Synergistic role of susceptibility-weighted imaging with diffusion-weighted imaging and magnetic resonance angiography in the evaluation of acute arterial stroke.

OBJECTIVE: This study was performed to investigate whether diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) are more effective than conventional imaging modalities for evaluation of stroke and selection of candidates for thrombolytic therapy. METHODS: Eighty patients who presented within 12 hours of onset of symptoms of brain ischemia underwent 1.5T magnetic resonance imaging. DWI and SWI were compared with conventional sequences (T1, T2, and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery [FLAIR]) and time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography (TOF-MRA) to assess factors that affect stroke management and prognosis. RESULTS: The volume of brain tissue showing hyperintensity was significantly greater than that showing diffusion restriction in patients with a >6-hour symptom onset. The hypointensity sign (susceptibility sign) on SWI showed a sensitivity of 66.7%, specificity of 87.5%, positive predictive value of 88.9, and negative predictive value of 63.6 compared with TOF-MRA. Micro-hemorrhagic foci were significantly associated with 27-mL infarcts on DWI (sensitivity, 71.4%; specificity, 85.0%). Patients with DWI-SWI mismatch showed better responses to thrombolytics. FLAIR-DWI mismatch helped to assess the time of stroke onset. CONCLUSION: DWI and SWI should be part of the routine imaging protocol in patients with acute stroke and serve as a decision-making tool for selection of patients for thrombolytic therapy.

A Case of Multifocal Eosinophilic Granuloma Involving Spine and Pelvis in a Young Adult: A Radiopathological Correlation.

We present a case of multiple osteolytic lesions in a 28-year-old adult who presented with headache, back pain, and hip pain of 6 months. There was no history of localized swelling or rise of temperature, no history of weight loss or evening rise of temperature. On examination, there were no focal neurological deficits. Routine laboratory investigations, including total leukocyte counts, differential leukocyte counts, hemoglobin, and platelet counts, were within normal limits. There was a borderline elevation of erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Non enhanced computer tomography (NECT) demonstrated no abnormality in the brain or skull bones. However, incidentally, a lytic lesion involving the third cervical (C3) vertebral body and the neural arch was detected which also demonstrated a soft tissue component adjacent to the lytic lesion. These findings warranted further work up; and magnetic resonance imaging of whole spine and pelvis was performed that revealed multiple bony lesions involving the cervical vertebrae, head and neck, bilateral femur, sacrum, and iliac bones. Computed tomography-guided biopsy was performed from the C3 vertebral lytic lesion which showed features of eosinophilic granuloma on histopathological evaluation.

A Rare Case of Fetus within a Fetus.

We present a case of a 45-day-old baby brought to our paediatric outpatient department with complaints of abdominal distension. The prenatal ultrasonographic examination showed a large cystic intrabdominal mass with internal calcifications.