Detection and grading of endolymphatic hydrops in Menière disease using MR imaging.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Endolymphatic hydrops has been recognized as the underlying pathophysiology of Menière disease. We used 3T MR imaging to detect and grade endolymphatic hydrops in patients with Menière disease and to correlate MR imaging findings with the clinical severity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MR images of the inner ear acquired by a 3D inversion recovery sequence 4 hours after intravenous contrast administration were retrospectively analyzed by 2 neuroradiologists blinded to the clinical presentation. Endolymphatic hydrops was classified as none, grade I, or grade II. Interobserver agreement was analyzed, and the presence of endolymphatic hydrops was correlated with the clinical diagnosis and the clinical Menière disease score. RESULTS: Of 53 patients, we identified endolymphatic hydrops in 90% on the clinically affected and in 22% on the clinically silent side. Interobserver agreement on detection and grading of endolymphatic hydrops was 0.97 for cochlear and 0.94 for vestibular hydrops. The average MR imaging grade of endolymphatic hydrops was 1.27 ± 0.66 for 55 clinically affected and 0.65 ± 0.58 for 10 clinically normal ears. The correlation between the presence of endolymphatic hydrops and Menière disease was 0.67. Endolymphatic hydrops was detected in 73% of ears with the clinical diagnosis of possible, 100% of probable, and 95% of definite Menière disease. CONCLUSIONS: MR imaging supports endolymphatic hydrops as a pathophysiologic hallmark of Menière disease. High interobserver agreement on the detection and grading of endolymphatic hydrops and the correlation of MR imaging findings with the clinical score recommend MR imaging as a reliable in vivo technique in patients with Menière disease. The significance of MR imaging detection of endolymphatic hydrops in an additional 22% of asymptomatic ears requires further study.

Neuroradiology of cholesteatomas.

The relevant aspects of cholesteatomas are reviewed with the emphasis on their diagnosis by using cross-sectional imaging. The indications and limitations of CT and MR imaging and the use of novel MR imaging techniques in the diagnosis of cholesteatomas are described. HRCT of the temporal bone has an excellent spatial resolution, thus even small soft-tissue lesions can be accurately delineated (high sensitivity). However, CT has poor specificity (ie, soft-tissue structures cannot be differentiated). MR imaging with the conventional sequences (T1WI, T2WI, postcontrast T1WI) provides additional information for distinguishing different pathologic entities and for accurately diagnosing primary (nonsurgical) and residual/recurrent (surgical) cholesteatomas. Higher diagnostic specificity is achieved by introducing DW-EPI, delayed postcontrast imaging, DW-non-EPI, and DWI-PROPELLER techniques. Studies using DW-non-EPI and DWI-PROPELLER sequences show promising results related to improved diagnostic sensitivity and specificity for even small (<5 mm) cholesteatomas, thus allowing avoidance of second-look surgery in the future.

A case of late onset leukoencephalopathy with cerebral calcifications and cysts in a 59-year-old woman.

BACKGROUND: Leukoencephalopathy with cerebral calcifications and cysts (LCC) is a recently described, very rare entity, clinically characterized by progressive neurological deficits such as cognitive decline, epileptic seizures, pyramidal, extrapyramidal and cerebellar symptoms/signs. With the exception of two patients with adult onset, in all previously described cases symptoms onset occurred between early infancy and adolescence. RESULTS: We report a case of late onset LCC in a 59-year-old woman presenting with urinary and fecal incontinence and behavioural changes, then rapid progression with hemianopia, hemiparesis, ataxia and cognitive decline. Extensive work-up was performed, including brain magnetic resonance imaging, magnetic resonance spectroscopy, cyst fluid analysis and brain biopsy, confirming the final diagnosis of LCC. CONCLUSION: Our case supports the existence of a late onset adult form of LCC.

Endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms with parent vessel reconstruction using balloon and self expandable stents.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: To assess the feasibility and results of parent vessel stent reconstruction with balloon expandable and self-expandable stents in the treatment of intracranial aneurysms. METHODS: In a total of 18 aneurysms balloon expandable (group A) and self expandable (group B) stents were used in 9 cases each. Stent implantation alone was used in 3 cases, and additional coil packing in the other 15. RESULTS: Stents were successfully deployed in 8 out of 9 in group A and in 9 out of 9 cases in group B. Nearly complete occlusion was achieved in all but one case. At 3 or 6 months stable occlusion was found in 4 group A and 2 group B patients, progressive thrombosis in 3 cases in both groups, and recanalisation in 1 case in group B. Late follow up at 1-4 years demonstrated one progressive thrombosis one recanalisation and 1 stable occlusion in 3 group A, and 2 stable occlusions in 2 group B. patients. Complications included one aneurysm perforation in group A, one in-stent thrombosis and a distal arterial perforation in group B and one groin hematoma in both groups. CONCLUSION: Stent reconstruction of intracranial arteries harbouring aneurysms is feasible and may result in aneurysm thrombosis without coil packing in some cases. Self expanding stents seem to provide a higher rate of success. Aggressive antiplatelet treatment increases the risk of hemorrhagic complications.