Retrospective review of rapid pediatric brain MR imaging at an academic institution including practice trends and factors affecting scan times.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: In an effort to reduce radiation exposure in children requiring regular follow up for shunted hydrocephalus, our institution implemented a rapid brain MR imaging protocol. The purpose of this study was to review an academic practice experience with pediatric rapid brain MR imaging without patient sedation in the evaluation of hydrocephalus and a limited group of other conditions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed limited-sequence, rapid brain MR imaging scans performed in nonsedated patients younger than 14 years between April 2009 and December 2011. So-called failed examinations were determined by consensus of 2 authors as insufficiently diagnostic for evaluation of ventricular size. CT and MR imaging quarterly volumes for hydrocephalus-related indications were determined from 2005-2012. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to elucidate factors potentially affecting scan durations including examination indication and patient age, sex, inpatient status, and clinical conditions. RESULTS: A total of 398 examinations were performed on 168 patients (103 boys, 65 girls; median age, 13 months). None were deemed to be failed examinations. Median scan duration was 4.43 minutes (interquartile range, 4.42 minutes-5.88 minutes; SD, 2.42 minutes). Examination indication of altered mental status was the only factor associated with increased scan duration (+1.77 minutes; P = .0021). Hydrocephalus-related imaging volumes approximately doubled in the 7 years reviewed, but rapid MR imaging introduced in 2009 is quickly replacing CT scanning for these indications, accounting for nearly 7 of every 8 examinations at the end of the study period. CONCLUSIONS: In every case of initial work-up and follow-up, rapid brain MR imaging effectively evaluated ventricular size and/or intracranial fluid and represents a viable alternative to CT scanning, irrespective of a child's age or clinical condition. For this indication and patient group, MR imaging is now the predominant imaging method in our practice.

Moyamoya disease in the midwestern United States.

There have been few investigations of moyamoya disease in the United States and no systematic description of the management practices or outcome from this population. The authors reviewed their experience with this disease to gain a better understanding and improve the treatment of patients with moyamoya disease in the United States. Over a 25-year period 30 patients with moyamoya disease have been treated at the University of Iowa. The cases were divided into patients who had classic, probable, and akin moyamoya disease. Results indicated that there was a bimodal age distribution and a female predominance of cases. In estimating the referral pattern of our institution, the authors determined that there were greater numbers of epidemiological characteristics than previously anticipated. Patients were treated either surgically or nonsurgically, and different management strategies were utilized in each of the major groups: superficial temporal artery to middle cerebral artery anastomosis and encephalodurosynangiosis in the surgical group; or antiplatelet, anticoagulation, or nonpharmacological intervention in the nonsurgical group. The authors conclude that there is a higher prevalence and incidence of moyamoya disease in the United States than previously reported and that there are some clinical characteristics of this disease that differ from the cases reported in southeast Asia. These differences may be due to genetic or environmental factors but can also be partly explained by the lower index of suspicion for this disease and, thus, a delay in or complete absence of the correct diagnosis.

Pre- and postischemic effects of the NMDA receptor antagonist dizocilpine maleate (MK-801) on collateral cerebral blood flow.

The authors studied the effects of pre- and postischemic administration of dizocilpine maleate (MK-801) on collateral and regional cerebral blood flow (CBF). The ischemic penumbra appears to benefit most from the neuroprotective effects of MK-801. The precise mechanism by which MK-801 provides this neuroprotection remains controversial. Alterations in CBF have been demonstrated with MK-801 administration, but whether the response is an increase or decrease in flow has remained unclear. A left-sided craniectomy was performed in 20 dogs. A branch of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) was cannulated and collateral blood supply-dependent tissue (CDT) was identified using the "shadow flow" technique. Regional CBF was measured using radiolabeled microspheres. Six dogs received MK-801 (1 mg/kg administered intravenously) before they underwent MCA branch occlusion; the remaining 14 dogs received MK-801 after they underwent MCA occlusion. Cerebral blood flow and vascular pressures were measured 30 and 60 minutes after MK-801 administration. In animals that received MK-801 before MCA occlusion, CBF did not change significantly from baseline values before or after occlusion. In contrast, in animals that received MK-801 after MCA occlusion, CBF was significantly reduced in all regions of the brain, including the CDT. Collateral blood supply-dependent tissue showed a 51.7% reduction in flow, whereas normal CBF was reduced by 29.7%. The MK-801 induced cerebral vasoconstriction in both groups. The neuroprotective effects of MK-801 do not appear to be caused by the augmentation of collateral or global cerebral circulation and, in fact, may block the glutamate-mediated vasodilation that occurs during ischemia.