Eye position information on CT increases the identification of acute ischemic hypoattenuation.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: It is possible that identification of eye deviation may sensitize a scan reader to early brain hypodensity associated with an arterial occlusive process. Our aim was to investigate the value of observing eye deviation on blinded CT identification of early hypoattenuation following ischemic infarct. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two staff and 2 fellow neuroradiologists reviewed 75 brain CT scans obtained within 3 hours of acute ischemia from subjects in the Interventional Management of Stroke Study. Films were reviewed 3 months apart, the first time with tape over the eyes on the images, the second with the eyes visible. Readers were asked if early hypoattenuation in the middle cerebral artery (MCA) distribution or if a hyperattenuated MCA was present. kappa statistics were calculated to determine agreement among the 4 readers and between each of the 2 readings by the same reader, not only for the original interpretation of the blinded study neuroradiologist but also for the Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) for each subject assigned by an unblinded expert panel. A generalized estimating equations modeling approach was used to look at the overall effect of including eye information for agreement between interpretations. RESULTS: Eye information availability was associated with improved agreement for detection of early ischemic hypoattenuation not only among the 4 readers but also between the 4 readers and both the blinded study neuroradiologist (P = .02) and the unblinded expert ASPECTS panel. When comparing first and second readings for hypoattenuation, we also noted increased mean values for sensitivity (46.8% first, 56.5% second), specificity (78.2%, 80.2%), positive predictive value (72.0%, 80.7%), negative predictive value (55.5%, 61.0%), and percentage agreement (61.0%, 67.5%). CONCLUSION: Observation of CT eye deviation significantly improves reader identification of acute ischemic hypoattenuation.

Becker muscular dystrophy associated with focal myositis on bone scintigraphy.

METHODS: Bone scintigraphy was performed on a 6-year-old boy with possible sacroiliitis. RESULTS: Extraosseous uptake in the region of the paraspinal, psoas and calf muscles was noted and suggested myositis. Subsequently, his creatine kinase level was found to be elevated. Results of a neuromuscular examination, muscle biopsy with dystrophin immunostaining, and a multiplex polymerase chain reaction led to the diagnosis of Becker muscular dystrophy. CONCLUSIONS: A patient with Becker muscular dystrophy had several distinct areas of myositis localized by bone scintigraphy. Pathologic features including focal myonecrosis and regeneration may contribute to this scintigraphic picture.