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Yildiz S, Schecht M, Aggarwal A, Nael K, Doshi A, Pawha PS. Diffusion Weighted Imaging in Spine Tumors. Neuroimaging Clin N Am 2023; 33:459-475. [PMID: 37356862 DOI: 10.1016/j.nic.2023.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
Diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) has developed into a powerful tool for the evaluation of spine tumors, particularly for the assessment of vertebral marrow lesions and intramedullary tumors. Advances in magnetic resonance techniques have improved the quality of spine DWI and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in recent years, with increased reproducibility and utilization. DTI, with quantitative parameters such as fractional anisotropy and qualitative visual assessment of nerve fiber tracts, can play a valuable role in the evaluation and surgical planning of spinal cord tumors. These widely available techniques can be used to enhance the diagnostic evaluation of spinal tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sema Yildiz
- Division of Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital, 1468 Madison Avenue MC Level, New York, NY 10029, USA.
| | - Michael Schecht
- Division of Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital, 1468 Madison Avenue MC Level, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Amit Aggarwal
- Division of Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital, 1468 Madison Avenue MC Level, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Kambiz Nael
- Division of Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology, Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, 757 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Amish Doshi
- Division of Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital, 1468 Madison Avenue MC Level, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Puneet S Pawha
- Division of Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital, 1468 Madison Avenue MC Level, New York, NY 10029, USA
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Shah LM, Salzman KL. Conventional and Advanced Imaging of Spinal Cord Tumors. Neuroimaging Clin N Am 2023; 33:389-406. [PMID: 37356858 DOI: 10.1016/j.nic.2023.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
Spinal cord tumors are best identified by conventional MR imaging with contrast. Most intramedullary spinal cord tumors have characteristic MR imaging features that allow an accurate preoperative diagnosis. The spinal cord tumors reviewed in this article include the most common tumors, ependymomas and astrocytomas, as well as the less common tumors such as hemangioblastomas and metastases. Rare tumors such as primary CNS lymphoma and melanocytic tumors are also described. Advanced imaging techqniques of more common intramedullary tumors are also reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lubdha M Shah
- Department of Radiology, University of Utah, 30 North 1900 East, Room#1A71, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
| | - Karen L Salzman
- Department of Radiology, University of Utah, 30 North 1900 East, Room#1A71, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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Brown J, Lakkol S, Lazenby S, Harris M. Common neoplastic causes of paediatric and adolescent back pain. Br J Hosp Med (Lond) 2020; 81:1-6. [PMID: 32468949 DOI: 10.12968/hmed.2020.0026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Neoplasm of the spinal column in children is rare, but can involve either benign or malignant tumours. Early detection of malignant tumours is key to successful clinical outcome and long-term prognosis. In such cases, back pain is a common presenting symptom, but often has a non-neoplastic cause. Therefore, it is important for GPs and trainees who encounter paediatric patients to be aware of the clinical entity to be able to thoroughly assess them in clinical practice. This article discusses the types of paediatric spinal neoplasms, anatomical-based classification, clinical red flags, imaging modalities and outlines brief management options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmine Brown
- Department of General Surgery, Borders General Hospital, Melrose, UK
| | - Sandesh Lakkol
- Department of Spinal Surgery, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK
| | - Sophia Lazenby
- Department of Paediatric Orthopaedics, Evelina Children's Hospital, London, UK
| | - Mark Harris
- Department of Spinal Surgery, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK
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Asmaro K, Abouelleil M, Haider S, Zakaria HM, Gradinaru C, Mukherjee A, Lee I. Malignant Transformation of a Filum Terminale Dermoid Tumor into Adenocarcinoma. World Neurosurg 2019; 127:15-19. [PMID: 30872204 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2019.03.031] [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: 12/28/2018] [Revised: 03/03/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intraspinal dermoid tumors are usually rare benign growths that occur as a result of defects during neural tube formation. They make up less than 1% of tumors in the spine and are associated with spinal dysraphisms or sinus tracts. Although rare, malignant transformation into squamous cell carcinoma has been previously reported. Malignant transformation into adenocarcinoma, however, represents a novel phenotypic differentiation pattern that is hitherto undescribed. CASE DESCRIPTION A 45-year-old woman presented with acute symptoms of cauda equina syndrome. Imaging of the spine revealed a large intradural sacral mass. The lesion was surgically resected with pathology revealing a dermoid tumor with malignant transformation into adenocarcinoma. Metastatic workup revealed no other suspicious lesions. The patient had an uneventful postoperative course, gradually regaining micturition control. CONCLUSIONS Dermoid tumors, also known as benign cystic teratoma or mature teratoma, are usually benign congenital tumors comprising epithelial cells that arise from displaced embryonic ectoderm and mesoderm during neural tube formation. Although extremely rare, malignant transformation into squamous cell carcinoma has been reported. This case represents the first report of an intraspinal dermoid tumor transforming into adenocarcinoma. A comprehensive histopathologic analysis is key to identifying the lesion and guiding postsurgical management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karam Asmaro
- Department of Neurosurgery, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, Michigan, USA.
| | - Mohamed Abouelleil
- Department of Neurosurgery, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Sameah Haider
- Department of Neurosurgery, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | | | - Ciprian Gradinaru
- Department of Radiology, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Abir Mukherjee
- Department of Pathology, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Ian Lee
- Department of Neurosurgery, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, Michigan, USA
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Musubire AK, Meya DB, Katabira ET, Meyer ACL, Bohjanen PR, Boulware DR, Minja F. Epidemiology of non-traumatic spinal cord injury in Uganda: a single center, prospective study with MRI evaluation. BMC Neurol 2019; 19:10. [PMID: 30646840 PMCID: PMC6332574 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-019-1236-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2017] [Accepted: 01/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A few reliable national data concerning the etiology of non-traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) in sub-Sahara Africa exists, mainly because of the limitations of diagnostic imaging. These are both expensive and mostly unavailable in several resource-limited settings. Only a few studies have employed the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in documenting non-traumatic SCI and most of these studies are from South Africa. We sought to describe the clinical presentation, MRI radiological patterns, and one-year survival among subjects with non-traumatic SCI in Uganda. METHODS We enrolled a prospective cohort of 103 participants with non-traumatic SCI at Mulago National Referral Hospital Kampala, Uganda in 2013-2015. Participants received standard of care management, with surgical intervention as needed, with one-year follow up. Data were analyzed using Descriptive statistics. RESULTS In 103 participants with non-traumatic SCI, the median (IQR) age was 37 (18, 85) years and 25% of the participants were HIV-infected. Paraplegia/paraparesis was the most common clinical presentation in 70% (n = 72). Severe disease was present in 82% (n = 85) as per American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) scale A-C. On MRI, 50% had extradural lesions. However, bone lesions accounted for only 75% of all the extradural lesions. More than 60% of the patients had lesions that could only be diagnosed on MRI. Deaths occurred in 42% (n = 44) of participants, with the highest mortality among those with extradural lesions (60%). CONCLUSION The mortality following non-traumatic spinal cord injuries in Uganda is high. We demonstrated an equal distribution between extradural and intradural lesions, which differs from the historical predominance of extradural lesions. Increased utilization of MRI particularly among young age groups is needed to make a diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdu K Musubire
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, P.O. Box 22418, Kampala, Uganda. .,Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University and Mulago Hospital Kampala, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - David B Meya
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, P.O. Box 22418, Kampala, Uganda.,Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University and Mulago Hospital Kampala, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Elly T Katabira
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University and Mulago Hospital Kampala, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Ana Claire L Meyer
- Department of Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Paul R Bohjanen
- Division of Infectious Diseases & International Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - David R Boulware
- Division of Infectious Diseases & International Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Frank Minja
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging ,Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
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Birnbaum J, Lalji A, Piccione EA, Izbudak I. Magnetic resonance imaging of the spinal cord in the evaluation of 3 patients with sensory neuronopathies: Diagnostic assessment, indications of treatment response, and impact of autoimmunity: A case report. Medicine (Baltimore) 2017; 96:e8483. [PMID: 29245216 PMCID: PMC5728831 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000008483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE Sensory neuronopathy can be a devastating peripheral nervous system disorder. Profound loss in joint position is associated with sensory ataxia, and reflects degeneration of large-sized dorsal root ganglia. Prompt recognition of sensory neuronopathies may constitute a therapeutic window to intervene before there are irreversible deficits. However, nerve-conduction studies may be unrevealing early in the disease course. In such cases, the appearance of dorsal column lesions on spinal-cord MRI can help in the diagnosis. However, most studies have not defined whether such dorsal column lesions may occur within earlier as well as chronic stages of sensory neuronopathies, and whether serial MRI studies can be used to help assess treatment efficacy. In this case-series of three sensory neuronopathy patients, we report clinical characteristics, immunological markers, nerve-conduction and skin-biopsy studies, and neuroimaging features. PATIENT CONCERNS All three patients presented with characteristic features of sensory neuronopathy with abnormal spinal-cord MRI studies. Radiographic findings included non-enhancing lesions in the dorsal columns that were longitudinally extensive (spanning ≥ 3 vertebral segments). DIAGNOSES All patients had anti-Ro/SS-A and/or anti-La/SS-B antibodies, with patients one and two having Sjögren's syndrome. MRI findings were similar when performed in the earlier stages of a sensory neuronopathy (patient one, after four months) and chronic stages (patients two and three, after five and three years, respectively). INTERVENTIONS Patient one was treated with rituximab combined with intravenous immunoglobulin therapy. OUTCOMES Patient one was initially wheelchair-bound and had improved ambulation after treatment. In this patient, serial MRI studies revealed partial resolution of dorsal column lesions, associated with decreased sensory ataxia and improved nerve-conduction studies. LESSONS In addition to vitamin B12 and copper deficiency, it is important to include sensory neuronopathies in the differential diagnosis of dorsal column lesions. MRI spinal-cord lesions have similar appearances in the earlier as well as chronic phases of a sensory neuronopathy, and therefore suggest that such dorsal column lesions may reflect inflammatory as well as a gliotic burden of injury. MRI may also be a useful longitudinal indicator of treatment response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julius Birnbaum
- Division of Rheumatology and Department of Neurology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
| | - Aliya Lalji
- The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Ezequiel A. Piccione
- Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE
| | - Izlem Izbudak
- Division of Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
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Clinical utility for diffusion MRI sequence in emergency and inpatient spine protocols. Clin Imaging 2017; 45:37-50. [PMID: 28601735 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinimag.2017.05.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2017] [Revised: 05/10/2017] [Accepted: 05/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Diffusion imaging of the spine has the potential to change clinical management, but is challenging due to the small size of the cord and susceptibility artifacts from adjacent structures. Reduced field-of-view (rFOV) diffusion can improve image quality by decreasing the echo train length. Over the past 2 years, we have acquired a rFOV diffusion sequence for MRI spine protocols on most inpatients and emergency room patients. We provide selected imaging diagnoses to illustrate the utility of including diffusion spine MRI in clinical practice. Our experiences support using diffusion MRI to improve diagnostic certainty and facilitate prompt treatment or clinical management.
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McCoy DB, Talbott JF, Wilson M, Mamlouk MD, Cohen-Adad J, Wilson M, Narvid J. MRI Atlas-Based Measurement of Spinal Cord Injury Predicts Outcome in Acute Flaccid Myelitis. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2017; 38:410-417. [PMID: 27979798 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a5044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2016] [Accepted: 09/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Recent advances in spinal cord imaging analysis have led to the development of a robust anatomic template and atlas incorporated into an open-source platform referred to as the Spinal Cord Toolbox. Using the Spinal Cord Toolbox, we sought to correlate measures of GM, WM, and cross-sectional area pathology on T2 MR imaging with motor disability in patients with acute flaccid myelitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS Spinal cord imaging for 9 patients with acute flaccid myelitis was analyzed by using the Spinal Cord Toolbox. A semiautomated pipeline using the Spinal Cord Toolbox measured lesion involvement in GM, WM, and total spinal cord cross-sectional area. Proportions of GM, WM, and cross-sectional area affected by T2 hyperintensity were calculated across 3 ROIs: 1) center axial section of lesion; 2) full lesion segment; and 3) full cord atlas volume. Spearman rank order correlation was calculated to compare MR metrics with clinical measures of disability. RESULTS Proportion of GM metrics at the center axial section significantly correlated with measures of motor impairment upon admission (r [9] = -0.78; P = .014) and at 3-month follow-up (r [9] = -0.66; P = .05). Further, proportion of GM extracted across the full lesion segment significantly correlated with initial motor impairment (r [9] = -0.74, P = .024). No significant correlation was found for proportion of WM or proportion of cross-sectional area with clinical disability. CONCLUSIONS Atlas-based measures of proportion of GM T2 signal abnormality measured on a single axial MR imaging section and across the full lesion segment correlate with motor impairment and outcome in patients with acute flaccid myelitis. This is the first atlas-based study to correlate clinical outcomes with segmented measures of T2 signal abnormality in the spinal cord.
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Affiliation(s)
- D B McCoy
- From the Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging (D.B.M., J.F.T., M.D.M., Mark Wilson, J.N.), University of California, San Francisco, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center, San Francisco, California
| | - J F Talbott
- From the Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging (D.B.M., J.F.T., M.D.M., Mark Wilson, J.N.), University of California, San Francisco, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center, San Francisco, California
- Brain and Spinal Injury Center (J.F.T.), Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center, San Francisco, California
| | - Michael Wilson
- Department of Neurology (Michael Wilson), University of California, San Francisco
| | - M D Mamlouk
- From the Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging (D.B.M., J.F.T., M.D.M., Mark Wilson, J.N.), University of California, San Francisco, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center, San Francisco, California
| | - J Cohen-Adad
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering (J.C.-A.), Ecole Polytechnique Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Functional Neuroimaging Unit (J.C.-A.), CRIUGM, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Mark Wilson
- From the Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging (D.B.M., J.F.T., M.D.M., Mark Wilson, J.N.), University of California, San Francisco, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center, San Francisco, California
| | - J Narvid
- From the Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging (D.B.M., J.F.T., M.D.M., Mark Wilson, J.N.), University of California, San Francisco, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center, San Francisco, California
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Jin B, Su YB, Zhao JZ. Three-dimensional Fluoroscopy-based Navigation for the Pedicle Screw Placement in Patients with Primary Invasive Spinal Tumors. Chin Med J (Engl) 2016; 129:2552-2558. [PMID: 27779161 PMCID: PMC5125333 DOI: 10.4103/0366-6999.192777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Although pedicle screw placement (PSP) is a well-established technique for spine surgery, the treatment of patients with primary invasive spinal tumor (PIST) has high surgical risks secondary to destroyed pedicles. Intraoperative three-dimensional fluoroscopy-based navigation (ITFN) system permits safe and accurate instrumentation of the spine with the advantage of obtaining intraoperative real-time three-dimensional images and automatic registration. The aim of this study is to evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of PSP using ITFN system for patients afflicted with PIST in the thoracic spine. Methods: Fifty-one patients diagnosed with PISTs were retrospectively analyzed, and 157 pedicles screws were implanted in 23 patients using the free-hand technique (free-hand group) and 197 pedicle screws were implanted in 28 patients using the ITFN system (ITFN group). Modified classification of Gertzbein and Robbins was used to evaluate the accuracy of PSP, and McCormick classification was applied for assessment of neurological function. Demographic data and factors affecting accuracy of screw insertion were compared using independent t-test while comparison of accuracy of screw insertion between the two groups was analyzed with Chi-square test. Results: Of 51 patients, 39 demonstrated improved neurological status and the other 12 patients reported that symptoms remained the same. In the free-hand group, 145 screws (92.4%) were Grade I, 9 screws (5.7%) were Grade II, and 3 screws (1.9%) were Grade III. In the ITFN group, 192 screws (97.4%) were Grade I, 5 screws (2.6%) were Grade II, and no Grade III screw was detected. Statistical analysis showed that the accuracies of pedicle screws in the two groups are significantly different (χ2 = 4.981, P = 0.026). Conclusions: The treatments of PISTs include total tumor resection and reconstruction of spine stability. The ITFN system provides a high accuracy of pedicle screw placement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Jin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050; China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing 100050; Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, Fourth Medical College of Peking University, Beijing 100035, China
| | - Yi-Bing Su
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, Fourth Medical College of Peking University, Beijing 100035, China
| | - Ji-Zong Zhao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050; China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing 100050, China
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Liu X, Tian W, Chen H, LoStracco TA, Zhang J, Li MY, Germin B, Wang HZ. Advanced Neuroimaging in the Evaluation of Spinal Cord Tumors and Tumor Mimics: Diffusion Tensor and Perfusion-Weighted Imaging. Semin Ultrasound CT MR 2016; 38:163-175. [PMID: 28347419 DOI: 10.1053/j.sult.2016.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Spinal cord tumors are an important component of pathologic diseases involving the spinal cord. Conventional magnetic resonance (MR) imaging only provides anatomical information. MR diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and MR perfusion-weighted imaging (PWI) may detect microstructure diffusion and hemodynamic changes in these tumors. We review recent application studies of MR DTI and PWI in spinal cord tumors. Overall, MR DTI and MR PWI are promising imaging tools that are especially useful in improving differential diagnosis between spinal cord tumors and tumor mimics, preoperative evaluation of resectability, and providing assistance in surgical navigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Liu
- Department of Imaging Sciences, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY.
| | - Wei Tian
- Department of Imaging Sciences, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY
| | - Hongyan Chen
- Department of Radiology, Beijing TiantanHospital, Beijing, China
| | - Thomas A LoStracco
- Department of Imaging Sciences, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY
| | - Jing Zhang
- GE Healthcare MR research center, Beijing, China
| | - Michael Yan Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY
| | - Barbara Germin
- (║)Department of Pathology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY
| | - Henry Z Wang
- Department of Imaging Sciences, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY
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Acute myelitis as presenting symptom of HIV-HTLV-1 co-infection. J Neurovirol 2016; 22:861-865. [PMID: 27245591 DOI: 10.1007/s13365-016-0455-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2015] [Revised: 04/27/2016] [Accepted: 05/09/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
A 21-year-old woman presented with acute-onset spastic paraparesis. The MRI spinal scan revealed a contrast-enhanced T2 hyperintensity between C5-T2. The most common neurotropic pathogens were excluded by first level tests. Under suspicion of an acute immune-mediated myelitis, a corticosteroid therapy was administered. However, a seropositivity for both human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) type 1 and human T-lymphotropic virus (HTLV) subsequently emerged. An antiretroviral therapy was started while steroids discontinued. Patient's clinical conditions remained unchanged. HIV-HTLV-1 co-infection should be included in the differential diagnosis of any acute myelitis, even in patients with a preserved immune status and no risk factors.
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