The Clinical Impact of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Diagnosis of Brain Stem Lesions

Author(s):  
G. Bone ◽  
L. Dinkhauser ◽  
W. Artmann ◽  
G. Ladurner
Author(s):  
Hanuman Prasad Prajapati ◽  
Raj Kumar

AbstractThe objective of this study was to describe the clinicodemographic profiles, management, and outcomes of brain stem lesions in 53 pediatric patients with brain stem lesions. Most of the patients were male, 6 to 10 years of age (8.66 ± 4.69). Out of 53 patients, there were 77.36% brain stem gliomas, 11.32% tuberculomas, 5.66% abscesses, 3.77% cavernomas, and 1.89% schwannomas. With advancement in neuroimaging (e.g., tractography), intraoperative technology (e.g., ultrasound, neurophysiological monitoring, and magnetic resonance imaging), and safe and precise incision for particular lesions, majority of brain stem lesions had improved outcomes (67.92%) with significant reduction in morbidity and mortality (11.32%).


Neurosurgery ◽  
1990 ◽  
Vol 27 (5) ◽  
pp. 789-798 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dan S. Heffez ◽  
James S. Zinreich ◽  
Donlin M. Long

Abstract A major limitation to the effective treatment of intrinsic mass lesions of the brain stem has been the inability to clearly define the pathological anatomy radiographically. The improved soft tissue resolution offered by magnetic resonance imaging, as compared with axial computed tomography, now makes it possible not only to accurately distinguish anatomical relationships, but also to predict the pathological nature of the lesion. Accordingly, we have been encouraged to pursue a more aggressive approach to intrinsic lesions of the brain stem that appear well circumscribed on magnetic resonance imaging scan. The object of this paper is to report the successfuly treatment of four intrinsic lesions of the brain stem and to present an overview of the relevant published experience.


Author(s):  
Sinead Jacobson ◽  
Catherine Jones ◽  
Ryan Lusk ◽  
Mike Jenkins ◽  
Crispen Chamunyonga ◽  
...  

Author(s):  
Islam Tarek Elkhateb ◽  
◽  
Mennah Hisham Aldamsisi ◽  
Abdalla Mousa ◽  
◽  
...  

A 31-years-old patient, pregnant at 32 weeks of gestation presented to our triage unit with complaint of gradually progressive persistent headache that started 1 day earlier and was unresponsive to all analgesics. Her history was insignificant for any major medical or surgical events and the pregnancy course was smooth as well. Her lab results and obstetric ultrasound were reassuring. During magnetic resonance imaging examination, the patient suddenly deteriorated after giving her an inhalational anaesthesia for sedation. She became unconscious. She was intubated, mechanically ventilated, and put-on cardiovascular support. Brain imaging then revealed Brain Stem (BS) herniation and diffuse brain oedema. She was announced dead with intrauterine foetal death. A late diagnosis of cerebral venous thrombosis was established. This caused BS herniation through increased intracranial pressure, which was iatrogenically augmented by administering inhalation anaesthesia. Keywords: cerebral vein; thrombosi; thrombophilia; pregnancy; headache; magnetic resonance imaging; brain stem herniation.


2003 ◽  
Vol 112 (5) ◽  
pp. 395-397 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ben I. Nageris ◽  
Aaron Popovtzer

Approximately 30% of patients with sudden hearing loss show complete recovery. Researchers have long questioned whether extensive evaluation is necessary in these cases. Recently, however, with the increasing widespread application of magnetic resonance imaging, a higher rate than expected of acoustic neuromas has been detected in patients with sudden hearing loss. Two studies have suggested that affected patients may even partially regain hearing. The aim of the present clinical study was to determine whether acoustic neuroma–induced hearing loss may be associated with full recovery. The files of 67 patients evaluated for sudden hearing loss at Rabin Medical Center from 1989 to 2000 were reviewed. All patients underwent pure tone audiometry, acoustic reflex tests, and auditory brain stem evoked response tests. Hearing evaluation was followed by magnetic resonance imaging scan and, 1 month later, a second hearing test. Findings were compared between patients with and without evidence of tumor on imaging, and between patients with tumor with and without full recovery. Twenty-four patients (36%) had a diagnosis of acoustic tumor, of whom 4 (16.7%) recovered hearing after 1 month. All 4 tumors were intracanalicular. Two of these patients had low-tone hearing loss, and 2 had flat curves; 3 had a pathological auditory brain stem evoked response. Of the 43 patients without tumors, 26 (60%) showed complete resolution of the hearing loss. We conclude that complete recovery of hearing loss does not exclude acoustic tumor, and these patients therefore require full evaluation. The reason for the recovery remains unclear.


Neurosurgery ◽  
1991 ◽  
Vol 28 (5) ◽  
pp. 639-645 ◽  
Author(s):  
Prem K. Pillay ◽  
Issam A. Awad ◽  
John R. Little ◽  
Joseph F. Hahn

Abstract Thirty-five consecutive adults with Chiari malformation and progressive symptoms underwent surgical treatment at a single institution over a 3-year period. All patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging scan before and after surgery. Images of the craniovertebral junction confirmed tonsillar herniation in all cases and allowed the definition of two anatomically distinct categories of the Chiari malformation in this age group. Twenty of the 35 patients had concomitant syringomyelia and were classified as Type A. The remaining 15 patients had evidence of frank herniation of the brain stem below the foramen magnum without evidence of syringomyelia and were labeled Type B. Type A patients had a predominant central cord symptomatology: Type B patients exhibited signs and symptoms of brain stem or cerebellar compression. The principal surgical procedure consisted of decompression of the foramen magnum, opening of the fourth ventricular outlet, and plugging of the obex. Significant improvement in preoperative symptoms and signs was observed in 9 of the 20 patients (45%) with syringomyelia (Type A), as compared to 13 of the 15 patients (87%) without syringomyelia (Type B). Postoperative reduction in syrinx volume was observed in 11 of the 20 patients with syringomyelia, including all 9 patients with excellent results. Magnetic resonance imaging has allowed a classification of the adult Chiari malformation in adults based on objective anatomic criteria, with clinical and prognostic relevance. The presence of syringomyelia implies a less favorable response to surgical intervention.


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