Neuroimaging clinics of North America
-
Diagnostic modalities for the diagnosis of acute stroke have increased in number and quality. Magnetic resonance imaging has increasingly become a central tool for the management of patients with stroke. ⋯ Recent additional sequences allow perfusion without contrast and susceptibility-weighted imaging can help identify early bleeding. These new techniques should provide more information about the on going ischemic process.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Manifestations of atherosclerotic plaque in different arterial beds range from perfusion deficits to overt ischemia such as stroke and myocardial infarction. Atherosclerotic plaque composition is associated with its propensity to rupture and cause vascular events. ⋯ Plaque MR imaging at higher field strengths offers both opportunities and challenges to improving the high spatial resolution and contrast required for this type of imaging. This article summarizes the technological requirements required for high-field plaque MR imaging and its application in detecting plaque components.
-
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.