Digital subtraction angiography of a persistent trigeminal artery variant.

Persistent trigeminal artery variants are described as cerebellar arteries that directly originate from the precavernous segment of the internal carotid artery. This has been observed in 0.18% of cerebral catheter angiograms. On the other hand, a persistent trigeminal artery variant feeding both the anterior inferior cerebellar artery and the posterior inferior cerebellar artery territory is very rare. We present this uncommon anomalous artery along with digital subtraction angiography findings and discuss its clinical significance in light of the literature.

Prevalence and MDCT characteristics of asymptomatic Bochdalek hernia in adult population.

PURPOSE: To determine the frequency of asymptomatic incidental Bochdalek hernias in adults, using multidetector computed tomography (MDCT), and to ascertain any possible relationship between Bochdalek hernia and age, gender, or body mass index (BMI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seven hundred and forty-eight abdominal, and 602 chest MDCT scans, which had been performed for a variety of reasons on 1350 adults, were investigated retrospectively. Location and size of Bochdalek hernias seen on these scans were correlated with age, gender, and BMI. On the basis of BMI, patients with Bochdalek hernia were classified as group A (BMI < 25) and group B (BMI > or =25). RESULTS: A total of 171 Bochdalek hernias were identified in 142 of 1350 patients, ranging in age from 25 to 90 years (median age, 57.2), representing a prevalence of 10.5%. Sixty leftsided unilateral Bochdalek hernias (42.2%), 53 (37.4%) rightsided unilateral Bochdalek hernias, and 29 (20.4%) bilateral Bochdalek hernias were detected. Forty-five (31.6%) were categorized as small, 82 (57.8%) were medium-sized, and 15 (10.5%) were large. BMI was < 25 in 62 patients (43.7%), and > or =25 in 80 patients (56.3%). Fourteen patients (9.9%) were young adults, while 86 (60.6%) were middle aged, and 42 (29.6%) were elderly. No statistically significant relationship was found between dimensions or hernia locations and age, gender, or BMI of patients with Bochdalek hernia. CONCLUSION: In view of the high prevalence of Bochdalek hernia in our study (10.5%), the multiplanar and reconstruction features of MDCT seem to facilitate the diagnosis of asymptomatic incidental Bochdalek hernia. No relationship was found between asymptomatic incidental Bochdalek hernia and age, gender, or BMI in adults.

The relationship between magnetic resonance imaging findings and postural maneuver and physical examination tests in patients with thoracic outlet syndrome: results of a double-blind, controlled study.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the differences in findings from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the neutral and provocative positions, and to examine the relationship between these differences and the results of physical examination tests in patients with thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS). DESIGN: Prospective. SETTING: University physical medicine and rehabilitation outpatient and radiology clinics. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-nine patients and 12 healthy controls. All of the patients had positive bilateral TOS stress tests; control group participants were symptom free and had negative TOS stress tests bilaterally. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: All participants underwent Adson's test, the Halsted maneuver, and a hyperabduction test. All were evaluated with MRI while in 2 positions: the neutral position (upper extremities adducted) and in a provocative position. Measurements were obtained at the interscalene triangle, at the costoclavicular space, and at the retropectoralis minor space. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in MRI findings between the neutral and provocative position in the patients (P<.05), but there were no significant differences in the control group. There was a significant difference in the positional change values in MRI between the patients and the control subjects (P<.05). The difference was found in the minimum costoclavicular distance between patients with a positive Halsted maneuver and a negative Halsted maneuver (P<.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that MRI findings in patients in a provocative position are more valuable in the diagnosis of TOS, and these findings are in accord with findings from the physical evaluation tests.

Imaging features of unusual intracranial cystic meningiomas.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the imaging features of unusual intracranial cystic meningiomas in infants and adults. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the magnetic resonance and computed tomography findings for 2 female patients and 3 male patients, ranging in age from 1 to 73 years (median 41 years), with histopathologically proven cystic meningioma. RESULT: Although cystic meningiomas usually appear as solid and cystic masses, they may present as a mainly multicystic lesion. The wall of a cystic part of the meningioma may include both enhancing and unenhancing areas at imaging. The cystic portion of a meningioma is hypointense on diffusion-weighted images and markedly hyperintense on corresponding apparent diffusion coefficient maps. CONCLUSION: Cystic meningiomas may vary in appearance at imaging. They can be very challenging when present in infants. Knowledge of imaging findings and awareness of variability in the differential diagnosis can help to avoid preoperative diagnostic pitfalls.

Contrast-enhanced MR 3D angiography in the assessment of brain AVMs.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) is the current reference standard for the diagnosis, assessment, and management of brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). The purpose of this study was to compare the diagnostic utility of three-dimensional (3D) time-of-flight (TOF) magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) and contrast-enhanced 3D MRA in patients with intracranial arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) in different sizes and locations. The AVM diagnosis was proved via DSA and almost half of the patients had also hematoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two radiologists, experienced on neurovascular imaging and independent from each other, retrospectively reviewed two MRA techniques and DSA with regard to the assessment of feeding arteries, AVM nidus, and venous drainage patterns on 20 patients with 23 examinations by scoring system. Disagreements were resolved by consensus. RESULTS: An excellent agreement between contrast-enhanced MRA and DSA was found in order to assess the numbers of arterial feeders and draining veins (Spearman r=0.913, P<0.001). The average scores in contrast-enhanced MRA for feeders, nidi, and drainers were respectively 2.26, 2.69, and 2.48, while in TOF-MRA they are 1.96, 1.35, and 0.89, respectively. CONCLUSION: Compared to TOF-MRA, 3D contrast-enhanced MRA is useful for visualization by subtraction technique of malformation components presented by hematoma or by haem product. On the other hand, for the cases presented by slow or complex flow that is especially in around or nidi or around the venous portion is also advantageous because of the independence from flow-related enhancement. Therapeutic effects were clearly demonstrated in three follow-up patients. A major limitation of this technique is the low spatial resolution. Since there is such a limitation, arterial feeder of a case with micro-AVM is not detected by contrast-enhanced MRA and nidus for the same case was observed retrospectively. In this respect, we believe that 3D contrast-enhanced MRA is a less invasive and inexpensive angiographic tool, but not a safe substitute for DSA. Yet, it can be a beneficial supplement to DSA in patients with cerebral AVMs at both initial diagnosis and at follow-up processes after therapy.