Neuroimaging clinics of North America
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High-field magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is showing potential for imaging of neurodegenerative diseases. 7 T MR imaging is beginning to be used in a clinical research setting and the theoretical benefits of higher signal-to-noise ratio, sensitivity to iron, improved MR angiography, and increased spectral resolution in spectroscopy are being confirmed. Despite the limited number of studies to date, initial results in patients with multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer disease, and Huntington disease show promising additional features in contrast that may help the diagnosis of these disorders.
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Neuroimaging Clin. N. Am. · May 2012
ReviewUltrahigh-field magnetic resonance imaging: the clinical potential for anatomy, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment planning in brain disease.
In this review, current (clinical) applications and possible future directions of ultrahigh-field (≥7 T) magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in the brain are discussed. Ultrahigh-field MR imaging can provide contrast-rich images of diverse pathologies and can be used for early diagnosis and treatment monitoring of brain disease. ⋯ Several limitations need to be overcome before worldwide clinical implementation can be commenced. Current literature regarding clinically based ultrahigh-field MR imaging is reviewed, and limitations and promises of this technique are discussed, as well as some practical considerations for the implementation in clinical practice.
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This article reviews current amyloid positron emission tomography (PET) imaging with particular attention to Pittsburgh compound-B (PiB), the most extensively investigated and validated tracer. PiB specifically binds to fibrillar β-amyloid deposits such as those found in the cerebral cortex and striatum. PiB-PET imaging is a sensitive and specific biologic marker for underlying amyloid deposition, which is an early event on the path to dementia. Amyloid imaging in healthy controls and patients with mild cognitive impairment may detect those at high risk of future Alzheimer's disease, identifying them as candidates for early preventive measures if and when they become available.
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Neuroimaging Clin. N. Am. · Feb 2012
ReviewThe clinical value of large neuroimaging data sets in Alzheimer's disease.
Rapid advances in neuroimaging and cyberinfrastructure technologies have brought explosive growth in the Web-based warehousing, availability, and accessibility of imaging data on a variety of neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders and conditions. There has been a prolific development and emergence of complex computational infrastructures that serve as repositories of databases and provide critical functionalities such as sophisticated image analysis algorithm pipelines and powerful three-dimensional visualization and statistical tools. The statistical and operational advantages of collaborative, distributed team science in the form of multisite consortia push this approach in a diverse range of population-based investigations.
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Fungal infections of the central nervous system range from chronic indolent forms to acute fulminant forms causing significant morbidity and mortality. They often show atypical and variable neuroradiologic findings because of the absence of typical inflammatory response. The neuroradiologist must have high degree of suspicion in immunocompromised patients regarding the possibility of central nervous system fungal infections and keep in mind the appearances of various fungi even when immune response is intact. Next is to identify the pattern of involvement whether hematogenous or direct sinonasal and then make a well-informed speculation regarding the type of the pathogen based on the clinical features and imaging appearance.