scholarly journals Cervical transforaminal ligaments on MRI and its clinical significance

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Junlin Li ◽  
Lina Wang ◽  
Xiaoqin Zhang ◽  
Xuehui Ouyang

Abstract Background This study examined cervical transforaminal ligament(TFL) displays in cadavers and living bodies using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and evaluated the correlation between nerve entrapment in the brachial plexus by the TFL and cervical radiculopathy(CR). Methods First, 6 normal intact adult cervical specimens were used to calculate the relevant capacity in displaying the cervical TFLs by the three-dimensional fast imaging employing steady-state acquisition (3D-FIESTA). Second, 10 patients with CR and 10 healthy subjects were selected to perform the 3D-FIESTA sequence scan at the C4-T1 intervertebral foramina. The TFL display rate was calculated, and its correlation with CR was analysed. Results The microscopic anatomical results showed that the cervical TFL incidence was 39.6%. The relative capacity of the 3D-FIESTA sequence in displaying cervical TFLs showed a 96.6% specificity and a 73.7% sensitivity. In the 10 patients with CR, cervical TFLs were present in 17 intervertebral foramina, of which, 10 cases showed hypertrophy of the TFLs causing nerve entrapment, and corresponding symptoms of CR were found in 8 cases of cervical TFLs. The correlation between nerve root entrapment by the cervical TFL and CR showed a 96.8% specificity and an 80% sensitivity. In the 10 healthy subjects, cervical TFLs were present in 13 intervertebral foramina. Conclusions The MR 3D-FIESTA sequence has high clinical value in displaying cervical TFLs in both cadavers and living bodies. If 3D-FIESTA sequencing shows nerve entrapment by the TFL, the possibility of CR caused by this TFL is approximately 80.0%. Conversely, the possibility of CR remains at 3.2%.

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Junlin Li ◽  
Lina Wang ◽  
Xiaoqin Zhang ◽  
Xuehui Ouyang

Abstract Background This study examined cervical transforaminal ligament(TFL) displays in cadavers and living bodies using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and evaluated the correlation between nerve entrapment in the brachial plexus by the TFL and cervical radiculopathy(CR). Methods First, 6 normal intact adult cervical specimens were used to calculate the relevant capacity in displaying the cervical TFLs by the three-dimensional fast imaging employing steady-state acquisition (3D-FIESTA). Second, 10 patients with CR and 10 healthy subjects were selected to perform the 3D-FIESTA sequence scan at the C4-T1 intervertebral foramina. The TFL display rate was calculated, and its correlation with CR was analysed. Results The microscopic anatomical results showed that the cervical TFL incidence was 39.6%. The relative capacity of the 3D-FIESTA sequence in displaying cervical TFLs showed a 96.6% specificity and a 73.7% sensitivity. In the 10 patients with CR, cervical TFLs were present in 17 intervertebral foramina, of which, 10 cases showed hypertrophy of the TFLs causing nerve entrapment, and corresponding symptoms of CR were found in 8 cases of cervical TFLs. The correlation between nerve root entrapment by the cervical TFL and CR showed a 96.8% specificity and an 80% sensitivity. In the 10 healthy subjects, cervical TFLs were present in 13 intervertebral foramina. Conclusions The MR 3D-FIESTA sequence has high clinical value in displaying cervical TFLs in both cadavers and living bodies. If 3D-FIESTA sequencing shows nerve entrapment by the TFL, the possibility of CR caused by this TFL is approximately 80.0%. Conversely, the possibility of CR remains at 3.2%.


Author(s):  
Hongzhang Zhu ◽  
Shi-Ting Feng ◽  
Xingqi Zhang ◽  
Zunfu Ke ◽  
Ruixi Zeng ◽  
...  

Background: Cutis Verticis Gyrata (CVG) is a rare skin disease caused by overgrowth of the scalp, presenting as cerebriform folds and wrinkles. CVG can be classified into two forms: primary (essential and non-essential) and secondary. The primary non-essential form is often associated with neurological and ophthalmological abnormalities, while the primary essential form occurs without associated comorbidities. Discussion: We report on a rare case of primary essential CVG with a 4-year history of normal-colored scalp skin mass in the parietal-occipital region without symptom in a 34-year-old male patient, retrospectively summarizing his pathological and Computer Tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings. The major clinical observations on the CT and MR sectional images include a thickened dermis and excessive growth of the scalp, forming the characteristic scalp folds. With the help of CT and MRI Three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction techniques, the characteristic skin changes could be displayed intuitively, providing more evidence for a diagnosis of CVG. At the 5-year followup, there were no obvious changes in the lesion. Conclusion: Based on our observations, we propose that not all patients with primary essential CVG need surgical intervention, and continuous clinical observation should be an appropriate therapy for those in stable condition.


Author(s):  
Dominic Gascho ◽  
Michael J. Thali ◽  
Rosa M. Martinez ◽  
Stephan A. Bolliger

AbstractThe computed tomography (CT) scan of a 19-year-old man who died from an occipito-frontal gunshot wound presented an impressive radiating fracture line where the entire sagittal suture burst due to the high intracranial pressure that arose from a near-contact shot from a 9 mm bullet fired from a Glock 17 pistol. Photorealistic depictions of the radiating fracture lines along the cranial bones were created using three-dimensional reconstruction methods, such as the novel cinematic rendering technique that simulates the propagation and interaction of light when it passes through volumetric data. Since the brain had collapsed, depiction of soft tissue was insufficient on CT images. An additional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination was performed, which enabled the diagnostic assessment of cerebral injuries.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-32
Author(s):  
Katja D Repp ◽  
Dörte Radke ◽  
Till Ittermann ◽  
Martin Albers ◽  
Marcello R P Markus ◽  
...  

Abstract Currently various protocols regarding the site of waist circumference (WC) measurement are in place. This study aimed to analyze the effect of the site of WC measurement on visceral fat (VAT) estimation. WC was obtained at seven anatomical sites in 211 German volunteers (103 males) aged 23-81 using 3-dimensional photonic body scanning (PBS). At one site WC was additionally measured by tape. The quantity of VAT was assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Models to estimate VAT based on WC were developed; the precision of the estimation is represented by R2. The influence of the applied method of WC assessment (tape vs. PBS) on the estimations is reported. Results show that the amount of estimated VAT and the precision of VAT estimation were dependent on the site of measurement. VAT was estimated most precisely by WC taken at the level of the lowest rib (WCrib: R²=0.75 females; 0.79 males), the minimum circumference (WCmin: R²=0.75 females; 0.77 males) and at the narrowest part of the torso (WCnar: R²=0.76 females; 0.77 males), and least precisely by WC assessed at the top of iliac crest (WCiliac: R²=0.61 females; 0.60 males). VAT estimates based on WC obtained by PBS were smaller and estimations were slightly less precise compared to estimates based on tape measures. Our results indicate that the method and the site of waist measurement should be considered when estimating VAT based on WC. The implementation of a standardized protocol using either WCrib, WCmin or WCnar could improve the precision of VAT estimation.


2019 ◽  
Vol 70 (1) ◽  
pp. 83-95 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tatiana Mendonça Fazecas ◽  
Edward Araujo Júnior ◽  
Heron Werner ◽  
Pedro Daltro ◽  
Alberto Borges Peixoto ◽  
...  

Objective To assess the applicability of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to complement ultrasound in the diagnosis of fetal urinary tract anomalies. Methods This was a retrospective cohort study that included 41 women between 19 weeks and 37 weeks and 6 days of gestation carrying fetuses with malformations of the urinary tract which were initially diagnosed by ultrasound and then referred for MRI. In all cases, the diagnosis was confirmed after birth either through imaging or autopsy. A surface coil was positioned over the abdomen and T2-weighted sequences were obtained in the axial, coronal, and sagittal planes; T1 in at least one plane; and three-dimensional (3-D) TRUFI in fetuses with dilatation of the urinary tract. Results Mean gestational age at the time of MRI examination was 28.21 weeks. The rapid T2 sequences allowed all the anomalies of the fetal urinary tract to be assessed, whereas 3-D TRUFI sequencing proved very useful in evaluating anomalies involving dilatation of the urinary tract. The signs of pulmonary hypoplasia characterized by hypointense signal in the T2-weighted sequences were identified in 13 of the 41 fetuses. Conclusion MRI confirmed and added information to the ultrasound regarding fetal urinary tract anomalies, as well as information related to the other associated malformations, their progress in the prenatal period, and possible postnatal prognosis.


2005 ◽  
Vol 46 (3) ◽  
pp. 233-236 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. ‐C. Wu ◽  
R. ‐C. Lee ◽  
J. ‐H. Chiang ◽  
C. ‐Y. Chang

We report two cases of coexistent left‐sided gallbladder and right‐sided ligamentum teres with portal vein anomalies documented by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and three‐dimensional (3D) computed tomography during arterial portography (CTAP). Reformatted 3D MR and CTAP images provide an informative illustration of the accompanying portal vein anomalies. This important anatomical information is useful in preoperative work‐up of hepatobiliary surgery.


2020 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
pp. 76
Author(s):  
Giuseppe Cicero ◽  
Giorgio Ascenti ◽  
Alfredo Blandino ◽  
Socrate Pallio ◽  
Claudia Abate ◽  
...  

Over the past years, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has become a cornerstone in evaluating anal canal and adjacent tissues due to its safeness, the three-dimensional and comprehensive approach, and the high soft-tissue resolution. Several diseases arising in the anal canal can be assessed through MRI performance, including congenital conditions, benign pathologies, and malignancies. Good knowledge of the normal anatomy and MRI technical protocols is, therefore, mandatory for appropriate anal pathology evaluation. Radiologists and clinicians should be familiar with the different clinical scenarios and the anatomy of the structures involved. This pictorial review presents an overview of the diseases affecting the anal canal and the surrounding structures evaluated with dedicated MRI protocol.


Author(s):  
Jose V Manjon ◽  
Jose E Romero ◽  
Pierrick Coupé

Abstract In Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), depending on the image acquisition settings, a large number of image types or contrasts can be generated showing complementary information of the same imaged subject. This multi-spectral information is highly beneficial since can improve MRI analysis tasks such as segmentation and registration, thanks to pattern ambiguity reduction. However, the acquisition of several contrasts is not always possible due to time limitations and patient comfort constraints. Contrast synthesis has emerged recently as an approximate solution to generate other image types different from those acquired originally. Most of the previously proposed methods for contrast synthesis are slice-based which result in intensity inconsistencies between neighbor slices when applied in 3D. We propose the use of a 3D convolutional neural network (CNN) capable of generating T2 and FLAIR images from a single anatomical T1 source volume. The proposed network is a 3D variant of the UNet that processes the whole volume at once breaking with the inconsistency in the resulting output volumes related to 2D slice or patch-based methods. Since working with a full volume at once has a huge memory demand we have introduced a spatial-to-depth and a reconstruction layer that allows working with the full volume but maintain the required network complexity to solve the problem. Our approach enhances the coherence in the synthesized volume while improving the accuracy thanks to the integrated three-dimensional context-awareness. Finally, the proposed method has been validated with a segmentation method, thus demonstrating its usefulness in a direct and relevant application.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document