Rara presentación de un linfoma espinal: informe de caso y diagnóstico mediante resonancia magnética / Rare presentation of a spinal lymphoma: case report and diagnosis by magnetic resonance imaging

El linfoma primario del sistema nervioso central es una forma de enfermedad extraganglionar originada en el cerebro, la leptomeninges, la médula espinal o los ojos. Los tumores espinales son neoplasias de baja prevalencia y pueden causar una morbimortalidad neurológica considerable. El linfoma aislado que surge dentro del conducto dural es la forma menos común de linfoma primario del sistema nervioso central: representa aproximadamente el 1% de los casos y se observa más a menudo en el contexto de diseminación secundaria que como el sitio primario de origen. Los síntomas son inespecíficos y dependen del nivel espinal involucrado. La presentación es insidiosa e incluye dorsalgia, debilidad y dificultad progresiva para la deambulación. La resonancia magnética es la modalidad de elección para búsqueda de lesiones dentro del conducto espinal/raquídeo, en pacientes que presentan síntomas neurológicos. El tratamiento quirúrgico no resulta útil, y el objetivo principal de la cirugía es conocer el diagnóstico histológico. (AU)

A primary central nervous system lymphoma is a form of extranodal disease originating in the brain, leptomeninges, spinal cord, or eyes. Spinal tumors are low-prevalence neoplasms and can cause considerable neurological morbidity and mortality. An isolated lymphoma emerging within the dural canal is the rarest form of primary central nervous system lymphoma: it accounts for approximately 1% of cases occurring more often in the context of secondary dissemination than as the primary site of origin. Symptoms are nonspecific and depend on the spinal level involved. The presentation is insidious and includes dorsalgia, weakness, and progressive difficulty in ambulatory function. MRI is the modality of choice to search for lesions within the spinal/rachial canal in patients presenting with neurological symptoms. Surgical treatment is not helpful, and the main objective of surgery is to know the histological diagnosis. (AU)

Mediciones frecuentes en el sistema nervioso central mediante tomografía computada e imágenes de resonancia magnética / Frequent measurements in the central nervous system by computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging

Resumen En la práctica diaria, durante la realización de informes, suelen presentarse variantes anatómicas, lesiones y diversas patologías del sistema nervioso central (SNC) en las que es necesario realizar algún tipo de mediciones con la finalidad de formular un diagnóstico preciso. Esas mediciones permiten al médico derivante o tratante programar y realizar procedimientos terapéuticos mínimamente invasivos o que requieran una intervención quirúrgica de mayor relevancia. Realizamos una descripción de las mediciones más frecuentes en el SNC empleando tomografía computada (TC) e imágenes de resonancia magnética (RM).

Abstract On daily practice, during the making of reports, anatomical variants often appear, as well as injuries and different pathologies of the central nervous system (CNS) in which it is necessary to take some kind of measurements, to make an accurate diagnosis. These measurements allow the practicing physician to program and perform minimally invasive therapeutic methods or others that request a surgery of greater relevance. We describe the most frequent measurements in the NCS using Computed Tomography (CT) or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).

Linfoma primario del sistema nervioso central: el aporte de las técnicas convencionales de diagnóstico por imágenes / Primary CNS lymphoma: The contribution of conventional diagnostic imaging techniques

El linfoma primario del sistema nervioso central (LPSNC) tiene una presentación predecible en las imágenes convencionales, tanto en pacientes inmunocompetentes como inmunodeprimidos. Analizamos las características imagenológicas que nos permiten reconocer ambos casos y realizamos una revisión de las formas clínicas más relevantes del LPSNC, así como su aspecto en las imágenes obtenidas con técnicas convencionales del Diagnóstico por Imágenes, basándonos en un análisis retrospectivo de nuestros archivos institucionales y la literatura actual. La revisión abarca todas las presentaciones relevantes de esta enfermedad poco frecuente para permitir un diagnóstico temprano, crucial para el adecuado tratamiento.

Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) has a predictable imaging appearance on conventional imaging in immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients. The imaging features that enable both types of patients are discussed. The extensive imaging review presented here of the most relevant PCNSL clinical presentations and their imaging appearances using conventional imaging techniques is based on a retrospective analysis of our institutional files and on the current literature. The review covers all of the relevant appearances of this uncommon disease to enable early diagnosis, which is crucial for proper patient management.

Frequency of prenatal central nervous system anomalies detected by ultrasound in a tertiary care hospital

Ultrasound is an effective and noninvasive modality for the prenatal diagnosis of central nervous system anomalies and thus helps in deciding about therapeutic termination. To determine the frequency of central nervous system anomalies using perinatal ultrasound in a tertiary care hospital. Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Islamabad, one year [June 2011 to May 2012] Eleven Thousand Five Hundred [11500] pregnant women referred by obstetricians and gynecologists for routine anomaly scan. Women with fetuses that had anatomical anomalies in non CNS structures [rest of the body] were excluded. Antenatal ultrasound was done by consultant radiologist using high resolution ultrasound unit. Out of 11, 500 pregnant women, CNS anomalies were detected in 48 cases.They included hydrocephalus in 21 [43.8%] anencephaly in 11 [22.9%], spina bifida in 8 [16%], 02 each [4.1%] with encephalocele, arachnoid cysts, hydranencephaly and 01 each with exencephaly and holoprosencephaly. Prenatal ultrasound is a reliable non invasive method for the diagnosis of central nervous system malformations

accuracy of ultrasound in the diagnosis of congenital abnormalities

To determine the accuracy of ultrasound in the diagnosis of congenital abnormalities at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi. The data of congenital abnormalities was obtained from the obstetrical database and medical records of all cases complicated by congenital abnormalities, delivering from January 2001 to December 2003 and was reviewed. Antenatal ultrasounds had been performed by operators with different level of experience. In addition this data was retrieved from the termination and Congenital anomaly register. A structured data collection form was used to collect information of different variables of interest. Congenital abnormalities, complicated 2.8%[n=170], of all deliveries, including all cases of termination of pregnancy, stillbirth and live births. Out of the total, 11.6% occurred in women above the age of 35 years. Consanguinity was found in 18.2% cases. Prenatal diagnosis was made in just under half of the cases [48.8%]. Central nervous system and renal abnormalities were commonly diagnosed. However, facial defects, heart defects or skeletal defects were more commonly missed. Antenatal ultrasound successfully diagnosed foetal abnormalities in 48.8% of cases, and more than 90% Central Nervous system defects and renal abnormalities. In contrast about a quarter of Cardiac defects and none of the facial defects were detected. Based on these findings we recommend that the Sonologist should incorporate four chamber view of the heart and also look at the face carefully