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Andrijauskis D, Woolf G, Kuehne A, Al-Dasuqi K, Silva CT, Payabvash S, Malhotra A. Utility of Gadolinium-Based Contrast in Initial Evaluation of Seizures in Children Presenting Emergently. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2023; 44:1208-1211. [PMID: 37652579 PMCID: PMC10549952 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a7976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The frequency and utility of gadolinium in evaluation of acute pediatric seizure presentation is not well known. The purpose of this study was to assess the utility of gadolinium-based contrast agents in MR imaging performed for the evaluation of acute pediatric seizure presentation. MATERIALS AND METHODS We identified consecutive pediatric patients with new-onset seizures from October 1, 2016, to September 30, 2021, who presented to the emergency department and/or were admitted to the inpatient unit and had an MR imaging of the brain for the evaluation of seizures. The clinical and imaging data were recorded, including the patient's age and sex, the use of IV gadolinium, and the underlying cause of epilepsy when available. RESULTS A total of 1884 patients were identified for inclusion. Five hundred twenty-four (28%) patients had potential epileptogenic findings on brain MR imaging, while 1153 (61%) patients had studies with normal findings and 207 (11%) patients had nonspecific signal changes. Epileptogenic findings were subclassified as the following: neurodevelopmental lesions, 142 (27%); intracranial hemorrhage (traumatic or germinal matrix), 89 (17%); ischemic/hypoxic, 62 (12%); hippocampal sclerosis, 44 (8%); neoplastic, 38 (7%); immune/infectious, 20 (4%); phakomatoses, 19 (4%); vascular anomalies, 17 (3%); metabolic, 3 (<1%); and other, 90 (17%). Eight hundred seventy-four (46%) patients received IV gadolinium. Of those, only 48 (5%) cases were retrospectively deemed to have necessitated the use of IV gadolinium: Fifteen of 48 (31%) cases were subclassified as immune/infectious, while 33 (69%) were neoplastic. Of the 1010 patients with an initial noncontrast study, 15 (1.5%) required repeat MR imaging with IV contrast to further evaluate the findings. CONCLUSIONS Gadolinium contrast is of limited additive benefit in the imaging of patients with an acute onset of pediatric seizures in most instances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denas Andrijauskis
- From the Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Graham Woolf
- From the Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Alexander Kuehne
- From the Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Khalid Al-Dasuqi
- From the Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Cicero T Silva
- From the Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Seyedmehdi Payabvash
- From the Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Ajay Malhotra
- From the Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
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2
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Yoganathan K, Malek N, Torzillo E, Paranathala M, Greene J. Neurological update: structural and functional imaging in epilepsy surgery. J Neurol 2023; 270:2798-2808. [PMID: 36792721 PMCID: PMC10130132 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-023-11619-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
Structural and functional imaging prior to surgery in drug-resistant focal epilepsy, has an important role to play alongside electroencephalography (EEG) techniques, in planning the surgical approach and predicting post-operative outcome. This paper reviews the role of structural and functional imaging of the brain, namely computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), functional MRI (fMRI), single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and positron emission tomography (PET) imaging in the preoperative work-up of people with medically refractory epilepsy. In MRI-negative patients, the precise localisation of the epileptogenic zone may be established by demonstrating hypometabolism on PET imaging or hyperperfusion on SPECT imaging in the area surrounding the seizure focus. These imaging modalities are far less invasive than intracranial EEG, which is the gold standard but requires surgical placement of electrodes or recording grids. Even when intracranial EEG is needed, PET or SPECT imaging can assist in the planning of EEG electrode placement, due to its' limited spatial sampling. Multimodal imaging techniques now allow the multidisciplinary epilepsy surgery team to identify and better characterise focal pathology, determine its' relationship to eloquent areas of the brain and the degree of interconnectedness within both physiological and pathological networks, as well as improve planning and surgical outcomes for patients. This paper will update the reader on this whole field and provide them with a practical guide, to aid them in the selection of appropriate investigations, interpretation of the findings and facilitating patient discussions in individuals with drug-resistant focal epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie Yoganathan
- University of Oxford and Oxford University Hospitals, Oxford, UK. .,Department of Neurology, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, UK.
| | - Naveed Malek
- Department of Neurology, Queen's Hospital, Romford, UK
| | - Emma Torzillo
- Department of Neurology, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, UK
| | | | - John Greene
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Neurological Sciences, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow, UK
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Practices of pediatric emergency physicians on the first febrile and afebrile seizures: a research in European Pediatric Emergency Medicine Survey Study. Eur J Emerg Med 2022; 29:455-457. [DOI: 10.1097/mej.0000000000000957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Rath TJ, Policeni B, Juliano AF, Agarwal M, Block AM, Burns J, Conley DB, Crowley RW, Dubey P, Friedman ER, Gule-Monroe MK, Hagiwara M, Hunt CH, Jain V, Powers WJ, Rosenow JM, Taheri MR, DuChene Thoma K, Zander D, Corey AS. ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Cranial Neuropathy: 2022 Update. J Am Coll Radiol 2022; 19:S266-S303. [PMID: 36436957 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacr.2022.09.021] [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: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Cranial neuropathy can result from pathology affecting the nerve fibers at any point and requires imaging of the entire course of the nerve from its nucleus to the end organ in order to identify a cause. MRI with and without intravenous contrast is often the modality of choice with CT playing a complementary role. The ACR Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision process support the systematic analysis of the medical literature from peer-reviewed journals. Established methodology principles such as Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE are adapted to evaluate the evidence. The RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method User Manual provides the methodology to determine the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances in which peer-reviewed literature is lacking or equivocal, experts may be the primary evidentiary source available to formulate a recommendation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanya J Rath
- Division Chair of Neuroradiology, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Phoenix, Arizona.
| | - Bruno Policeni
- Panel Chair; Department of Radiology Vice-Chair, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa; President Iowa Radiological Society and ACR Councilor
| | - Amy F Juliano
- Panel Vice-Chair, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; NI-RADS committee chair
| | - Mohit Agarwal
- Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Fellowship Program Director
| | - Alec M Block
- Stritch School of Medicine Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, Illinois
| | - Judah Burns
- Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York; Vice-Chair for Education & Residency Program Director, Montefiore Medical Center; Vice-Chair, Subcommittee on Methodology
| | - David B Conley
- Practice Director, Northwestern ENT and Rhinology Fellowship Director, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois; and Member, American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
| | - R Webster Crowley
- Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois; Neurosurgery expert; Chief, Cerebrovascular and Endovascular Neurosurgery; Medical Director, Department of Neurosurgery; Surgical Director, Rush Comprehensive Stroke Center; Program Director, Endovascular Neurosurgery
| | | | - Elliott R Friedman
- University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas; Diagnostic Radiology Residency Program Director
| | - Maria K Gule-Monroe
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas; Medical Director of Diagnostic Imaging at Houston Area Location Woodlands
| | - Mari Hagiwara
- Neuroradiology Fellowship Program Director and Head and Neck Imaging Director, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, New York
| | | | - Vikas Jain
- MetroHealth Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio; Medical Director, Lumina Imaging
| | - William J Powers
- University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; American Academy of Neurology
| | - Joshua M Rosenow
- Neuroradiology Fellowship Program Director and Head and Neck Imaging Director, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - M Reza Taheri
- George Washington University Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia; Director of Neuroradiology
| | - Kate DuChene Thoma
- Director of Faculty Development Fellowship, University of Iowa Hospital, Iowa City, Iowa; Primary care physician
| | - David Zander
- Chief of Head and Neck Radiology, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, Colorado
| | - Amanda S Corey
- Specialty Chair, Atlanta VA Health Care System and Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
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Nelson KA, Thaker AA, Callen AL, Albach E, Timpone VM. New-onset seizures in adults: Low diagnostic yield of gadolinium contrast in initial brain MRI evaluation. J Neuroimaging 2021; 31:874-878. [PMID: 34110667 DOI: 10.1111/jon.12897] [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: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The diagnostic utility of contrast MR-imaging in adult new-onset seizures without clinically suspected neoplasia or infection is not well defined in the literature. Imaging guidelines consider both contrast and noncontrast MR-imaging examinations appropriate in this clinical scenario. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the utility of contrast MR-sequences in evaluation of seizure in patients without suspicion for neoplasia or infection. METHODS Imaging and clinical data were reviewed for 103 consecutive patients admitted for phase-1 seizure monitoring with the following criteria: (1) MRI-brain performed with/without intravenous contrast; (2) no clinical suspicion for central nervous system (CNS) infection; and (3) no history of CNS neoplasia, or suspected metastatic disease. Readers designated cases as lesional or nonlesional. Lesional cases were further categorized as either visualized on noncontrast sequences only, contrast sequences only, or both. RESULTS 29/103 (28%) patients had epileptogenic lesions, 74/103 (72%) were nonlesional studies. 29/29 (100%) lesional abnormalities were detected on noncontrast sequences (sensitivity 100% [95 confidence interval (CI): 88-100], specificity 100% [95 CI: 95-100]). 23/29 (79.3%) lesional cases were visualized on both noncontrast and postcontrast sequences. 6/29 (20.7%) were visualized only on noncontrast sequences. No lesional cases were detected exclusively on postcontrast MR sequences. With an observed nonlesional extraneous contrast MR-imaging rate of 72%, estimated excess cost of contrast MR-imaging per 1000 patients using Medicare data was $103,680 USD. CONCLUSIONS Contrast MR-imaging has limited diagnostic utility in initial screening of adult new-onset seizure patients without clinically suspected neoplasia or infection. More judicious use of contrast MR-imaging in this patient population may reduce unnecessary exposure to gadolinium and lower associated healthcare costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kylan A Nelson
- School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Ashesh A Thaker
- Department of Radiology, University of Colorado Hospital, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Andrew L Callen
- Department of Radiology, University of Colorado Hospital, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Erik Albach
- Department of Radiology, University of Colorado Hospital, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Vincent M Timpone
- Department of Radiology, University of Colorado Hospital, Aurora, Colorado, USA
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Kligerman SJ, Bykowski J, Hurwitz Koweek LM, Policeni B, Ghoshhajra BB, Brown MD, Davis AM, Dibble EH, Johnson TV, Khosa F, Ledbetter LN, Leung SW, Liebeskind DS, Litmanovich D, Maroules CD, Pannell JS, Powers WJ, Villines TC, Wang LL, Wann S, Corey AS, Abbara S. ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Syncope. J Am Coll Radiol 2021; 18:S229-S238. [PMID: 33958116 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacr.2021.02.021] [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: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Syncope and presyncope lead to well over one million emergency room visits in the United States each year. Elucidating the cause of syncope or presyncope, which are grouped together given similar etiologies and outcomes, can be exceedingly difficult given the diverse etiologies. This becomes more challenging as some causes, such as vasovagal syncope, are relatively innocuous while others, such as cardiac-related syncope, carry a significant increased risk of death. While the mainstay of syncope and presyncope assessment is a detailed history and physical examination, imaging can play a role in certain situations. In patients where a cardiovascular etiology is suspected based on the appropriate history, physical examination, and ECG findings, resting transthoracic echocardiography is usually considered appropriate for the initial imaging. While no imaging studies are considered usually appropriate when there is a low probability of cardiac or neurologic pathology, chest radiography may be appropriate in certain clinical situations. 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)
| | - Julie Bykowski
- University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
| | | | - Bruno Policeni
- Panel Chair, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa
| | | | - Michael D Brown
- Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, American College of Emergency Physicians
| | - Andrew M Davis
- The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, American College of Physicians
| | | | - Thomas V Johnson
- Sanger Heart and Vascular Institute, Charlotte, North Carolina, Cardiology expert
| | - Faisal Khosa
- Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | - Steve W Leung
- Gill Heart & Vascular Institute, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance, Program Director, Advanced Cardiovascular Imaging Fellowship, Director of Cardiac MRI, University of Kentucky
| | - David S Liebeskind
- University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, American Academy of Neurology
| | - Diana Litmanovich
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, Section Chief, Cardiothoracic, Department of Radiology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, President, North American Society for Cardiovascular Imaging, Co-Chair, Image Wisely
| | | | | | - William J Powers
- University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, American Academy of Neurology
| | - Todd C Villines
- University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, Virginia, Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography
| | - Lily L Wang
- University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, Program Director, Neuroradiology Fellowship, University of Cincinnati
| | - Samuel Wann
- Ascension Healthcare Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Nuclear cardiology expert
| | - Amanda S Corey
- Specialty Chair, Atlanta VA Health Care System and Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Suhny Abbara
- Specialty Chair, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, Chief, Cardiothoracic Imaging, UT Southwestern, Member BOD, SCCT, Editor, Radiology - Cardiothoracic Imaging
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Nesselroth D, Klang E, Soffer S, Druskin E, Barash Y, Hoffmann C, Konen E, Zimlichman E. Yield of head CT for acute findings in patients presenting to the emergency department. Clin Imaging 2020; 73:1-5. [PMID: 33246274 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinimag.2020.11.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of our study was to evaluate the yield of head CT in the ED in different age groups and different referral indications. PATIENTS AND METHODS Records of one large academic tertiary care ED were retrospectively reviewed for consecutive adult patients who underwent a head CT between January 1st 2017 and February 10th 2017. CT referral forms and interpretations were obtained and evaluated for demographics, referral indications, and findings. Scans were divided into three groups: acute findings, chronic findings, and normal. The cohort was divided into three age groups. Associations between referral indications and acute findings were calculated. RESULTS Overall, 1536 of adult patients with ED head CT were included. Acute findings were found in 239/1536 (15.5%) of the CTs. The frequency of acute findings increased with age (p = 0.027). The most common acute findings were brain hemorrhage (32.6%), infarct (27.6%), and mass (23%). The top three referral indications were focal neurologic deficit (28%), trauma (24.7%), and headache (17.5%). The rates of positive acute findings for different referral indications were seizure 27%, confusion 20%, syncope 19%, focal neurologic deficit 16%, head injury 15%, headache 12%, and dizziness 8%. CONCLUSION This study shows the yield of ED head CT for acute findings for different age groups and for different referral indications. The frequency of acute findings increased with age. Suspected seizure had the highest association with an acute finding, whereas dizziness had the lowest association.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dafna Nesselroth
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Einstein St 68, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Eyal Klang
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Einstein St 68, Tel Aviv, Israel; Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Sheba Medical Center, Emek HaEla St 1, Ramat Gan, Israel; DeepVision Lab, The Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Emek HaEla St 1, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Shelly Soffer
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Einstein St 68, Tel Aviv, Israel; DeepVision Lab, The Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Emek HaEla St 1, Ramat Gan, Israel.
| | - Evgeni Druskin
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Sheba Medical Center, Emek HaEla St 1, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Yiftah Barash
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Einstein St 68, Tel Aviv, Israel; Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Sheba Medical Center, Emek HaEla St 1, Ramat Gan, Israel; DeepVision Lab, The Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Emek HaEla St 1, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Chen Hoffmann
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Einstein St 68, Tel Aviv, Israel; Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Sheba Medical Center, Emek HaEla St 1, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Eli Konen
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Einstein St 68, Tel Aviv, Israel; Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Sheba Medical Center, Emek HaEla St 1, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Eyal Zimlichman
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Einstein St 68, Tel Aviv, Israel; The Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Hospital Management, Ramat Gan, Israel
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