Paramagnetic Substances Research Articles

Investigation of early hydration of cement by hydrogen nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR): New insights into paramagnetic effect

The paramagnetic substances can affect the result accuracy of hydrogen nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR), which restricts the application of this technology in cement-based materials. In this study, the effect of paramagnetic substances (Fe2O3) with different content of 0–5 % on 1H NMR signals of cement paste within 72 h of hydration was quantitatively analyzed, and the influencing mechanisms were discussed. The degree of cement hydration was quantified by hydration heat using calorimetry simultaneously. The results showed that the influence of Fe2O3 is time-varying and reduced with hydration time. Based on this, a rational Taylor model fitting was applied to the reductions in 1H NMR signal intensities of various samples at different hydration times, and a correction coefficient ω for 1H NMR signal intensity was put forward to effectively eliminate the signal attenuation caused by paramagnetic iron. This result can provide some new insights into the application of 1H NMR in cement-based materials.

Insight into the acceleration effect of current-carrying condition on copper conductor atmospheric corrosion

Copper is widely used as conductive components in transmission lines, facing severe corrosion risks. The current passing through copper conductors will significantly affect its corrosion process, yet there is a lack of detailed study on the corrosion mechanism under this specific condition. Thus, this study investigated the effect of direct current current-carrying (DC C-C) conditions on the atmospheric corrosion behavior of copper conductors under thin electrolyte layer (TEL) through electrochemical measurements and corrosion exposure experiments. Results revealed that the presence of DC C-C significantly hastened the corrosion process of copper conductors in the TEL, leading to distinct corrosion patterns at the input and output ends. Furthermore, both the extent of corrosion acceleration and the unevenness of corrosion were positively correlation with the DC C-C level. The above phenomenon was attributed to the special motion of charged particles and paramagnetic substances in TEL under the self-generated magnetic field.

Microgravity-like Crystallization of Paramagnetic Species in Strong Magnetic Fields.

The crystallization of paramagnetic species in a magnetic field gradient under microgravity-like conditions is an area of interest for both fundamental and applied science. In this paper, a setup for the crystallization of paramagnetic species in the magnetic field up to 7 T generated by a superconducting magnet is described. The research includes calculations of the conditions necessary to compensate for the gravitational force for several types of paramagnetic substances using the magnetic field of superconducting magnets (4.7 T, 7 T, 9.4 T, and 16.4 T). Additionally, for the first time, the crystallization of copper sulfate and cobalt sulfate, as well as a mixture of copper sulfate and cobalt sulfate under gravitational force compensation in a superconducting magnet, was performed. This paper experimentally demonstrates the feasibility of growing paramagnetic crystals within the volume of a test tube on the example of copper and cobalt sulfate crystals. A comparison of crystals grown from the solution of a mixture of copper and cobalt sulfates under the same conditions, with and without the presence of a magnetic field, showed changes in both the number and size of crystals.

Internal Cerebral Vein in Susceptibility-Weighted Imaging: A Reliable Tool to Differentiate Among Calcification, Microbleed, and Gross Hemorrhage in Brain Tumors.

Background and objective Susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) sequence is crucial for brain MRI examinations, as it is equipped with a high sensitivity to detect calcification, microbleed, and gross hemorrhage. Intracranial venous structures such as the superior sagittal sinus (SSS) and cortical veins are used as reference structures in phase image SWI to differentiate diamagnetic and paramagnetic substances. Our study focuses on the internal cerebral vein (ICV) as another reliable reference structure. We aimed to analyze the diagnostic accuracy and detectability of calcification and hemorrhagic components in brain tumors using ICV, cortical veins, and SSS as references on phase image SWI, with CT scans for comparison. Material and methods A retrospective review of calcification and hemorrhagic components in brain tumors was conducted using MRI and CT from January 2017 to June 2023. Results The study included a total of 192 patients with brain tumors. For calcification components (63 cases), ICV and cortical veins as reference structures showed excellent sensitivity (96.8%), specificity (100%), and accuracy (98.9%). SSS demonstrated slightly lower detectability but maintained high sensitivity (96.5%), specificity (100%), and accuracy (98.8%) levels. No statistical differences were noted among these reference structures (p>0.05) and excellent interobserver agreement (Cohen's Kappa of 1) was observed. Conclusions The ICV is located in the central image, is large, without any nearby arteries, and is easy to identify using SWI phase images. Using the ICV as a reference to characterize intratumoral calcification, microbleed, and hemorrhage demonstrates high accuracy and detectability. With its findings of excellent interobserver agreement, our study will be of immense benefit to radiologists.

A Study to Assess the Role of Date Syrup, Pineapple Juice, and Hematinic Syrup as Magnetic Resonance Oral Contrast Agents in Improving the Image Quality of Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography.

Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) is an imaging technique that has advanced over the past few years.It still plays a crucial role in the study of numerous pancreaticobiliary diseases.This study aimed to evaluate the effects of hematinic syrup, date syrup, and pineapple juice on MRCP image quality. This study involved a total of 90 participants, distributed evenly among three groups, with each group comprising 30 patients.Negative oral contrast solutions containing paramagnetic substances like Mn+2 andFe+3, such aspineapple juice, date syrup, and hematinic syrup were imaged by 1.5 Tesla (T) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with T2-weighted (T2W) and MRCP sequences. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were computed. Ninety patients underwent MRCP 20-30 min after ingestion of 100 mL of datesyrup, 30 ml of hematinic syrup diluted to 200 ml of water, and 200 mL of pineapple juice. MRCP images were taken to visualize various pancreaticobiliary structures (bile duct, stomach, and duodenum). The in vitro evaluation of the solutions showed that date syrup and hematinic syrup were hypointense in T2W sequences.The images obtained showed no significant difference in the CNR between the three solutions. However, the SNR was significantly higher for pineapple juice compared to date syrup and hematinic syrup in T2W and MRCP sequences.Images acquired post-administration of the oral contrast agents significantly improved the gastrointestinal tract signal suppression and increased visibility of the pancreaticobiliary structures (bile duct, stomach, and duodenum). No adverse events were observed among the participants. Pineapple juice was the best contrast agent. However, date syrup and hematinic syrup can also be used to improve the imaging quality.

Fractional anisotropy within zone of destruction, tremor evaluation and MRI manifestation follow up after focused ultrasound thalamotomy for patients with Parkinson’s disease

Purpose. Assessment of MRI manifestation including fractional anisotropy within nucleus of destruction after focused ultrasound thalamotomy and estimation of its correlation with tremor severity.Material and methods. 7 patients with clinically approved Parkinson's disease were included. MRI examinations of the brain were performed before FUS-thalamotomy, within 3 hours, after 24 hours, after 3 and 6 months after the operation. The study protocol included routine MR sequences; fractional anisotropy maps were generated. Before surgery, after a day, 3 and 6 months, the severity of tremor was assessed by the CRST scale; CRST values correlation with the values of fractional anisotropy, as well as the correlation of the coordinates of the destruction focus with the residual therapeutic effect of the operation was estimated using a linear regression model.Results. The general patterns of the MRI manifestation were revealed: the appearance after the operation of the nucleus of destruction with the accumulation of paramagnetic substances in the structure and perifocal edema. The severity of the MRI-changes reached a maximum one day after the operation, regressed and were practically not visualized after 3 and 6 months. There was a high correlation between the volumes of the nucleus of destruction and perifocal edema, no correlation between the severity of tremor and the values of fractional anisotropy in the nucleus of destruction, a weak correlation between the localization of the nucleus of destruction and the value of the residual therapeutic effect of FUS-thalamotomy 6 months after surgery.Conclusions. The MRI manifestation during 6 months after FUS-thalamotomy had a similar character in all patients, reached a maximum severity one day after the operation and had gradual regression. Fractional anisotropy values did not correlate with tremor severity. For a prolonged therapeutic effect the contribution of the localization of the focus along the sagittal axis is possible.

NIMG-03. IMPACT OF CONCURRENT IMMUNOTHERAPY AND STEREOTACTIC RADIOSURGERY ON METASTATIC BRAIN DISEASE: A THREE-DIMENSIONAL MAGNETIC RESONANCE FINGERPRINTING RADIOMIC ANALYSIS

Abstract BACKGROUND Unlike traditional chemotherapy (limited by the blood-brain barrier), the central nervous system penetrance of immunotherapy allows for synergy with stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), the standard-of-care management of limited brain metastases. Magnetic resonance fingerprinting (MRF) is a novel technology allowing for simultaneous imaging quantification of multiple tissue properties. We present the first serial MRF results in concomitant SRS/immunotherapy for metastatic brain disease. METHODS A patient with known history of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) presented with a seizure. MRI revealed a solitary 1 cm right occipital metastasis, subsequently receiving SRS rather than whole-brain radiation therapy to optimize cognition preservation. Durvalumab (with carboplatin/etoposide) was given one week before SRS (22 Gy single-fraction). Pre-SRS MRF scans were obtained with the Gamma Knife stereotactic headframe in place. Post-SRS MRF scans were obtained at 1, 3, and 5 months. MRF data was processed and region of interest analysis was performed to measure T1 and T2 values within the lesion using MATLAB. RESULTS The mean T1 and T2 values of the solid tumor (ST) in precontrast MRF maps decreased over time with a slight increase at final follow-up. Specifically, the T1 values decreased from 2131 ms (Pre-SRS) to 1018 ms, then 996 ms followed by a slight increase to 1296 ms. Similarly, the T2 values progressively decreased from 143 ms (Pre-SRS) to 45 ms (first follow-up) to 43 ms (3-month follow-up), with an increase (51 ms) at last follow-up. CONCLUSIONS In this first report of MRF in concomitant immunotherapy/Gamma Knife SRS (and the first in a SCLC patient). MRF demonstrated serial drop in T1 and T2 over time followed by slight increase at 5 months follow-up. The alterations observed in T1 and T2 MRF are compatible with post-treatment effects in the tumor's tissue characteristics, including decreased cellularity, water content, and presence of paramagnetic substances.

Hypermanganesemia with Dystonia Type 2: A Rare Entity. (P12-11.001)

<h3>Objective:</h3> NA <h3>Background:</h3> Hypermanganesemia with dystonia type 2 is an established, rare autosomal recessive partially reversible neurodegenerative condition characterised by mutations in the SLC39A14 gene. Manganese deposition in such cases has a special predilection for the basal ganglia structures leading to dystonia and parkinsonian features. We report such a case of hypermanganesemia in a 1 year old child presenting with extrapyramidal features. <h3>Design/Methods:</h3> NA <h3>Results:</h3> A 1 year old female child presented with regression of developmental milestones for the past 2 months, losing the ability to stand or even sit without support—skills that she had previously acquired at an appropriate time. This was associated with dystonic posturing of her neck and limbs for the last 1 month. Cognitive skills were normal as per her age without any history of convulsions or other systemic features. Her birth and family history were unremarkable. Her neurological examination was remarkable only for generalised dystonia of her limbs, neck and trunk. Magnetic resonance imaging was suggestive of paramagnetic substance deposition in bilateral basal ganglia and dentate nucleus. Normal routine blood parameters were followed by extensive investigations to rule out Wilson’s disease, NBIA and other autoimmune pathologies. Her blood manganese levels were significantly elevated and her genetic sequencing revealed compound heterozygous mutations of the SLC39A14 gene at exons 7 and 8. She was started on chelation therapy with Penicillamine and oral iron. Dystonia resolved significantly by the end of 6 months of therapy with marked improvement in her motor developmental milestones. <h3>Conclusions:</h3> Hypermanganesemia with dystonia type 2 (HMNDYT2) is a rare genetic disorder characterised by neuronal manganese deposition without other systemic features. This case highlights the importance of recognising this potentially rare treatable condition and with adequate chelation therapy at the right time, near total restoration of motor symptomatology is possible. <b>Disclosure:</b> Dr. Bhattacharya has nothing to disclose. Dr. Chintha has nothing to disclose. Dr. Biswas has nothing to disclose. Dr. Das has nothing to disclose. Dr. Chakraborty has nothing to disclose. Dr. Mukherjee has nothing to disclose.

Magnetic and optical properties of Nd/TiO2- rGO nanocomposites

Graphene, the thinnest 2-dimensional atomic material, is successively used as a composite material has it significantly improves optical, thermal, mechanical and electrical properties. Neodymium being a strong paramagnetic substance is capable of storing large amount of magnetic energy because of their greater number of unpaired electrons in their electron orbital structure. This paper focuses on the influence of graphene on the structural, optical and magnetic properties of rare earth neodymium (Nd) doped TiO2 nanoparticles. Nd doped TiO2 nanoparticles are deposited on reduced graphene oxide (rGO) sheets forming the nanocomposites by hydrothermal treatment. The nano size, structure and phase of the composites are analysed by X-ray diffraction and Raman spectra. Dispersion of pure TiO2 and Nd/TiO2 nanoparticles on the rGO sheets is studied with FESEM and HRTEM micrographs alongside the elemental composition confirmed by EDAX. Increased surface area and pore size analysis is revealed by BET isotherms and BJH data. Absorption edges are blue shifted owing to particle size and experimental conditions. PL and EPR spectra confirm the presence of paramagnetic defect centres in the nanocomposites. The M − H hysteresis curves of the composites reveal the ferromagnetic behaviour at room temperature.

Novel Orientation-Sensitive Spin Probes for Graphene Oxide Membranes Study.

Spin probe EPR spectroscopy is currently the only method to quantitatively report on the orientational ordering of graphene oxide membranes. This technique is based on the analysis of EPR spectra of a membrane containing stable radicals sorbed on oxidized graphene planes. The efficiency of the method depends on the spin probe structure; therefore, it is important to find stable paramagnetic substances that are most sensitive to the alignment of graphene oxide membranes. In the present work, three novel stable nitroxide radicals containing aromatic fragments with two nitrogen atoms were tested as spin probes to study graphene oxide membranes. The spin-Hamiltonian parameters of the radicals in graphite oxide powder and orientational order parameters of the probes inside graphene oxide membrane were determined. The sensitivity of one of these radicals to membrane orientational ordering was found to be higher than for any of spin probes used previously. A likely reason for this higher sensitivity is the presence of heteroatoms which can facilitate interaction between paramagnetic molecules and oxygen-containing groups on the inner surface of the membrane. The new high-sensitivity spin probe may significantly increase the potential of EPR spectroscopy for studying the internal structure of graphene oxide membranes.

Detection of brown adipose tissue in rats with acute cold stimulation using quantitative susceptibility mapping.

Detection of brown adipose tissue in rats with acute cold stimulation using quantitative susceptibility mapping.

Development of Novel Magnetic Separation for Paramagnetic Particles Using the Selection Tube

Generally, in order to control and separate of paramagnetic substances by magnetic force, a superconducting high-gradient magnetic separation system applied magnetic field of about 5 T over is required. In this study, we aim to apply a low magnetic field for magnetic separation of paramagnetic substances. We proposed the novel separation method, which is applying a magnetic field to the selection tube, aiming for more precise and easier separation than the conventional High Gradient Magnetic Separation System (HGMS). Selection tube can separate particle mixture into each kinds of particles by the balance of drag force, buoyancy and gravity depending on flow velocity, particle size, shape and specific weight. Since the particles are apparent weightless state, they can be captured with a relatively small magnetic force. Firstly, we showed the effectiveness of Open-Gradient Magnetic Separation (OGMS: applied maximum magnetic flux density 1.3 T) under the selection tube with using colored glass imitated target substance. The experimental results were found to shows good separation efficiency. Eventually, we tested the HGMS obtained by improving the novel magnetic separation method, where a low magnetic field applied (maximum magnetic flux density 0.5 T) is applied to magnetic filters (wire diameter ϕ 0.8mm, 15mesh, SUS430) installed in the selection tube. The effective separation of paramagnetic glass (volume magnetic susceptibility: +3.17×10 <sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">−4</sup> ) was performed successfully with the combination of the selection tube and the HGMS applied low magnetic field.

Synthesis and Characterization of Magnetite for Pollutant Remediation

Phosphorus is one of the limiting nutrients for crop production, especially in developing countries where soil available P is low. To counter P deficiency, P has been applied at a rate above crop uptake which makes management of P fertilizer a challenge for the scientific community, as high input P can have environmental consequences like eutrophication of water bodies. Physico-chemical and biological methods are widely used for the removal of soluble P from wastewater. Adsorption of P onto a paramagnetic substance like magnetite holds a great promise for its removal and subsequent recovery of adsorbed P. The present study was carried out with the objective of synthesis of magnetite in different molar ratios and its characterization to select the best magnetite material for removal of P. Magnetite was synthesized using the co-precipitation method using ferrous and ferric ions at different molar ratios (1:1, 1:2, 2:1, 5:1) and characterized for Xray diffraction, Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy, and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller method surface area. All the synthesized material resembled the Joint Committee on Powder Diffraction Standards XRD patterns of reference magnetite and showed strong peaks at 220, 311, 400, 511, and 440 cm-1. FTIR analysis showed the presence of Fe-O bond at 580 cm-1 and characteristic peaks at 1633 and 3400 cm-1 suggesting the presence of a hydroxyl group. Highest surface area (93.001 (m2/g) was observed for magnetite synthesized with a molar ratio of 1:2 (Fe2+/ Fe3+), whereas the surface area of the rest of the synthesized magnetite was close to 50 m2/g. The smallest pore radius was also found in magnetite synthesized with a molar ratio of 1:2 (Fe2+/Fe3+) which contributed to the highest pore volume.

Intra-tumoral susceptibility signal: a post-processing technique for objective grading of astrocytoma with susceptibility-weighted imaging

Susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) is sensitive to the accumulation of paramagnetic substances, such as hemorrhage and increased venous vasculature, both being frequently found in high-grade tumors. The purpose of this retrospective study is to differentiate high-grade and low-grade astrocytoma by objectively measuring quantitative intra-tumoral susceptibility signals (qITSS) on SWI. Precontrast SWI and 3D contrast-enhanced T1WI of 65 patients with astrocytoma were collected at 1.5 Tesla. All tumors were histologically confirmed and classified into two groups: high grade (WHO grade III and IV, n=50) and low grade (WHO grade II, n=15). After manual delineation of the tumor on T1WI, normalized contrast (NC) was calculated voxel by voxel within the tumor by using the concept of contrast to noise ratio. Thresholding on NC was applied to detect qITSS, and the volumetric percentage of qITSS can be obtained for each tumor. Two-sample t-test was applied to examine significant difference of qITSS percentage between high-grade and low-grade astrocytoma for different NC thresholds, ranging from 4 to 20. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed to evaluate the performance of differentiation. P value was less than 0.01 for a large range of NC thresholds [4-20], reflecting significant difference of qITSS percentage between high-grade and low-grade astrocytoma. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was larger than 0.9 at NC thresholds from 8 to 16 and peaks at 0.949 with a NC threshold of 14. It was shown that astrocytoma grading by qITSS percentage is successful for a wide range of NC threshold, demonstrating robustness on threshold selection. Without relying on the selection of slice position and at the same time providing objective identification of hypointense signal in SWI, the qITSS percentage can be used to distinguish high-grade and low-grade astrocytoma reliably.

Intracranial Lesion Detection and Artifact Characterization: Comparative Study of Susceptibility and T2*-Weighted Imaging in Dogs and Cats.

Susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI), an MRI sequence for the detection of hemorrhage, allows differentiation of paramagnetic and diamagnetic substances based on tissue magnetic susceptibility differences. The three aims of this retrospective study included a comparison of the number of areas of signal void (ASV) between SWI and T2*-weighted imaging (T2*WI), differentiation of hemorrhage and calcification, and investigation of image deterioration by artifacts. Two hundred twelve brain MRIs, 160 dogs and 52 cats, were included. The sequences were randomized and evaluated for presence/absence and numbers of ASV and extent of artifacts causing image deterioration by a single, blinded observer. In cases with a CT scan differentiation of paramagnetic (hemorrhagic) and diamagnetic (calcification) lesions was made, SWI was performed to test correct assignment using the Hounsfield Units. Non-parametric tests were performed to compare both sequences regarding detection of ASV and the effect of artifacts on image quality. The presence of ASV was found in 37 SWI sequences and 34 T2*WI sequences with a significant increase in ASV only in dogs >5 and ≤ 15 kg in SWI. The remaining weight categories showed no significance. CT examination was available in 11 cases in which 81 ASV were found. With the use of phase images, 77 were classified as paramagnetic and none as diamagnetic. A classification was not possible in four cases. At the level of the frontal sinus, significantly more severe artifacts occurred in cats and dogs (dogs, p < 0.001; cats, p = 0.001) in SWI. The frontal sinus artifact was significantly less severe in brachycephalic than non-brachycephalic dogs in both sequences (SWI, p < 0.001; T2*WI, p < 0.001). In conclusion, with the advantages of better detection of ASV in SWI compared with T2*WI and the opportunity to differentiate between paramagnetic and diamagnetic origin in most cases, SWI is generally recommended for dogs. Frontal sinus conformation appears to be a limiting factor in image interpretation.

Phase distortion-free paramagnetic NMR spectra

The NMR spectra of paramagnetic substances can feature shifts over thousands of ppm. In high magnetic field instruments, this corresponds to extreme offsets, which make it challenging or impossible to achieve uniform excitation without phase distortion. Furthermore, because of the intrinsic presence of a dead time during which spins freely evolve, a further phase distortion occurs. A decade ago, a processing approach based on the analysis of the statistics of the phase of the spectrum was proposed to denoise NMR spectra. In this manuscript it is demonstrated that this approach is applicable to obtain paramagnetic NMR spectra that are free of phase distortion, even though the quantitative information of peaks intensities is lost. This is demonstrated on the high field spectra of a prototypical nickel(II)-complex and through the analysis of simulated data.

Human magnetism in the COVID-19 vaccination era: Rereading of a long-standing scientific fact that has resurfaced

During vaccination of the COVID-19 pandemic, distributed homemade movies —depicting metal attraction on the body— raised a question in the public mind if ingredients of vaccines play a role in observing this phenomenon. Two primary sources of magnetic fields in the human body are the heart and the brain. The reason for that is coming from a general old rule of physics that electric current creates a magnetic field. Since the heart has a more synchronous depolarization, it can produce a stronger magnetic field around 1 to 14 nT. One possible scenario, which can relate the status in the pandemic era to human magnetism, is the substantial change in the heart's electrical conduction due to infections. The scenario can be supported by frequently related myocardiopathy. The other complementary scenario may be related to the increased amount of paramagnetic substances, such as ferritin, in infected patients and macrophages of the immune system responsible for heme-iron homeostasis. Regarding the presence of biomagnetic materials in higher organisms, the most substantial challenges are the presence of a magneto-sensing protein complex called magnetoreception-related cryptochromes. More detailed investigations are needed to confirm whether the recent observed human magnetism is related to COVID-19 infection and/or vaccination or is just a coincidence. We herein propose to assess the correlation of the electrocardiogram (ECG) and echocardiogram (echo) records when strong human magnetism is observed in clinical trial studies. The relevance of the above-mentioned proteins in drug development is of great value for future pharmaceutical discussions.

Improving MR Image Quality in Patients with Metallic Implants.

The number of implanted devices such as orthopedic hardware and cardiac implantable devices continues to increase with an increase in the age of the patient population, as well as an increase in the number of indications for specific devices. Many patients with these devices have or will develop clinical conditions that are best depicted at MRI. However, implanted devices containing paramagnetic or ferromagnetic substances can cause significant artifact, which could limit the diagnostic capability of this modality. Performing imaging with MRI when an implant is present may be challenging, and there are numerous techniques the radiologist and technologist can use to help minimize artifacts related to implants. First, knowledge of the presence of an implant before patient arrival is critical to ensure safety of the patient when the device is subjected to a strong magnetic field. Once safety is ensured, the examination should be performed with the MRI system that is expected to provide the best image quality. The selection of the MRI system includes multiple considerations such as the effects of field strength and availability of specific sequences, which can reduce metal artifact. Appropriate patient positioning, attention to MRI parameters (including bandwidth, voxel size, and echo), and appropriate selection of sequences (those with less metal artifact and advanced metal reduction sequences) are critical to improve image quality. Patients with implants can be successfully imaged with MRI with appropriate planning and understanding of how to minimize artifacts. This improves image quality and the diagnostic confidence of the radiologist. ©RSNA, 2021.

Assessment of Hemorrhage and Paramagnetic Substance Accumulation in Brain Metastases by Susceptibility Weighted Imaging

Objective: We aimed to make a differential diagnosis of brain metastases by using the percentage of the ITSS by the SWI sequence. Method: MR images of 77 patients with intracerebral metastases were evaluated in this study who had breast carcinoma (BC)(n=23), malignant melanoma (MM)(n=4), lung cancer (LC) (n=42), and gastrointestinal adenocancer (GIA)(n=8) as the primary tumor. We calculated the ratio of the ITSS pixels. Results: ITSS percentages of metastases were found 22.52% in LC, 47.61% in GIA, 11.85% in BC, and 60.75% in MM. In terms of differential diagnosis of the ITSS percentages measured in the SWI sequence, the diagnostic performance was very good between MM-BC, good between MM-LC, GIA-LC, and GIA-BC, and poor between LC-BC and GIA-MM. Percentages of ITSS had high sensitivity and specificity to make a differential diagnosis between GIA-LC, GIA-BC, MM-BC, and MM-LC. Conclusions: We conclude that measuring the ITSS percentage values of metastases when evaluating brain masses by MRI will provide valuable additional information for differential diagnosis.

Rare neurogenetic diseases with paramagnetic material accumulation in the brain: A case series study

Aim: To draw attention to rare neurogenetic diseases that are characterized by paramagnetic substance accumulation in the brain by sharing 12 subjects who presented with different clinical manifestations. Material and methods: Twelve patients who presented to our clinic between 2009 and 2019 with different complaints and were diagnosed as having FAHR syndrome, PKAN and Wilson disease were analyzed retrospectively. Presentation symptoms, physical examination findings, radiological and laboratory findings and treatment responses of the patients were evaluated. Results: Seven of the 12 subjects admitted to our clinic over a 5-year period were female, and 5 were male. The median age at the time of presentation was found to be 31-34 years (21-67). All of the patients received a new diagnosis after presentation. The patients presented with various complaints such as progressive walking difficulties, imbalance, disorder of writing ability, tinnitus, agitation, constant crying, convulsion, frequent falls, speech disorder, and slow movement. In the etiology, 4 of the patients were diagnosed with PKAN, 6 patients were diagnosed with FAHR syndrome and 2 patients were diagnosed with isolated neurological symptoms. Conclusion: Most of the recent developments related to the roles of metals in neurological diseases have arisen from the identification of new genetic diseases. These rare neurogenetic diseases, which can be manifested with many different clinical features ranging from pyramidal and extrapyramidal findings to neuropsychiatric findings, should be considered in the differential diagnosis since they often affect the young population and the rates of disability and mortality can be reduced with early diagnosis.