scholarly journals Existence and Uniqueness of Weak Solutions for a New Class of Convex Optimization Problems Related to Image Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-15
Author(s):  
Anas Tiarimti Alaoui ◽  
Mostafa Jourhmane

This paper proposes a new anisotropic diffusion model in image restoration that is understood from a variational optimization of an energy functional. Initially, a family of new diffusion functions based on cubic Hermite spline is provided for optimal image denoising. After that, the existence and uniqueness of weak solutions for the corresponding Euler–Lagrange equation are proven in an appropriate functional space, and a consistent and stable numerical model is also shown. We complement this work by illustrating some experiments on different actual brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans, showing the proposed model’s impressive results.

Author(s):  
Xuemei Qi ◽  
Huidong Tang ◽  
Qi Luo ◽  
Bei Ding ◽  
Jie Chen ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT:Introduction: White matter hyperintensities (WMHs) were commonly seen in brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the elderly. Many studies found that WMHs were associated with cognitive decline and dementia. However, the association between WMHs in different brain regions and cognitive decline remains debated. Methods: We explored the association of the severity of WMHs and cognitive decline in 115 non-demented elderly (≥50 years old) sampled from the Wuliqiao Community located in urban area of Shanghai. MRI scans were done during 2009–2011 at the beginning of the study. Severity of WMHs in different brain regions was scored by Improved Scheltens Scale and Cholinergic Pathways Hyperintensities Scale (CHIPS). Cognitive function was evaluated by Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) every 2 to 4 years during 2009–2018. Results: After adjusting for confounding factors including age, gender, education level, smoking status, alcohol consumption, depression, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, brain infarcts, brain atrophy, apoE4 status, and baseline MMSE score, periventricular and subcortical WMH lesions as well as WMHs in cholinergic pathways were significantly associated with annual MMSE decline ( p < 0.05), in which the severity of periventricular WMHs predicted a faster MMSE decline (–0.187 points/year, 95% confidence interval: –0.349, –0.026, p = 0.024). Conclusions: The severity of WMHs at baseline was associated with cognitive decline in the non-demented elderly over time. Interventions on WMH lesions may offer some benefits for cognitive deterioration.


2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (10) ◽  
pp. 1227-1236 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cristina Scarpazza ◽  
Alessio Signori ◽  
Mirco Cosottini ◽  
Maria Pia Sormani ◽  
Simonetta Gerevini ◽  
...  

Background: Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the most effective surveillance tool for the detection of asymptomatic progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). However, the optimal frequency for routine MRI surveillance is under-investigated. Objective: To understand whether, upon their first MRI appearance, PML lesions present a difference in volume when comparing patients who frequently underwent MRI surveillance (3/4 months) with those who were assessed at longer intervals (6/12 months) and to understand the impact of the volume of lesions on clinical outcome. Methods: The data of patients included in the Italian PML cohort were retrospectively analysed. Patients who had all the pre-diagnostic MRI scans available ( n = 37) were included. The volume of PML lesion was calculated by manually outlining the PML lesion. Results: Compared with patients who underwent MRI examination at least every 4 months, patients who were assessed less frequently had a lesion of significantly higher volume (median: 2567 (883–3583) vs. 664 mm3 (392–963) p = 0.006) and suffered a higher rate of disability (median: 2.25 expanded disability status scale points (–2.5 to 8) vs. 0.5 (–1 to 2.5) p = 0.004). Conclusion: The positive clinical outcome of patients undergoing frequent MRI surveillance and the small volume of the PML lesion upon first appearance justify a frequent surveillance using MRI in patients at high risk of PML.


2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (10) ◽  
pp. 586-592
Author(s):  
Emily W.Y. Tam ◽  
Vann Chau ◽  
Raphaël Lavoie ◽  
M. Mallar Chakravarty ◽  
Ting Guo ◽  
...  

To help clinicians understand what to expect from small cerebellar volumes after prematurity, this study aims to characterize the specific impacts of small cerebellar volumes on the infant neurologic examination. A prospective cohort of preterm newborns (<32 weeks’ gestational age) had brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies at term-equivalent age. Cerebellar volumes were compared with neurologic examination findings in follow-up, adjusting for severity of intraventricular hemorrhage, white matter injury, and cerebellar hemorrhage. Deformation-based analyses delineated regional morphometric differences in the cerebellum associated with these findings. Of 119 infants with MRI scans, 109 (92%) had follow-up at 19.0±1.7 months corrected age. Smaller cerebellar volume at term was associated with increased odds of truncal hypotonia, postural instability on standing, and patellar hyperreflexia ( P < .03). Small cerebellar volume defined as <19 cm3 by 40 weeks was associated with 7.5-fold increased odds of truncal hypotonia ( P < .001), 8.9-fold odds postural instability ( P < .001), and 9.7-fold odds of patellar hyperreflexia ( P < .001). Voxel-based deformation-based morphometry showed postural instability associated with paravermian regions. Small cerebellar volume is associated with specific abnormalities on neurologic examination by 18 months of age, including truncal tone, reflexes, and postural stability.


2014 ◽  
Vol 20 (14) ◽  
pp. 1912-1915 ◽  
Author(s):  
L D’Anna ◽  
S Lorenzut ◽  
A Perelli ◽  
B Zanchettin ◽  
M Valente ◽  
...  

Radiologically-isolated syndrome (RIS) is a recently-defined entity, described as the incidental discovery of lesions suggestive of multiple sclerosis (MS) on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans demonstrating dissemination in space (DIS) without symptom expression and with a normal neurological examination. Recent studies demonstrate that RIS patients present similar features of cognitive impairment as MS patients. We describe a case of a RIS patient in whom investigating cognitive functions was a useful tool for diagnostic and therapeutic decisions.


2015 ◽  
Vol 100 (10) ◽  
pp. 3943-3948 ◽  
Author(s):  
Silas A. Culver ◽  
Yuval Grober ◽  
David A. Ornan ◽  
James T. Patrie ◽  
Edward H. Oldfield ◽  
...  

Context: Rathke cleft cysts (RCCs) are benign embryonic remnants of the Rathke's pouch found in 13% to 33% of the general population. When symptomatic, they manifest themselves by compressing adjacent structures, causing pressure effects such as headache, visual disturbance, or pituitary hormone deficits. Most RCCs are asymptomatic, and their management remains controversial. Surgical resection has generally been indicated to treat symptomatic RCCs but carries the risk of complications. Objective: Our objective was to better characterize the outcomes for patients with presumed RCCs undergoing conservative management. Design: This was a retrospective cohort study. Setting: The setting was a pituitary program at a university medical center. Participants: The participants were 75 patients with radiographically diagnosed RCCs. Methods: All brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans performed at the University of Virginia from 2006 through 2013 were searched for the words “Rathke cleft cyst,” and pituitary clinic notes from 2007 to 2012 were reviewed for patients identified as probably having an RCC. Images for all patients were reviewed by the interpreting neuroradiologist, and those patients with at least 2 MRI scans were included. The dimensions of each cyst were assessed by the same neuroradiologist, and the volume of each cyst was analyzed as a function of the time from the first image obtained. Results: A total of 75 patients (4–76 years old) met our inclusion criteria. The length of follow-up was 1 to 126 months (median 24 months). In 43 patients (57%) no detectable change in the size of their cysts was seen, in 21 patients (28%) cysts increased in size, and in 11 patients (15%) cysts decreased in size. The predicted mean cyst growth rate was not significantly different from 0. Conclusion: The increasingly prevalent use of brain imaging modalities such as MRI has resulted in an increase in the incidental discovery of pituitary lesions. Our study demonstrates that the majority of radiologically diagnosed RCCs remain unchanged or decrease in size over time. These results suggest that, in the absence of pressure symptoms, it is reasonable to manage patients with RCCs conservatively.


2021 ◽  
pp. 71-74
Author(s):  
Anwar N. Hafedh ◽  
Awfa A. Aktham ◽  
Zahraa F. Al-Sharshahi ◽  
Ahmed Ibrahim Al-Jorani ◽  
Sama Albairamani ◽  
...  

Introduction:  Cerebral hydatid disease (CHD) is rare and the multiple-cystic variety is even rarer. In this paper, we report a case of multiple CHD and explore a possible link with a preceding spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH).   Case presentation: A 27-year old gentleman with a history of surgically-evacuated, spontaneous ICH presented with severe headache, left-sided weakness - Medical Research Council (MRC) grade II - and recurrent tonic-clonic seizures, while on a full dose of anti-epileptic medication. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans showed multiple intra-axial cystic lesions in the right hemisphere. The cysts were removed intact using Dowling’s technique through a large temporoparietal craniotomy. The surgery went uneventful and the patient recovered as expected. Post-operatively, a prophylactic course of albendazole (200 mg) was prescribed. On his one-year follow-up visit, the patient was symptom-free and his weakness had improved (left upper limb: MRC grade IV and full power of the left lower limb). The computed tomography (CT) scan showed no new findings.   Conclusion: Primary cerebral hydatid disease is rare and the multiple-cyst variety is even rare. In this case, a peculiar association with a surgically-treated ICH was explored with possible theories to suggest future research directions.


2008 ◽  
Vol 14 (5) ◽  
pp. 663-670 ◽  
Author(s):  
T Vollmer ◽  
H Panitch ◽  
A Bar-Or ◽  
J Dunn ◽  
MS Freedman ◽  
...  

Forty relapsing multiple sclerosis patients with 1–15 gadolinium (Gd)-enhancing lesions on screening brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores 0–6.5 were randomized to receive short-term induction therapy with mitoxantrone (three monthly 12 mg/m2 infusions) followed by 12 months of daily glatiramer acetate (GA) therapy 20 mg/day subcutaneously for a total of 15 months (M-GA, n = 21) or daily GA 20 mg/day for 15 months (GA, n = 19). MRI scans were performed at months 6, 9, 12 and 15. The primary measure of outcome was the incidence of adverse events; secondary measures included number of Gd-enhanced lesions, confirmed relapses and EDSS changes. Except age, baseline demographic characteristics were well matched in both treatment arms. Both treatments were safe and well tolerated. M-GA induction produced an 89% greater reduction (relative risk (RR) = 0.11, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.04–0.36, p = 0.0001) in the number of Gd-enhancing lesions at months 6 and 9 and a 70% reduction (RR = 0.30, 95% CI: 0.11–0.86, p = 0.0147) at months 12 and 15 versus GA alone. Mean relapse rates were 0.16 and 0.32 in the M-GA and GA groups, respectively. Short-term immunosuppression with mitoxantrone followed by daily GA for up to 15 months was found to be safe and effective, with an early and sustained decrease in MRI disease activity.


1997 ◽  
Vol 3 (6) ◽  
pp. 382-384
Author(s):  
M. Rovaris ◽  
MP Sormanis ◽  
MA Rocca ◽  
G. Comi ◽  
M. Filippi

This study aimed at evaluating the influence of a different slice orientation on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) lesion load in multiple sclerosis (MS). Fifteen MS patients were scanned obtaining both axial and sagittal conventional spin echo (24 slices; TR 2400, TE 30/80) brain MRI. The total lesion load (TLL) was assessed twice for each scan, using a semi-automated local thresholding technique and the same marked hardcopies. The mean TLL was 22734 mm3 for axial and 22003 mm3 for sagittal scans. The mean intra-observer coefficient of variation (COV) was 4.65% for the axial acquisitions and 4.52% for the sagittal acquisitions. This difference was not statistically significant (one-way ANOVA, P> 0.1). The lesion load was significantly higher from axial MRI as compared to the intra-observer variability (two-way ANOVA, P =0.01), but the fluctuations around this average difference between axial and sagittal scan TLL were significantly large (test for interaction, P < 0.00I). Our data indicate that the use of sagittal conventional MRI scans does not seem to be worthwhile for the quantitative assessment of lesion load in MS patients.


2017 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 81-91 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Fleming ◽  
Gianna Hernandez ◽  
Leslie Hartman ◽  
Jane Maksimovic ◽  
Sara Nace ◽  
...  

Background: The hygiene hypothesis suggests that microbial replacement may be therapeutic in allergic and autoimmune diseases. Nevertheless, the results of helminth treatment, including in multiple sclerosis (MS), have been inconclusive. Objective: To assess safety and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) activity in subjects with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) during oral administration of ova from the porcine whipworm, Trichuris suis (TSO). Methods: A total of 16 disease-modifying treatment (DMT) naive RRMS subjects were studied in a baseline versus treatment (BVT) controlled prospective study. MRI scans were performed during 5 months of screening-observation, 10 months of treatment, and 4 months of post-treatment surveillance. Results: No serious symptoms or adverse events occurred during treatment. For the cohort, there was a trend consistent with a 35% diminution in active lesions when observation MRIs were compared to treatment MRIs ( p = 0.08), and at the level of individuals, 12 of 16 subjects improved during TSO treatment. T regulatory lymphocytes were increased during TSO treatment. Conclusion: TSO is safe in RRMS subjects. Potentially favorable MRI outcomes and immunoregulatory changes were observed during TSO treatment; however, the magnitude of these effects was modest, and there was considerable variation among the responses of individual subjects.


2003 ◽  
Vol 49 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
I. I. Dedov ◽  
A. V. Vorontsov ◽  
V. V. Vaks ◽  
Ye. I. Marova ◽  
Ye. V. Averkiyeva ◽  
...  

Fifty two patients (23 males and 29 females) with neurogenic diabetes insipidus (DI) were examined to define the role and specific features of brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the diagnosis of hypothalamopituitary abnormalities in this disease retrospectively after establishing the diagnosis. The group understudy included patients who had symptoms of only DI (they had no signs of chiasm or hypopituitarism). The fol­lowing abnormalities were detected: no hyperintensive signal of the neurohypophysis body on T1-weighed images in 42.3%) of patients, bulky chiasmocellar masses in 13.6%), the empty ephippium in 15.3%), its structural abnormalities in 1.9%). Ab­normal MRI scans were absent in 26.9% of patients with neu­rogenic DI. Since DI may be the first and only symptom of hy­pothalamopituitary tumor lesion, a sensitive topical technicjue, such as MRI, should be applied. It was found that brain MRI revealed no hyperintensive signal from the neurohypophysis body on T1-weighed images in 61%) of the patients with idi­opathic DI, which may be a pathognomonic sign of idiopathic DI.


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