Neuroimaging clinics of North America
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Neuroimaging Clin. N. Am. · Feb 2016
ReviewThe Use of Contrast-enhanced Ultrasonography for Imaging of Carotid Atherosclerotic Plaques: Current Evidence, Future Directions.
Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) is a rapidly evolving modality for imaging carotid artery disease and systemic atherosclerosis. CEUS coupled with diagnostic ultrasonography predicts the degree of carotid artery stenosis and is comparable with computed tomography and magnetic resonance angiography. This article reviews the literature on the evolving role of CEUS for the identification and characterization of carotid plaques with an emphasis on detection of intra-plaque neovascularization and related high-risk morphologic features notably present in symptomatic patients. CEUS carotid imaging may play a prominent additive role in risk stratifying patients and serve as a powerful tool for monitoring therapeutic interventions.
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Neuroimaging Clin. N. Am. · Feb 2016
ReviewUtility of Combining PET and MR Imaging of Carotid Plaque.
By harnessing the versatility and soft tissue imaging capabilities of MR imaging alongside the unmatched sensitivity and biomolecular flexibility of PET, the potential to provide detailed multiparametric plaque characterization in the carotid arteries is clear. The ability to acquire simultaneous, and dynamic multimodal data is perhaps PET/MR's greatest strength that will be of major interest to researchers investigating carotid and coronary atherosclerosis alike. This review summarizes the current status of dedicated hybrid PET/MR imaging; to crystallize the rationale for and advantages of this technique with respect to carotid atherosclerosis; and to discuss current limitations, challenges, and future directions.
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While most patients with inflammatory rhinosinusitis are successfully diagnosed clinically, imaging is indicated in patients with recurrent or chronic sinusitis, atypical symptoms and complicated acute sinusitis. Non-enhanced high resolution, thin section computed tomography (CT) is the reference standard in evaluating such patients. ⋯ Contrast MR imaging is preferred for assessing intraorbital or intracranial complications. The radiologist must have a systematic approach to sinonasal CT and generate a clinically relevant report that impacts patient management.
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Neuroimaging Clin. N. Am. · Nov 2015
ReviewNormal Anatomy and Anatomic Variants of the Paranasal Sinuses on Computed Tomography.
It is imperative for all imaging specialists to be familiar with detailed multiplanar CT anatomy of the paranasal sinuses and adjacent structures. This article reviews the radiologically relevant embryology of this complex region and discusses the region-specific CT anatomy of the paranasal sinuses and surrounding structures. Radiologists also need to know the clinical implications of identifying preoperatively the numerous anatomic variations encountered in this region and prepare a structured report according to the expectations of the referring clinician.