Status epilepticus in BRAF-related cardio-facio-cutaneous syndrome: Focus on neuroimaging clues to physiopathology

OBJECTIVE

Cardio-facio-cutaneous syndrome (CFC) is a genetic disorder due to variants affecting genes coding key proteins of the Ras/MAPK signaling pathway. Among the different features of CFC, neurological involvement, including cerebral malformations and epilepsy, represents a common and clinically relevant aspect. Status epilepticus (SE) is a recurrent feature, especially in a specific subgroup of CFC patients with developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (DEE) and history of severe pharmacoresistant epilepsy. Here we dissect the features of SE in CFC patients with a particular focus on longitudinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings to identify clinical-radiological patterns and discuss the underlying physiopathology.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed clinical, electroencephalogram (EEG), and MRI data collected in a single center from a cohort of 23 patients with CFC carrying pathogenic BRAF variants who experienced SE during a 5-year period.

RESULTS

Seven episodes of SE were documented in 5 CFC patients who underwent EEG and MRI at baseline. MRI was performed during SE/within 72 hours from SE termination in 5/7 events. Acute/early post-ictal MRI findings showed heterogenous abnormalities: restricted diffusion in 2/7, focal area of pcASL perfusion change in 2/7, focal cortical T2/FLAIR hyperintensity in 2/7. Follow-up images were available for 4/7 SE. No acute changes were detected in 2/7 (MRI performed 4 days after SE termination).

SIGNIFICANCE

Acute focal neuroimaging changes concomitant with ictal EEG focus were present in 5/7 episodes, though with different findings. The heterogeneous patterns suggest different contributing factors, possibly including the presence of focal cortical malformations and autoinflammation. When cytotoxic edema is revealed by MRI, it can be followed by permanent structural damage, as already observed in other genetic conditions. A better understanding of the physiopathology will provide access to targeted treatments allowing to prevent long-term adverse neurological outcome.

PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY

Cardio-facio-cutaneous syndrome is a genetic disorder that often causes prolonged seizures known as status epilepticus. This study has a focus on electroclinical and neuroimaging patterns in patients with cardio-facio-cutaneous syndrome. During these status epilepticus episodes, we found different abnormal brain imaging patterns in patients, indicating various causes like brain malformations and inflammation. Understanding these patterns could help doctors find specific treatments, protecting cardio-facio-cutaneous syndrome patients from long-term brain damage.

pCO2 values in asphyxiated infants under therapeutic hypothermia after tailored respiratory management: a retrospective cohort study

Background

Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) represents one of the major causes of neonatal death and long-term neurological disability. Both hypoxic-ischemic insults and therapeutic hypothermia (TH) can affect respiratory function. Currently, there is no evidence regarding optimal respiratory management in these infants.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study examining newborns with HIE treated with TH between January 2015 and September 2020. The study population was divided into two groups based on different respiratory assistance during TH: spontaneous breathing (Group A) or mechanical ventilation (Group B). The primary outcome of the study was the mean pCO2 ± SD evaluation during TH in ventilated and non-ventilated asphyxiated infants. The secondary outcome was the correlation between ventilation strategy and short-term neurologic outcome according to Rutherford et al.'s MRI scoring system.

Results

A total of 126 newborns were enrolled, 75 in Group A and 51 in Group B. Respiratory management was individualized, and volume guarantee (VG) ventilation was the first choice for ventilated infants. Group B infants showed more severe conditions at birth. During TH, ventilated infants showed optimal mean pCO2 comparable with those breathing spontaneously (40.6 mmHg vs. 42.3 mmHg, respectively, p 0.091), with no significant difference in pCO2 standard deviation between (7.7 mmHg vs. 8.1 mmHg, respectively, p 0.522). Mean pH, pH standard deviation, mean pO2, pO2 standard deviation, and mean respiratory rate also did not differ between groups. MRI patterns of brain injury predictive of abnormal neurodevelopmental outcomes were similar in both groups. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that only umbilical cord arterial blood pH-affected MRI lesions were associated with poor neurodevelopmental outcomes (OR 1.505; CI 95% 1.069-2.117).

Conclusions

Infants cooled after HIE should receive individualized respiratory management, not necessarily involving intubation. In those infants requiring mechanical ventilation, a volume-targeted strategy appeared to be effective in maintaining stable blood gas levels. Short-term neurological outcomes appeared comparable in ventilated and non-ventilated infants.

Central nervous system involvement in two siblings affected by hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis 30 years after liver transplantation: a model for gene-silencing therapies

Hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTRv) is a genetic, autosomal dominant, severe disease characterized by progressive sensory-motor polyneuropathy, cardiomyopathy, dysautonomia, renal and eyes involvement, provoked by the deposition of the mutated and unstable transthyretin protein. In past decades, liver transplant, avoiding the synthesis of the pathologic protein, has been a good, even if not resolutive, treatment. In this report we describe two siblings affected with ATTRv, who developed first symptoms of disease at a young age and underwent a liver transplant with prompt resolution of clinical manifestations. After several years, central nervous system and eyes symptoms relapsed despite treatment, considering that the synthesis of mutated protein continues in choroid plexus, a locum where current therapies are unable to act. In our opinion, these cases represent a long-term prognostic model for the novel gene-silencers approved for ATTRv, because they share a similar therapeutic effect with liver transplant: the block of mutated protein synthesis limited only in the main transthyretin (TTR) production organ is able to prevent the progression of disease only for some years, but not to avoid long-term clinical worsening due to extra-hepatic production of TTR. Novel future therapeutic strategies are demanded to guarantee a better long-term stabilization of symptomatology.

Technical note-in situ laminotomy: preserving posterior tension band in surgery of pediatric multilevel spinal tumor

BACKGROUND

Laminotomy has been introduced in surgical practice to reduce complications of laminectomy after surgery of tumors in the spinal canal. However, the posterior ligament complex, which is routinely interrupted to remove the laminoplasty segment and gain access to the spinal canal, has a tendency not to heal and can lead to progressive kyphosis and collapse.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 5-month-old boy affected by a thoracolumbar extradural tumor extending along seven spinal levels was operated on. The tumor was exposed and completely resected by a one-piece laminotomy with preservation of the integrity of the posterior tension band at both extremities. After 1-year radiological examination ruled out spinal deformity.

CONCLUSION

The technique herein presented, which we named in situ laminotomy, allows to fully preserve the posterior tension band without reducing the exposure of the spinal canal in multilevel tumors. Additionally, the technique makes also the reconstruction of the spine elements very easy and rapid. However, longer follow-up is necessary to prove the effectiveness of this procedure in preventing long-term deformity and instability.

Further case of enlarged spinal nerve roots in KRAS-related Noonan syndrome

Noonan syndrome (NS) belongs to RASopathies, a family of disorders caused by unregulated signaling through the RAS-MAPK pathway. Herein, we report on an individual with molecularly confirmed diagnosis of NS showing asymptomatic enlarged spinal nerve roots, which are distinctive features of neurofibromatosis type 1. To date, a total of 16 patients with neurogenic tumors resembling neurofibromas/schwannomas and a molecularly confirmed diagnosis of a non-NF1 RASopathy have been reported, adding this further feature shared among RASopathies.

Atypical Teratoid Rhabdoid Tumor: Proposal of a Diagnostic Pathway Based on Clinical Features and Neuroimaging Findings

PURPOSE

To assess the main imaging and clinical features in adult- and pediatric-onset atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor (ATRT) in order to build a predefined pathway useful for the diagnosis.

METHODS

We enrolled 11 ATRT patients (10 children, one adult) and we conducted a literature search on PubMed Central using the key terms "adult" or "pediatric" and "atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor". We collected clinical and neuroradiological data reported in previous studies and combined them with those from our case series. A three step process was built to reach diagnosis by identifying the main distinctive clinical and imaging features.

RESULTS

Clinical evaluation: neurological symptoms were nonspecific. ATRT was more frequent in children under 3 years of age (7 out of 10 children) and infratentorial localization was reported more frequently in children under the age of 24 months. Midline/off-midline localization was influenced by the age.

IMAGING FINDINGS

Preferential location near the ventricles and liquor spaces and the presence of eccentric cysts were hallmark for ATRT; higher frequency of peripheral cysts was detected in children and in the supratentorial compartment (five out of eight patients with solid-cystic ATRT). Leptomeningeal dissemination at diagnosis was common (5 out of 10 children), while intratumoral hemorrhage, calcifications, and high cellularity were non-specific findings. Histopathological analysis: specific immunohistochemical markers were essential to confirm the diagnosis.

CONCLUSION

In younger children, a bulky, heterogeneous mass with eccentric cystic components and development near ventricles or cisternal spaces may be suggestive of ATRT. ATRT diagnosis is more challenging in adults and relies exclusively on neuropathological examination.

Pediatric low-grade glioma and neurofibromatosis type 1: A single-institution experience

Background

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1)-related gliomas appear to have a clinical behavior different from that of sporadic cases. The purpose of the study was to investigate the role of different factors in influencing the tumor response rate of children receiving chemotherapy for their symptomatic glioma.

Methods

Between 1995 and 2015, 60 patients with low-grade glioma (42 sporadic cases and 18 cases with NF1) were treated. Patients with brainstem gliomas were excluded. Thirty-nine patients underwent exclusive or postsurgical chemotherapy (vincristine/carboplatin-based regimen).

Results

Disease reduction was achieved in 12 of the 28 patients (42.8%) with sporadic low-grade glioma and in 9 of the 11 patients (81.8%) with NF1, with a significant difference between the 2 groups (P < 0.05). The response to chemotherapy in both the patient groups was not significantly influenced by sex, age, tumor site, and histopathology, although disease reduction occurred more frequently in children aged under 3 years.

Conclusions

Our study showed that pediatric patients with low-grade glioma and NF1 are more likely to respond to chemotherapy than those with non-NF1.

Muscle-MRI and Functional Levels for the Evaluation of Upper Limbs in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: A Critical Review of the Literature

Many qualitative and quantitative Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) techniques have been applied to evaluate muscle fat degeneration in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) subjects, but only few studies have focused on the upper limbs. We reviewed the literature in order to evaluate the association between muscle MRI findings and motor function levels in the upper limbs of DMD patients. Ten studies with upper limb muscle MRI data were available. Four explored all upper limb segments, while six explored only the forearm. Functional assessments were performed in nine of the ten studies. All of the studies showed a significant correlation between muscle MRI changes and motor function levels in both ambulant and non-ambulant DMD patients.

Cortical Thickness and Clinical Findings in Prescholar Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

The term autism spectrum disorder (ASD) includes a wide variability of clinical presentation, and this clinical heterogeneity seems to reflect a still unclear multifactorial etiopathogenesis, encompassing different genetic risk factors and susceptibility to environmental factors. Several studies and many theories recognize as mechanisms of autism a disruption of brain development and maturation time course, suggesting the existence of common neurobiological substrates, such as defective synaptic structure and aberrant brain connectivity. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) plays an important role in both assessment of region-specific structural changes and quantification of specific alterations in gray or white matter, which could lead to the identification of an MRI biomarker. In this study, we performed measurement of cortical thickness in a selected well-known group of preschool ASD subjects with the aim of finding correlation between cortical metrics and clinical scores to understand the underlying mechanism of symptoms and to support early clinical diagnosis. Our results confirm that recent brain MRI techniques combined with clinical data can provide some useful information in defining the cerebral regions involved in ASD although large sample studies with homogeneous analytical and multisite approaches are needed.

Longitudinal Motor Functional Outcomes and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Patterns of Muscle Involvement in Upper Limbs in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Background and Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate longitudinal changes using both upper limb muscle Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) at shoulder, arm and forearm levels and Performance of upper limb (PUL) in ambulant and non-ambulant Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) patients. We also wished to define whether baseline muscle MRI could help to predict functional changes after one year. Materials and Methods: Twenty-seven patients had both baseline and 12month muscle MRI and PUL assessments one year later. Results: Ten were ambulant (age range 5–16 years), and 17 non ambulant (age range 10–30 years). Increased abnormalities equal or more than 1.5 point on muscle MRI at follow up were found on all domains: at shoulder level 12/27 patients (44%), at arm level 4/27 (15%) and at forearm level 6/27 (22%). Lower follow up PUL score were found in 8/27 patients (30%) at shoulder level, in 9/27 patients (33%) at mid-level whereas no functional changes were found at distal level. There was no constant association between baseline MRI scores and follow up PUL scores at arm and forearm levels but at shoulder level patients with moderate impairment on the baseline MRI scores between 16 and 34 had the highest risk of decreased function on PUL over a year. Conclusions: Our results confirmed that the integrated use of functional scales and imaging can help to monitor functional and MRI changes over time.

Color-coded multiphase computed tomography angiography may predict outcome in anterior circulation acute ischemic stroke

PURPOSE

To evaluate whether arterial and venous color-coded mCTA score may predict clinical outcome in anterior circulation acute ischemic stroke.

METHODS

Consecutive patients referred to the emergency department with anterior circulation acute ischemic stroke (AIS) were retrospectively reviewed at our center. All patients underwent multimodal brain computed tomography (CT) imaging, including non-contrast CT (NCCT) and multiphase computed tomography angiography (mCTA). Baseline collateral scores of color-coded mCTA, also known as ColorViz, and conventional mCTA were recorded. mCTA was assessed by a 6-point scale whereas color-coded mCTA was assessed by a 3-point scale. In the Color-coded maps, a different color is assigned to intracranial vessels based on the arrival time of the contrast medium and on a per-person adaptive threshold technique. We compared the radiological and clinical features of a group of patients who reached independency (defined as modified Rankin Scale score ≤ 2) with those of patients who did not. A multivariate logistic regression model was then used to assess the potential of color-coded mCTA scores to predict patients' outcome after AIS.

RESULTS

A total of 86 patients (36 M, 50 F) were enrolled in the study. Multivariate logistic regression showed that score 3 at Color-coded mCTA was a good predictor of favorable outcome (p = 0.003). Moreover, NIHSS at onset (p = 0.004) and discharge (p < 0.001) along with ischemic core area (p = 0.011) were significant predictors of favorable prognosis.

CONCLUSION

our data confirm that ColorViz is a useful and easily understandable neuroimaging tool that might have a predictive role in assessing the outcome of anterior circulation acute ischemic stroke patients regardless of revascularization therapy.

Epilepsy and BRAF Mutations: Phenotypes, Natural History and Genotype-Phenotype Correlations

OBJECTIVE

Cardiofaciocutaneous syndrome (CFCS) is a rare developmental disorder caused by upregulated signaling through the RAS-mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, mostly resulting from de novo activating BRAF mutations. Children with CFCS are prone to epilepsy, which is a major life-threatening complication. The aim of our study was to define the natural history of epilepsy in this syndrome and exploring genotype-phenotype correlations.

METHODS

We performed an observational study, including 34 patients with molecularly confirmed diagnosis (11 males, mean age: 15.8 years). The mean follow-up period was 9.2 years. For all patients, we performed neurological examination, cognitive assessment when possible, neuroimaging, electrophysiological assessment and systematic assessment of epilepsy features. Correlation analyses were performed, taking into account gender, age of seizure onset, EEG features, degree of cognitive deficits, type of mutation, presence of non-epileptic paroxysmal events and neuroimaging features.

RESULTS

Epilepsy was documented in 64% of cases, a higher prevalence compared to previous reports. Patients were classified into three groups based on their electroclinical features, long-term outcome and response to therapy. A genotype-phenotype correlation linking the presence/severity of epilepsy to the nature of the structural/functional consequences of mutations was observed, providing a stratification based on genotype to improve the clinical management of these patients.

ColorViz, a New and Rapid Tool for Assessing Collateral Circulation during Stroke

Prognosis of patients with acute ischemic stroke is strictly related to the patency and prominence of the collateral leptomeningeal pathways distal to the arterial occlusion. The gold standard for assessment of collateral circulation is conventional angiography, but it is invasive and used in selected cases. To date, the most reliable technique is multiphase CTA; currently, the available classifications of collateral circles are often complex, time-consuming, and require a trained observer. The purpose of our work is to establish the effectiveness of a new semi-automatic post-processing software (ColorViz FastStroke, GE Healthcare, Milwaukee, Wisconsin) in evaluation of collateral circulation compared to the six-point classifications of multiphase CTA already validated in literature. We selected 86 patients with anterior ischemic stroke symptoms who underwent multiphasic CTA in our emergency department. Two radiologists separately evaluated the collateral leptomeningeal vessels, analyzing respectively, the multiphase CTA (using the six-point scale and its trichotomized form) and ColorViz (using a three-point scale). Then the results were matched. We found a good correlation between the two different analyses; the main advantage of ColorViz is that, while maintaining fast diagnostic times, it allows a simpler and more immediate evaluation of collateral circulation, especially for less experienced radiologists.

Spinal cord demyelination in children: A diagnostic challenge in neuropaediatrics for a good outcome

BACKGROUND

Biotinidase deficiency (BTD) is an autosomal recessive inborn error of metabolism provoking progressive biotin depletion, which causes, in turn, multiple carboxylase deficiency. Its infantile onset is characterized by intractable seizures associated with lethargy, psychomotor regression, hypotonia, feeding and respiratory problems, and cutaneous abnormalities.

CASE DESCRIPTION

We describe a 52-month-old female whose clinical and neuroradiological pictures were consistent with myelopathy, which is generally more frequent in older patients, as well as with symptoms of an infantile onset of biotinidase deficiency, revealed at 17 months.

RESULTS

A biochemical biotinidase test revealed a profound deficiency of biotinidase detecting a 10% residual enzymatic activity, which led to the diagnosis of BTD. Gene sequencing revealed a compound heterozigous mutation (c.454A > C/c.1612C > T).

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that even if myelopathy is uncommonly reported in BTD, and generally occurs in older children, its presence in childhood-onset floppiness should always be considered as a possible marker for an atypical presentation of BTD. Although, until recently, BTD myelopathy was believed to be prevalent in older children, a spinal cord involvement has also been described in at least nine cases in early infancy. Thus, another early diagnosis suggests that myelopathy may be more frequent than previously thought, and it is probably underdiagnosed because spinal MRI is not always routinely performed on these children. Early recognition of BTD disease is important as it would lead to prompt treatment, preventing irreversible brain damage and increasing the chances of complete recovery.

Functional levels and MRI patterns of muscle involvement in upper limbs in Duchenne muscular dystrophy

The aim of the study was to evaluate the spectrum of upper limb functional activities and imaging finding in a cohort of patients affected by Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Thirty-one patients of age between 5 and 29 years were included in the study (17 ambulant and 14 non-ambulant). They were all assessed using the Performance of Upper Limb (PUL) test and muscle MRI of shoulder, arm and forearm in order to establish if the functional scores obtained at shoulder, mid and distal level related to specific patterns of involvement in each upper limb segment on muscle MRI. At shoulder level, latissimus dorsi, serratus anterior, infraspinatus and subscapularis were always involved, even in patients with full functional scores at shoulder level. Diffuse and severe involvement of all muscles was found in the patients with a PUL shoulder functional score of ≤ 5. At arm level biceps brachii, brachialis and triceps were generally concordantly involved or spared. Some degree of involvement could already be detected in patients with reduced scores on the PUL mid domain. They were generally severely involved in patients with functional scores less than 6 at mid-level. At distal level supinator and pronator muscles were often involved, followed by brachioradialis and, less frequently, by the muscles of the flexor compartment. The extensor muscles were generally completely spared. A diffuse and severe involvement was found only in patients who had very low scores (8 or below) on the PUL distal domain. The integrated use of functional scales and imaging allowed to establish patterns of involvement at each level, and the functional scores that were more frequently associated with diffuse and severe involvement.

MR imaging of brain pilocytic astrocytoma: beyond the stereotype of benign astrocytoma

BACKGROUND

Pilocytic astrocytoma (PA) is the most common pediatric brain glioma and is considered the prototype of benign circumscribed astrocytoma. Despite its low malignancy, the CT and MRI features of brain PA may resemble those of much more aggressive brain tumors. Misdiagnosis of PA is particularly easy when it demonstrates MR morphological and non-morphological findings that are inconsistent with its non-aggressive nature and that overlap with the features of more aggressive brain tumors.

METHOD

Basing on the evidence that the variation in the histological, genetic, and metabolic "fingerprint" for brain PA is dependent on tumor location, and the hypothesis that tumor location is related to the broad spectrum of morphological and non-morphological MR imaging findings, the authors discuss the MR imaging appearance of brain PA using a location-based approach to underline the typical and less typical imaging features and the main differential diagnosis of brain PA. A brief summary of the main pathological and clinical features, the natural history, and the treatment of brain PA is also provided.

RESULT

A combination of morphological and non-morphological MR imaging features and a site-based approach to differential diagnosis are required for a pre-operative diagnosis. The new "cutting-edge" MR imaging sequences have the potential to impact the ease and confidence of pediatric brain tumor interpretation and offer a more efficient diagnostic work-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the typical imaging features of brain pilocytic astrocytoma make radiological diagnosis relatively easy, an atypical and more aggressive appearance can lead to misdiagnosis. Knowing the broad spectrum of imaging characteristics on conventional and advanced MR imaging is important for accurate pre-operative radiological diagnosis and correctly interpreting changes during follow-up.

Advanced MR imaging in hemispheric low-grade gliomas before surgery; the indications and limits in the pediatric age

INTRODUCTION

Advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques is an umbrella term that includes diffusion (DWI) and diffusion tensor (DTI), perfusion (PWI), spectroscopy (MRS), and functional (fMRI) imaging. These advanced modalities have improved the imaging of brain tumors and provided valuable additional information for treatment planning. Despite abundant literature on advanced MRI techniques in adult brain tumors, few reports exist for pediatric brain ones, potentially because of technical challenges.

REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

The authors review techniques and clinical applications of DWI, PWI, MRS, and fMRI, in the setting of pediatric hemispheric low-grade gliomas.

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE

The authors propose their personal experience to highlight benefits and limits of advanced MR imaging in diagnosis, grading, and presurgical planning of pediatric hemispheric low-grade gliomas.

DISCUSSION

Advanced techniques should be used as complementary tools to conventional MRI, and in theory, the combined use of the three techniques should ensure achieving the best results in the diagnosis of hemispheric low-grade glioma and in presurgical planning to maximize tumor resection and preserve brain function.

FUTURE PERSPECTIVES

In the setting of pediatric neurooncology, these techniques can be used to distinguish low-grade from high-grade tumor. However, these methods have to be applied on a large scale to understand their real potential and clinical relapse, and further technical development is required to reduce the excessive scan times and other technical limitations.

Hemimegalencephaly associated with congenital infiltrating lipomatosis of the face: a case report

Hemimegalencephaly (HME) is a rare congenital malformation of the brain, grossly characterized by enlargement and overdevelopment of one cerebral hemisphere. We describe a 16-month-old patient with facial asymmetry caused by congenital infiltrating lipomatosis of the face (CILF) associated with ipsilateral HME. Although HME has been described as part of different syndromic diseases, the association of HME with CILF has been rarely reported. Our case and literature review suggest that when the diagnosis of CILF is suspected or established, the possible presence of associated HME has to be considered and a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) must be performed even in absence of neurological features, not always present in early stages. MRI also demonstrates the involvement of intracranial structures outside the affected cerebral hemisphere, such as brain stem, cerebellum, cranial nerves, and blood vessels. In our patient, computed tomography of the brain provided detailed information on osseous hypertrophy and skull-base foramina enlargement.

Three-dimensional rotational angiography for craniotomy planning and postintervention evaluation of intracranial aneurysms

PURPOSE

The authors evaluated the usefulness of three-dimensional rotational angiography (3DRA) in surgical planning and postoperative evaluation of cerebral aneurysms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 111 consecutive aneurysms in 100 patients (32 emergency referrals due to haemorrhage) were evaluated with 3DRA over a period of 3 years. The rotational study was always performed with a single injection of 20 cc of contrast agent in the afferent vessel after diagnostic cerebral angiography in the two orthogonal projections. Three-dimensional reconstructions were obtained for the pre- and postoperative assessment.

RESULTS

Three-dimensional RA provides a virtual view of the surgical field with the same orientation required for the surgical approach and, compared with surgical findings, reliably defined location, orientation, morphology and relationship with parent vessels of the aneurysm in all cases. Postoperatively, it allowed better assessment of any residual lesion and of the relationship between surgical clips and parent vessels, compared with standard 2D angiography.

CONCLUSIONS

3DRA is a reliable method for preliminary assessment of cerebral aneurysms undergoing surgery. It provides multiple projections with a preview of the surgical field and study of lesion characteristics, which can help achieve faster and safer surgery. Compared with 2D angiography, the 3D model, with its multiple views, allows better assessment of postoperative outcomes. The method also significantly reduces the number of angiographic projections and therefore radiation and contrast-medium dose to the patient.

Interventional spinal procedures guided and controlled by a 3D rotational angiographic unit

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this paper is to demonstrate the usefulness of 2D multiplanar reformatting images (MPR) obtained from rotational acquisitions with cone-beam computed tomography technology during percutaneous extra-vascular spinal procedures performed in the angiography suite.

METHODS

We used a 3D rotational angiographic unit with a flat panel detector. MPR images were obtained from a rotational acquisition of 8 s (240 images at 30 fps), tube rotation of 180° and after post-processing of 5 s by a local work-station. Multislice CT (MSCT) is the best guidance system for spinal approaches permitting direct tomographic visualization of each spinal structure. Many operators, however, are trained with fluoroscopy, it is less expensive, allows real-time guidance, and in many centers the angiography suite is more frequently available for percutaneous procedures. We present our 6-year experience in fluoroscopy-guided spinal procedures, which were performed under different conditions using MPR images. We illustrate cases of vertebroplasty, epidural injections, selective foraminal nerve root block, facet block, percutaneous treatment of disc herniation and spine biopsy, all performed with the help of MPR images for guidance and control in the event of difficult or anatomically complex access.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

The integrated use of "CT-like" MPR images allows the execution of spinal procedures under fluoroscopy guidance alone in all cases of dorso-lumbar access, with evident limitation of risks and complications, and without need for recourse to MSCT guidance, thus eliminating CT-room time (often bearing high diagnostic charges), and avoiding organizational problems for procedures that need, for example, combined use of a C-arm in the CT room.