Merkel cell tumor: report of two cases and review of the literature

The "Merkel cell carcinoma" is a rare tumor usually occuring in the sun-exposed skin. Its poor prognosis is explained by a high rate of metastasis (one third of the patients at the initial presentation) and a high post-operative recurrence rate. Descriptions of the imaging features of this type of tumor are rare. We present two cases of Merkel cell carcinoma localized to the head region. In the first patient, the lesion involved the soft tissues of the scalp with secondary invasion of the skull and meninges. The second patient had a metastasis to the parietal lobe.

Méningoencéphalocèle intradiploïque pariétale

Intradiploic meningoencephalocele is rarely found in adulthood. It is thought to be postraumatic and must be differenciated from congenital encephalocele. Imaging findings, particularly with Magnetic Resonance Imaging, are useful in determining the various linings and contents of this intradiploic defect.

Diminuer la dose en tomodensitométrie abdominale : baisser la tension (kV) ou la charge (mAs) ?

PURPOSE

To compare low-dose protocols using either reduction of the tension (kV) or reduction of the intensity (mAs) at abdominal CT imaging, with reference to image quality.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty adult patients, weighing less than 55 kg, were prospectively included among patients referred for abdominal CT examination when the protocol required a noncontrast study. The images obtained with the standard protocol (120 kV, 200 mAs) were compared to 4 additional test images, two obtained with low intensity (120 kV, 100 mAs) and two obtained with low tension (100 kV, 200 mAs). Two senior radiologists blindly reviewed all images using both subjective (itemized list) and objective criteria (measure of standard deviation for density measurements obtained of the liver parenchyma).

RESULTS

The image quality of the low kV protocol was better than the image quality of the low mAs protocol for both subjective and objective criteria.

CONCLUSION

For abdominal CT imaging of standard to thin adult patients or children, dose reduction using a low kV protocol may be an alternative to a protocol using a low intensity. This can easily be implemented and can be used in conjunction with a dose reducing software.

Functional MR imaging in assessment of language dominance in epileptic patients

The value of functional MR Imaging (fMRI) in assessing language lateralization in epileptic patients candidate for surgical treatment is increasingly recognized. However few data are available for left-handed patients. Moreover determining factors for atypical dominance in patients investigated with contemporary imaging have not been reported. We studied 20 patients (14 males, 6 females; 9 right handed, 11 left handed) aged from 9 to 48 years, investigated for intractable partial epilepsy. Epileptic focus location was temporal in 14 cases, extratemporal in 6, and lateralized in the left hemisphere in 11/20. Hemispheric dominance for language was evaluated by both Wada test and fMRI using a silent word generation paradigm in all patients. Furthermore, a postictal speech test was performed in 15 patients. An fMRI language lateralization index was calculated from the number of activated pixels (Student's t test, P < 0.0001) in the right and left hemispheres. The Wada test showed a right hemispheric dominance in 8 patients (6 were left handed and 2 right handed) and a left hemispheric dominance in 12 patients (5 were left handed and 7 right handed). These results were concordant with clinical postictal examination in 11/15 patients (73%). Clinical status did not allow a conclusion about hemispheric dominance for the remaining 4 patients. FMRI was concordant with the Wada test in 19/20 cases. For one left-handed patient, fMRI showed bilateral activation, whereas the Wada test demonstrated a right hemispheric dominance. Right language lateralization was significantly correlated with left lateralized epilepsy (P < 0.05) but was not correlated with age at epilepsy onset, early brain injury (before 6 years), and lobar localization of epileptogenic focus. However the lack of a significant relationship between these factors and atypical language lateralization may be related to the small sample size.

[Diagnosis of periventricular ependymal enhancement in MRI in adults]

Periventricular enhancement in adults at MRI is a significant finding since it often indicates the presence of an underlying disease requiring prompt medical attention. From a review of patients with periventricular enhancement, the main imaging features based on the underlying infectious or tumoral etiology will be described. The presented differential diagnosis is based on the immune status of the patient, type of enhancement, and response to a trial therapy. In immunocompromised patients, the main considerations are lymphoma and viral ependymitis. The pattern of enhancement is important. The presence of thin linear enhancement suggests a viral etiology (cytomegalovirus or varicella-zoster virus) that can be confirmed at CSF evaluation whereas the presence of nodular enhancement suggests a diagnosis of primary CNS lymphoma that can be confirmed by the presence of lymphomatous cells in the CSF or, more frequently, at stereotactic surgical biopsy performed after failure of response to anti-toxoplasmosis treatment. The presence of band enhancement is less specific and can be seen with viral, lymphomatous and even tuberculous involvement. In immunocompetent patients, a clinical context of infection will suggest bacterial or tuberculous ventriculitis and the presence of cystic lesions will suggest cysticercosis; in the absence of constitutional symptoms, the presence of nodular enhancement will suggest a tumoral process (lymphoma, ependymoma, germ cell tumor, or metastases). Rarely, linear enhancement will be due to sarcoidosis or Whipple's disease.

[Morphological imagery of the occipital lobe]

After reviewing the anatomical and functional aspects of the occipital lobe, the authors detail its gyral and sulcal anatomy using MRI in the three planes, with particular attention given to the localization of the calcarine fissure.

[Vade-mecum of helical CT scanning: estimation of doses, choice of parameters]

Implementation of EURATOM directive 97/43 requires increased scrutiny over the use CT imaging. All CT imaging centers will be required to perform routine QA procedures including measurements of exposure related to frequently performed types of CT examination. CT technologists and radiologists will be required to try and identify ways of decreasing patient exposure for CT examinations while insuring acquisition of diagnostic studies. In turn, this assumes understanding of the exposure parameters displayed on the CT images. Based on this, radiologists will be in a position to compare exposure parameters in their practice to national standards and perform necessary adjustments. Also, it should become possible to more adequately estimate patient exposure related to specific CT examinations.

Using a bidimensional t test to compare simultaneous activations in functional brain MRI

The aim of functional brain magnetic resonance imaging studies is to determine which regions of the brain are related to a given specific task. Different methods can be used to extract the functional signal and there is currently no consensus for this operation. Measures based on correlation are only relevant for a single task. In this paper, we propose a method based on a multivariable Student's t test that permits the comparison of the results of successive activations. This technique allows a qualitative analysis of complex tasks, making possible to deal with both similar and different activated cortical areas.

Multimodal anatomic, functional, and metabolic brain imaging for tumor resection

OBJECTIVE

Improvement of neurosurgical techniques with a more detailed description of brain tumors and their functional environment.

METHODS

We performed: (1) anatomical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for reference, (2) functional sequences dedicated to the adjacent cortical structures (sensorimotor, visual, language paradigms), and (3) thallium 201 cerebral tomoscintigraphy to visualize active tumor invasion. Data were transferred to a workstation for automatic registration.

RESULTS

All data were combined into one synthetic image showing the foci of high proliferative activity, which have to be completely resected, and the peritumoral functional structures, which have to be spared in order to minimize postoperative sequelae. This trimodal image is entered into a surgical neuronavigation computer for preoperative planning in order to outline tumoral target and functional risk areas. All this information is displayed in the operative microscope (Zeiss MKM) optically linked to MR images. This multimodality technique diminishes operative time by reducing electrocorticography and improves the operative short-term outcome.

CONCLUSION

Multimodal imaging is useful for optimization of neurosurgical tumor resection.

Sensorimotor cortical activity in patients with complete spinal cord injury: a functional magnetic resonance imaging study

Residual activation of the cortex was investigated in nine patients with complete spinal cord injury between T6 and L1 by functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Brain activations were recorded under four conditions: (1) a patient attempting to move his toes with flexion-extension, (2) a patient imagining the same movement, (3) passive proprio-somesthesic stimulation of the big toes without visual control, and (4) passive proprio-somesthesic stimulation of the big toes with visual control by the patient. Passive proprio-somesthesic stimulation of the toes generated activation posterior to the central sulcus in the three patients who also showed a somesthesic evoked potential response to somesthesic stimulation. When performed under visual control, activations were observed in two more patients. In all patients, activations were found in the cortical areas involved in motor control (i.e., primary sensorimotor cortex, premotor regions and supplementary motor area [SMA]) during attempts to move or mental imagery of these tasks. It is concluded that even several years after injury with some local cortical reorganization, activation of lower limb cortical networks can be generated either by the attempt to move, the mental evocation of the action, or the visual feedback of a passive proprio-somesthesic stimulation.

Unusual lesions of the cerebellopontine angle: a segmental approach

Tumors of the cerebellopontine angle (CPA) are frequent; acoustic neuromas and meningiomas represent the great majority of such tumors. However, a large variety of unusual lesions can also be encountered in the CPA. The site of origin is the main factor in making a preoperative diagnosis for an unusual lesion of the CPA. In addition, it is essential to analyze attenuation at computed tomography (CT), signal intensity at magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, enhancement, shape and margins, extent, mass effect, and adjacent bone reaction. CPA masses can primarily arise from the cerebellopontine cistern and other CPA structures (arachnoid cyst, nonacoustic schwannoma, aneurysm, melanoma, miscellaneous meningeal lesions) or from embryologic remnants (epidermoid cyst, dermoid cyst, lipoma). Tumors can also invade the CPA by extension from the petrous bone or skull base (cholesterol granuloma, paraganglioma, chondromatous tumors, chordoma, endolymphatic sac tumor, pituitary adenoma, apex petrositis). Finally, CPA lesions can be secondary to an exophytic brainstem or ventricular tumor (glioma, choroid plexus papilloma, lymphoma, hemangioblastoma, ependymoma, medulloblastoma, dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor). A close association between CT and MR imaging findings is very helpful in establishing the preoperative diagnosis for unusual lesions of the CPA.

Fibrous pseudotumor of the epididymis: imaging and pathologic correlation

We report the case of a 25-year-old man who presented a fibrous pseudotumor of the epididymis, a rare focal location of nodular and diffuse fibrous proliferation. We provide the ultrasonographic and MRI findings with pathologic correlation.

[Clinical application of functional MRI: a strategic tool for neurosurgery]

The purpose was to incorporate preoperative functional imaging data into anatomic data of operative microscope for neurosurgical procedures of patients suffering from lesions contiguous to eloquent brain areas. The day before surgery, patients bearing scalp markers underwent fMRI, just before anatomical contrast-enhanced MR images. FMRI data analysis were realised using a t test (p<0.0001). The resulting functional-anatomical images were downloaded onto a surgical neuronavigation computer in order to outline tumoral target and functional areas. At surgery, cortical stimulation has been used to confirm functional data. Functional image-guided surgery of lesions abutting functional cortex can be safely performed.

Functional MR imaging and traumatic paraplegia: preliminary report

PURPOSE

To evaluate residual activity in the sensorimotor cortex of the lower limbs in paraplegia.

METHODS

5 patients suffering from a complete paralysis after traumatic medullar lesion (ASIA=A). Clinical evaluation of motility and sensitivity. 1. Control functional MR study of the sensorimotor cortex during simultaneous movements of hands, imaginary motor task and passive hands stimulation. 2. Concerning the lower limbs, 3 fMRI conditions: 1-patient attempts to move his toes with flexion-extension, 2-mental imagery task of the same movement, 3-peripheral passive proprio-somesthesic stimulation (squeezing) of the big toes.

RESULTS

Activations were observed in the primary sensorimotor cortex (M1), premotor regions and in the supplementary motor area (SMA) during movement and mental imaginary tasks in the control study and during attempt to move and mental imaginary tasks in the study concerning the lower limbs. Passive somesthesic stimulation generated activation posterior to the central sulcus for 2 patients.

CONCLUSION

Activations in the sensorimotor cortex of the lower limbs can be generated either by attempting to move or mental evocation. In spite of a clinical evaluation of complete paraplegia, fMRI can show a persistence of sensitive anatomic conduction, confirmed by Somesthesic Evoked Potentials.

[Head and brain injuries. Place of imaging]

This article considers the various mechanisms of brain injury and specifies the most efficient radiologic technique for assessing patients, depending on clinical presentation. The brain injuries include either extracerebral and intracerebral lesions. The former require rapid diagnosis and therapy and the latter determine management in an intensive therapy, unit and outcome. Standard X-rays are obsolete. The CT, rapidly performed, is the most relevant imaging procedure for surgical lesions. Cortical contusions and diffuse axonal injuries are underestimated by CT and best depicted by MRI. Only late MRI has a strong correlation with neuropsychological outcome. In terms of prognosis, MRI needs to be evaluated. The indications include: a) unstable neurological status: CT; b) moderate head injury: CT may help to decide hospital admission; c) severe head injury: initial CT may be followed by MRI; d) long-term consequences: MRI. Special Indications: a) angio-MRI: suspicion of vascular lesion; b) CT with thin slices and bone window: depressed skull fracture; c) teleradiology (image transfer): to decide a patient transport from a peripheral hospital to a neurosurgical centre. In conclusion, CT remains the first-line examination to detect immediately life-threatening lesions. MRI is the examination of choice for full assessment of brain lesions.

[Exposure and good practice in helical computed tomography]

Helical CT is the imaging modality that delivers the highest exposure to patients. For each acquisition, the average radiation dose is between 20 and 30 mGy. This dose can potentially be reduced by decreasing the intensity or voltage and by increasing the pitch. Helical data can be reformatted to obtain images with smaller increment or multiplanar reconstructions, hence reducing the need for additional acquisitions. Hardware and software devices designed for dose reduction must be systematically used. Operators of CT units should be aware of the radiation dose delivered with helical CT and must carefully assess the need of each additional acquisition. Obsolete protocols such as angulation of the gantry for lumbar CT, which increases patient exposure, should no longer be used. Rational use of helical CT decreases radiation exposure and is faster, whereas improper use increases radiation exposure without added benefit.

[Proper technics and the reduction of radiation in helical computed tomography]

Helical computed tomography is the main source of ionizing radiation delivery in diagnostic radiology. For each series, average radiation dose is between 20 and 30 mGy. This dose can potentially be reduced by decreasing intensity or voltage and by increasing pitch. Helical acquisition allows reformating of images with smaller increment or different obliquity, and avoids additional irradiation. Hardware and software devices designed for dose reduction must be systematically used. Users of CT systems should be aware of radiation dose delivered with CT and must carefully assess the need of each additional acquisition. Obsolete habits, as gantry tilting for lumbar CT, which increases patient exposure, must be given up. Rational use of helical CT decreases radiation exposure and gains time, whereas thoughtless use increases radiation exposure without real benefit.

[Imaging of encephalic parasitic diseases]

We review the main cerebral parasitic diseases, with emphasis on the most frequently encountered in Europe.

MR of cerebral malaria

In three cases of cerebral malaria, MR imaging disclosed either cortical infarcts (one case) or hyperintense areas of white matter (two cases) on T2-weighted and fluid-attenuated inversion-recovery sequences. These white matter abnormalities were, in one case, sharply limited, symmetrical, hyperintense, and unenhanced; in the other case, they were diffuse, hyperintense, and had a more limited focus. The diffuse hyperintensity was probably due to edema, whereas focal lesions were probably associated with gliosis.

[Detection of cortical activities on eye movement using functional magnetic resonance imaging]

Cortical activity during eye movement was examined with functional magnetic resonance imaging. Horizontal saccadic eye movements and smooth pursuit eye movements were elicited in normal subjects. Activity in the frontal eye field was found during both saccadic and smooth pursuit eye movements at the posterior margin of the middle frontal gyrus and in parts of the precentral sulcus and precentral gyrus bordering the middle frontal gyrus (Brodmann's areas 8, 6, and 9). In addition, activity in the parietal eye field was found in the deep, upper margin of the angular gyrus and of the supramarginal gyrus (Brodmann's areas 39 and 40) during saccadic eye movement. Activity of V5 was found at the intersection of the ascending limb of the inferior temporal sulcus and the lateral occipital sulcus during smooth pursuit eye movement. Our results suggest that functional magnetic resonance imaging is useful for detecting cortical activity during eye movement.

[Imaging networks, surgical simulation, computer-assisted neurosurgery]

OBJECTIVE

In 1988, the neurosurgeons and neuroradiologists at the Val-de-Grâce hospital decided to create a stereotaxis site using advanced medical imaging date (CT-scan or MRI).

METHODS

Two MRI machines and on CT unit were linked to a network (ETHERNET) available for radiologists in 1989. Neurosurgeons adapted stereotaxis sites using Leksell, Fisher and CRW software for MRI. A data processing program recognizing these sites was developed for stereotaxic biopsies based on MRI data. The network was extended in 1992 to the radiotherapy unit for multiple beam stereotaxic irradiations. Finally from 1994, when a computer-guided microscope (Zeiss MKM) was installed, nearly all neurosurgical procedures were conducted under stereotaxic conditions.

RESULTS

Since 1989, approximately 900 computer-guided stereotaxic biopsies have been performed with precision in the millimeter range. Since 1994, the Zeiss MKM microscope has been used for 120 computer-guided procedures with the frameless stereotaxic technique guided from landmarks on the outer cranium or attached to the scalp. Mean precision obtained with landmarks was 1.2 mm and 2.8 mm with scalp markers.

CONCLUSION

These techniques of computer-assisted neurosurgery based on advanced medical imaging techniques has been revolutionary for surgical approach to intracranial and intracerebral diseases. Smaller assess routes and precise pathways allow an approach to formerly inoperable lesions with minimal risk.

MR imaging of acoustic neuroma with high resolution fast spin echo T2-weighted sequence

OBJECTIVE

To assess the value of high resolution 2D fast spin echo T2-weighted sequence (HR 2D-FSE T2w) for evaluating the internal auditory meatus (IAM) in patients with asymetric or unilateral sensorineural hearing loss, vs. gadolinium-enhanced T1-weighted (T1w) sequence; to suggest a screening protocol to exclude the diagnosis of acoustic neuroma in a patient with isolated unilateral sensorineural hearing loss.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One-hundred ten patients with suspected acoustic neuroma were evaluated with 1.5 T MRI system. The protocol included axial images focused on the IAM: HR 2D-FSE T2w images (4000/63, ETL = 16, 3-mm sections with 1.5 mm overlap, 18 FOV, 512 x 384 matrix) and gadolinium-enhanced T1w images (600/23, 3-mm sections, 18 FOV, 256 x 192 matrix). Two criteria for normality of the HR 2D-FSE T2w examination are defined: high homogeneous signal of the cerebellospinal fluid (CSF) and linear low signal of the nerves visible throughout the IAM.

RESULTS

Overall results show no false-negative and six false-positive with HR 2D-FSE T2w sequences vs. gadolinium-enhanced T1w sequences. The sensitivity of HR 2D-FSE T2w sequences is 100%, specificity 93%, and negative preditive value 100%: normal images using HR 2D-FSE T2w sequence can rule out the diagnosis of acoustic neuroma.

CONCLUSION

Using this protocol we can exclude the diagnosis of acoustic neuroma in case of normal HR 2D-FSE images and no additional gadolinium-enhanced T1w sequence is necessary. This protocol might reduce examination time, must promote recourse to MRI in the event of clinical suspicion of acoustic neuroma, and also enables savings by proposing MRI examination as a first-line exam.

[Toxic aluminum encephalopathy. Predominant involvement of the limbic system on MRI]

Two patients underwent acoustic schwannoma surgery by transmastoid approach. Petrous bone defect was filled in with aluminium-containing bone cement (Ionocem). A pseudomeningocele by CSF accumulation in subcutaneous temporoparietal area appeared after the procedure and, in subsequent weeks, encephalopathy with confusion and seizures. MRI showed cerebral involvement with herpes-like disposition. Temporal stereotactic biopsy in a case did not confirm viral encephalitis but disclosed cellular accumulation of lipofucsin and particles highly suggestive of aluminum-inclusions. Aluminium's levels in blood and CSF of both patients were very high and confirm the brain's toxic involvement. Aluminium's toxicity would be advocated in patients with neurologic disorders who have undergone maxillofacial or skull bone-cementoplasty by an aluminum-containing biomaterial, if this cement is in contact with CSF.

[A rare case of chondroid chordoma of the cervical spine]

Chordoma is a rare tumor in spine. Authors report the case of a 49 years old woman suffering from C5 left neuralgia. Plain films showed an enlargement of C4-C5 left foramina. CT scan permitted to see a lobulated tumor with low density just a few enhancement into septa. MRI showed the tumor with low signal on T1wi, high signal on T2wi and slight enhancement after Gadolinium administration. The extension in the vertebral body is very limited. Differential diagnosis are chondroma or chondrosarcoma and epidermoid cyst. Histology with evidence of a chondroid matrix explain the CT and MR appearance. In this localisation, there is no case reported in the litterature. This is an outstanding case because its extra-osseous localization with a lack of contrast enhancement after injection and its unusual histologic pattern.

[Magnetic resonance imaging and meningiomas of the posterior cerebral fossa. 31 cases]

To assess the value of MRI for meningioma of the posterior cerebral fossa, in correlation with surgical and pathological findings, we retrospectively reviewed 31 cases. The patients (24 females and 6 males ranging in age from 25 to 79 years) were preoperatively studies on a 1,5 T MR imager (GEMS Signa) between july 1989 and november 1993. The protocol included: 1. MR scan with axial sections in T2-weighted spin-echo sequence (3 mm thickness), T1-weighted spin-echo sequence before and after gadolinium injection (3-5 mm thickness), coronal and sagittal T1-weighted sections performed after injection. 2. Surgery reports. 3. Histopathological reports; the predominant histological subtype of each tumor was graded according to the classification scheme of Russel and Rubinstein. We focused on five items: 1. The site of the dural attachment of the meningioma. 2. Tumoral extensions (to the tentorium, to the jugular foramen, to the internal auditory canal). 3. The meningioma signal in T1- and T2-weighted sequence using the same visual scoring system for grading signal intensities as Elster and al. 4. Secondary features (necrosis, cysts, calcifications) within the tumor. 5. Interface between meningioma and encephalic structures. Meningiomas arose from the posterior surface of the petrous bone in 74% of the cases and from the clivus in 9.6%. Meningiomas were bulky at the time of diagnosis as since tumoral arrow overtook 2 cm in 64.5% of the cases. Surgical approach was guided by an anatomo-radiologic classification based on the exact site of tumoral dural attachment. This determination relied on: 1. Osseous reaction noted in 58% of the cases (enostosic spur in 19%, localized osseous thickening in 16%). 2. The trigeminal nerve displacement by the tumor; in case of clival meningioma extended to the petrous apex, this nerve is displaced outside; otherwise, meningioma of the petrous bone extended to the clivus displaced the trigeminal nerve inside. 3. Radiate structure within tumor converging to vascular basal pole of the meningioma noted in 42% of the cases. Tentorial involvement remained a difficult diagnosis on MR images. It was affirmed when the tumor extended on the opposing surface of the tentorium and when focal hypersignal existed through the usual tentorial hyposignal on T2-weighted images and T1-weighted images after gadolinium. On the other hand, tentorial linear dural enhancement adjacent to the tumor was not a reliable sign (error in 15.8% of the predicted cases). The meningothelial (syncitial) type was noted in 67.7% of the cases. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 450 WORDS)

[Cerebral lesions in AIDS: what can be expected from scintigraphy? Cerebral tomographic scintigraphy using thallium-201: a contribution to the differential diagnosis of lymphomas and infectious lesions]

CT and MRI are not consistently able to differentiate central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma from focal cerebral infection such as toxoplasmosis in the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) involvement. In this study thallium 201 (and/or technetium-MIBI) SPECT was performed in 6 patients suffering from AIDS and CNS lesions. An index based on the ratio of thallium uptake in the lesion vs the contralateral scalp was calculated. In 4 out of 5 patients with lymphoma (3 confirmed by biopsy, 2 highly suspected on CT and resistance to antitoxoplasmosis treatment) focal lesions showed high uptake of thallium. On the other hand one markedly necrotic lymphoma and all infectious lesions did not take up thallium. This suggests a role for thallium 201 brain SPECT in the workup of focal CNS lesions in AIDS.

[MRI aspects of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy]

Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy is a demyelinating disease. MRI shows high signal intensity areas on T2w sequence and low intensity aeras on T1w sequence, without enhancement after intravenous contrast injection. The involvement of arcuate fiber (U fibers) creates a sharp border with the cortex. There is no mass effect. Involvement of parieto-occipital areas is frequent. The lesions may be uni or bilateral, single or multiple; bilateral lesions are asymmetric. This typical appearance on MR images occurs in 90% of the patients with PML. Some atypical patterns may occur: focal hemorrhage, atrophy, faint peripheral enhancement and involvement of deep gray matter (basal ganglia). In most cases, the clinical and MR features provide the diagnosis. The main differential diagnosis, in MRI, is HIV-leukoencephalitis, but lesions are diffuse, less intense on T2w sequence and not visible on T1, without involvement of the arcuate fibers. Stereotactic biopsy should be performed only for atypical lesions, particularly in case of predominant involvement of deep gray structures.

[The diagnosis of primary cerebral lymphoma in AIDS. The contribution of imaging]

Apart from the very frequent HIV encephalitis, which lays the foundation for opportunistic infections, the most common diseases encountered in HIV-infected patients are toxoplasmosis and lymphoma; the percentage of cases of other diseases is very small. It is capital to diagnose cerebral lymphoma at an early stage in these patients who already are in a precarious general and neurological state since this type of lesion usually occurs late in the natural course of AIDS. In the differential diagnosis between toxoplasmosis and lymphoma only stereotaxic biopsy enables a positive diagnosis to be made, but imaging methods, such as CT and MRI, provide data that help guide to a diagnosis which sometimes may be definitive. Suggestive of lymphoma is a single infiltrating lesion wider than 4 cm, which is paraventricular or located in the posterior fossa, has little perilesional alteration and a short tumoral doubling time during the imaging follow-up. Suggestive of toxoplasmosis are multiple, small, annular or nodular lesions with an important perilesional inflammation and usually located in basal ganglia. In addition, in MRI the kinetics of enhancement after contrast injection is intense and occurs early in lymphoma, in contrast with the toxoplasmic abscesses, and this should provide a more specific differential diagnosis. Scintigraphic studies with somatostatin or positron emission tomography, using fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG-PET scintigraphy), also seem to be an interesting mean of making a specific diagnosis of cerebral lesion, according to a principle that is close to dynamic MRI. In lymphoma, capturing of the tracer is about 3 times greater than in infective lesions, notably the toxoplasmic ones. Imaging, therefore, is provided with tools which permit an increasingly specific approach to the primary cerebral lymphoma of AIDS, the definitive diagnosis of which rests on stereotaxic biopsy. This high specificity facilitates a better selection of patients requiring this procedure and shortens the delay in its execution.

[Cerebral toxoplasmosis. Neuroradiologic diagnosis and prognostic monitoring]

Cerebral toxoplasmosis remains the most frequent etiology of cerebral masses in AIDS. In most cases, the disclosure of multiple enhanced masses is suggestive of diagnosis of toxoplasmosis and leads to undertake presumptive therapy. Sometimes, the pattern is less suggestive, and the possibility of primary cerebral lymphoma (PCL) is a diagnostic dilemma, because this is a short term life-threatening lesion in the absence of an undelayed fitting therapy. However, apart from the periventricular form of PCL, where directly proceeding to biopsy should be suggested, there is no distinctive pattern of PCL. The most reliable features in distinguishing between PCL and toxoplasmosis are: solitary lesion, homogeneous enhancement of a lesion whose diameter is larger than 2 cm, situation in deep periventricular white matter and limited edema and mass effect. The presence of haemorrhagic foci in the lesion, if there is no steroid therapy is rather indicative of toxoplasmosis. The lack of enhancement on enhanced CT-scan does not allow to eliminate cerebral toxoplasmosis, and indicate MR examination, or empiric antitoxoplasmic treatment. The radiologic follow-up depends on clinical response and on initial pattern. The criteria of response to antitoxoplasmic treatment are: the decrease in volume or number of lesions, the decrease of edematous reaction and mass effect (if no steroid was administered). If the lesion was initially equivocal, the lack of growth in a 8-day delay is a criterion for toxoplasmosis, just as the occurring of haemorrhage in the lesions (if there is no steroid-therapy).

[Circumscribed myositis ossificans: bone changes detected by MRI]

The authors report a case of ossificans myositis, in which MRI showed inflammatory changes of the adjacent bone. T1 weighted fat saturation sequence with gadolinium injection showed enhancement of medullary and cortical bone. This potentially mistaking pattern must be known, to avoid misdiagnosing with malignant osseous tumor, specially before achievement of the characteristic pattern of zonal maturation and its calcified rim.

[Dental-radicular cysts invading the maxillary sinus]

The authors report three cases of radicular cyst developing into the maxillary sinus which was partially or completely obscured. Looking for a thin rim of cortical bone should be undertaken in case of opacity of maxillary sinus. This rim correspond to the floor of the sinus, which is lifted up by the cyst. If the attenuation value of the intrasinusal process is near of that of water, the diagnosis of radicular cyst invading the maxillary sinus is very likely and may indicate intraoral surgical approach.

[Rhabdomyolysis and truncular sciatica. 2 cases studied by MRI]

We report two cases of acute rhabdomyolysis in pelvic girdle muscles with sciatic palsy secondary to compression of the sciatic nerve trunk, with clinical and MRI correlation. The diagnosis of rhabdomyolysis is based on clinical and biological data, but diagnosis of compression complications secondary to swelling of the muscles, especially the compression of nerve trunk, is done by imaging. T2 weighted images give a definite anatomical evaluation. They show enlarged high signal intensity muscles and anatomic relationship with the sciatic nerve from its emergence out of pelvis, giving a good correlation between rhabdomyolysis and the compressed nervous trunk. It helps for planning a possible surgical fasciotomy. However, MRI provides only morphological informations, but not differentiates edema from necrosis in involved muscles.

[MRI of the operated lumbar spine and enhancement of intradural nerve roots. 478 cases]

Authors report a study of 478 MR imaging in failed back surgery syndrome. Enhancing nerve roots were detected in 73.8%, with a significant higher percentage in male patients, and long postoperative delay. There was no significant correlation with age, enhancement of epidural scar (epidural scar was seen in 75.7%) and disk herniation (seen in 25.9%). Alteration of blood-nerve-barrier causes enhancement, but the mecanism is nuclear: mechanical, biological, immunological or Wallerian degeneration. Diagnostic and prognostic value of enhancement are not proven and a study of asymptomatic patients is necessary.