Detection of hyperacute subarachnoid hemorrhage of the brain by using magnetic resonance imaging

2002 ◽  
Vol 96 (4) ◽  
pp. 684-689 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Wiesmann ◽  
Thomas E. Mayer ◽  
Indra Yousry ◽  
Ralph Medele ◽  
Gerhard F. Hamann ◽  
...  

Object. The purpose of this study was to determine the diagnostic accuracy of high-field (1.5-tesla) magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in the assessment of hyperacute (< 12 hours after onset of symptoms) subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Methods. This investigation included 13 patients who were examined 2 to 12 hours posthemorrhage by using an MR imaging protocol consisting of T2-weighted and proton-density (PD)-weighted images, T1-weighted images, fast echoplanar—diffusion-weighted (EP-DW) images, and fluid-attenuated inversion-recovery (FLAIR) images. Subarachnoid hemorrhage had been diagnosed using computerized tomography (CT) scanning in all cases. In all 13 cases, SAH was reliably detected on both PD-weighted and FLAIR images. In contrast with FLAIR studies, the PD-weighted images were free of cerebrospinal fluid flow artifacts. The SAH was detected on T1-weighted images in only two cases and could not be detected on any T2-weighted or EP-DW images. Conclusions. Even hyperacute SAH can be diagnosed reliably from high-field MR images obtained using PD-weighted or FLAIR sequences. Use of these sequences in an emergency MR protocol may preclude the need for additional CT studies to rule out SAH.

1998 ◽  
Vol 88 (4) ◽  
pp. 650-655 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yasuo Murai ◽  
Yukio Ikeda ◽  
Akira Teramoto ◽  
Yukihide Tsuji

Object. The aim of this study was to determine the usefulness of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging—documented extravasation as an indicator of continued hemorrhage in patients with acute hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Methods. The authors studied 108 patients with acute hyperintensive ICH. Imaging modalities included noncontrast-enhanced computerized tomography (CT) scanning, gadolinium-enhanced MR imaging, and conventional cerebral angiography obtained within 6 hours after the onset of hemorrhage. A repeated CT scan was obtained within 48 hours to evaluate enlargement of the hematoma. Findings on MR imaging indicating extravasation, including any high-intensity signals on T1-weighted postcontrast images, were observed in 39 patients, and 17 of these also showed evidence of extravasation on cerebral angiography. The presence of extravasation on MR imaging was closely correlated with evidence of hematoma enlargement on follow-up CT scans (p < 0.001). Conclusions. Evidence of extravasation documented on MR imaging indicates persistent hemorrhage and correlates with enlargement of the hematoma.


1998 ◽  
Vol 89 (5) ◽  
pp. 707-712 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raimund Firsching ◽  
Dieter Woischneck ◽  
Michael Diedrich ◽  
Susan Klein ◽  
Andreas Rückert ◽  
...  

Object. The availability of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging data obtained in comatose patients after head injury is scarce, because MR imaging is somewhat cumbersome to perform in patients requiring ventilation and because, in the first hours after injury, its relevance is clearly inferior to computerized tomography (CT) scanning. The authors assessed the value of MR imaging in the early postinjury period. Methods. In this prospective study MR imaging was performed in 61 consecutive patients within 7 days after they suffered a severe head injury. An initial CT scan had already been obtained. To understand the clinical significance of the lesions whose morphological appearance was identified with MR imaging, brainstem function was assessed by registration of somatosensory and auditory evoked potentials. Brainstem lesions were visualized in 39 patients (64%). Bilateral pontine lesions proved to be 100% fatal and nonbrainstem lesions carried a mortality rate of 9%. In singular cases circumstances allowed for a clear clinical distinction between primary and secondary brainstem lesions. On MR imaging all lesions were hyper- and hypointense after intervals longer than 2 days. Within shorter intervals (< 2 days) after the injury, primary lesions appeared isointense on MR imaging. In one secondary brainstem lesion there were no traces of blood. Conclusions. Because mean intracranial pressure (ICP) levels in patients without brainstem lesions were similar to those in patients with brainstem lesions, the authors conclude that it was not mainly increased ICP that accounted for the high mortality rates in patients with brainstem lesions. The authors also conclude that brainstem lesions are more frequently found in severe head injury than previously reported in studies based on neuropathological or CT scanning data. Early MR imaging after head injury has a higher predictive value than CT scanning.


2001 ◽  
Vol 94 (2) ◽  
pp. 233-237 ◽  
Author(s):  
Atsuko Harada ◽  
Yukihiko Fujii ◽  
Yuichiro Yoneoka ◽  
Shigekazu Takeuchi ◽  
Ryuichi Tanaka ◽  
...  

Object. The purpose of this study was to assess the utility of high-field magnetic resonance (MR) imaging as a quantitative tool for estimating cerebral circulation in patients with moyamoya disease. Methods. Eighteen patients with moyamoya disease who were scheduled to undergo revascularization surgery and 100 healthy volunteers were examined using T2-reversed MR imaging performed using a 3-tesla system. Ten of the 18 patients underwent a second study between 1 year and 3 years after revascularization. Magnetic resonance images obtained in the patients with moyamoya disease were statistically analyzed and compared with those obtained in healthy volunteers. The MR imaging findings were also correlated with results of single-photon emission computerized tomography and conventional cerebral angiography studies. Transverse lines in the white matter (medullary streaks) were observed in almost all persons. In healthy volunteers, the diameter sizes of the medullary streaks increased significantly with age (p < 0.001). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that age-adjusted medullary streak diameters were significantly larger in patients with moyamoya disease (p < 0.001). Diameter sizes also increased significantly with the increased severity of cerebral hypoperfusion (p < 0.001) and a higher angiographically determined stage of the disease (p < 0.001). Diameter sizes decreased significantly after surgery (p < 0.001). Conclusions. The increases in medullary streak diameters observed in patients with moyamoya disease appear to represent vessels dilated due to cerebral hypoperfusion. High-field T2-reversed MR imaging is useful in estimating cerebral circulation in patients with moyamoya disease.


2003 ◽  
Vol 98 (2) ◽  
pp. 210-214 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emile A. M. Beuls ◽  
Linda Vanormelingen ◽  
Jasper van Aalst ◽  
Marjan Vandersteen ◽  
Peter Adriaensens ◽  
...  

Object. It remains uncertain if closure of a myelomeningocele at midgestation changes the neurological condition at birth in an infant born with spina bifida. The authors conducted a study to provide a detailed analysis of the morphology of the spinal cord with the myelomeningocele at the time fetal surgery usually is performed. Methods. The myelomeningocele of a 20-week-gestation-age fetus was examined, and data were compared with those obtained in a neurologically intact specimen of the same age. In vitro high-field 9.4-tesla magnetic resonance (MR) microscopy was used to examine the fetal material. High-field MR spectroscopy provided images in the three orthogonal planes with a resolution comparable with low-power optical microscopy. The authors observed that the fetal cord of the myelomeningocele specimen was tapered and tethered at S3–4 while the conus medullaris in the normal fetus reaches L-4. No neurulation defects were noted. The axial MR images clearly revealed the nonfusion of the mesodermal structures. The absence of neurulation defects suggests that at least in some cases of spina bifida the spinal cord initially is well developed but is damaged later on chemically and mechanically. This might be an argument in favor of intrauterine myelomeningocele repair. By 20 weeks' gestation, however, the deformation of the cord inside the myelomeningocele is severe. An optimization of the preoperative assessment by means of MR imaging therefore might be considered a valuable contribution to intrauterine surgery. The in vitro high-field MR microscopic findings of this study could be used as references for clinical intrauterine MR imaging. Conclusions. The detailed in vitro high-field MR analysis of a 20-week-gestation-age fetus with spina bifida demonstrated that an improvement of the preoperative intrauterine imaging should be pursued to detect those cases without neurulation defects and with minimal deformation of the spinal cord.


2002 ◽  
Vol 97 ◽  
pp. 445-449 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan A. Borden ◽  
Jen-san Tsai ◽  
Anita Mahajan

Object. The purpose of this study was to evaluate subpixel magnetic resonance (MR) imaging shifts of intracanalicular vestibular schwannomas (VSs) with respect to the internal auditory canal (IAC) as documented on computerized tomography (CT) scanning and to investigate the source of imaging-related localization errors in radiosurgery as well as the effect of such shifts on the dosimetry for small targets. Methods. A shift of the stereotactic coordinates of intracanalicular VSs between those determined on MR imaging and those on CT scanning represents an error in localization. A shift vector places the tumor within the IAC and measures the CT scan/MR image discrepancy. The shift vectors were measured in a series of 15 largely intracanalicular VSs (all < 1.5 cm3 in volume). Using dose volume histogram measurements, the overlap between shifted and unshifted tumors and radiosurgical treatment plans were measured. Using plastic and bone phantoms and thermoluminescent dosimetry measurements, the correspondence between CT and MR imaging targets and treatments delivered using the Leksell gamma knife were measured. Combining these measurements, the correspondence between intended and actual treatments was measured. Conclusions. The delivery of radiation to CT-imaged targets was accurate to the limits of measurement (∼ 0.1 mm). The MR imaging shifts seen in the y axis averaged 0.9 mm and in the z axis 0.8 mm. The corresponding percentage of tumor coverage with respect to apparent target shift decreased from 98 to 77%. This represents a significant potential error when targets are defined solely by MR imaging.


1988 ◽  
Vol 68 (2) ◽  
pp. 217-222 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ossama Al-Mefty ◽  
Louis H. Harkey ◽  
Troy H. Middleton ◽  
Robert R. Smith ◽  
John L. Fox

✓ Eighteen cases are presented in which magnetic resonance (MR) imaging demonstrated two types of lesions in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy. In the first type, localized spinal cord changes at the level of compression, consistent with myelomalacia, were revealed best with T2-weighted images as high-intensity spinal cord signals. In the second type, lesions consistent with either cystic necrosis or secondary syrinx were noted locally, and/or extending longitudinally up, and/or down inside the spinal cord. These latter lesions were best revealed as low-intensity signals on T1-weighted MR images and as a signal-void sign (moving fluid) on proton-density or T2-weighted MR images. It is suggested that segmental lesions at the level of the spondylotic bar represent early proton changes from pressure in and around the same zones that evolve into gray-matter enhancement regions shown as “snake-eyes” on delayed computerized tomography (CT) after myelography. The longitudinal lesions are thought to be the same pencil-shaped zones of cystic necrosis evolving into a secondary syrinx in the late stages (and usually found in the anterior portion of the dorsal columns during delayed CT after myelography). As spinal MR imaging continues to improve, these lesions will be demonstrated more clearly within the cord substance.


2002 ◽  
Vol 97 (6) ◽  
pp. 1472-1475 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hideki Matsuura ◽  
Takashi Inoue ◽  
Hiromu Konno ◽  
Makoto Sasaki ◽  
Kuniaki Ogasawara ◽  
...  

✓ Although various biomaterials such as ceramics or titanium alloy are widely used in neurosurgery, the susceptibility artifacts that appear around these materials cause problems when a magnetic resonance (MR) imager is used to assess lesions after surgery. The purpose of the present study was to quantify the susceptibility artifacts produced by various biomaterials used for neurosurgical implants. Using a 3-tesla MR imaging unit, we obtained MR images of various biomaterials, including six types of ceramics, a cobalt-based alloy (Elgiloy), pure titanium, a titanium alloy, and stainless steel. All implants shared a uniform size and shape. In each image, a linear region of interest was defined across the center of the biomaterial in the transverse direction, and the diameter of the susceptibility artifact was calculated. The ceramics produced a considerably smaller artifact diameter than those produced by other biomaterials. Among the types of ceramics, zirconia was found to produce the smallest artifact diameter. Among the remaining biomaterials, the diameters of the artifacts decreased in order from that associated with stainless steel to those associated with cobalt-based alloys, pure titanium, and titanium alloy. Little difference was observed between the artifact diameters associated with pure titanium and titanium alloy. Ceramics are the most suitable biomaterials for minimizing artifacts in high-field MR imaging.


2002 ◽  
Vol 97 (2) ◽  
pp. 354-362 ◽  
Author(s):  
René L. Bernays ◽  
Spyros S. Kollias ◽  
Nadia Khan ◽  
Sebastian Brandner ◽  
Sonja Meier ◽  
...  

Object. The authors undertook a prospective study of frameless, magnetic resonance (MR)—guided stereotactic brain biopsy procedures performed with the aid of an open MR system. Morbidity and mortality rates, frequency of postoperative hemorrhage, and histological yield were evaluated, as well as the size and location of the lesions under investigation. Methods. During a period of 51 months (July 1996–November 2000), 114 consecutive frameless stereotactic biopsy procedures were performed with the aid of an open intraoperative MR system to investigate supratentorial lesions in 113 patients. The median volume of the lesions was 33.5 cm3, and 31.9% were deep seated. All biopsy samples comprised pathological tissue and in 111 (97.4%) of 114 a specific neuropathological diagnosis was made. A follow-up computerized tomography (CT) scan was obtained on the 1st postoperative day in all patients to evaluate postoperative complications. In two cases (1.8%), a hemorrhage was found on postoperative CT scans, with no neurological worsening of the patients. Morbidity with neurological worsening was seen in three patients; it was transient in two of them (1.8%), and in one (0.9%) subsequent emergency craniotomy was necessary because of increased edema. There were no infections, but there was one death (0.9%) Conclusions. Open intraoperative MR imaging transforms a blind conventional stereotactic procedure into a visually controlled procedure that is adaptable to dynamic anatomical changes. Routine postprocedural MR imaging makes follow-up CT scanning obsolete. This largest reported series of intraoperative MR—guided biopsy procedures shows results that are at least comparable with those in reports of larger series of conventional stereotactic biopsy sampling. The mean procedure time was 60 minutes including planning, and this method produced low morbidity and complication rates and a high histological yield.


2003 ◽  
Vol 98 (3) ◽  
pp. 584-590 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tung T. Nguyen ◽  
Yashdip S. Pannu ◽  
Cynthia Sung ◽  
Robert L. Dedrick ◽  
Stuart Walbridge ◽  
...  

Object. Convection-enhanced delivery (CED), the delivery and distribution of drugs by the slow bulk movement of fluid in the extracellular space, allows delivery of therapeutic agents to large volumes of the brain at relatively uniform concentrations. This mode of drug delivery offers great potential for the treatment of many neurological disorders, including brain tumors, neurodegenerative diseases, and seizure disorders. An analysis of the treatment efficacy and toxicity of this approach requires confirmation that the infusion is distributed to the targeted region and that the drug concentrations are in the therapeutic range. Methods. To confirm accurate delivery of therapeutic agents during CED and to monitor the extent of infusion in real time, albumin-linked surrogate tracers that are visible on images obtained using noninvasive techniques (iopanoic acid [IPA] for computerized tomography [CT] and Gd—diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid for magnetic resonance [MR] imaging) were developed and investigated for their usefulness as surrogate tracers during convective distribution of a macromolecule. The authors infused albumin-linked tracers into the cerebral hemispheres of monkeys and measured the volumes of distribution by using CT and MR imaging. The distribution volumes measured by imaging were compared with tissue volumes measured using quantitative autoradiography with [14C]bovine serum albumin coinfused with the surrogate tracer. For in vivo determination of tracer concentration, the authors examined the correlation between the concentration of the tracer in brain homogenate standards and CT Hounsfield units. They also investigated the long-term effects of the surrogate tracer for CT scanning, IPA-albumin, on animal behavior, the histological characteristics of the tissue, and parenchymal toxicity after cerebral infusion. Conclusions. Distribution of a macromolecule to clinically significant volumes in the brain is possible using convection. The spatial dimensions of the tissue distribution can be accurately defined in vivo during infusion by using surrogate tracers and conventional imaging techniques, and it is expected that it will be possible to determine local concentrations of surrogate tracers in voxels of tissue in vivo by using CT scanning. Use of imaging surrogate tracers is a practical, safe, and essential tool for establishing treatment volumes during high-flow interstitial microinfusion of the central nervous system.


2005 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 425-430 ◽  
Author(s):  
Junichi Mizuno ◽  
Hiroshi Nakagawa ◽  
Naoki Matsuo ◽  
Joonsuk Song

Object. The authors' goal in this study was to understand the frequency and pattern of dural ossification (DO, and to evaluate the effectiveness of neuroimaging modalities used to identify this disease in association with ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL). Methods. One hundred eleven patients with OPLL underwent anterior procedures. Of these patients, 17 (15.3%) had associated ossification of the dura mater. There were 10 cases of DO in the 94 patients with segmental OPLL and seven in the 17 patients with nonsegmental OPLL (seven continuous and 10 mixed-type OPLL). Retrospective evaluation of DO was performed by examining plain x-ray films, polytomography studies, computerized tomography (CT) scans, and magnetic resonance (MR) images. A positive correlation was found between the type of OPLL and the frequency of DO (p < 0.01). The DO was classified into the following three types according to shape: 1) isolated type, 2) double-layer type, and 3) en bloc type, based on its relationship with OPLL. There were 10 lesions of the double-layer type, four en bloc type, and three isolated type; the double-layer pattern of DO was the most common. All DOs as well as OPLLs (17 cases) were identified using bone-window CT scanning. Polytomography was used successfully to identify all 12 OPLLs, whereas DO was recognized in seven of the 12 cases. Magnetic resonance imaging could not identify DO (none of the 17 cases), although OPLL was identified on MR imaging in 12 of the 17 cases. Conclusions. Three patterns of DO associated with OPLL, that is, isolated, double-layer, and en bloc types, were confirmed by retrospective analysis of neuroimaging findings. Nonsegmental OPLL was likely to be accompanied by DO. Bone-window CT scanning was most useful for identification of DO as well as OPLL, whereas MR imaging was ineffective in recognizing DO.


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