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Ciochon UM, Bindslev JBB, Hoei-Hansen CE, Truelsen TC, Larsen VA, Nielsen MB, Hansen AE. Causes and Risk Factors of Pediatric Spontaneous Intracranial Hemorrhage—A Systematic Review. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12061459. [PMID: 35741269 PMCID: PMC9221737 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12061459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous studies suggest that the most common cause of spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage in children and adolescents is arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). However, an update containing recently published data on pediatric spontaneous intracranial hemorrhages is lacking. The aim of this study is to systematically analyze the published data on the etiologies and risk factors of pediatric spontaneous intracranial hemorrhage. This systematic review was performed in compliance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. A search in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science and Cochrane Library was conducted aiming for articles published in year 2000 and later, containing data on etiology and risk factors of spontaneous intracranial hemorrhages in unselected cohorts of patients aged between 1 month and 18 years. As a result, forty studies were eligible for data extraction and final analysis. These included 7931 children and adolescents with 4009 reported etiologies and risk factors. A marked variety of reported etiologies and risk factors among studies was observed. Vascular etiologies were the most frequently reported cause of pediatric spontaneous intracranial hemorrhages (n = 1727, 43.08% of all identified etiologies or risk factors), with AVMs being the most common vascular cause (n = 1226, 70.99% of all vascular causes). Hematological and systemic causes, brain tumors, intracranial infections and cardiac causes were less commonly encountered risk factors and etiologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urszula Maria Ciochon
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Copenhagen University Hospital—Rigshospitalet, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Correspondence:
| | - Julie Bolette Brix Bindslev
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital—Rigshospitalet, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Christina Engel Hoei-Hansen
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital—Rigshospitalet, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Thomas Clement Truelsen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Neurology, Copenhagen University Hospital—Rigshospitalet, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Vibeke Andrée Larsen
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Copenhagen University Hospital—Rigshospitalet, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Michael Bachmann Nielsen
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Copenhagen University Hospital—Rigshospitalet, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Adam Espe Hansen
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Copenhagen University Hospital—Rigshospitalet, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
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Giovagnoni A, De Filippo M, Barile A. Diagnostic and interventional radiology: an update. ACTA BIO-MEDICA : ATENEI PARMENSIS 2020; 91:5-8. [PMID: 32945273 PMCID: PMC7944668 DOI: 10.23750/abm.v91i8-s.9995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
NOT PRESENT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Giovagnoni
- Department of Clinical, Special and Dental Sciences, University Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, AN, Italy.
| | - Massimo De Filippo
- Department of Medicine and Surgery (DiMec), Section of Radiology, University of Parma, Maggiore Hospital, Parma, Italy.
| | - Antonio Barile
- Department of Applied Clinical Science and Biotechnology, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy.
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Robertson RL, Palasis S, Rivkin MJ, Pruthi S, Bartel TB, Desai NK, Kadom N, Kulkarni AV, Lam HFS, Maheshwari M, Milla SS, Mirsky DM, Myseros JS, Partap S, Radhakrishnan R, Soares BP, Trout AT, Udayasankar UK, Whitehead MT, Karmazyn B. ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Cerebrovascular Disease-Child. J Am Coll Radiol 2020; 17:S36-S54. [PMID: 32370977 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacr.2020.01.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Stroke is an uncommon but an important and under-recognized cause of morbidity and mortality in children. Strokes may be due to either brain ischemia or intracranial hemorrhage. Common symptoms of pediatric acute stroke include headache, vomiting, focal weakness, numbness, visual disturbance, seizures, and altered consciousness. Most children presenting with an acute neurologic deficit do not have an acute stroke, but have symptoms due to stroke mimics which include complicated migraine, seizures with postictal paralysis, and Bell palsy. Because of frequency of stroke mimics, in children and the common lack of specificity in symptoms, the diagnosis of a true stroke may be delayed. There are a relatively large number of potential causes of stroke mimic and true stroke. Consequently, imaging plays a critical role in the assessment of children with possible stroke and especially in children who present with acute onset of stroke symptoms. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Susan Palasis
- Panel Chair, Emory University and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Michael J Rivkin
- Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; American Academy of Neurology
| | - Sumit Pruthi
- Panel Vice Chair, Vanderbilt Children's Hospital, Nashville, Tennessee
| | | | | | - Nadja Kadom
- Emory University and Children's of Atlanta (Egleston), Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Abhaya V Kulkarni
- Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Neurosurgery expert
| | - H F Samuel Lam
- Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento, California; American College of Emergency Physicians
| | | | - Sarah S Milla
- Emory University and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia
| | | | - John S Myseros
- Children's National Health System, Washington, District of Columbia; Neurosurgery expert
| | - Sonia Partap
- Stanford University, Stanford, California; American Academy of Pediatrics
| | | | - Bruno P Soares
- The University of Vermont Medical Center, Burlington, Vermont
| | - Andrew T Trout
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | | | | | - Boaz Karmazyn
- Specialty Chair, Riley Hospital for Children Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana
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Gerstl L, Badura K, Heinen F, Weinberger R, Peraud A, Dorn F, Bonfert MV, Berweck S, O'Callaghan FJ. Childhood haemorrhagic stroke: a 7-year single-centre experience. Arch Dis Child 2019; 104:1198-1202. [PMID: 31221624 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2018-316749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Revised: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 05/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In recent years, there has been increasing research interest in improving diagnostic and management protocols in childhood arterial ischaemic stroke (AIS). However, childhood stroke comprises, in approximately equal parts, both arterial ischaemic and haemorrhagic stroke (HS). OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to focus on the aetiology, clinical presentation, treatment and short-term outcome of children with spontaneous intracranial bleeding in a university hospital and elucidate differences to childhood AIS. DESIGN We performed a retrospective analysis of electronic medical records of children (28 days-18 years) diagnosed with HS between 2010 and 2016. RESULTS We included 25 children (male child, n=11) with a median age of 8 years 1 month. The most common clinical presentations were vomiting (48%), headache (40%) and altered level of consciousness (32%). In more than half of the patients, HS was caused by vascular malformations. Other risk factors were brain tumour, coagulopathy and miscellaneous severe underlying diseases. Aetiology remained unclear in one child. Therapy was neurosurgical in most children (68%). Two patients died, 5 patients needed further (rehabilitation) treatment and 18 children could be discharged home. CONCLUSIONS HS differs from AIS in aetiology (vascular malformations as number one risk factor), number of risk factors ('mono-risk' disease), clinical presentation (vomiting, headache and altered level of consciousness) and (emergency) therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Gerstl
- Department of Paediatric Neurology and Developmental Medicine, LMU Munich, University Hospital, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, Munich, Germany
| | - Katharina Badura
- Department of Paediatric Neurology and Developmental Medicine, LMU Munich, University Hospital, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, Munich, Germany
| | - Florian Heinen
- Department of Paediatric Neurology and Developmental Medicine, LMU Munich, University Hospital, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, Munich, Germany
| | - Raphael Weinberger
- Division of Epidemiology, LMU Munich, Institute of Social Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Munich, Germany
| | - Aurelia Peraud
- Department of Paediatric Neurosurgery, University Hospital Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Franziska Dorn
- Department of Neuroradiology, LMU Munich, University Hospital, Munich, Germany
| | - Michaela V Bonfert
- Department of Paediatric Neurology and Developmental Medicine, LMU Munich, University Hospital, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, Munich, Germany
| | - Steffen Berweck
- Department of Paediatric Neurology and Developmental Medicine, LMU Munich, University Hospital, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, Munich, Germany.,Department of Neuropaediatrics and Neurorehabilitation, Schön Klinik Vogtareuth, Vogtareuth, Germany
| | - Finbar J O'Callaghan
- University College London, Institute of Child Health, Clinical Neuroscience Section, London, UK
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Carotid artery plaque characterization with a wide-detector computed tomography using a dedicated post-processing 3D analysis: comparison with histology. Radiol Med 2019; 124:795-803. [PMID: 30903605 DOI: 10.1007/s11547-019-01026-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The characterization of atherosclerotic carotid plaque plays a key role in the identification of patients at risk. The aim of our work was to evaluate the potentialities of carotid computed tomography angiography (CCTA) in assessing composition of atherosclerotic plaque. MATERIALS AND METHODS We retrospectively evaluated 29 patients (7 women and 22 men, age range 54-81; mean age 69) who underwent carotid endarterectomy. All patients underwent pre-surgical CCTA using a 320-slice scanner. Post-processing reconstructions and analysis were performed using a specific software. Percentage of three different components of the atherosclerotic plaque (adipose, fibrotic and calcific) were classified based on Hounsfield unit values. Post-processing results were compared with histological analysis. Vessel and plaque parameters were compared using the Pearson correlation coefficient (r). Bland-Altman plots with 95% confidence intervals were calculated for correlation. McNemar's test was used for comparison of dichotomous variables. RESULTS A significant correlation between histology and CCTA was found with respect to the areas corresponding to adipose, fibrotic and calcified plaques. The existence of proportional bias was observed between the two quantifying methods with lower discrepancies found for the adipose and fibrotic plaque areas. The Bland-Altman analyses showed a mean bias of 3.2%, 2.5% and 0.6% between histology and CCTA, for adipose, fibrotic and calcified plaque areas, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Multi-detector CT angiography represents a valuable technique to assess quantitatively the composition of atherosclerotic plaques, with particular reference to the prevalence of fibrotic tissue, and is a useful diagnostic tool to improve risk stratification of patients for cerebral stroke.
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Abstract
Vascular injury is increasingly recognized as an important cause of mortality and morbidity in children (29 days to 18 years of age). Since vascular brain injury in children appears to be less common than in adults, the index of suspicion for vascular brain injury is usually lower. In this review article, we describe frequent and rare conditions underlying pediatric stroke including cardioembolic, viral, autoimmune, post-traumatic, and genetic etiologies. Furthermore, we provide a neuroimaging correlate for clinical mimics of pediatric stroke. This review highlights the role of multimodal noninvasive neuroimaging in the early diagnosis of pediatric stroke, providing a problem-solving approach to the differential diagnosis for the neuroradiologist, emergency room physician, and neurologist.
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Kirton A, Williams E, Dowling M, Mah S, Hodge J, Carlson H, Wei XC, Ichord R. Diffusion imaging of cerebral diaschisis in childhood arterial ischemic stroke. Int J Stroke 2016; 11:1028-1035. [PMID: 27550558 DOI: 10.1177/1747493016666089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2016] [Accepted: 06/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diffusion-weighted imaging magnetic resonance imaging may detect changes in brain structures remote but connected to stroke consistent with neuropathological descriptions of diaschisis. Early diffusion-weighted imaging demonstrates restriction in corticospinal pathways after arterial ischemic stroke of all ages that correlates with motor outcome. AIM/HYPOTHESIS We hypothesized that cerebral diaschisis is measurable in childhood arterial ischemic stroke and explored associations with outcome. METHODS This sub-study of the validation of the Pediatric NIH Stroke Scale study prospectively enrolled children with acute arterial ischemic stroke and both acute and early follow-up (5-14 days) diffusion-weighted imaging. Inclusion criteria were (1) unilateral middle cerebral artery arterial ischemic stroke, (2) acute and subacute diffusion-weighted imaging (b = 1000), and (3) 12 month neurological follow-up (Pediatric Stroke Outcome Measure). A validated method using ImageJ software quantified diffusion-weighted imaging diaschisis in anatomically connected structures. Diaschisis measures were corrected for infarct volume, compared to age, imaging timing, and outcomes (Chi square/Fisher, Mann-Whitney test). RESULTS Nineteen children (53% male, median 8.1 years) had magnetic resonance imaging at medians of 21 and 168 h post-stroke onset. Diaschisis was common and evolved over time, observed in one (5%) on acute but eight (42%) by follow-up diffusion-weighted imaging. Thalamic and callosal diaschisis were most common (5, 26%). Estimates of perilesional diaschisis varied (54 ± 18% of infarct volume). Children with diaschisis tended to be younger (7.02 ± 5.4 vs. 11.82 ± 4.3 years, p = 0.08). Total diaschisis score was associated with poor cognitive outcomes (p = 0.03). Corticospinal tract diaschisis was associated with motor outcome (p = 0.004). Method reliability was excellent. CONCLUSIONS Diffusion-weighted imaging diaschisis occurs in childhood arterial ischemic stroke. Mistaking diaschisis for new areas of infarction carries important clinical implications. Improved recognition and study are required to establish clinical relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Kirton
- Calgary Pediatric Stroke Program, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Elizabeth Williams
- Calgary Pediatric Stroke Program, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Michael Dowling
- Children's Medical Center Dallas, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Sarah Mah
- Calgary Pediatric Stroke Program, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Jacquie Hodge
- Calgary Pediatric Stroke Program, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Helen Carlson
- Calgary Pediatric Stroke Program, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Xing-Chang Wei
- Department of Radiology, Alberta Children's Hospital, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Rebecca Ichord
- The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Patriarca L, Torlone S, Ferrari F, Di Carmine C, Totaro R, di Cesare E, Splendiani A. Is size an essential criterion to define tumefactive plaque? MR features and clinical correlation in multiple sclerosis. Neuroradiol J 2016; 29:384-9. [PMID: 27531859 DOI: 10.1177/1971400916665385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumefactive multiple sclerosis is an inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. It has recently been described as a rare subtype of multiple sclerosis (MS) characterised by the appearance of solitary or multiple space-occupying lesions associated with imaging characteristics mimicking neoplasm. Atypical features include plaque size >2 cm with mass effect, oedema, and/or ring enhancement on magnetic resonance (MR) images.This study is a retrospective review designed to evaluate the prevalence of tumefactive plaques in a selected population of 440 MS patients referred to our MS centre in Southern Italy between 2005 and 2014. We analysed the radiographic features of lesions ranging in size from 0.5 to 2 cm to establish whether smaller plaques with MR characteristics similar to tumefactive plaques present different symptoms, disease evolution and prognosis. We also aimed to ascertain if MR features suggestive of biological aggressiveness could be useful prognostic criteria for a correct diagnosis of the disease and subsequent treatment. Our data suggest that lesions 0.5-2 cm and >2 cm have similar MR features and clinical evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Patriarca
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, Radiology Unit, University of L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Silvia Torlone
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, Radiology Unit, University of L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Fabiana Ferrari
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, Radiology Unit, University of L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Caterina Di Carmine
- Multiple Sclerosis Center, Department of Neurology, San Salvatore Hospital, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Rocco Totaro
- Multiple Sclerosis Center, Department of Neurology, San Salvatore Hospital, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Ernesto di Cesare
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, Radiology Unit, University of L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Alessandra Splendiani
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, Radiology Unit, University of L'Aquila, Italy
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Di Cesare E, Splendiani A, Barile A, Squillaci E, Di Cesare A, Brunese L, Masciocchi C. CT and MR imaging of the thoracic aorta. Open Med (Wars) 2016; 11:143-151. [PMID: 28352783 PMCID: PMC5329815 DOI: 10.1515/med-2016-0028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2016] [Accepted: 03/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
At present time, both CT and MRI are valuable techniques in the study of the thoracic aorta. Nowadays, CT represents the most widely employed technique for the study of the thoracic aorta. The new generation CTs show sensitivities up to 100% and specificities of 98-99%. Sixteen and wider row detectors provide isotropic pixels, mandatory for the ineludible longitudinal reconstruction. The main limits are related to the X-ray dose expoure and the use of iodinated contrast media. MRI has great potential in the study of the thoracic aorta. Nevertheless, if compared to CT, acquisition times remain longer and movement artifact susceptibility higher. The main MRI disadvantages are claustrophobia, presence of ferromagnetic implants, pacemakers, longer acquisition times with respect to CT, inability to use contrast media in cases of renal insufficiency, lower spatial resolution and less availability than CT. CT is preferred in the acute aortic disease. Nevertheless, since it requires iodinated contrast media and X-ray exposure, it may be adequately replaced by MRI in the follow up of aortic diseases. The main limitation of MRI, however, is related to the scarce visibility of stents and calcifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernesto Di Cesare
- Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche Applicate e biotecnologiche, Università degli studi di L'Aquila, Via Vetoio 1, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy , Tel 00390862368306, Fax 00390862368797
| | - Alessandra Splendiani
- Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche Applicate e biotecno-logiche Università degli studi di L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Antonio Barile
- Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche Applicate e biotecno-logiche Università degli studi di L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Ettore Squillaci
- Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini Universi-tà Tor Vergata Roma, Italy
| | - Annamaria Di Cesare
- Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche Applicate e biotecno-logiche Università degli studi di L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Luca Brunese
- Dipartimento di medicina e Scienza della salute, Universita del Molise, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Carlo Masciocchi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche Applicate e biotecno-logiche Università degli studi di L'Aquila, Italy
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Patriarca L, D'Orazio F, Di Cesare E, Splendiani A. Vanishing pineal mass in a young patient without therapy: Case report and review of the literature. Neuroradiol J 2016; 29:303-6. [PMID: 27301457 DOI: 10.1177/1971400916655480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Spontaneous regression is defined as the decrease in size or disappearance of a primary tumour or metastatic disease without therapeutic intervention. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain was performed in a 14-year-old girl experiencing sudden-onset headaches. First diagnostic exams revealed a mass in the pineal region that disappeared at three-month MRI control. Three-year follow-up MRI studies were performed. No therapy was administered, but the pineal lesion had disappeared at three-year follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Patriarca
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Federico D'Orazio
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Ernesto Di Cesare
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Alessandra Splendiani
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy
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11
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Splendiani A, Felli V, Di Sibio A, Gennarelli A, Patriarca L, Stratta P, Di Cesare E, Rossi A, Massimo G. Magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance spectroscopy in a young male patient with anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis and uncommon cerebellar involvement: A case report with review of the literature. Neuroradiol J 2015; 29:30-5. [PMID: 26613928 DOI: 10.1177/1971400915609333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
We report a case of a 17-year-old man presenting with new onset psychiatric symptoms. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and proton magnetic resonance (MR) spectroscopy revealed some lesions in the right cerebellar hemisphere and ipsilateral cerebellar tonsil suggestive of encephalitis. An extensive workup was negative for both infectious and neoplastic diseases and he was afterward diagnosed with anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (anti-NMDAR) encephalitis. This disorder is an autoimmune encephalitis, highly lethal but curable, predominantly found in young female with ovarian teratoma. He received methylprednisolone. His clinical findings gradually improve and he made a complete recovery. Accordingly, repeated brain MRI and proton MR spectroscopy showed a gradual reduction of the lesions; MRI taken six months after starting therapy showed complete resolution of the lesions. Our case shows that, although rare, anti-NMDAR encephalitis should be considered also in young men for whom a rapid onset of psychiatric neurological disorders cannot be explained by more frequent causes. Our report underlines also the usefulness of MRI and proton MR spectroscopic findings in the diagnosis and follow-up of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Splendiani
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Valentina Felli
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Alessandra Di Sibio
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Antonio Gennarelli
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Lucia Patriarca
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Paolo Stratta
- Department of Mental Health, S. Salvatore Hospital, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Ernesto Di Cesare
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Alessandro Rossi
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Gallucci Massimo
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy
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12
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Splendiani A, Mariani S, Anselmi M, Catalucci A, Di Cesare E, Gallucci M. Neuromyelitis optica: atypical clinical and neuroradiological presentation. Neuroradiol J 2015; 28:42-5. [PMID: 25924171 DOI: 10.15274/nrj-2014-10118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The extreme variability of clinical and MRI findings in the suspicion of Devic's disease always requires the detection of specific antibodies (AQP4). MRI scans were performed with a high-field MRI scanner (1.5T General Electric Signa Horizon): the MRI protocol of the brain employed axial DP, T2, T1, FLAIR and DWI weighted images (wi) and coronal T2-wi. After intravenous administration of contrast medium axial and sagittal T1-weighted images of the brain were repeated. The spine protocol employed after contrast medium included sagittal T2-wi, T2-wi with fat suppression and T1-wi. In May 2004, a 64-year-old healthy Caucasian woman began to suffer loss of motor and thermal sensitivity in the left lower limb. MRI showed non-specific areas of abnormal signal intensity on the deep left frontal and right frontoparietal white matter with no pathological enhancement after contrast medium and a small intramedullary area of altered signal at metameric level C2-C4 with a diagnosis of post-viral transverse myelitis. The patient had two similar episodes years later so the neurologist decided to search for circulating IgG AQP4 with the definitive diagnosis of neuromyelitis optica. In this case, compared to a clinical presentation of atypical deficit neurological involvement, the neuroradiological results of a progressive diffuse involvement of the white matter were atypical.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Splendiani
- Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences Department, University of L'Aquila, S. Salvatore Hospital; L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Silvia Mariani
- Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences Department, University of L'Aquila, S. Salvatore Hospital; L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Monica Anselmi
- Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences Department, University of L'Aquila, S. Salvatore Hospital; L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Alessia Catalucci
- Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences Department, University of L'Aquila, S. Salvatore Hospital; L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Ernesto Di Cesare
- Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences Department, University of L'Aquila, S. Salvatore Hospital; L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Massimo Gallucci
- Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences Department, University of L'Aquila, S. Salvatore Hospital; L'Aquila, Italy
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13
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Marsecano C, Perri M, Michelini G, Varrassi M, Splendiani A, di Cesare E, Masciocchi C, Gallucci M. Vascular malformation mimicking multiple sclerosis active plaque: Usefulness of susceptibility weighted imaging (SWI) to perform correct diagnosis. Neuroradiol J 2015; 28:488-92. [PMID: 26450102 PMCID: PMC4757214 DOI: 10.1177/1971400915609337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain focal hyperdensity areas are common findings in computed tomography examinations, often further evaluated in magnetic resonance imaging exams. These are usually haemosiderin and calcified perivascular clusters known as cerebral microbleeds and may be secondary signs of brain disorders. Cerebral microbleeds are paramagnetic and ferromagnetic substances determining magnetic field inhomogeneity. Susceptibility weighted imaging (SWI) performed at 3T with phase post-processing is very useful in evaluating this field variation. In fact in the past decade SWI has been increasingly reported for its clinical value in adults with neurologic disorders, traumas, arterial venous malformations, occult venous diseases, tumours and functional brain imaging. The occasional computed tomography findings of single or multiple focal hyperdense areas can mimic many of these brain disorders and lead to misinterpretations. For these reason it is useful to have a more detailed diagnosis with MRI brain examination. The authors highlight the role of SWI sequence in the differential diagnosis among active plaque, vascular malformation and haemorrhagic lesion in a case report of a 41-year-old woman suffering from multiple sclerosis with a focal hyperdense area reported in a computed tomography brain examination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Marsecano
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Science, Division of Radiology, University of L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Marco Perri
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Science, Division of Radiology, University of L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Giulia Michelini
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Science, Division of Radiology, University of L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Marco Varrassi
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Science, Division of Neuroradiology, University of L'Aquila. Italy
| | - Alessandra Splendiani
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Science, Division of Neuroradiology, University of L'Aquila. Italy
| | - Ernesto di Cesare
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Science, Division of Radiology, University of L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Carlo Masciocchi
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Science, Division of Radiology, University of L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Massimo Gallucci
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Science, Division of Neuroradiology, University of L'Aquila. Italy
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Abstract
Stroke is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in children and long-term neurological deficits. Although cerebrovascular disorders occur less often in children than in adults, recognition of stroke in children has probably increased because of the widespread application of noninvasive diagnostic studies such as magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography.Computed tomography (CT) should be the first imaging choice in the emergency setting when stroke is suspected. It will show the presence of hemorrhage (eg, bleeding from arteriovenous malformation). It is often normal within the first hours in arterial ischemic stroke. As in adults, magnetic resonance imaging is the neuroimaging modality to confirm the clinical diagnosis of ischemic stroke. In children, however, magnetic resonance imaging requires sedation and may not be as readily available as CT. Perfusion imaging demonstrates flow within the brain and can detect areas that are at risk of ischemia; however, further studies in the pediatric population need to be validated for this technique in children. Angiography detects arterial disease (eg, aneurysm); however, its use has been largely superseded by better magnetic resonance angiography, which is sensitive enough to visualize lesions in the proximal anterior cerebral artery, middle cerebral artery, and distal internal carotid artery (ICA). Magnetic resonance imaging using diffusion- weighted imaging is the most versatile and sensitive imaging technique for identifying ischemic lesions. In the future, we need to identify the pediatric patient presenting to the emergency department with an acute stroke and develop a pathway for the use of particular imaging techniques (eg, CT vs magnetic resonance imaging).
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15
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Lanni G, Catalucci A, Conti L, Di Sibio A, Paonessa A, Gallucci M. Pediatric stroke: clinical findings and radiological approach. Stroke Res Treat 2011; 2011:172168. [PMID: 21603166 PMCID: PMC3095895 DOI: 10.4061/2011/172168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2010] [Accepted: 02/16/2011] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper focuses on radiological approach in pediatric stroke including both ischemic stroke (Arterial Ischemic Stroke and Cerebral Sinovenous Thrombosis) and hemorrhagic stroke. Etiopathology and main clinical findings are examined as well. Magnetic Resonance Imaging could be considered as the first-choice diagnostic exam, offering a complete diagnostic set of information both in the discrimination between ischemic/hemorrhagic stroke and in the identification of underlying causes. In addition, Magnetic Resonance vascular techniques supply further information about cerebral arterial and venous circulation. Computed Tomography, for its limits and radiation exposure, should be used only when Magnetic Resonance is not available and on unstable patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Lanni
- Department of Neuroradiology, S.Salvatore Hospital, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio, Coppito, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
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