ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: to describe the magnetic resonance imaging features of hypertrophic olivary degeneration (HOD) subsequent to lesion in the "Guillain-Mollaret triangle". MATERIALS AND METHODS: 15 cases of HOD were diagnosed at MR imaging in 12 patients (4 women and 8 men) with posterior fossa lesion. The time interval from the beginning of the disease to the MR examination was 3 weeks to 8 (1/2) years. Evaluation of the changes in signal intensity over time of the lesions was available in 6 patients. RESULTS: Nine cases of HOD were unilateral and three were bilateral. HOD was associated to a lesion of the contralateral dentate nucleus in 8 cases, to a lesion of the ipsilateral central tegmental tract in 5 cases and to a lesion of the contralateral superior cerebellar peduncle in 2 cases. Hyperintensity and hypertrophy of the olive on proton density and T2-weighted images appeared as early as 3 weeks after the ictus. A curved central hyperintensity (CCH) could be observed 7 months after the initial presentation. Decrease in the signal intensity was observed after 3 (1/2) years and abnormal signal intensity could persist for up to 13 years. Palatal myoclonus at 5 months was associated with HOD in one case. CONCLUSION: HOD is considered a trans-synaptic degeneration subsequent to lesions in the Guillain-Mollaret triangle. Hyperintensity and hypertrophy of the olive are observed, sometimes with palatal myoclonus.
