segment (DomM2 vs. Non-DomM2). ⋯ EVT is a safe and effective treatment for acute M2 occlusion regardless of the dominance of the M2 segment. Direct aspiration used as a frontline technique increases the likelihood of FPE.
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The safety and effectiveness of endovascular techniques in elderly patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO) remain controversial. We investigated the angiographic and clinical outcomes of nonagenarians treated with different endovascular techniques using a balloon guide catheter (BGC), distal aspiration catheter (DAC), and/or stent retriever (SR). ⋯ The addition of a DAC to a BGC increases the likelihood of FPE in nonagenarians with anterior circulation LVO SR-based thrombectomy for acute stroke.
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Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) affects the optic nerves and spinal cord but can also cause focal brain inflammation. Subcortical pathology may contribute to the etiology of cognitive deficits in NMOSD. Using myelin water imaging, we investigated cerebral normal-appearing white matter (NAWM) and thalamic metrics and their association with cognition in NMOSD participants compared to healthy controls (HC). ⋯ NAWM in NMOSD demonstrates diffuse abnormalities with increased water content and demyelination, suggesting a diffuse disease process overlooked by focal inflammation measures. Increased water content, as a biomarker for diffuse thalamic pathology, may partially explain cognitive impairment in NMOSD.
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We investigated the relationship between serotonergic and dopaminergic specific binding transporter ratios (SBRs) over 4 years in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients. We assessed serotonergic innervation's potential compensatory role for dopaminergic denervation, association with PD symptoms, and involvement in the development of levodopa-induced dyskinesia (LID). ⋯ The study demonstrates correlations between midbrain and putamen SBRs and MDS-UPDRS scores over 4 years in PD patients. Midbrain serotonin dysfunction may contribute to the development of LID.