Normal MRI Research Articles

MR Imaging Features of Pediatric Bone Marrow

MRI plays a crucial role in bone marrow (BM) assessment, and has very high sensitivity in diagnosing marrow disorders. However, for radiologists who may not frequently encounter pediatric imaging, distinguishing pathologic BM lesion from normal BM can be challenging. Conditions involving the BM in pediatric patients, such as leukemia and metastatic neuroblastoma, often manifest with diverse musculoskeletal symptoms and may be diagnosed using musculoskeletal MRI examinations. Accurate interpretation of pediatric MRI requires not only an understanding of the normal composition of BM but also an awareness of agerelated developmental changes in the marrow and familiarity with conditions that commonly involve pediatric BM. We aim to describe the composition of normal BM and outline the normal and abnormal MRI findings in pediatric BM. Additionally, we aim to present clinical cases of malignant BM disorders including leukemia, neuroblastoma metastasis, and other malignant BM disorders.

Active surveillance for low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasm (LAMN).

Due to the scarcity of low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasm (LAMN), there is an absence of systematized guidelines concerning its management, especially after incidental finding on an appendiceal specimen. In this study, we evaluate the active surveillance (AS) strategy adopted for a series of patients diagnosed with LAMN on resection specimens who were considered to have a low risk of pseudomyxoma progression. Thirty patients were included between April 2014 and July 2021, with a female majority and a median follow-up period of 3.1 years. The inclusion criteria were as follows: LAMN diagnosis on appendiceal specimens, confirmed in an expert center, limited extra-appendiceal mucin resected and localized around the appendix, normal biology (CEA, CA199, CA125) and normal abdominopelvic MRI. AS included physical exam (trocar scar), biology and MRI, 6months postoperatively, then yearly for 10 years. As an initial surgery, 77 % had an appendectomy as their initial intervention, 17 % had a cecectomy, and 6 % had a right colectomy. After follow-up, 87 % of patients showed no sign of disease progression by MRI, while 13 % progressed to PMP. MRI performed in the first postoperative year predicted the disease prognosis in 97 % of patients. The AS strategy, based on MRI, is a valid option after incidental LAMN diagnosis.

Kelch-like Protein 11 (KLHL11) Antibodies in Children With Seizures of Undetermined Cause.

Kelch-like protein 11 (KLHL11)-antibody may be found in paraneoplastic neurological disorders presenting with epileptic seizures. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and clinical significance of KLHL11-antibody in epilepsy. Sera of 42 pediatric and 59 adult patients with seizures of undetermined cause were screened using a cell-based assay. KLHL11-antibody was found in three of 168 control patients with paraneoplastic neurological disorders and four pediatric patients (4-8-year-old, 2 boys/2 girls) with seizures of unknown cause presenting with myoclonic-atonic epilepsy, generalized epilepsy or childhood epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes. In these four cases, seizures continued for 2-7 months, responded promptly and favorably to conventional anti-seizure drugs and did not recur in follow-up durations ranging between 2-5 years. Patients had normal brain MRI findings and motor-mental development before and after seizures. KLHL11-antibody was not detected in adult epilepsy patients with undetermined cause, MOG antibody-positive patients and healthy controls. KLHL11-antibody may be detected in pediatric epilepsy patients with a relatively benign disease course.

Impact of obstructive sleep apnea on cognition, mood, and fatigue: an MRI-based study

BackgroundObstructive sleep apnea disrupts the normal sleep cycle and is associated with many adverse consequences such as cardiovascular disease, DM, psychological problems, depression, decreased cognitive function, reduced quality of life, structural brain changes, and fatigue.PurposeThis work aimed to study the MRI structural brain changes and to assess the neurocognitive function, depression, and fatigue using multiple questionnaires (MoCA score, BDI-П, and FSS, respectively) in OSA patients.MethodsWe enrolled 30 patients > 18 years with moderate (severity groups І), severe (severity groups П), very severe or extremely severe OSA (severity groups Ш), and 10 control subjects that were matched. All patients and control subjects underwent full-night PSG. Patients underwent neuropsychological tests including the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, Beck’s Depression Inventory-II, and Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) in addition to an MRI brain without contrast.ResultsThe mean AHI among patients (56.7% were females and 43.3% were males) was 39.97 ± 20.26 event/h. Severity groups І (40% of studied patients), П (46.7%), and Ш (13.3%). Abnormal MRI findings (WMCs) were detected in 18 patients (60%), versus 4 subjects (40%) in the control group, showing no statistically significant difference, p = 0.300. Among different severity groups, the prevalence of abnormal MRI findings was 4 (33.3%), 11 (78.6%), and 3 (75%) patients in severity groups І, П, and Ш, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference between patients and control regarding affection of subcortical and corpus callosal regions, p = 0.007 and 0.38, respectively, but not periventricular or deep white matter hyperintensities.Montreal Cognitive Assessment, Beck’s Depression Inventory-II score, and Fatigue Severity Scale, all showed statistically significant differences between patient and control groups. There was a significant negative correlation between AHI and MoCA score and a significant positive correlation between AHI and BDI-П, and also between AHI and FSS, p = 0.005, 0.016, and 0.008, respectively.The Frontal lobe was the most affected lobe among our patients followed by the parietal lobe. The mean value of AHI in the group of patients with abnormal MRI findings was statistically significantly higher than that in the group with normal MRI findings (45.42 ± 19.29 versus 32.06 ± 19.82 event/h, respectively), p = 0.010. Comparing both groups showed: that the mean value of MoCA score in the group of patients with abnormal MRI findings was significantly lower than that in the group with normal MRI findings (17.89 ± 3.64 versus 24.08 ± 4.44, respectively), p < 0.001. Regarding both BDI-П and FSS, it was noted that the mean value in the group of patients with abnormal MRI findings was higher than that in the group with normal MRI findings (33.83 ± 7.94 versus 32 ± 7.39, and (58.39 ± 4.82 versus 55.17 ± 7.12 respectively), but this difference was not statistically significant, p = 0.529, p = 1.000, respectively.ConclusionThere was no significant difference between patients and the control group regarding WMCs in general, but there was a significant difference regarding the presence of subcortical and corpus callosal white matter hyperintensities. The Frontal lobe was the most affected. Neurocognitive function, depression, and fatigue were significantly affected in OSA patients in comparison to the control group. OSA patients with WMCs had a significantly higher AHI and a significantly lower MoCA score.

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura presenting as stroke mimics with normal diffusion-weighted MRI

BackgroundThrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a rare and fatal thrombotic microangiopathy-based hematologic disease. Stroke has been reported as atypical neurological manifestations of TTP in some cases.Case presentationA 65-year-old male presented with typical acute ischemic stroke symptoms including sudden-onset dysarthria, right-sided facial paralysis and hemiplegia. However, his CT and MRI scans were negative without showing any new ischemic lesions. He was diagnosed with TTP with severe thrombocytopenia, mild anemia, increased LDH, and low ADAMTS-13 activity. The symptoms and positive signs were rapidly resolved after administrating the plasma exchange therapy.ConclusionClinicians should consider the possibility of TTP when a patient presents with acute stroke-like symptoms and thrombocytopenia, especially in an emergency room, either with or without new stroke lesions on the brain CT and MRI.

Prolonged duration of spinal anesthesia with normal dose of hyperbaric bupivacaine: case report

Background: Spinal anesthesia has been used for over 120 years as a relatively safe and effective method technique. A well-known anesthetic, bupivacaine is the most widely used local anesthetic in the subarachnoid space. We report a case of prolonged sensory and motor blockade in a patient undergoing spinal anesthesia with 15 mg of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine without any adjuvant, which lasted 32 hours to regress. Case Report: The patient was a 36‑year‑old female, obese, with no known comorbidities, who was undergoing surgical treatment of varicose veins of the lower limbs. Normal pre-operative exams. After sedation with midazolam 2.5 mg, the patient was in a sitting position and 3 attempts at subarachnoid puncture with a 27G cutting needle were unsuccessful. Another attempt with a 25G cutting tip needle was successful and injected 15 mg of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine without adjuvants. The surgical procedure lasted 3 hours without cardio circulatory changes, and the patient was referred to PACU. Ten hours after the persistence of sensory and motor blocks. MRI of the thoracolumbar spine was performed without evidence of alteration. After 17 hours, both sensory and motor blocks remained, requiring bladder catheterization. After 23 hours, the neurological examination was normal, showing the permanence of both blocks. The complete return of sensory and motor blocks occurred after 32 hours, with hospital discharge in 4 hours, after complete regression of the subarachnoid block. Conclusions: In conclusion, an unexpectedly prolonged spinal block can be seen with regular doses of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine. We cannot determine the exact etiology in our present case, with a normal MRI thoracolumbar.

A case of reversible isolated cognition impairment in meningoencephalitis without abnormal MRI findings

AbstractBackgroundWe report a case of meningoencephalitis with reversible isolated cognition impairment without abnormal MRI findings.MethodA 75‐year‐old man presented with confusion including bizarre behavior 2 days ago. Before visiting the hospital, his son found the patient naked and under the blanket saying it was cold. Fever didn’t occur. Mental status was alert without awareness. On neurologic examination, mutism was found. Muscle power on both upper and lower limbs was normal. Routine laboratory test showed that leukocytes count was normal but eosinophils were increased to 14.0%. Initial brain MRI including DWI and contrast enhanced image revealed no enhanced structural lesions. Initial K‐MMSE score was 4 points while the previous K‐MMSE score 3‐months‐ago was 25 points. There was no epileptic form discharge in EEG. CSF study demonstrated that WBC count was 18/L. protein was 42.6mg/dL, and glucose was 103mg/dL. CSF opening pressure was 5cmH2O. Culture study including gram stain, AFB stain, PAS stain showed no growth of aerobe, anaerobe, fungus and hyphae. Mycobacterium tuberculosis PCR and HSV PCR were negative. ADA was under 3 IU/I. Serum paraneoplastic antibodies were all negative.ResultThe patient showed only isolated cognition impairment without fever and there was no evidence of meningoencephalitis on the contrast enhanced MRI. Although the patient revealed CNS infection with unknown cause in CSF profile, it has some possibilities; 1) Aseptic meningoencephalitis with viral infection, 2) Bacterial meningoencephalitis with early stage, 3) Parasitic meningoencephalitis, 4) Autoimmune meningoencephalitis. Because of the negative findings in autoimmune antibody test, autoimmune meningoencephalitis was less likely. After treatment with acyclovir 0.6g for 7days, ceftriaxone 4g, vancomycin 2.5g and Ampicillin 8g for 10 days, confusion and mutism were improved with K‐MMSE 18 points.ConclusionMany reports have been published on meningoencephalitis accompanied by fever, altered mentality, seizure, muscle weakness and abnormal MRI findings respectively. However there have been few cases of meningoencephalitis with isolated cognition impairment and normal MRI simultaneously. If it is a change of consciousness and cognition impairment caused by meningoencephalitis, it can be reversible with proper treatment. Therefore, if only sudden onset isolated CNS symptom with normal brain MR finding, it is essential to check CSF profile.

Impact of Paraclinical Investigations in the Management of CAR T-Cell-Associated Neurotoxicity: Lessons Learned from Real World Experience

Introduction International guidelines regarding the management of immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS) recommend several paraclinical assessments, including MRI, lumbar puncture (LP) and EEG based on ICANS grade. However, the impact of these paraclinical investigations has not yet been evaluated. Methods Here, we aimed to analyze the role of MRI, LP and EEG in the management of ICANS in a cohort of real-life patients treated with CAR T-cells at the University Hospital of Rennes, France. The primary endpoint was to assess the therapeutic modifications induced by each paraclinical investigation. The secondary endpoints were to assess the specific abnormalities and differential diagnoses founded on MRI, LP and EEG. We also performed subgroup analysis for each ICANS grade. Results Between August 2018 and January 2023, 190 consecutive patients were treated with CAR T-cells. A total of 91 (48%) patients developed an ICANS including 25 grade 1 (13%), 32 grade 2 (17%), 21 grade 3 (11%) and 12 grade 4 (6%). MRI was performed in 71 (78%) patients with ICANS. The most common result was a normal MRI, corresponding to 80 % of MRI. One of the most frequent abnormal result was aspecific hypersignal, which occurred in 4 (6%) patients with ICANS. Notably, there was no oedema depicted on MRI, even in the most severe ICANS grade 4. Overall, 3 MRI (4% of all MRI) generated therapeutic modification (Figure 1). Two MRI which described strokes in patients with ICANS grade 3 led to initiation or increase of APT therapy. One patient with ICANS grade 1 received APT as MRI described a stroke event but reclassified as normal a posteriori. Lumbar puncture was performed in 43 (47%) patients. A high rate of LP was abnormal in our cohort (86%). There were 3 preemptive therapeutic modifications for unconfirmed infection (7%) (Figure 1). Two LP led to probabilistic antivirals introduction (aciclovir) in patient with ICANS grade 1 and 2 because of lymphocytic meningitis. One LP led to probabilistic antifungals introduction (voriconazole) in patient with ICANS grade 3 for a suspected Aspergillus spp. meningitis, which was not confirmed after infectious disease physician's expertise. Systematic EEG performed in 51 (56%) patients requested without clinical signs of epilepsy were analyzed. Only 18% of EEG were normal (Table 1). The most common finding was encephalopathy in 45% of patients. Notably, 6 EEG (12%) reported seizure or status epilepticus in patients with no abnormal movements. Finally, 8 EEG (16%) led to therapeutic modification in the entire cohort (Figure 1). All EEG which found seizure or status epilepticus led to an increase in AE prophylaxis by levetiracetam or introduction of a new AE (mainly phenytoin). Discussion The therapeutic impact varied between paraclinical investigations. On one hand, systematic EEG based on ICANS grade only was often followed by therapeutic modification (16% of cases). On the other hand, systematic LP was never associated with relevant therapeutic modification, even in case of severe ICANS, and this broad LP policy resulted in initiation of antimicrobial agents for unconfirmed infections in three patients (7%). Moreover, the need for systematic MRI assessment is also questionable, as only 4% of MRI led to a therapeutic modification and no MRI found oedema, which is one of the main concerns of treating physicians managing severe ICANS. Our study shows that EEG is the paraclinical assessment with the greatest therapeutic impact while MRI and LP appear to have a limited therapeutic impact. Our results emphasize the role of EEG in the current guidelines, but questions the need for systematic MRI and LP, which might be left to the discretion of the treating physician.

Evolution of brain MRI lesions in paediatric myelin-oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD) and its relevance to disease course

BackgroundLesion resolution is often observed in children with myelin-oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD), and asymptomatic lesions are less commonly reported in MOGAD than in multiple sclerosis (MS).ObjectiveWe aimed to evaluate...

A - 94 A Case of New Onset Refractory Status Epilepticus (NORSE) Associated with COVID-19.

New Onset Refractory Status Epilepticus (NORSE) is a rare condition of prolonged medication-refractory seizures potentially due to elevated inflammatory molecules in the brain. NORSE can be triggered by a viral infection and is a documented neurologic consequence of COVID-19. A 74-year-old, left-handed, Hispanic male was in his usual state of health until experiencing 1-2weeks of speech decline, which culminated in an episode of altered mental status (disorientation and mumbling speech). He presented to the Emergency Department with drowsiness and complaints of a "funny feeling" on the left side of his head. Upon arrival, he was found to be COVID-19 positive and hyperglycemic with normal CT, MRI, lumbar puncture, and bloodwork. An EEG showed "focal temporal activity" and he was diagnosed with non-convulsant status epilepticus. Hospitalization and medical sedation lasted 2months followed by 8months of inpatient rehabilitation. The patient was discharged shortly before presenting for neuropsychological evaluation. Neuropsychological evaluation showed weaknesses in learning and free recall, visuospatial skills (due to disorganization and poor attention to details), processing speed, and executive functioning. The patient reported elevated anxiety symptoms. Collateral report indicated severe declines in executive organizational abilities, as well as mild memory and divided attention declines. Results suggest frontal cortical and subcortical impairments affecting multiple areas of cognition and functional decline consistent with a diagnosis of major neurocognitive disorder. Similar to the literature, status epilepticus was attributed to inflammatory meningoencephalitis triggered by the prior COVID-19 infection. Interdisciplinary care was an integral factor in this case.

THU172 Accuracy Of The Glucagon Testing In The Diagnosis Of Growth Hormone Deficiency During Transition

Abstract Disclosure: N. Di Iorgi: None. D. Guglielmi: None. N. Flavia: None. A. Allegri: None. D. Fava: None. E. Casalini: None. G. Patti: None. M. Maghnie: None. Objectives: To evaluate the accuracy of the Glucagon test (GST) compared with the Insulin Tolerance test (ITT) as the gold standard in the diagnosis of Growth Hormone deficiency (GHD) in young adults with childhood-onset GHD (COGHD). Methods: Eighty-six subjects with COGHD (33F, 55M) were evaluated by ITT and GST stimulation tests and IGF-1 SDS at adult height achievement (median age of 17.5; IQR 13.9-18.4 years). Subjects were recruited from a single Center and based on the AACE 2019 Guidelines [1] classified as 1. idiopathic isolated GHD (I-GHD n=40 with normal brain MRI); 2. organic moderate GHD (omGHD with less than 3 pituitary deficiencies-PD and IGF-1&amp;lt;0 SDS, total n=40; n=12 midline defects, n=2 ALL, n=26 CNS tumors); 3. congenital/genetic defects/organic severe GHD (osGHD ≥3 PD and IGF-1 &amp;lt;-2 SDS, total n=6; n=1 midline defect, n=5 CNS tumors). ROC analyses were performed in order to analyze the Sensitivity (Se) and Specificity (Sp) of the GH peak after GST and of IGF-1 SDS compared to ITT. A peak GH value &amp;lt;6μg/L after ITT was suggestive of permanent GHD [2]. Results: Median GH peak to ITT (0.2; IQR 0.01-0.7 μg/L) and GST (0.1; IQR 0.01-1.4μg/L) were lower in osGHD compared to I-GHD subjects (15.0; IQR 8.6-21.9 to ITT and 12.6; IQR 10.5-18.8 μg/L to GST, P’s &amp;lt;0.0001); similarly, GH peak to ITT (2.1; IQR 1.1-6.8 μg/L) and GL (2.7; IQR 1.2-5.8) were lower in omGHD compared to I-GHD subjects (P’s &amp;lt;0.0001). Mean IGF-1 were also lower in osGHD (-3.2 SDS; IQR -7.4- -2.9, P&amp;lt;0.0001) and in omGHD (-2.0 SDS; IQR -2.8 - -0.7; P&amp;lt;0.0001) compared to I-GHD subjects (0,1; IQR -0.6-1.1SDS). A GH peak value to GST of 7.59 mcg/L (Se 92.3%, Sp of 87.2%; AUC=0.94; 95% CI, 0.89-0.99) correctly classified 89.5% of the entire cohort while an IGF-1 cut-off of -1.45 SDS (Se 73%; Sp 93.5%; AUC=0.84; 95% CI, 0.75 - 0.94) correctly classified 83,1%. A GH peak value to GST of 5.81 mcg/L (Se 96.6%, Sp of 81.8%; AUC=0.95; 95% CI, 0.88-1.02) correctly classified 92.5% of omGHD patients while an IGF-1 cut-off of -1.64 SDS (Se 72.3%, Sp of 90.9%; AUC=0.94; 95% CI, 0.89-0.99) correctly classified 77.5% omGHD patients. Median BMI SDS was higher in patients with osGHD (1.8; IQR 1,6- 2.2, P&amp;lt;0.001) and omGHD (0.6; IQR 0.1- 1.8, P&amp;lt;0.001) compared to I-GHD (0.2; IQR -0.7- 1.1). GH peak to GST correlated with BMI SDS only in the total cohort (r -0.313, P=0.0031). Conclusions: Our results suggest that a peak value &amp;lt;6 μg/L after GST is accurate in detecting permanent GHD during transition in a cohort of patients with organic GHD with less than 3 pituitary defects and IGF-1 values &amp;lt;0 SDS; the GH response to GST could be affected by BMI SDS, but further studies are needed. [1] Yuen KCJ et al. Endocr Pract 2019; 25 (11):1191-1232. [2] Maghnie M et al, EJE 2005; 152:589-596. Presentation: Thursday, June 15, 2023

FRI397 An Unusual Case Of Galactorrhea- Think About Breast Implants !

Abstract Disclosure: P. rimal: None. C. Musurakis: None. J.L. Gilden: None. Introduction: Elevation of prolactin (PRL) levels can occur due to physiologic or pathologic disorders of lactotroph cells. The most common causes for hypersecretion and resulting galactorrhea (GAL), a milky breast discharge, are pregnancy, breast feeding, hypothyroidism, chronic kidney disease, medications, chest wall trauma, or even stress. Although GAL is a rare complication after breast augmentation or reconstruction surgery, it can be bilateral, ipsilateral or contralateral, and is thought to be self-limiting. GAL can be cosmetically and psychologically distressing. The treatment depends on identifying the underlying cause, severity of symptoms, and can be medical, surgical, and might even necessitate breast implant removal. Clinical case: A 34-year-old Latina female G3P2 AB1 with prediabetes (BMI=22), history of gestational diabetes, and migraine headaches, was referred to the endocrine clinic for elevated PRL levels and 2 years of persistent GAL. Although originally regular, she had 3 months of menometrorrhagia following a COVID booster. She denied recent pregnancy, breast-feeding, breast masses, hirsutism, symptoms of thyroid disorders, chest wall trauma, infection, or symptoms of pituitary dysfunction. She was not taking medications associated with PRL elevation. Upon further evaluation, she reported frequently massaging the bilateral cosmetic breast implants to avoid formation of scar tissue. Lab evaluation showed initial PRL elevation of 35.8 ng/mL (nl=2.8-29.2); with normal LH=10.9 mIU/mL(nl 1.9-12.5) and FSH =4.9 mIU/mL(nl 2.5-10.2); estradiol=200.89 pg/mL(19.5-144.2); progesterone &amp;lt;0.5 ng/mL(nl &amp;lt;0.8);urine pregnancy test negative, HCG normal &amp;lt;2.6 mIU/mL (nl 2.6-4.2) ; ACTH=14 pg/mL (nl 0-47); AM cortisol=13.33 mcg/dL; salivary cortisol=&amp;lt;0.03 and 0.05 mcg/dL(nl 0.004-0.56); free testosterone=3.2 pg/mL(nl 0.1-6.4); SHBG =83.55 nmol/L(nl 17.69-138.26) total testosterone slightly elevated 50 ng/dL (nl 2-45); DHEAS=215 mcg/dL(nl 35-430); normal thyroid tests [(TSH 1.06 uIU/mL(0.550-4.780 ), free T4=1.05 ng/dL(0.76-1.46) Thyroid peroxidase antibody 28 U/mL(0-60)], Pelvic Ultrasound-benign right ovarian cyst and left ovary with subcm. follicles. Normal MRI of pituitary. Mammogram-dense breasts with bilateral implants. A Repeat PRL was 20.4 ng/mL with monomeric PRL normal at 8.6 (3.2-25.2 ng/mL), and later 13.70 ng/mL after stopping massaging of the breasts. The etiology of GAL was attributed to the breast implants with massaging, after excluding all other potential causes. Conclusion: Although other etiologies for galactorrhea should be considered, breast implants with manipulation must always be thought of as a possibility. This case highlights the importance of taking a thorough and complete medical history when evaluating all patients with galactorrhea. Presentation: Friday, June 16, 2023

Reduced structural connectivity in non-motor networks in children born preterm and the influence of early postnatal human cytomegalovirus infection.

Preterm birth is increasingly recognized to cause lifelong functional deficits, which often show no correlate in conventional MRI. In addition, early postnatal infection with human cytomegalovirus (hCMV) is being discussed as a possible cause for further impairments. In the present work, we used fixel-based analysis of diffusion-weighted MRI to assess long-term white matter alterations associated with preterm birth and/or early postnatal hCMV infection. 36 former preterms (PT, median age 14.8 years, median gestational age 28 weeks) and 18 healthy term-born controls (HC, median age 11.1 years) underwent high angular resolution DWI scans (1.5 T, b = 2 000 s/mm2, 60 directions) as well as clinical assessment. All subjects showed normal conventional MRI and normal motor function. Early postnatal hCMV infection status (CMV+ and CMV-) had been determined from repeated screening, ruling out congenital infections. Whole-brain analysis was performed, yielding fixel-wise metrics for fiber density (FD), fiber cross-section (FC), and fiber density and cross-section (FDC). Group differences were identified in a whole-brain analysis, followed by an analysis of tract-averaged metrics within a priori selected tracts associated with cognitive function. Both analyses were repeated while differentiating for postnatal hCMV infection status. PT showed significant reductions of fixel metrics bilaterally in the cingulum, the genu corporis callosum and forceps minor, the capsula externa, and cerebellar and pontine structures. After including intracranial volume as a covariate, reductions remained significant in the cingulum. The tract-specific investigation revealed further reductions bilaterally in the superior longitudinal fasciculus and the uncinate fasciculus. When differentiating for hCMV infection status, no significant differences were found between CMV+ and CMV-. However, comparing CMV+ against HC, fixel metric reductions were of higher magnitude and of larger spatial extent than in CMV- against HC. Preterm birth can lead to long-lasting alterations of WM micro- and macrostructure, not visible on conventional MRI. Alterations are located predominantly in WM structures associated with cognitive function, likely underlying the cognitive deficits observed in our cohort. These observed structural alterations were more pronounced in preterms who suffered from early postnatal hCMV infection, in line with previous studies suggesting an additive effect.

18F]DPA-714 PET Imaging in the Presurgical Evaluation of Patients With Drug-Resistant Focal Epilepsy.

Translocator protein 18 kDa (TSPO) PET imaging is used to monitor glial activation. Recent studies have proposed TSPO PET as a marker of the epileptogenic zone (EZ) in drug-resistant focal epilepsy (DRFE). This study aims to assess the contributions of TSPO imaging using [18F]DPA-714 PET and [18F]FDG PET for localizing the EZ during presurgical assessment of DRFE, when phase 1 presurgical assessment does not provide enough information. We compared [18F]FDG and [18F]DPA-714 PET images of 23 patients who had undergone a phase 1 presurgical assessment, using qualitative visual analysis and quantitative analysis, at both the voxel and the regional levels. PET abnormalities (increase in binding for [18F]DPA-714 vs decrease in binding for [18F]FDG) were compared with clinical hypotheses concerning the localization of the EZ based on phase 1 presurgical assessment. The additional value of [18F]DPA-714 PET imaging to [18F]FDG for refining the localization of the EZ was assessed. To strengthen the visual analysis, [18F]DPA-714 PET imaging was also reviewed by 2 experienced clinicians blind to the EZ location. The study included 23 patients. Visual analysis of [18F]DPA-714 PET was significantly more accurate than [18F]FDG PET to both, show anomalies (95.7% vs 56.5%, p = 0.022), and provide additional information to refine the EZ localization (65.2% vs 17.4%, p = 0.019). All 10 patients with normal [18F]FDG PET had anomalies when using [18F]DPA-714 PET. The additional value of [18F]DPA-714 PET seemed to be greater in patients with normal brain MRI or with neocortical EZ (especially if insula is involved). Regional analysis of [18F]DPA-714 and [18F]FDG PET provided similar results. However, using voxel-wise analysis, [18F]DPA-714 was more effective than [18F]FDG for unveiling clusters whose localization was more often consistent with the EZ hypothesis (87.0% vs 39.1%, p = 0.019). Nonrelevant bindings were seen in 14 of 23 patients in visual analysis and 9 patients of 23 patients in voxel-wise analysis. [18F]DPA-714 PET imaging provides valuable information for presurgical assessments of patients with DRFE. TSPO PET could become an additional tool to help to the localization of the EZ, especially in patients with negative [18F]FDG PET. Eudract 2017-003381-27. Inclusion of the first patient: September 24, 2018. This study provides Class IV evidence on the utility of [18F]DPA-714 PET compared with [18F]FDG PET in identifying the epileptic zone in patients undergoing phase 1 presurgical evaluation for intractable epilepsy.

351 Snapshot of Transient Ischaemic Attack inpatient management at a model three Irish hospital

Abstract Background Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA) is a common presentation to hospitals and portends a high risk for eventual stroke. The EXPRESS study suggested the benefit of urgent outpatient assessment of TIA, which was associated with a 80% risk reduction of early recurrent stroke when compared to usual care. The HSE model of care for stroke endorses that rapid access TIA clinics could reduce costs of hospital admissions. Average length of admission for TIA is 6.7 days in Ireland. This study aimed to examine TIA admission lengths and identify possible targets for improvement in a model three Irish hospital. Methods All patients with a HIPE coded diagnosis of ‘Transient Ischaemic Attack’ from 17/12/21 to 20/8/22 were included. All coded diagnoses of ‘Transient Ischaemic Attack’ had a normal MRI brain DWI—abnormal MRI DWI imaging is coded as stroke. Therefore the true number of TIAs was not captured. Hospital electronic databases were used to identify baseline demographics, date of inpatient investigation request and date of inpatient investigation completion. Results 64 cases were identified. The median age was 79 years (interquartile range 67 to 86 years). 45% were female. 52% were admitted under a stroke/geriatric team. Median length of admission was 4 days (IQR 3 to 7 days). CT was requested on median day 0. MRI, carotid doppler US and echocardiogram were requested on a median day 1. 94% underwent CT brain imaging on median day 1. 34 (53%) underwent MRI brain DWI, on median day 3. 13 (20%) underwent carotid doppler US, on median day 3. 20 (31%) underwent echocardiogram, on median day 4. Conclusion Length of hospital stay has improved compared to prior studies. Limited access to investigations may prolong hospital stay. Streamlining services with development of urgent outpatient TIA clinics, could improve outcomes, save clinician time, free up hospital beds and save hospital funding.

Normal MRI Stroke in a Resource-Limited Setting: About a Case

Normal MRI Stroke in a Resource-Limited Setting: About a Case

Structural brain network analysis in occipital lobe epilepsy

BackgroundThis study aimed to analyze the structural brain network in patients with occipital lobe epilepsy (OLE) and investigate the differences in structural brain networks between patients with OLE and healthy controls.MethodsPatients with OLE and healthy controls with normal brain MRI findings were enrolled. They underwent diffusion tensor imaging using a 3.0T MRI scanner, and we computed the network measures of global and local structural networks in patients with OLE and healthy controls using the DSI studio program. We compared network measures between the groups.ResultsWe enrolled 23 patients with OLE and 42 healthy controls. There were significant differences in the global structural network between patients with OLE and healthy controls. The assortativity coefficient (-0.0864 vs. -0.0814, p = 0.0214), mean clustering coefficient (0.0061 vs. 0.0064, p = 0.0203), global efficiency (0.0315 vs. 0.0353, p = 0.0086), and small-worldness index (0.0001 vs. 0.0001, p = 0.0175) were lower, whereas the characteristic path length (59.2724 vs. 53.4684, p = 0.0120) was higher in patients with OLE than those in the healthy controls. There were several nodes beyond the occipital lobe that showed significant differences in the local structural network between the groups. In addition, the assortativity coefficient was negatively correlated with the duration of epilepsy (r=-0.676, p = 0.001).

Transverse myelitis in myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease.

Transverse myelitis (TM) is the second most common presentation of myelin oligodendrocyte antibody-associated disease (MOGAD), occurring in approximately 26% of affected patients. The diagnosis may be complicated by the lack of diagnostic specificity of low titers of MOG antibody in serum, fluctuation in seropositivity overtime, including initially normal MRI in up to 10% of patients, and in many instances complete resolution of radiological abnormalities when MRI is done in a significantly delayed fashion. The use of preventive disease modifying treatments is limited by the uncertainty whether the disease process will remain monophasic or become relapsing, as well as by the lack FDA approved treatments. In this review, we discuss clinical, radiological and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) characteristics, including the significance of MOG titers and changes in the seropositivity status for the diagnosis of MOGAD-associated TM, its radiological features and management options, highlighting the data on the risk of relapses associated with TM at presentation and the need for further randomized clinical trials to empower effective treatment algorithms.

Case report: Guillain – Barré Syndrome presentation mimicking stroke. An atypical presentation

We herein report an unusual case of a 58-year-old man with polycythemia presented with sudden right leg and right arm weakness. He was treated for a stroke but continued to worsen, leading to quadriparesis. He was referred to the emergency department after experiencing progressive weakness in all four limbs for five days. No prior history of fever, cough, chest pain, diarrhea, backache, or trauma was found. The patient had normal neurological examination, MRC scores, and bilateral weak hand grips. Sensory examination was normal. The patient had normal blood tests, electrolytes and brain MRI. CSF examination revealed protein an albumin-cytological dissociation pattern. An electrodiagnostic study showed evidence of acute motor axonal polyneuropathy. The patient received IVIg for five days, and symptoms improved significantly.

Should isolated superolateral Hoffa's fat pad edema identified by MRI be reported or ignored in adolescent patients?

Background and objectiveThe presence of superolateral Hoffa's fat pad (SHFP) edema is associated with several morphometric measurements related to patellar alignment and trochlear morphology. Our aim is to evaluate management implications in adolescent patients with isolated superolateral Hoffa's fat pad edema on MRI. Materials and methodsRetrospective review of 117 adolescents with knee MRI (mean 14.8 years old) with isolated superolateral Hoffa's fat pad edema. Patients with edema were separated into two groups based on the number of MRI axial slices involved with edema: group 1 (G1) of 27 patients with 1 slice vs group 2 (G2) of 90 patients with 2 or more slices. A comparison control group was used (45 patients who had normal MRI knees). Data points included % referral for physical therapy (PT) or surgery, Hoffa's fat pad edema, tibial tubercle-trochlear groove (TT-TG) distance and lateral trochlear inclination (LTI) angle. Fisher's exact and independent t-tests, ANOVA and regression models were used for statistical analysis. ResultsThere is statistically significant difference between Hoffa's fat pad edema patients and control regarding PT referral with G1: 70%, G2: 76%, and control: 53% (p = 0.03). There is statistically significant difference between these groups regarding TT-TG measurements with higher values in edema groups; G1: 11.9 mm±4.1, G2 13 mm ±4.1, and control 8.7 mm±3.6, (p = 0.001). There was a statistically significant association between edema and increased TT-TG distance (p = 0.001) but not LTI angle (p = 0.2). ConclusionMRI identification of isolated superolateral Hoffa's fat pad edema is positively associated with TT-TG distance and its presence is associated with higher referral rates to physical therapy for patella maltracking.