T2 Signal Research Articles

A diagnostic conundrum in the time of a pandemic: a subtle, isolated myelopathy. (P10-5.028)

<h3>Objective:</h3> NA <h3>Background:</h3> Anti-CV2/collapsin response-mediator protein 5 (CRMP5) antibodies are considered “high-risk” markers, frequently associating with paraneoplastic syndromes (PNS). <h3>Design/Methods:</h3> NA <h3>Results:</h3> A 44-year-old woman was recovering from a mild case of COVID-19 when she presented with a single episode of urinary retention and a subacute paraparesis with prominent sensory disturbances and girdle-like pain. Since a spinal cord MRI did not show any lesions and EMG did not detect any conduction defects, she refused further examinations and underwent empiric antimicrobial and steroid therapy, along with physical treatment. However, almost two months later she was still suffering from dysesthesia, dysuria, dyschezia and gait disturbance. A second MRI revealed multiple, asymmetric, short-segment lesions in the spinal cord, with persistent contrast-enhancement (despite the previous steroid treatment), but no brain involvement. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis and infectious workup were unremarkable, detecting only a slight increase in CSF proteins and a mirror pattern. An extensive screening for autoimmune and paraneoplastic diseases disclosed anti-CV2/CRMP5 antibodies in the serum; however, antibody titer and confirmatory tests were not available at that time and there was no corresponding reactivity in her CSF. After 3 months the antibodies were still present, arguing for a PET scan, which was uneventful. In the meanwhile the woman was treated with IV steroids, followed by a slow oral tapering with gradual but significant improvement. Indeed, after 6 months the MRI showed a diffuse reduction of the spinal cord swelling and T2 signal change, with no contrast enhancement; her neurological exam still remains strikingly normal. <h3>Conclusions:</h3> This remarkable response to immunotherapy, along with the atypical clinical phenotype and radiographic findings (when compared to reported anti-CV2/CRMP-5 myelopathies), argues for an alternative diagnosis, contemplating a post-infectious etiology rather than a PNS. The case also underlines how commercial line blots should always be confirmed by alternative and more reliable techniques. <b>Disclosure:</b> Federica Boso has nothing to disclose. Dr. Giometto has nothing to disclose.

Epileptic Amnesia as an Alzheimer’s Disease Mimic (P2-6.004)

<h3>Objective:</h3> To present a case of amnestic dementia that was caused as a result of mesial temporal lobe epilepsy. <h3>Background:</h3> Memory impairments have been reported as a result of mesial temporal lobe epilepsy. Dementia as a result of long term uncontrolled seizures has been reported. Here we report a patient presenting for evaluation of dementia - diagnosed with uncontrolled mesial temporal lobe epilepsy. <h3>Design/Methods:</h3> A 76 year old male presented to the cognitive clinic for evaluation of amnestic problems that started approximately 4 years prior. The patient reported problems with both long-term and short-term memory–such as details of family vacations, weddings, names of acquaintances. He additionally reported mild word finding abnormalities and spatial difficulty. Neuropsychological testing revealed problems in non contextual verbal learning and memory. The patient notably reported stereotyped events which also started around 4 years prior.–which he described as getting a sense of deja vu followed by tingling in all 4 limbs, nausea and a changed sense of smell. These events occurred around 10 times a month. MRI brain performed 4 years prior had revealed some small vessel ischemic changes and diffuse volume loss. An EEG obtained at the time had been unremarkable. Repeat MRI brain was significant for left hippocampal atrophy with bilateral hippocampal T2 signal hyperintensities. Ambulatory EEG monitoring was significant for transient epileptiform discharges. Lumbar puncture was unremarkable with tau /amyloid profiles not consistent with Alzheimer9s pathology. The patient was started on Levetiracetam with cessation of his episodes of deja vu, tingling and nausea. <h3>Results:</h3> NA <h3>Conclusions:</h3> Uncontrolled mesial temporal lobe epilepsy can result in hippocampal atrophy and cause amnestic problems. Epilepsy should be a diagnostic consideration in patients who present for evaluation of dementia. <b>Disclosure:</b> Dr. Philip has nothing to disclose. Dr. Chabrashvili has nothing to disclose.

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.

E029 Erdheim-Chester disease: a rare multisystem disorder

Abstract Background/Aims Erdheim-Chester disease is a rare non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis with multiorgan involvement. Otherwise known as polyostotic sclerosing histiocytosis it is characterised by proliferation and infiltration of lipid laden macrophages into bone marrow. Extraskeletal involvement is commonly seen involving heart, CNS, skin, lung, kidney, and retroperitoneum resulting in a variety of presenting features. Methods Case: 75-year-old male referred to rheumatology connective tissue disease clinic by respiratory team with dyspnoea and unintentional weight loss of 20kg in one year. CT had shown pleural effusions and interstitial markings in mid zones felt to be due to cardiac failure. PMH - IHD, CABG. Mildly elevated dsDNA of 10. He denied cough, sputum or haemoptysis. No mouth ulceration, alopecia, sicca symptoms, Raynaud's, rashes, fevers, myalgia, or joint swelling. No family history of rheumatic disease. On examination reduced air entry to lung bases, no synovitis, no nail bed changes, no lymphadenopathy. Results Further investigations showed persistent mildly elevated dsDNA, crithidia negative, negative ANA on HEp2, Hb 136, WCC 13.8, PLT 329, complement levels normal, Igs normal, IgG4 normal, NTproBNP raised 3196, ESR 27, CRP 28. Further CT CAP - bilateral pleural effusions, thickened enhancement of pleura bilaterally without focal mass, increased interstitial markings lung mid zones, significant thick pericardial enhancement and pericardial effusion, thickening around distal oesophagus and a rind of inflammatory thickening around distal thoracic aorta. Transthoracic echocardiogram - small pericardial effusion without haemodynamic compromise, normal left and right ventricular function. NM whole body - marked increased uptake in diametaphyseal regions of tibial bones and distal aspect of femora. MRI femurs - significant symmetrical abnormality in distal femoral shaft and metaphyseal region of both femora, endosteitis with extensive linear and patchy reduction T1 signal intensity and increase in STIR intensity within medullary cavity of distal femur. CT guided biopsy of distal femur identified foamy histiocytic infiltration with fibrosis. BRAF mutation testing of plasma showed strong positive result confirming molecular diagnosis of Erdheim-Chester disease. Cardiac MRI had been requested and MRI of brain was normal. He was treated initially with 40mg prednisolone, weaned to 15mg, and weekly PEG interferon with improvement in dyspnoea and weight loss. However, he deteriorated slowly over the next year and died of cardiac failure. Conclusion Histiocytic disorders such as Erdheim-Chester disease do rarely present to rheumatology given multisystem involvement and diagnostic uncertainty. This patient had skeletal, cardiac, lung, and gastrointestinal involvement resulting in his dyspnoea and weight loss. Initial treatment involves corticosteroid and interferon. Approximately 50% of patients have BRAF mutation and may respond to vemurafenib therapy. Our patient unfortunately deteriorated prior to being considered for this treatment. Prognosis is poor with a 3-year survival of 50%. Disclosure G. Starritt: None. D. McCormick: None.

A new scoring system for differentiating malignant from benign “second-look” breast lesions detected by MRI in patients with known breast cancer

To propose a scoring system made of reproducible and objective criteria to aid in differentiating malignant from benign "second-look" breast lesions detected at magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Data were collected retrospectively for "second-look" lesions identified on breast MRI studies performed at the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust breast unit over a 2-year period (from January 2020 to January 2022). Ninety-five "second look" MRI-detected lesions were included in this retrospective study. Lesions were assessed according to margins, T2 signal, internal enhancement patterns, contrast kinetics, and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) patterns. Fifty-two per cent of the included lesions were confirmed at histopathology to be malignant. The most common contrast kinetics identified in malignant lesions was the plateau pattern followed by the washout pattern while the most common pattern in benign lesions was the progressive pattern. The apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) cut-off value for separating benign and malignant lesions at the unit was found to be 1.1×10-3 mm2/s. Based on the MRI features described above, a scoring system is suggested to help differentiate benign from malignant "second-look" lesions. According to the present results, setting a score of 2 or more points as an indication for biopsy was 100% reliable in identifying malignant lesions and avoiding biopsies in >30% of lesions. The suggested scoring system could avoid biopsy of >30% of the "second-look" lesions detected by MRI without missing any malignant lesions.

Lumbar endplate microfracture injury induces Modic-like changes, intervertebral disc degeneration and spinal cord sensitization – an in vivo rat model

BACKGROUND CONTEXTEndplate (EP) injury plays critical roles in painful IVD degeneration since Modic changes (MCs) are highly associated with pain. Models of EP microfracture that progress to painful conditions are needed to better understand pathophysiological mechanisms and screen therapeutics. PURPOSEEstablish in vivo rat lumbar EP microfracture model and assess crosstalk between IVD, vertebra and spinal cord. STUDY DESIGN/SETTINGIn vivo rat EP microfracture injury model with characterization of IVD degeneration, vertebral remodeling, spinal cord substance P (SubP), and pain-related behaviors. METHODSEP-injury was induced in 5 month-old male Sprague-Dawley rats L4–5 and L5–6 IVDs by puncturing through the cephalad vertebral body and EP into the NP of the IVDs followed by intradiscal injections of TNFα (n=7) or PBS (n=6), compared with Sham (surgery without EP-injury, n=6). The EP-injury model was assessed for IVD height, histological degeneration, pain-like behaviors (hindpaw von Frey and forepaw grip test), lumbar spine MRI and μCT, and spinal cord SubP. RESULTSSurgically-induced EP microfracture with PBS and TNFα injection induced IVD degeneration with decreased IVD height and MRI T2 signal, vertebral remodeling, and secondary damage to cartilage EP adjacent to the injury. Both EP injury groups showed MC-like changes around defects with hypointensity on T1-weighted and hyperintensity on T2-weighted MRI, suggestive of MC type 1. EP injuries caused significantly decreased paw withdrawal threshold, reduced axial grip, and increased spinal cord SubP, suggesting axial spinal discomfort and mechanical hypersensitivity and with spinal cord sensitization. CONCLUSIONSSurgically-induced EP microfracture can cause crosstalk between IVD, vertebra, and spinal cord with chronic pain-like conditions. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCEThis rat EP microfracture model was validated to induce broad spinal degenerative changes that may be useful to improve understanding of MC-like changes and for therapeutic screening.

Clinical transfer of AGuIX®-based radiation treatments for locally advanced cervical cancer: MR quantification and in vitro insights in the NANOCOL clinical trial framework

Clinical trials incorporating metallic nanoparticles (NPs) have recently begun. Radiotherapy planning does not take into account NPs concentrations observed in the patients' target volumes. In the framework of the NANOCOL clinical trial including patients treated for locally advanced cervical cancers, this study proposes a complete method to evaluate the radiation-induced biological effects of NPs. For this, calibration phantom was developed and MRI sequences with variable flip angles were acquired. This process allowed the quantification of NPs in the tumor of 4 patients, which was compared to the results of mass spectrometry obtained from 3 patient biopsies. The concentration of the NPs was reproduced in 3D cell models. Based on clonogenic assays, the radio-enhancement effects were quantified for radiotherapy and brachytherapy, and the impact in terms of local control was evaluated. T1 signal change in GTVs revealed NPs accumulation ∼12.4 μmol/L, in agreement with mass spectrometry. Radio-enhancement effects of about 15 % at 2 Gy were found for both modalities, with a positive impact on local tumor control. Even if further follow-up of patients in this and subsequent clinical trials will be necessary to assess the reliability of this proof of concept, this study opens the way to the integration of a dose modulation factor to better take into account the impact of NPs in radiotherapy treatment.

Teaching Neuro Images : “Pancake-like” gadolinium enhancement suggests compressive myelopathy due to spondylosis

A 41-year-old man developed progressive bilateral hand weakness and spastic paraparesis. MRI demonstrated cord edema and “pancake-like” gadolinium enhancement (figure). Inflammatory/neoplastic causes were investigated and not found. He continued to deteriorate despite empiric corticosteroid treatment. One year later, cervical decompression stabilized his clinical condition but intramedullary T2 signal worsened. Persistent enhancement raised concern about alternative diagnoses.

New bone formation at the sacroiliac joint in axial spondyloarthritis: characterization of backfill in MRI and CT.

MRI findings of the SI joint space in axial SpA (axSpA) include inflammation and fat metaplasia inside an erosion; the latter is also termed 'backfill'. We compared such lesions with CT to better characterize whether they represent new bone formation. We identified patients with axSpA who underwent both CT and MRI of the SI joints in two prospective studies. MRI datasets were jointly screened by three readers for joint space-related findings and grouped into three categories: type A-high short tau inversion recovery (STIR) and low T1 signal; type B-high signal in both sequences; type C-low STIR and high T1 signal. Image fusion was used to identify MRI lesions in CT before we measured Hounsfield units (HU) in each lesion and surrounding cartilage and bone. Ninety-seven patients with axSpA were identified and we included 48 type A, 88 type B, and 84 type C lesions (maximum 1 lesion per type and joint). The HU values were 73.6 (s.d. 15.0) for cartilage, 188.0 (s.d. 69.9) for spongious bone, 1086.0 (s.d. 100.3) for cortical bone, 341.2 (s.d. 96.7) for type A, 359.3 (s.d. 153.5) for type B and 446.8 (s.d. 123.0) for type C lesions. Lesion HU values were significantly higher than those for cartilage and spongious bone, but lower than those for cortical bone (P < 0.001). Type A and B lesions showed similar HU values (P = 0.93), whereas type C lesions were denser (P < 0.001). All joint space lesions show increased density and might contain calcified matrix, suggesting new bone formation, with a gradual increase in the proportion of calcified matrix towards type C lesions (backfill).

Anti-amphiphysin encephalitis: Expanding the clinical spectrum.

An analysis of the clinical features of autoimmune encephalitis accompanied by anti-amphiphysin antibodies. The data of encephalitis patients with anti-amphiphysin antibodies were retrospectively evaluated, including demographics, neurological and laboratory findings, imaging, treatment, and prognostic predictions. Ten patients aged between 29 and 78 years (median age 52 years) were included. The male: female ratio was 4:6. Limbic encephalitis was found in nine patients while epileptic seizures were present in seven patients. All patients showed anti-amphiphysin antibody positivity in sera while one ninth was positive for CSF antibody. The EEG findings were abnormal, including reductions in background activity, and the presence of diffuse slow waves, sharp waves, and spikes and waves. Five patients showed signs of increased T2 signals in the medial temporal lobe on MRI while PET showed either hyper- or hypo-metabolic changes in several brain regions, including the temporal lobe, hippocampus, basal ganglia, frontal and parietal cortices. Nine of ten patients were treated with immunotherapy, with improvements of varying degrees. There was a significant reduction in seizure frequency, and all patients were seizure-free at last follow-up. Autoimmune encephalitis with anti-amphiphysin antibodies has a variety of clinical manifestations. The most common symptom is limbic encephalitis. Although relief from seizures can be achieved relatively easily, many patients suffer psychiatric, cognitive, and sleep sequelae. The disease was found to be associated with a lower incidence of cancer than has been previously reported for paraneoplastic neurologic syndromes.

A magnetic resonance enterography index for assessing small bowel Crohn's disease activity.

This study aimed to construct a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) index for assessing transmural inflammatory activity in the small intestine of patients with Crohn' disease which enables rapid and non-invasive quantitative assessment of Crohn's disease inflammation. In this prospective study, magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) was performed to examine 29 consecutive patients with Crohn's disease who had undergone ileocolonoscopy in the Jingling hospital of Nanjing. This diagnostic study was not registered on a clinical trial platform. We grade the T2 signal ratio and T1 enhancement ratio with a score of 0 to 3. The ratios were calculated as follow: terminal ileal inflammation of intestinal T2 signal intensity/adjacent normal intestinal T2 signal intensity (T2 ratio 1), terminal ileal inflammation intestinal T2 signal intensity/vertical muscle T2 signal intensity (T2 ratio 2), the fifth phase of the inflamed intestinal T1 signal intensity/noncontrast intestine T1 signal (T1 ratio 3), and the fifth phase of inflamed intestinal T1 signal intensity/adjacent normal intestinal T1 signal (T1 ratio 4). Wall thickness, lymph nodes, perimural T2 signal, comb sign, and ulceration were graded from 0 to 3. the simple endoscopic score for Crohn's disease (SES-CD) from 0 to 12 was used to assess Crohn's disease activity as a reference. The study calculated the correlations between the MRE activity index and endoscopic activity scores and derived the MRE index model to assess Crohn's disease activity. The MRE index model (a T1 ratio 4 score of 1.52 + an ulceration score of 2.03) had a sensitivity of 0.962, a specificity of 0.667, and an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.968 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.921-1.000]. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for the interobserver agreement of the MRE index was 0.921 (95% CI: 0.833-0.963). The study derived an MRE index with good sensitivity to inflammatory changes in the small bowel. The index could be used to assess Crohn's disease activity of the small bowel.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) regional nodal disease at standard lymphadenectomy: is MRI accurate for identifying node-positive patients?

To determine the accuracy of qualitative and quantitative MRI features for the diagnosis of pathologic regional lymph nodes at standard lymphadenectomy in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). All adult patients with pancreatic MRI performed from 2011 to 2021 within 3months of a pancreaticoduodenectomy were eligible for inclusion in this single-center retrospective cohort study. Regional nodes at standard lymphadenectomy were independently reviewed by two fellowship-trained abdominal radiologists for the following qualitative features: heterogeneous T2 signal, round shape, indistinct margin, peri-nodal fat stranding, and restricted diffusion greater than the spleen. Quantitative characteristics including primary tumor size, largest node short- and long-axes length, number of regional nodes, absolute apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values, and ADC node-to-spleen signal index were assessed. Analysis was at the patient-level with surgical pathology as the reference standard. Of 75 patients, 85% (64/75) were positive for regional nodal disease on histopathology. None of the qualitative variables evaluated on MRI was associated with pathologic nodes. Median primary tumor maximum diameter was slightly larger for patients with pathologic nodes compared to those without (18mm (10-42mm) vs 16mm (9-22mm), p = 0.027). None of the other quantitative features was associated with pathologic nodes. Radiologist opinion was not associated with pathologic nodes (p = 0.520). Interobserver agreement was fair (kappa = 0.257). Lymph node morphologic features and radiologist opinion using MRI are of limited value for diagnosing PDAC regional nodal disease. Improved diagnostic techniques are needed given the prognostic implications of pathologic lymph nodes in these patients. • Multiple lymph node morphologic features routinely assessed on MRI for malignancies elsewhere in the body are likely not applicable when assessing for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma nodal disease. • Interobserver agreement for the presence or absence of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma lymph node morphologic features on MRI is fair (kappa = 0.257). • Many more lymph nodes are resected at PDAC standard lymphadenectomy than are detectable on MRI, median 25 vs 5 (p < 0.001), suggesting improved diagnostic techniques are needed to identify PDAC nodal disease.

Mitochondrial Cardiomyopathy: Distinctive Cardiac Phenotype Detected with Cardiovascular MRI

Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) has a broad differential diagnosis. Pathogenic variants of mitochondrial DNA are a rare cause of LVH, and cardiac MRI is a powerful technique that may aid in differentiating such rare causes. This case report presents three siblings with a pathogenic variant of the mitochondrially encoded tRNA isoleucine (MT-TI) gene. A distinctive cardiac phenotype was detected with cardiac MRI. Extensive LVH and dilatation and decreased ejection fraction were observed with a pattern of increased T2 signal and extensive late gadolinium enhancement, which was remarkably consistent among all three siblings. Keywords: Cardiomyopathies, MR Imaging, Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, Mitochondrial, Inherited Cardiomyopathy, Left Ventricular Hypertrophy, Cardiovascular MRI, Late Gadolinium Enhancement Supplemental material is available for this article. © RSNA, 2023.

342 Predicting Early Disease Progression in Tectal Plate Gliomas

INTRODUCTION: Tectal gliomas are slow-growing tumors of the midbrain. Due to their indolent nature, treatment mainly consists of observation and management of hydrocephalus. However, a subset of tectal gliomas may exhibit tumor enlargement and disease progression. Currently, there are no established guidelines for predicting future progression of tectal gliomas. Further, given the rarity of these tumors, studies in the literature are limited to &lt;50 patients. METHODS: We performed a retrospective chart review of 172 patients diagnosed with tectal glioma. In addition to descriptive statistics, we performed univariate analysis using Student’s t-test and Chi-squared testing to determine if significant differences exist between patients with tumor progression versus those without progression. RESULTS: The median patient age was 24 years (range: 0-73 years); of these, 69 were pediatric (≤18 years). Hydrocephalus was present in 64% of cases. Lesions were incidentally detected in 37% of the cohort and were only present in the adult population. Of the patients that had &gt; 1 year follow-up (n = 145), 26 experienced radiological progression (18%) with 19 requiring tumor-directed treatment (13%). Predictors of progression included younger age at diagnosis (p = 0.005), expansion of the lesion beyond the tectum on initial imaging (p &lt; 0.001), moderate T1 signal (p &lt; 0.001), and mild or moderate contrast enhancement (p = 0.011 and p &lt; 0.001, respectively). At most recent follow-up, 92% had stable disease, 3% had progressive disease, 1% died from tumor progression, and 3% died of other causes. CONCLUSIONS: Certain characteristics of radiographic imaging may be predictive of future disease progression. In patients with progression, excellent survival can be achieved if progression is detected early and appropriate treatment is initiated.

Malignant transformation of meningioma: Case report.

Meningiomas are mostly benign brain tumors with minimal malignant cases. Anaplastic meningioma has malignant morphological characteristics and a World Health Organization grade of III. The present study reports a case of an occipital meningioma in a patient who initially chose observation and follow-up after diagnosis. The patient ultimately underwent surgery due to the enlargement of the tumor and the development of visual field defects after a decade of imaging follow-up. The postoperative pathology slides indicated the presence of an anaplastic meningioma (World Health Organization-grade III). The patient's diagnosis was established through cranial magnetic resonance imaging, which revealed an irregular mixed mass in the right occipital region with isointense T1 and hypointense T2 signal, irregular lobulation, and a maximum diameter of approximately 5.4 cm. Heterogenous enhancement was observed in the contrast-enhanced scan. The patient opted for surgical intervention to remove the tumor, and the pathology slides of the tumor sample confirmed the diagnosis of anaplastic meningioma. The patient also received radiotherapy (40Gy/15fr). No recurrence was observed during the 9-month follow-up. This case highlights the potential for low-grade meningiomas to undergo malignant transformation, particularly in the presence of irregular lobulation, peritumoral brain edema, and heterogeneous enhancement on contrast-enhanced scans. Total excision (Simpson grade I) is the preferred treatment option, and long-term imaging follow-up is recommended.

The Performance of Different Machine Learning Algorithm and Regression Models in Predicting High-Grade Intracranial Meningioma

Meningioma is the most common primary tumor of the central nervous system (CNS). Individualized treatment strategies should be formulated for the patients according to the WHO (World Health Organization) grade. Our aim was to investigate the effectiveness of various machine learning and traditional statistical models in predicting the WHO grade of preoperative patients with meningioma. Patients diagnosed with meningioma after surgery in West China Hospital and Shangjin Hospital of Sichuan University from 2009 to 2016 were included in the study cohort. As the training cohort (n = 1975), independent risk factors associated with high-grade meningioma were used to establish the Nomogram model. which was validated in a subsequent cohort (n = 1048) from 2017 to 2019 in our hospital. Logistic regression (LR), XGboost, Adaboost, Support Vector Machine (SVM), K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN), and Random Forest (RF) models were determined using F1 score, recall, accuracy, the area under the curve (ROC), calibration plot and decision curve analysis (DCA) were used to evaluate the different models. Logistic regression showed better predictive performance and interpretability than machine learning. Gender, recurrence history, T1 signal intensity, enhanced signal degree, peritumoral edema, tumor diameter, cystic, location, and NLR index were identified as independent risk factors and added to the nomogram. The AUC (Area Under Curve) value of RF was 0.812 in the training set, 0.807 in the internal validation set, and 0.842 in the external validation set. The calibration curve and DCA (Decision Curve Analysis) indicated that it had better prediction efficiency of LR than others. The Nomogram preoperative prediction model of meningioma of WHO II and III grades showed effective prediction ability. While machine learning exhibits strong fitting ability, it performs poorly in the validation set.

Whole body MRI with DWI in people with NF1 and Schwannomatosis: Are qualitative and quantitative imaging features of peripheral lesions comparable to localized MRI?

PurposeTo compare the qualitative and quantitative features of peripheral lesions on localized (L) and whole-body (WB) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in people with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and schwannomatosis. Materials and methodsThis is a retrospective, HIPAA compliant study with twenty-seven patients (14 women, 13 men; mean age (years): 38 (3–67)) who underwent both L-MRI and WB-MRI without interval treatment. WB-MRI and L-MRI were comprised of T1-weighted, fat suppressed (FS) T2-weighted or short tau inversion recovery (STIR), diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) using b-values of 50, 400, and 800 s/mm2, apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) mapping and pre- and post-contrast FST1 sequences. Two readers recorded qualitative (T1 and T2/STIR signal intensity and heterogeneity, contrast enhancement and heterogeneity, perilesional enhancement, presence of a target sign and perilesional edema) and quantitative (size, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), ADC) features of peripheral lesions on L-MRI and WB-MRI.Descriptive statistics, Wilcoxon signed-rank test and McNemar’s test were used. ResultsThere were 31 peripheral lesions identified in 27 subjects, (mean size: 3.1 cm (range: 1–8.1 cm) on both L-MRI and WB-MRI).There were no differences in T1 signal and heterogeneity and T2/STIR signal and heterogeneity between WB-MRI and L-MRI ((p = 0.180, 0.083, 0.317 and 0.157 respectively). There were also no differences in contrast enhancement, heterogeneity and perilesional enhancement between WB-MRI and L-MRI (p = 1.000, 0.380 and 1.000 respectively). Presence of a target sign and perilesional edema did not differ between WB-MRI and L-MRI (p = 1.000 and 0.500 respectively). Craniocaudal (CC), mediolateral (ML) and anteroposterior (AP) size measurements on WB-MRI did not differ from CC, ML and AP size measurements on L-MRI (p = 0.597, 0.128 and 0.783 respectively). SNR on WB-DWI did not differ from SNR on L-DWI for b50, b400 and b800 images (p = 0.285, 0.166, and 0.974 respectively), and CNR on WB-DWI did not differ from CNR on L-DWI for b50, b400 and b800 images (p = 0.600, 0.124, and 0.787 respectively). There was no significant difference in minimum, mean and maximum ADC values between WB-DWI and L-DWI (p = 0.234, 0.481, and 0.441 respectively). Median minimum, mean and maximum ADC (×10(-3)mm(2)/s) differences between WB-DWI and L-DWI were 0.0 (range −1 to 0.7), 0.0 (range −0.5 to 0.6), and 0.1 (range −1.2 to 0.8) respectively. Relative ADC difference averages were 29.1% for minimum values, 10.1% for mean values, and 14.8% for maximum values. ConclusionWB-MRI yields qualitative and quantitative features for peripheral lesions, including DWI and ADC measurements, that are comparable to L-MRI scans. WB-DWI can be reliably used for the assessment of peripheral nerve sheath tumors, obviating the need for a repeat follow-up L-DWI acquisition.

Early postoperative MRI findings following anterior cervical discectomy and fusion: What to expect when the unexpected happens

BackgroundMagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is not routinely ordered following spinal fusion. Some literature suggests MRIs are unhelpful due to postoperative changes that obscure interpretation. We aim to describe findings of acute postoperative MRI following anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). MethodsThe authors retrospectively analyzed adult MRIs completed within 30 days of ACDF (from 2005–2022). T1 and T2 signal intensity in the interbody space dorsal to the graft, mass effect on the dura/spinal cord, intrinsic spinal cord T2 signal, and interpretability were reviewed. ResultsIn 38 patients there were 58 ACDF levels (1, 2, and 3 levels; 23, 10, and 5, respectively). MRIs were completed on mean postoperative day 8.37 (range; 0–30 days). T1-weighted imaging was described as isointense, hyperintense, heterogenous, and hypointense in 48 (82.8%), 5 (8.6%), 3 (5.2%), and 2 levels (3.4%), respectively. T2-weighted imaging was described as hyperintense, heterogenous, isointense, and hypointense in 41 (70.7%), 12 (20.7%), 3 (5.2%), and 2 levels (3.4%), respectively. There was no mass effect in 27 levels (46.6%), 14 (24.1%) had thecal sac compression, and 17 (29.3%) had cord compression. ConclusionsThe majority of MRIs exhibited readily compression and intrinsic spinal cord signal even with various types of fusion constructs. Early MRI after lumbar surgery can be difficult to interpret. However, our results support the use of early MRI to investigate neurological complaints following ACDF. Our findings do not support the idea that epidural blood products and mass effect on the cord are seen in most postoperative MRIs after ACDF.

Scurvy, abnormal MRI, and gelatinous bone marrow in an adolescent with avoidant restrictive food intake disorder

BackgroundAlthough medical literature describes pediatric scurvy as “rare”, a growing number of case reports suggests otherwise. Patients often undergo costly and unnecessary workup due to unfamiliarity with the presentation of scurvy. This case report further supports the small yet growing literature documenting scurvy and its manifestations in patients with eating disorders.Case presentationA 15-year-old female presented to the emergency department with bilateral knee and ankle swelling and pain in the setting of chronic lower limb rash and BMI of 16.3. For years, she had restricted her diet to carbohydrates. Exam showed perifollicular petechial hemorrhagic rash with corkscrew hairs, knee edema, ankle edema with restricted range of motion, and antalgic gait. She was admitted for severe malnutrition from avoidant restrictive food intake disorder. Her hospital course was complicated by recurrent normocytic anemia and fever. Hematology workup revealed anemia from iron deficiency, vitamin K deficiency, and anemia of chronic disease. Rheumatology workup was negative. MRI findings showed dark T1 and bright T2 signals and were read as consistent with leukemia/lymphoma, chronic multifocal osteomyelitis, or Langerhans cell histiocytosis. However, bone marrow biopsy showed gelatinous transformation secondary to malnutrition. She was treated with vitamin C and a nutrition plan and her symptoms improved.ConclusionsAlthough this patient had common manifestations of scurvy, including perifollicular petechial hemorrhagic rash, joint effusions, anemia, and recurrent fevers, she still underwent an extensive workup. Clinicians should be aware that scurvy can present with multiple symptoms that mimic infectious, rheumatic, oncologic and hematological disease. Clinicians should have a high index of suspicion for scurvy in patients with malnutrition and eating disorders.

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.