The value of CT and MRI in the detection of cerebral arachnoid granulations / 中国脑血管病杂志

Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic utility of CT and MRI in the detection of arachnoid granulations located in cerebral venous sinuses. Methods: MRI were applied in 8 patients for detection of arachnoid granulations, 7 of them also underwent CT scan. All of the images were analyzed retrospectively. Results: There were 9 arachnoid granulations found in the 8 patients. 6 of them were located in transverse sinus while 3 in superior sagittal sinus. 7 arachnoid granulations were manifested low density in CT, 3 of them with calcification. All of 9 arachnoid granulations showed low signal in T1WI and high signal in T2WI of MRI. 7 of them showed low signal in Flair sequence, 4 showed mild or moderate enhancement and filling defect sign. Filling defect was seen in cerebral MRV in 4 cases. Conclusion: Both CT and MRI are reliable methods to verify arachnoid granulations, but MRI is more useful in identifying their relation with venous sinuses.

Glossopharyngeal neuralgia:MR findings / 中华放射学杂志

Objective To investigate the possibility of MRI on visualizing the relationship between glossopharyngeal nerve and surrounding vessels,and to evaluate the significance of MRI in the diagnosis and treatment of glossopharyngeal neuralgia.Methods MRI findings were analyzed retrospectively in 12 patients with glossopharyngeal neuralgia,and were compared with surgical findings and effect of pain relief.Results The artery compression or contact of the glossopharyngeal entry zone,as revealed during operation in l0 patients with glossopharyngeal neuralgia,was visualized on MRI in 9 and not seen in 1.The venous compression of the glossopharyngeal entry zone was not identified on MRI in 1.The conglutinative arachnoids of the glossopharyngeal entry zone was not visualized on MRI in 1.MRI demonstrated the affected glossopharyngeal nerve root entry zone was compressed or contacted by the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA)in 8 patients and by the vertebral artery in 1 patient.One patient's offending vessel was confirmed to be the anterior inferior cerebellar artery(AICA)by the operation,and the surgical findings were corresponded with MRI in others.Vascular compression or contact of the affected glossopharyngeal nerve was not visualized on MRI in 3 patients,and operation confirmed that the glossopharyngeal nerve root entry zone was compressed by unknown artery in 1,by small vein in 1,and by eonglutinative araehnoids in 1, respectively.Eight patients presented with symptoms of the ipsilateral trigeminal neuralgia concurrently.The compression of the affected trigeminal nerve root by superior cerebellar artery(SCA)was visualized on MRI in 6 patients,and operation did not reveal the source of artery compression in 1 and corresponded with MRI findings in other 5 cases.Vascular compression of affected trigeminal nerve was not visualized on MRI in 2 patients,and intraoperative inspection revealed that trigeminal nerve root was compressed by draining vein of brainstem in 1 and not compressed by any vessels in 1.All patient's neuralgia resolved after microvascular decompression of glossopharyngeal nerve and trigeminal nerve.Conclusion It is possible to visualize the glossopharyngeal and surrounding arteries on MRI,and it is of great significance in the diagnosis and treatment of this kind of glossopharyngeal neuralgia.

CT diagnosis of blunt pancreatic trauma / 中华放射学杂志

Objective To study CT features and pathological basis of blunt pancreatic trauma (BPT). Methods CT findings of five patients with BPT were analyzed and correlated with operative and pathological reports. Results Two patients, with complete pancreatic disruption and intrapancreatic hematoma respectively, without diagnosing and operating in time, were associated with severe complications such as severe pancreatitis, infection and abscess, and increased period in hospital. Three patients with diagnosing and operating in time recovered soon. Conclusion CT is an effective modality for diagnosing of the patients with BPT. Correct CT diagnosis is very important for the effective surgical treatment as well as reduction of severe complications and mortality of BPT, especially for the patients with severe BPT.