Insights Into MRI Neuroimaging Patterns of COVID-19 in Children: A Retrospective Comprehensive Analysis

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES

Neurological complications associated with coronavirus disease (COVID-19) have been reported in children; however, data on neuroimaging findings remain limited. This study aimed to comprehensively examine neuroimaging patterns of COVID-19 in children and their relationship with clinical outcomes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective cross-sectional study involved reviewing the medical records and MRI scans of 95 children who developed new neurological symptoms within 2-4 weeks of clinical and laboratory confirmation of COVID-19. Patients were categorized into four groups based on guidelines approved by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Initial brain/spinal MRI was performed. Images were reviewed by three blinded radiologists, and the findings were analyzed and categorized based on the observed patterns in the brain and spinal cord. Follow-up MRI was performed and analyzed to track lesion progression.

RESULTS

Encephalopathy was the most common neurological symptom (50.5%). The most common initial MRI involvement patterns were non-confluent multifocal hyperintense white matter (WM) lesions (36.8%) and ischemia (18.9%). Most patients who underwent follow-up MRI (n = 56) showed complete resolution (69.9%); however, some patients developed encephalomalacia and myelomalacia (23.2% and 7.1%, respectively). Non-confluent hyperintense WM lesions were associated with good outcomes (45.9%, P = 0.014), whereas ischemia and hemorrhage were associated with poor outcomes (44.1%, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

This study revealed diverse neuroimaging patterns in pediatric COVID-19 patients. Non-confluent WM lesions were associated with good outcomes, whereas ischemia and hemorrhage were associated with poorer prognoses. Understanding these patterns is crucial for their early detection, accurate diagnosis, and appropriate management.

Magnetic resonance imaging and 3-dimensional transperineal ultrasound evaluation of pelvic floor dysfunction in symptomatic women: a prospective comparative study

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and 3-dimensional transperineal ultrasound (3D-TPUS) features of pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) in symptomatic women in correlation with digital palpation and to define cut-offs for hiatal dimensions predictive of muscle dysfunction.

Methods

This prospective study included 73 women with symptoms suggesting PFD. 3D-TPUS, MRI, and digital palpation of the levator ani muscle were performed in all patients. Levator hiatal antero-posterior (LHap) diameter and area (LH area) were measured at rest and at maximum muscle contraction.

Results

The reduction in LHap diameter and LH area during contraction was significantly less in women with underactive pelvic floor muscle contraction (UpfmC) than in those who had normal pelvic floor muscle contraction by digital palpation (P<0.001). Statistically significant positive correlations (P<0.001) were found between the Modified Oxford Score and 3D-TPUS and MRI regarding the reduction in the LHap diameter (r=0.80 and r=0.82, respectively) and LH area (r=0.60 and r=0.70, respectively). A reduction in LHap of <6.5% on 3D-TPUS and <7.6% on MRI predicted UpfmC with sensitivities of 46.2% and 82.7%, respectively. A reduction in LH area of <3.4% on 3D-TPUS and <3.8% on MRI predicted UpfmC with sensitivities of 75.0% and 88.5%, respectively. MRI was more sensitive in detecting levator avulsion (63.4%) than 3D-TPUS (27.1%).

Conclusion

MRI and 3D-TPUS had strong positive correlations with findings on palpation, and at certain cut-offs for hiatal dimensions, they can be used as complementary and objective tools to improve the accuracy of diagnosis and management planning of PFD.