Neuroimaging clinics of North America
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Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is a severe inflammatory demyelinating disorder typically characterized by attacks of recurrent optic neuritis and transverse myelitis. Advances in magnetic resonance imaging techniques and the discovery of the relatively specific NMO IgG biomarker have led to improved diagnostic accuracy and greater recognition of the broad clinical spectrum of aquaporin 4-related autoimmunity. Brain lesions in NMO typically follow the distribution of aquaporin 4 expression and may be symptomatic. Prompt diagnosis of NMO and NMO spectrum disorders has important therapeutic implications given the high risk of recurrent attacks and consequent severe disability, especially in childhood-onset disease.
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Neuroimaging Clin. N. Am. · May 2013
ReviewMimics and rare presentations of pediatric demyelination.
This article reviews the features that should prompt consideration of diseases that mimic acquired demyelinating syndromes and multiple sclerosis using vignettes to highlight unusual clinical and radiologic features. Cases of transverse myelitis, spinal infarction, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, fever-induced refractory epileptic encephalopathy in school-aged children, small-vessel vasculitis, Griscelli syndrome type 2, cysticercosis, vitamin B12 deficiency, and chronic relapsing inflammatory optic neuropathy are presented.
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Neuroimaging Clin. N. Am. · Feb 2013
ReviewPitfalls in the staging squamous cell carcinoma of the hypopharynx.
To accurately interpret pretreatment and posttreatment imaging in patients with hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), one must understand the complex anatomy of this part of the aerodigestive system. Common patterns of spread must be recognized, andpitfalls in imaging must be understood. This article reviews the epidemiology, anatomy, staging, treatment, and pitfalls in imaging of hypopharyngeal SCC.
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Neuroimaging Clin. N. Am. · Feb 2013
ReviewPitfalls in the staging of cancer of oral cavity cancer.
Oral cavity cancer comprises nearly 30% of all malignant tumors of the head and neck. After a definitive diagnosis has been made, imaging is essential for staging the primary tumor by evaluating submucosal spread and invasion of adjacent structures, and to identify nodal or distant metastasis. ⋯ Therefore, knowledge of anatomic subsites and spread patterns is critical for accurate staging. This article begins with a discussion of imaging techniques, and then presents a detailed review of normal anatomy followed by imaging's role in tumor staging highlighting potential pitfalls.