Neuroimaging clinics of North America
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Neuroimaging Clin. N. Am. · May 2021
ReviewBrain Arteriovenous Malformations: The Role of Imaging in Treatment Planning and Monitoring Response.
Brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are characterized by shunting between pial arteries and cortical or deep veins, with the presence of an intervening nidus of tortuous blood vessels. These lesions present a therapeutic challenge, because their natural history entails a risk of intracranial hemorrhage, but treatment may cause significant morbidity. In this article, imaging features of AVMs on MR imaging and catheter angiography are reviewed to stratify the risk of hemorrhage and guide appropriate management. The angioarchitecture of AVMs may evolve over time, spontaneously or in response to treatment, necessitating ongoing imaging surveillance.
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Neuroimaging Clin. N. Am. · May 2021
ReviewHigh-Resolution Magnetic Resonance Vessel Wall Imaging for the Evaluation of Intracranial Vascular Pathology.
Intracranial vessel wall imaging (IVWI) is an advanced MR imaging technique that allows for direct visualization of the walls of intracranial blood vessels and detection of subtle pathologic vessel wall changes before they become apparent on conventional luminal imaging. When performed correctly, IVWI can increase diagnostic confidence, aid in the differentiation of intracranial vasculopathies, and assist in patient risk stratification and prognostication. This review covers the essential technical underpinnings of IVWI and presents emerging clinical research highlighting its utility for the evaluation of multiple intracranial vascular pathologies.
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Unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) are common and are being detected with increasing frequency given the improved quality and higher frequency of cross-sectional imaging. The long-term natural history of UIAs remains poorly understood. ⋯ Surveillance imaging for untreated UIAs is frequently performed, but frequency, duration, and modality of surveillance imaging need clearer guidelines. The authors review the current evidence on prevalence, natural history, role of treatment, and surveillance and screening imaging and highlight the areas for further research.
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Neuroimaging Clin. N. Am. · May 2021
ReviewSubarachnoid Hemorrhage of Unknown Cause: Distribution and Role of Imaging.
Subarachnoid hemorrhage of unknown cause represents approximately 10% to 15% of nontraumatic subarachnoid hemorrhages. The key factors in determining the management strategy for a presumed nonaneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage are the distribution, location, and amount of subarachnoid blood. ⋯ The extent of the workup required in determining the cause of hemorrhage depends on the distribution of blood. The authors review the potential causes, differential diagnoses, and acute and long-term follow-up strategies in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage of unknown cause.
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Primary or nontraumatic spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) comprises approximately 15% to 20% of all stroke. ICH has a mortality of approximately 40% within the first month, and 75% mortality and morbidity rate within the first year. ⋯ Neuroimaging is critical in detection of ICH, determining the underlying cause, identification of patients at risk of hematoma expansion, and directing the treatment strategy. This article discusses the neuroimaging methods of ICH, imaging markers for clinical outcome prediction, and future research directions with attention to the latest evidence-based guidelines.