Increased T2 Signal Intensity Research Articles

Whole-body magnetic resonance neurography in patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy.

Whole-body magnetic resonance neurography (MRN) is an imaging modality that shows peripheral nerve signal change in patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). We aimed to explore the diagnostic potential of whole-body MRN and its potential as a monitoring tool after immunotherapy in treatment-naïve CIDP patients. Whole-body MRN using coronal 3-dimensional short tau inversion recovery (STIR) sampling perfection with application-optimized contrasts by using different flip angle evolution (SPACE) techniques was performed in patients being investigated for CIDP and in healthy controls. Baseline clinical neuropathy scales and electrophysiologic parameters were collected, and MRN findings were compared before and after CIDP treatment. We found highly concordant symmetrical thickening and increased T2 signal intensities in the brachial/lumbosacral plexus, femoral, or sciatic nerves in five of the eight patients with a final diagnosis of CIDP and none of the healthy controls. There were no treatment-related imaging changes in five patients with CIDP who completed a follow-up study. Diffuse, symmetrical thickening, and increased T2 signal in root, plexus, and peripheral nerves were found in two patients ultimately excluded due to a diagnosis of polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal gammopathy, skin changes (POEMS) syndrome in addition to signal changes in the muscles, bony lesions, organomegaly, and lymphadenopathy. Whole-body MRN imaging shows promise in detecting abnormalities in proximal nerve segments in patients with CIDP. Future studies evaluating the role of MRN in assessing treatment response should consider follow-up scans after treatment durations of more than 4 months.

Diffuse lymphoma involvement of the spinal cord showed on [18F]FDG PET/MRI.

A 61-year-old woman with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma received a fluorine-18-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography ([¹⁸F]FDG PET/CT) for staging. Because of the obvious uptake of [¹⁸F]FDG in the spinal cord and brain, a positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (PET/MRI) was performed after the positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT). The images showed diffuse [¹⁸F]FDG uptake of the spinal cord and increased T2 signal intensity on MRI, which was suspected to be lymphoma involvement. The patient was diagnosed with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma involving the right maxillofacial region, right cervical lymph nodes, cervix, brain and spinal cord (stage IV of non-germinal center B-cell origin). After chemotherapy, the spinal [¹⁸F]FDG uptake level decreased significantly, which was considered to be a partial metabolic response. Our case was different from prior, which indicated the pattern of spinal cord involvement by lymphoma was focal.

Abstract 11836: A Rare Cause of Recurrent Myocardial Infarction: Genetic Testing Cracks the Case

A 29-year-old man presented to our institution with acute, severe substernal chest pain. An ECG on arrival revealed 3mm ST-elevations in the lateral leads with reciprocal depressions in the inferior leads. Troponin-I was above assay (>50 ng/mL). Emergent coronary angiography showed normal coronary arteries, and left ventriculogram showed no wall motion abnormalities. A transthoracic echocardiogram showed normal biventricular size, wall thickness, and ejection fraction (EF). This was his fifth episode of chest pain over the past 10 years, consistent with prior presentations of ST-elevation myocardial infarction and angiographically normal coronary arteries. A prior cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI, 6 years before the current presentation) revealed increased T2 signal intensity and subepicardial late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) in the septum, inferior, and inferolateral walls, suggestive of nonischemic acute myocardial injury. A repeat cardiac MRI during the current presentation showed mildly reduced biventricular systolic function (LVEF 52%, RVEF 36%), and again showed increased T2 signal intensity and subepicardial LGE involving the septum, inferior and inferolateral walls. The anterior and anterolateral walls were also now involved. Endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) showed focal interstitial fibrosis with no evidence of active myocarditis. On telemetry he was noted to have runs of non-sustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT). Serologic evaluation was negative for parvovirus, cytomegalovirus, and Chagas disease. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein levels were normal. Genetic testing was performed at our newly established cardiovascular genetics program, which showed a pathogenic truncating mutation in the desmoplakin gene (DSP). DSP cardiomyopathy (CM) is an LV-predominant arrhythmogenic CM, which can present with episodic myocardial injury, and has a high disposition for ventricular arrhythmias with subepicardial LGE pattern often proceeding LV systolic dysfunction. A primary prevention implantable cardioverter-defibrillator was placed given extent of LGE and NSVT burden in the context of DSP variant. This case illustrates the importance of genetic testing in identifying rare CM phenotypes.

Uterine Inversion.

HomeRadioGraphicsVol. 43, No. 6 PreviousNext Cases from the Cooky JarFree AccessUterine InversionKaitlin M. Zaki-Metias , Melina Hosseiny, Fardad Behzadi, Patricia BalthazarKaitlin M. Zaki-Metias , Melina Hosseiny, Fardad Behzadi, Patricia BalthazarAuthor AffiliationsFrom the Department of Radiology, Trinity Health Oakland Hospital/Wayne State University School of Medicine, 44405 Woodward Ave, Medical Education, Pontiac, MI 48341 (K.M.Z.M.); Department of Radiology, University of California San Diego, San Diego, Calif (M.H.); Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass (F.B.); and Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Ga (P.B.).Address correspondence to K.M.Z.M. (email: [email protected]).Kaitlin M. Zaki-Metias Melina HosseinyFardad BehzadiPatricia BalthazarPublished Online:May 18 2023https://doi.org/10.1148/rg.230004MoreSectionsPDF ToolsImage ViewerAdd to favoritesCiteTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinked In Uterine inversion, or uterine intussusception, is a rare, potentially life-threatening entity characterized by inversion of the fundus into the uterine cavity, which often manifests as an acute complication of childbirth (1,2). Less commonly, uterine inversion is nonpuerperal, occurring as a result of an endometrial or myometrial mass (2,3). Patients typically present with symptoms that include vaginal bleeding and pelvic pain.At MRI, uterine inversion appears as a U-shaped uterus with loss of the normal convex fundal contour on sagittal images (Fig 1A, 1B) (2). A target configuration may be visualized on axial images, representing the concentric serosa, myometrium, and endometrium (Fig 1C, 1D) (2). MRI is also useful in assessing the cause in patients with nonpuerperal uterine inversion, including submucosal leiomyomas, uterine leiomyosarcomas, and endometrial malignancies. There are four grades of uterine inversion, which are characterized by the degree of inferior bowing of the fundus relative to the cervix and/or vaginal introitus (Fig 2).Figure 1. Uterine inversion in a previously healthy premenopausal female patient with acute onset of pelvic pain and vaginal bleeding. A bleeding vaginal or cervical mass was suspected on physical examination, and pelvic MRI was performed for further evaluation. Sagittal T2-weighted (A) and contrast-enhanced fat-suppressed T1-weighted (B) MR images of the pelvis demonstrate a U-shaped uterus (U) with loss of the normal fundal contour, with protrusion of the fundus into the distended vaginal canal (V), consistent with grade III uterine inversion. The cervix (C) is located superior to the inverted fundus. At the fundus, there is an ill-defined rounded lesion (arrow in A and B) with heterogeneous T1 signal intensity and enhancement with irregular margins, with adjacent heterogeneous T2 signal intensity and increased T1 signal intensity. The findings are most consistent with a hemorrhagic submucosal uterine leiomyoma. Axial T2-weighted (C) and contrast-enhanced fat-suppressed T1-weighted (D) MR images of the pelvis show concentric rings of signal intensity indicating the serosa, myometrium, endometrium, and vagina.Figure 1.Download as PowerPointOpen in Image Viewer Figure 2. Illustration depicts the normal anatomic position of the uterus (A) and the various grades of inversion. Grade I uterine inversion (B) is characterized by inferior bowing of the fundus up to but not beyond the cervix. In grade II uterine inversion (C), the inverted fundus protrudes through the cervix and into the vagina. The uterus is fully inverted and protrudes out of the vagina in grade III uterine inversion (D).Figure 2.Download as PowerPointOpen in Image Viewer Disclosures of conflicts of interest.—K.M.Z.M. Meeting attendance and travel reimbursement from Trinity Health Oakland Hospital. P.B. Editorial board member of RadioGraphics, Association of University Radiologists GE Radiology Research Academic Fellowship, meeting travel reimbursement from the American College of Radiology.K.M.Z.M and P.B. have provided disclosures (see end of article); all other authors have disclosed no relevant relationships.

Identifying Lesions of the Corpus Callosum in Patients with Neurofibromatosis Type I (P8-13.004)

<h3>Objective:</h3> To investigate the rate of lesions of the corpus callosum, including both unidentified bright objects (UBOs) and gliomas, in a large cohort of NF1 patients. <h3>Background:</h3> Neurofibromatosis type I is an autosomal dominant disorder with a multisystem presentation. Patients with NF1 are frequently found to have intracranial lesions, including areas of increased T2 signal intensity known as UBOs, as well as tumors known as gliomas. The presence of these lesions in the corpus callosum has not been studied in a large cohort. <h3>Design/Methods:</h3> We reviewed the medical records of 1373 patients (aged 3 months to 86 years) with NF1 followed at our institution over 2012–2021. Patients with UBOs or gliomas found on MRI in the corpus callosum were identified and recorded. <h3>Results:</h3> Of the 1373 patients analyzed, 34 were reported to have UBOs in the corpus callosum. This represents 6.3% of the 538 patients with any UBO. The majority of corpus callosum UBOs were in the splenium (41%), followed by the body (18%), and genu (12%). Nine patients were reported with corpus callosum gliomas, representing 5.6% of the 161 patients with any glioma. Of these, 7 (78%) were in the splenium. Over the course of follow-up imaging, 5/7 remained stable, 2/7 decreased in size and then stabilized, and 1/7 increased in size. <h3>Conclusions:</h3> Our study indicates a 2.5% and 0.7% prevalence of corpus callosum UBOs and gliomas, respectively. The majority of lesions are present in the splenium, and frequently remain stable over time. This adds to growing data regarding imaging findings in NF1 patients to better inform appropriate follow-up. <b>Disclosure:</b> Ms. Jandhyala has nothing to disclose. Dr. Garcia has nothing to disclose. Miss Kim has nothing to disclose. Dr. Segal has nothing to disclose. Dr. Yohay has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving on a Scientific Advisory or Data Safety Monitoring board for Astra Zeneca. Dr. Yohay has received publishing royalties from a publication relating to health care. An immediate family member of Dr. Yohay has received publishing royalties from a publication relating to health care.

Hirayama Disease: A Case Report

Hirayama disease is a rare non-progressive spinal muscular atrophy related to flexion movements of the neck. It is considered a benign motor neuron disorder with a stationary stage after a progressive course. We report a case of an 18-years old male with a history of asymmetric weakness and amyotrophy of the distal right upper extremity, suggestive of Hirayama disease. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the cervical spine was obtained both in flexion and neutral position. MRI showed loss of cervical lordosis with focal areas of lower cervical cord atrophy with increased T2 signal intensity of the spinal cervical cord in a neutral position and anterior displacement of the detached posterior dura from the underlying flexion position.

Cardiac adverse reactions of COVID-19 vaccination: cardiac MRI findings.

The rapid development of COVID-19 vaccines in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic has led to an equally expediently deployed vaccination campaign with more than 12billion vaccinations administered worldwide. Reports of vaccine-associated adverse reactions (VAARs) have ranged from headaches and pain at the injection site to potentially life-threatening events such as cerebral venous sinus thrombosis. The heart has also not been spared of VAARs, as vaccine-associated myocardial infarction and more commonly, albeit still rare, myocarditis and perimyocarditis have been reported in predominantly young male recipients. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging findings of vaccine-associated myocarditis such as prolonged T1 and T2 relaxation times, increased T2 signal intensity ratio, and subepicardial late gadolinium enhancement have been demonstrated to be similar to those in virus-induced myocarditis, enabling the use of the modified 2018 Lake Louise Criteria for diagnostic purposes to confirm vaccination-associated myocardial inflammation. Other reported cardiac findings such as cardiomyopathies and arrhythmias were confined to case reports. The incidence of myocardial infarction was not noted to be higher than in the overall population. The overall preliminary prognosis of vaccine- associated myocarditis seems to be good as suggested by initial reports, but long-term follow-up is needed to sufficiently assess possible sequelae and consequences.

Exercise-induced myocardial edema in master triathletes: Insights from cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging

BackgroundStrenuous exercise has been associated with functional and structural cardiac changes due to local and systemic inflammatory responses, reflecting oxidative, metabolic, hormonal, and thermal stress, even in healthy individuals. We aimed to assess changes in myocardial structure and function using cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging in master triathletes early after a full-distance Ironman Triathlon race.Materials and methodsTen master triathletes (age 45 ± 8 years) underwent CMR within 3 h after a full-distance Ironman Triathlon race (3.8 km swimming, 180 km cycling, and 42.2 km running) completed with a mean time of 12 ± 1 h. All the triathletes had a 30-day follow-up CMR. Cine balanced steady-state free precession, T2-short tau inversion recovery (STIR), tagging, and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) imaging sequences were performed on a 1.5-T MR scanner. Myocardial edema was defined as a region with increased T2 signal intensity (SI) of at least two SDs above the mean of the normal myocardium. The extent of myocardial edema was expressed as the percentage of left ventricular (LV) mass. Analysis of LV strain and torsion by tissue tagging included the assessment of radial, longitudinal, and circumferential peak systolic strain, rotation, and twist.ResultsCompared with postrace, biventricular volumes, ejection fraction, and LV mass index remained unchanged at 30-day follow-up. Global T2 SI was significantly higher in the postrace CMR (postrace 10.5 ± 6% vs. follow-up 3.9 ± 3.8%, P = 0.004) and presented with a relative apical sparing distribution (P < 0.001) matched by reduction of radial peak systolic strain of basal segments (P = 0.003). Apical rotation and twist were significantly higher immediately after the competition compared with follow-up (P < 0.05).ConclusionStrenuous exercise in master triathletes is associated with a reversible regional increase in myocardial edema and reduction of radial peak systolic strain, both presenting with a relative apical sparing pattern.

Gadolinium deposition in the brain is related to various contrast agents: a matched case–control study

To assess the relationship between gadolinium deposition in the brain and various gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) and to explore confounding variables. The study group included 87 patients with multiple enhanced brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations of which 48 patients were in the linear GBCA group (33 patients in gadopentetate dimeglumine group and 15 patients in gadobenate dimeglumine group) and 39 patients in the macrocyclic GBCA group (22 patients in gadobutrol group and 17 patients in gadoterate meglumine group). The control group included 87 normal participants who were matched regarding age, sex, MRI machine and imaging sequences to the study cohort. T1 signal intensity (SI) ratios of the dentate nucleus to the pons (DN/pons) and of the globus pallidus to the frontal white matter (GP/FWM) in both groups were calculated and compared. The relationships between SI ratios and confounding variables were analysed. Significant differences were detected between two linear GBCA groups and control groups in T1 SI ratios of the DN/pons and GP/FWM (all p<0.001). There were no differences for two the macrocyclic GBCA groups compared with matching control groups (all p>0.05). T1 SI ratios of the linear GBCA group were significantly higher than those of the macrocyclic GBCA group (p<0.001). In the linear GBCA group, the T1 SI ratios of the DN/pons correlated moderately positively with the number of GBCA administrations (r=0.643, p<0.001), and MRI machine and sequence used. Increased T1 SI could be observed after repeated administrations of linear GBCA. T1 SI of the DN correlated with the number of linear GBCA administrations, and detection might be affected by MRI machine and sequence.

Dark Cartilage Lesions in the Knee: MRI Appearance and Clinical Significance

Early investigations into the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) appearance of articular cartilage imaging relied on assessment of the morphology, with subsequent investigators reporting identifying increased T2 signal intensity, bright signal, in degenerated cartilage. The cartilage "black line sign" is a finding that has recently been described in the radiology literature to characterize cartilage pathology. This sign refers to a focal linear hypointense signal within articular cartilage that is oriented perpendicular to the subchondral bone on T2-weighted MRI. The diagnostic significance and clinical relevance of this sign is debated. Since its first description, several papers have further delineated the etiology, prevalence, and clinical relevance of these and other dark cartilage abnormalities. The intent of this article is to summarize these findings, with hopes of bringing to light the importance of dark cartilage lesions and their clinical implication in the world of knee surgery. We will briefly discuss the most probable etiologies of dark cartilage abnormalities and the major factors determining the unique signal intensity. The described anatomical patterns of this finding, the clinical importance, potential mimics, and current treatment recommendations will be reviewed.

Normal Magnetic Resonance Imaging Appearance of Marrow Adjacent to the Sacroiliac Joints in Children During Development.

On magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for sacroiliitis, increased T2 marrow signal can be misinterpreted as marrow edema. We hypothesize that a changing but predictable pattern for marrow signal intensity adjacent to the sacroiliac joints is present from infancy through skeletal maturity. The purpose of our study is to characterize the distribution of increased T2 signal intensity within the marrow adjacent to the sacroiliac joints in healthy children. A retrospective review of the electronic health record identified 345 children who underwent MRI examination of the sacrum, sacroiliac joints, or pelvis. Those with underlying disease that may potentially alter sacroiliac marrow signal were excluded. Sixty children, 30 girls and 30 boys, were assessed for T2 marrow signal intensity greater than the interforaminal sacrum and less than or equivalent to the primary spongiosa of the posterior iliac crests at the S1, S2, and S3 levels. The width of increased T2 signal intensity at each sacral level, right and left sides, ilium, and sacrum was measured (mm). The Mann-Whitney U test was used to determine if there were differences between skeletally immature and skeletally mature subjects; defined as aged 15 years for girls and 17 years for boys. When 30 girls and 30 boys are assessed, the width of increased T2 marrow signal adjacent to the sacroiliac joints is significantly greater in skeletally immature than in skeletal mature female subjects for right S1 sacral side (P = 0.0100), left S1 sacral side (P = 0.0119), right S2 sacral side (P = 0.037), left S2 sacral side (P = 0.0020), and in male subjects for the right S2 sacral side (P = 0.0178), right S2 iliac side (P = 0.0415), right S3 sacral side (P = 0.0024), and left S3 sacral side (P = 0.0037). There were insufficient subjects for whom the ilii extended beyond the S2 sacral segments to assess for the S3 iliac sides. Healthy children and adolescents have increased T2 signal intensity within the sacral marrow adjacent to the sacroiliac joints, likely the vascular primary spongiosum, which is greater in adolescence compared with skeletal maturity. Knowledge of this normal pattern is beneficial in interpreting MRI examinations for the presence of sacroiliitis.

Diffusion Restriction in the Optic Radiation of Term Neonates With Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy Demonstrated by Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

There has been no previous report of diffusion restriction in the optic radiation of term neonates with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. Here, using diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), we assessed diffusion restriction in the optic radiation within the first 2 weeks of life and estimated signal changes and the apparent diffusion coefficient in the optic radiation and lateral geniculate body using T1-weighted MRI. Forty-five term neonates with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy underwent MRI twice during the first 2 weeks of life. Diffusion-weighted imaging and apparent diffusion coefficient were used to evaluate the presence of diffusion restriction in the optic radiation and lateral geniculate body. Apparent diffusion coefficient and T1 signal changes in the optic radiation and lateral geniculate body were also compared with those in 11 control neonates showing a normal pattern on MRI. Diffusion restriction in the optic radiation was observed in 29% (13/45) of the hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy neonates at a median age of 3.5 days (range: 1-9 days). The apparent diffusion coefficient in the optic radiation of affected neonates was significantly reduced in comparison with the controls. In all neonates with optic radiation involvement, increased T1 signal intensity was observed in the optic radiation in the second week, and was also evident in in lateral geniculate body in 8 of those neonates. Diffusion restriction in the optic radiation is not rare among term neonates with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, being visualized by diffusion-weighted imaging in the first week of life and also high-intensity T1 signal changes in the second week. This diffusion restriction in the optic radiation might be due to transsynaptic neuronal degeneration.

“Million dollar nerve” magnetic resonance neurography: first normal and pathological findings

To evaluate prospectively the feasibility of magnetic resonance neurography (MRN) in identifying the anatomical characteristics of thenar muscular branch (TMB) of the median nerve, also known as the "million dollar nerve," in patients and controls. Thirteen patients affected by carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and four healthy controls had their hands scanned on a 3-T MR imaging scanner for TMB visualization. Median nerve anatomical variations were classified into four groups according to Poisel's classification system modified by Lanz. TMB signal intensity and diameter were assessed for the diagnosis of neuropathy. TMB was successfully identified in all patients and subjects by using MRN. The most suitable pulse sequences to identify and measure nerve diameter were 3D DW-PSIF and T2-FS-TSE. The axial oblique and sagittal oblique planes are complementary in demonstrating its entire course. TMB had mostly an extraligamentous course with radial side origin (93.8%, each). All patients experienced increased T2 signal intensity (p < 0.001) and thickened nerves. Mean TMB diameters were 1.27 ± 0.21 mm (range, 1.02-1.74 mm) and 0.87 ± 0.16 mm (0.73-1.08 mm) (p = 0.008) in the patient and control groups, respectively. MRN is a reliable imaging technique for identification and anatomical characterization of TMB in patients affected by CTS. This innovative imaging workup may therefore be included in the preoperative evaluation of patients scheduled for carpal tunnel release, especially in CTS with TMB involvement or even in isolated TMB neuropathy. • Magnetic resonance neurography allows precise visualization of the thenar muscular branch of the median nerve. • Thenar muscular branch anatomical variations can be correctly identified. • Preoperative scanning can contribute to reducing the risk of iatrogenic injuries during carpal tunnel release, especially in carpal tunnel syndrome with thenar muscular branch involvement or even in isolated thenar muscular branch neuropathy.

Simple and Reliable Magnetic Resonance Imaging Parameter to Predict Postoperative Ambulatory Function in Patients With Metastatic Epidural Spinal Cord Compression.

Retrospective case-control study. The aim of this study was to develop a simple and reliable imaging parameter to predict postoperative ambulatory status in patients with metastatic epidural spinal cord compression (MESCC). Sixty-three patients with MESCC underwent spine surgery because of neurologic deficits were included. On preoperative axial MRI, the cord compression ratio was analyzed for postoperative ambulatory status. The relationship between other imaging features, such as fracture of the affected vertebra and increased T2 signal intensity of the spinal cord at the compression level, and the postoperative ambulatory status were also analyzed. Cord compression ratio and increased T2 signal change of the spinal cord were significantly different between the postoperative ambulatory group and the non-ambulatory group. Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that the optimal cut-off value was 0.84. In the multivariate regression analysis, only a cord compression ratio of more than 0.84 was significantly associated with postoperative ambulatory status (odds ratio = 10.80; 95% confidence interval = 2.79-41.86; P = .001). Interobserver/intraobserver agreements were strong for the cord compression ratio, however those agreements were weak for increased T2 signal intensity. On preoperative MRI, the cord compression ratio may predict postoperative ambulatory status in patients with MESCC. The measurement of this imaging parameter was simple and reliable. This imaging predictor may be helpful for both clinicians and patients.

POLG1-Related Epilepsy: Review of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Findings.

Background: The clinical spectrum associated with POLG1 gene mutations ranges from non-syndromic epilepsy or mild isolated neurological signs to neurodegenerative disorders. Our aim was to review diagnostic findings, therapeutic approaches and outcomes of reported cases of epilepsy related to POLG1 mutation. Methods: The articles for review were identified through a systematic research on PubMed and EMBASE databases from January 2003 to April 2020, searching for the terms “Epilepsy AND POLG OR polymerase gamma,” OR “POLG1”. Results: Forty-eight articles were selected for review, which included 195 patients. Two main peaks of age at epilepsy onset were found: at ages 1 and 13 years. The most frequent seizure type was myoclonic. The occurrence of Status Epilepticus was reported in 46.4% of cases. Epileptiform and slow abnormalities were most frequently seen over occipital regions. Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) revealed increased T2 signal intensities in thalamic regions. Genetic analysis revealed a prevalence of A467T, W748S and G848S (74.2% of patients) mutations. Survival at 5 years was estimated at very low levels (30.2% of patients). Conclusion: In this review, we included cases with both pediatric and adult epilepsy onset. The analysis of data regarding prognosis showed that survival is related to age at onset of epilepsy.

Increased T2 signal intensity in the distal clavicle does not justify acromioclavicular resection arthroplasty during rotator cuff repair

IntroductionAcromioclavicular (AC) arthropathy can contribute to shoulder pain; it can be treated surgically by distal clavicle resection (DCR). The aim of this study was to determine whether increased T2 signal intensity in the clavicle on MRI is an argument in favour of AC resection arthroplasty by DCR during rotator cuff repair. MethodsThe MRI images from 107 shoulders in 107 patients were analysed. We looked for statistical relationships and correlations between shoulders with T2 hyperintensity (HI+) and those without (HI−) before surgery and then in shoulders with T2 hyperintensity (HI+) that underwent AC resection arthroplasty (AC+) and those who did not (AC−). ResultsOn MRI, T2 hyperintensity in the AC joint was correlated with sex (more often found in men) and radiological signs of AC arthropathy. There was no statistical correlation before surgery, particularly with AC pain, or after surgery, with outcomes in shoulders undergoing DCR. ConclusionWhen repairing rotator cuff tears, the presence of T2 hyperintensity on MRI in the distal clavicle is not a predictor of better clinical outcomes after AC resection arthroplasty is done. The AC pain may be related to the rotator cuff tear instead. Level of evidenceII, prospective randomised study.

P5279Pericardial inflammation basced on cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in patients with tuberculous pericarditis

Abstract Background While constrictive pericarditis has been traditionally considered a disabling disease, reversible constrictive pericarditis has been described in previous studies. But there are limited studies on cardiac imaging of tuberculous pericarditis. In particular, no studies on cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) have been reported. We aimed to investigate CMR findings including pericardial late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) and T2 fat suppression and black blood sequences in patients with tuberculous pericarditis. Methods We retrospectively analyzed medical records of patients with tuberculous pericarditis between January 2010 and January 2017 in Samsung Medical Center. Definite diagnosis of tuberculous pericarditis is based on the identification of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in pericardial fluid or tissue; probable diagnosis was made when there was other evidence of tuberculosis elsewhere in patients with unexplained pericarditis. We performed CMR at initial diagnosis. Treatment consists of the standard 4-drug antituberculosis regimen for 6 months with or without steroids. Echocardiography was also conducted at initial diagnosis and 6 months later. Results Total 39 cases with tuberculous pericarditis in immunocompetent patients were enrolled. Ten patients were diagnosed as definite tuberculous pericarditis. CMR finding at initial diagnosis divided into five groups: 1) pericardial effusion only (n=20, 51.3%), 2) effusive constrictive pericarditis (n=5, 12.8%), 3) constrictive pericarditis (n=11, 28.2%), 4) pericardial abscess formation (n=4, 10.3%) and 5) absence of pericardial effusion and constrictive physiology (n=1, 2.6%). One of the 4 patients with pericardial abscess formation was together with pericardial effusion and the other was accompanied by effusive constrictive pericarditis. Pericardial thickness increased to more than 4mm in 25 patients (64.1%) and the mean pericardial thickness was 10.0±6.9mm. Delayed enhancement of pericardium was noticed in 29 patients (74.4%). In T2 fat suppression and black blood sequences, 30 patients showed increased T2 signal intensity indicating inflammation with extensive edema. Pericardial thickening (&gt;4mm) with constriction (n=15) was not statistically significant in the delayed enhancement and increased T2 signal intensity compared with pericardial thickening without constrictive pericarditis (n=10) (delayed enhancement 93.8% vs. 77.8% p=0.287; increased T2 signal intensity 88.9% vs. 87.5%, p=0.713). After 6 months, only 3 patients still had constrictive pericarditis in echocardiography. Effusive constrictive pericarditis Conclusions Pericardial thickening is associated with delayed enhancement and increased T2 signal intensity in patients with tuberculous pericarditis regardless of constrictive pericarditis. Even though there were hemodynamic feature of constrictive pericarditis and pericardial inflammation with extensive edema in CMR at initial diagnosis, 80% of the patients were improved from constrictive pericarditis. Acknowledgement/Funding None

Increased T1 Signal Intensity of the Anterior Pituitary Gland on Unenhanced Magnetic Resonance Images After Chronic Exposure to Gadodiamide.

The aim of this study was to assess the signal intensity of the anterior pituitary (AP) gland on unenhanced T1-weighted images in patients with history of serial intravenous injections of gadodiamide and normal renal function. We included 53 patients who had undergone at least 5 injections of gadodiamide and a control group of 15 subjects who underwent at least 5 brain magnetic resonance imaging without gadolinium-based contrast agents. Using unenhanced sagittal T1-weighted images, values of mean signal intensity of the AP and of the central pons were obtained. Anterior pituitary-to-pons signal intensity ratios were calculated dividing the values of the AP by those of the pons. Then, the ratios were compared between the first and the last magnetic resonance imaging scans for all the subjects. To assess the difference between the first and the last ratios, nonparametric Wilcoxon signed-rank test with Monte Carlo resampling was applied. A P value less than 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. The comparison between the first and the last scan revealed a statistically significant increase of AP-to-pons ratio in the last scan for the gadolinium-exposed group (P < 0.001), whereas nonsignificant results were found for the control group (P = nonsignificant). We found an increased signal intensity of the AP on unenhanced T1-weighted images in patients with history of serial intravenous injections of gadodiamide and normal renal function, suggesting gadolinium deposition or long-term retention within the AP gland. Our findings need to be confirmed by further histochemical analysis of AP gland tissue samples.

Rhabdomyolysis and muscle infarcts associated with intra-operative compression

Rhabdomyolysis and muscle infarcts associated with intra-operative compression

The Claustrum in Relation to Seizures and Electrical Stimulation

The neural mechanisms of altered consciousness that accompanies most epileptic seizures are not known. We have reported alteration of consciousness resulting from electrical stimulation of the claustrum via a depth electrode in a woman with refractory focal epilepsy. Additionally, there are reports that suggest possible claustral involvement in focal epilepsy, including MRI findings of bilaterally increased T2 signal intensity in patients with status epilepticus (SE). Although its cytoarchitecture and connectivity have been studied extensively, the precise role of the claustrum in consciousness processing, and, thus, its contribution to the semiology of dyscognitive seizures are still elusive. To investigate the role of the claustrum in rats, we studied the effect of high-frequency stimulation (HFS) of the claustrum on performance in the operant chamber. We also studied the inter-claustral and the claustro-hippocampal connectivity through cerebro-cerebral evoked potentials (CCEPs), and investigated the involvement of the claustrum in kainate (KA)-induced seizures. We found that HFS of the claustrum decreased the performance in the operant task in a manner that was proportional to the current intensity used. In this article, we present previously unpublished data about the effect of stimulating extra-claustral regions in the operant chamber task as a control experiment. In these animals, stimulation of the corpus callosum, the largest interhemispheric commissure, as well as the orbitofrontal cortex in the vicinity of the claustrum did not produce that same effect as with claustral stimulation. Additionally, CCEPs established the presence of effective connectivity between both claustra, as well as between the claustrum and bilateral hippocampi indicating that these connections may be part of the circuitry involved in alteration of consciousness in limbic seizures. Lastly, some seizures induced by KA injections showed an early involvement of the claustrum with later propagation to the hippocampi. Further work is needed to clarify the exact role of the claustrum in mediating alteration of consciousness during epileptic seizures.