Types of Cerebral Herniation and Their Imaging Features.

Cerebral herniation, defined as a shift of cerebral tissue from its normal location into an adjacent space, is a life-threatening condition that requires prompt diagnosis. The imaging spectrum can range from subtle changes to clear displacement of brain structures. For radiologists, it is fundamental to be familiar with the different imaging findings of the various subtypes of brain herniation. Brain herniation syndromes are commonly classified on the basis of their location as intracranial and extracranial hernias. Intracranial hernias can be further divided into three types: (a) subfalcine hernia; (b) transtentorial hernia, which can be ascending or descending (lateral and central); and (c) tonsillar hernia. Brain herniation may produce brain damage, compress cranial nerves and vessels causing hemorrhage or ischemia, or obstruct the normal circulation of cerebrospinal fluid, producing hydrocephalus. Owing to its location, each type of hernia may be associated with a specific neurologic syndrome. Knowledge of the clinical manifestations ensures a focused imaging analysis. To make an accurate diagnosis, the authors suggest a six-key-point approach: comprehensive analysis of a detailed history of the patient and results of clinical examination, knowledge of anatomic landmarks, direction of mass effect, recognition of displaced structures, presence of indirect radiologic findings, and possible complications. CT and MRI are the imaging modalities of choice used for establishing a correct diagnosis and guiding therapeutic decisions. They also have important prognostic implications. The preferred imaging modality is CT: the acquisition time is shorter and it is less expensive and more widely available. Patients with brain herniation are generally in critical clinical condition. Making a prompt diagnosis is fundamental for the patient's safety.©RSNA, 2019.

The two sides of superior mesenteric artery syndrome treatment: conservative or surgical management?

INTRODUCTION: Superior mesenteric artery syndrome (SMAS) is a rare condition characterized by vascular compression of the duodenum. There is controversy regarding the optimal treatment. CASE REPORT: In case 1, we describe the case of a 21-year-old woman (body mass index -BMI- 16.9 kg/m2) with high-level obstructive symptoms three months prior, with computed tomography scan (TC) showing a superior mesenteric artery aorta angle (SMAA) of 13º and compression of the third portion of the duodenum (D3), for this reason a nasojejunal tube was placed for enteral feeding. In case 2, enteral nutrition was initiated for feeding a 17-year-old female with anorexia nervosa (BMI 8.3 kg/m2). She presented macrohematuria, vomiting, epigastralgia, abdominal distension and acute abdomen when oral feeding was reinitiated. TC reported a SMAA of 15º, in addition to compression of the left renal vein (Nutcracker syndrome) and gastro duodenal expansion, surgical management was necessary. DISCUSSION: Both cases had favorable evolution, being the nutritional support fundamental. SMAS should be suspected in all people with high-level obstructive symptoms and recent weight loss.

The two sides of superior mesenteric artery syndrome treatment: conservative or surgical management? / Las dos caras del tratamiento del síndrome de la arteria mesentérica superior: ¿manejo conservador o quirúrgico?

Introduction: Superior mesenteric artery syndrome (SMAS) is a rare condition characterized by vascular compression of the duodenum. There is controversy regarding the optimal treatment. Case report: In case 1, we describe the case of a 21-year-old woman (body mass index [BMI] 16.9 kg/m2) with high-level obstructive symptoms three months prior, with computed tomography scan (TC) showing a superior mesenteric artery aorta angle (SMAA) of 13° and compression of the third portion of the duodenum (D3), for this reason a nasojejunal tube was placed for enteral feeding. In case 2, enteral nutrition was initiated for feeding a 17-year-old female with anorexia nervosa (BMI 8.3 kg/m2). She presented macrohematuria, vomiting, epigastralgia, abdominal distension and acute abdomen when oral feeding was reinitiated. TC reported a SMAA of 15°, in addition to compression of the left renal vein (Nutcracker syndrome) and gastro duodenal expansion, surgical management was necessary. Discussion: Both cases had favorable evolution, being the nutritional support fundamental. SMAS should be suspected in all people with high-level obstructive symptoms and recent weight loss (AU)

Introducción: el síndrome de la arteria mesentérica superior (SAMS) es una condición rara caracterizada por la compresión vascular del duodeno, y existe controversia acerca de su tratamiento. Caso clínico: en el caso 1, presentamos a una mujer de 21 años (índice de masa corporal [IMC] 16,9 kg/m2) con datos de obstrucción alta y epigastralgia durante los tres meses previos, con tomografía computarizada (TC) que reporta ángulo de la arteria mesentérica superior (AAMS) de 13° y compresión de D3. Se colocó sonda nasoyeyunal para alimentarla. En el caso 2, se inició alimentación enteral por sonda nasogástrica en una mujer de 17 años con anorexia nerviosa (IMC 8,3 kg/m2). Al reiniciar la vía oral presentó hematuria, vómito, epigastralgia, distensión abdominal y abdomen agudo. La TC reportó AAMS 15°, compresión de la vena renal izquierda (síndrome de Nutcracker) y distensión gastroduodenal. Requirió tratamiento quirúrgico. Discusión: ambas pacientes tuvieron evolución favorable, siendo fundamental el soporte nutricional. Se debe sospechar el SAMS en los pacientes con datos de obstrucción intestinal alta y pérdida de peso reciente (AU)