Anit Parihar

Comparative Evaluation of Fungal, Tubercular, and Pyogenic Brain Abscesses with Conventional and Diffusion MR Imaging and Proton MR Spectroscopy

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: It is difficult to differentiate the cause of brain abscesses with the use of CT and MR imaging. We did a comparative evaluation of pyogenic, tubercular, and fungal brain abscesses by using conventional, diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), and proton MR spectroscopy (PMRS) with an aim to define the unique features that may differentiate among the pyogenic, tubercular, and fungal brain abscesses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis on 110 patients with surgically proved brain abscesses. Imaging studies included T2, T1, postcontrast T1, DWI, and PMRS. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) of the wall and cavity of the abscesses were quantified. The morphologic, physiologic, and metabolite features of pyogenic (n = 91), tubercular (n = 11), and fungal (n = 8) abscesses were compared. RESULTS: The pyogenic abscesses had smooth (55/91) and lobulated (36/91) walls, whereas the tubercular abscesses had smooth (4/11), lobulated (6/11), or crenated walls (1/11) with no intracavitary projections. The fungal abscesses showed irregular walls (lobulated 4/8, crenated 4/8) with intracavitary projections (8/8). The wall as well as the cavity showed low ADC in the pyogenic and tubercular abscesses. In the fungal abscesses, the wall and projections showed low ADC (8/8); however, the cavity itself showed high ADC (8/8). PMRS showed cytosolic amino acids (89/91), acetate (25/91), and succinate (18/91) in the pyogenic abscesses, whereas lipid/lactate (11/11) was seen in the tubercular abscesses. The fungal abscesses showed lipid (4/8), lactate (7/8), amino acids (4/8), and multiple peaks between 3.6 and 3.8 ppm assigned to trehalose (5/8). CONCLUSION: Based on the morphologic, ADC, and metabolite information, it may be possible to differentiate among the pyogenic, tubercular, and fungal brain abscesses.

Hydrocephalus in tuberculous meningitis: Incidence, its predictive factors and impact on the prognosis

BACKGROUNDnHydrocephalus is one of the most common complications of tuberculous meningitis. The present study evaluated the incidence, predictive factors and impact of hydrocephalus on overall prognosis of tuberculous meningitis.nnnMATERIAL AND METHODSnIn a prospective cohort study, all patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria of tuberculous meningitis underwent clinical and cerebrospinal fluid evaluation, together with magnetic resonance imaging of the brain. Patients were treated with antituberculosis drugs and dexamethasone. Follow up neuroimaging was done after 6 months. Hydrocephalus was assessed using Evans index.nnnRESULTSnOf 80 patients with tuberculous meningitis, 52(65%) had hydrocephalus at presentation. During follow up, 8 new patients developed hydrocephalus. Factors associated with hydrocephalus included advanced stage of disease, severe disability, duration of illnessxa0>xa02 months, diplopia, seizures, visual impairment, papilledema, cranial nerve palsy, hemiparesis, CSF total cell countxa0>xa0100/cu.mm, CSF proteinxa0>xa02.5xa0g/l. Neuroimaging factors that were significantly associated with hydrocephalus included basal exudates, tuberculoma and infarcts. Multivariate analysis revealed visual impairment, cranial nerve palsy and the presence of basal exudates as significant predictors of hydrocephalus. In 13 patients, with early tuberculous meningitis, there was complete resolution of hydrocephalus. Hydrocephalus was significantly associated with mortality and poor outcome.nnnCONCLUSIONnHydrocephalus occurs in approximately two-third of patients with tuberculous meningitis and has an unfavorable impact on the prognosis. Hydrocephalus in early stages of tuberculous meningitis may resolve completely.

Neuroimaging Features and Predictors of Outcome in Eclamptic Encephalopathy: A Prospective Observational Study

Imaging findings in 45 patients with eclampticposterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome were assessed. The most common affected areas were the occipital, parietal, frontal, and temporal lobes. Serum creatinine, uric acid, and lactate dehydrogenase values and presence of moderate or severe PRES were significantly associated with mortality. Eclamptic PRES demonstrated a higher incidence of atypical distributions and cytotoxic edema than previously thought. BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome is associated with eclampsia. We assessed the distribution and nature of typical and atypical cranial MR imaging findings in these patients and their correlation with clinical and laboratory data and predictors of outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-five clinically confirmed cases of eclampsia were included in this prospective observational study. Subjects with hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets syndrome (n = 9) and pre-existing neurologic conditions (1 with cerebral solitary cysticercus granuloma) were excluded. Patients underwent blood investigations and cranial MR imaging. RESULTS: Twenty-seven patients had abnormal while 8 had normal MR imaging findings. Involvement of brain regions was as follows: frontal, 88.89%; temporal, 44.44%; parietal, 100%; occipital, 100%; deep gray matter, 29.63%; cerebellum, 22.22%; brain stem, 14.81%. Cytotoxic edema was present in 33.33% of cases; 66.67% of patients had mild posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome; 25.92% had moderate posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome; and 7.41% had severe posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome. Abnormal neuroimaging findings were significantly associated with altered sensorium; visual disturbances; status epilepticus; and elevated serum creatinine, uric acid, and lactate dehydrogenase (P = .006, P = .018, P = .015, P = .019, P = .003, and P = .001, respectively). Serum creatinine, uric acid, and lactate dehydrogenase values and the presence of moderate or severe posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome were significantly associated with mortality (P < .001, P < .001, P = .009, and P = .027, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Neuroimaging in eclampsia demonstrates a higher incidence of atypical distributions and cytotoxic edema than previously thought. Altered sensorium; visual disturbances; status epilepticus; and elevated serum uric acid, lactate dehydrogenase, and creatinine are associated with abnormal neuroimaging findings. Higher serum creatinine, uric acid, and lactate dehydrogenase levels and moderate and severe forms of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome are possible predictors of poor outcome.

Computed tomography angiography in patients with tuberculous meningitis

BACKGROUNDnStrokes in tuberculous meningitis are important determinant of prognosis. Strokes are caused by tuberculosis-related vasculopathy. In this study, we aimed to demonstrate the value of computed tomography angiography. We also assessed value of angiographic findings in determining the prognosis.nnnMETHODSnWe included consecutive patients of tuberculous meningitis and prospectively followed them for 6 months. Computed tomography angiography was performed at inclusion. Follow-up angiography, after 6 months, was done in the patients, who had given consent. Angiographic findings were evaluated by experienced neuroradiologists.nnnRESULTSnInitial computed tomography angiography revealed arterial narrowing or occlusion in 33 patients. In 30 patients the anterior cerebral circulation and in 9 patients posterior cerebral circulation was involved. Six (18.2%) patients had lesions in both the territories. The most frequently involved arteries were supraclinoid portion of the internal carotid artery, and proximal portions of the anterior cerebral and middle cerebral arteries. On univariate analysis, predictors of angiographic abnormalities were impaired vision (pxa0=xa00.019), hemiparesis (pxa0=xa00.002), hydrocephalous (pxa0<xa00.001), basal exudates (pxa0<xa00.001), meningeal enhancement (pxa0=xa00.026) and infarcts (pxa0<xa00.001). On multivariate analysis basal exudates was a significant predictor. Angiographic abnormalities were associated with insignificantly poorer prognosis. On follow-up angiograms, 3 patients showed resolution in vascular abnormalities. Two patients had developed new angiographic abnormalities.nnnCONCLUSIONnArterial narrowing and occlusion is seen in majority of patients with tuberculous meningitis. Angiographic abnormalities may be associated with poor prognosis.

Neurologic complications in dengue virus infection A prospective cohort study

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the incidence and clinical spectrum of neurologic complications, predictors of central and peripheral nervous system involvement, and their outcome in patients with dengue virus infection (DENV). Methods: To determine the extent of neurologic complications, we used a hospital-based prospective cohort study design, which included laboratory-confirmed cases of dengue and follow-up for 3 months. We also analyzed clinical and laboratory data to assess predictors of neurologic involvement. Results: The study included enrollment of 486 cases. Two were lost to follow-up and excluded. Forty-five patients developed neurologic complications. Of these, 28 patients had CNS and 17 had peripheral nervous system (PNS) involvement, representing an incidence rate for neurologic complications of 9.26%. Significant predictors of CNS involvement were higher mean body temperature (p = 0.012), elevated hematocrit (p = 0.009), low platelet count (p = 0.021), and liver dysfunction (p < 0.001). Predictors of PNS involvement were higher mean body temperature (p = 0.031), rash (p = 0.002), and elevated hematocrit (p < 0.001). The mortality rate was 4.5%. The remainder of the patients recovered. Conclusion: An increasingly wide spectrum and higher incidence of neurologic complications of DENV are reported. Clinical and laboratory parameters such as higher mean body temperature, rash, increases in hematocrit, thrombocytopenia, and liver dysfunction are independent predictors of neurologic complications.

Diagnostic and prognostic role of MRI in spinal trauma, its comparison and correlation with clinical profile and neurological outcome, according to ASIA impairment scale.

Aims and objectives: To evaluate the role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as a non-invasive diagnostic tool in patients with acute and chronic spinal trauma and to compare and correlate the MRI findings with those of patients’ clinical profile and neurological outcome according to ASIA impairment scale to assess prognostic and clinical value of MRI. Materials and Methods: Sixty two patients of spinal trauma formed the study group in a prospective fashion. The patients undergoing MR imaging and magnetic resonance images were analyzed and correlated with findings on neurological examination according to American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) impairment scale (AIS) at the time of MRI examination and subsequently at sub-acute interval to assess neurological outcome. Statistical Analysis: Sample profile was described in terms of 95% confidence limit and proportion. To describe strength of association between extent of spinal cord injury and outcome, odds ratio, bivariate and multi variant analysis, was used. Pearsons chi square (χ) 2 statistics was applied to test the association between two categorical variables. Data were analyzed using statistical software package, STATA 9.2 and the difference was considered to be significant if ‘P’ value was <0.05. Observation and Results: The cord edema without hemorrhage was the most common MR finding (41.5%). The others were sizable focus of hemorrhage within the cord (33%), epidural hematoma (5.0%), and normal cord (26%). Majority of MR findings correlated well with clinical profile of the patient according to ASIA impairment scale. This study demonstrated that patients with presence of sizable focus of haemorrhage had larger cord edema and more severe grade of initial ASIA impairment scale( AIS) with poor recovery at follow up (P=0.032).Improvement in upper extremity was more than lower extremity. Severe cord compression was also associated with poor neurological outcome; however it was not statistically significant (P=0.149). Conclusions: With this study the authors concluded that various MRI findings in acute spinal cord injury correlated well with the initial clinical findings and on follow-up according to ASIA impairment scale. MRI is useful for initial diagnosis of acute spinal cord injury and its prognostication for predicting neurological recovery.

Paradoxical vision loss associated with optochiasmatic tuberculoma in tuberculous meningitis: a report of 8 patients.

BACKGROUNDnParadoxical appearance of new or expansion of existing optochiasmatic tuberculoma, leading to severe vision loss, is a devastating complication in patient with tuberculous meningitis.nnnMETHODSnWe report a series of 8 cases of tuberculous meningitis that developed paradoxical vision loss associated with optochiasmatic tuberculoma. Clinical assessment and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) done at presentation, at the time of deterioration, and at 9 months were analyzed.nnnRESULTSnAll patients had good vision acuity and normal visual field at baseline. None of them had optochiasmatic tuberculoma on magnetic resonance imaging at baseline, though 3 patients had optochiasmatic arachnoiditis. The mean interval of onset of paradoxical optochiasmatic tuberculoma was 41 days after starting antituberculosis therapy. Paradoxical optochiasmatic tuberculoma was associated with vision deterioration in all patients, 6 of whom developed severe vision loss (vision acuity <or=6/60). Repeat neuroimaging showed new optochiasmatic tuberculoma in all patients. All patients were treated with extended course of dexamethasone for 6 weeks along with antituberculosis therapy. Two patients died at 62 and 211 days respectively. Repeat neuroimaging in rest of the patients showed resolution of optochiasmatic tuberculoma. At 9 months follow-up, vision improved completely in 3 patients and partially in 3 patients.nnnCONCLUSIONnPrompt recognition of paradoxical optochiasmatic tuberculoma with the help of vision assessment and neuroimaging is vital for patients life and vision. Paradoxical reactions should not be labeled as a new or resistant infection. The prior treatment schedule should continue, and dexamethasone may be added or its dose enhanced.

Imaging Spectrum in Soft Tissue Sarcomas

Imaging plays an important role in detection, diagnosis as well as pre and post operative management of patients with soft tissue sarcomas. Soft tissue sarcomas are generally a diagnostic dilemma needing the complimentary use of both radiology and pathology for their accurate diagnosis. In this review article, we have tried to highlight the important facts about the various imaging modalities available as well as the recent advances in the field of radiology.

Perihematomal edema as predictor of outcome in spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage

Background: Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (SICH) is a form of cerebrovascular accident with a very high rate of morbidity and mortality. The determinants of prognosis include the demographic, clinical, laboratory, and radiologic factors. It is long known that the hematoma size has a negative impact on the outcome in SICH. The influence of perihematomal edema (PHE) is not established to the extent same as that of hematoma volume. Hence, we planned this study to determine as to what role does PHE plays in the outcome in SICH. Aim of the Study: To evaluate the prognostic influence of absolute and relative edema (ratio of absolute edema to hematoma volume) in the patients of SICH. Materials and Methods: This is a prospective case-controlled study. A total of 44 patients were enrolled after excluding the confounding factors. The patients were evaluated and their disability was assessed using modified Rankin scale (MRS). The imaging was done in the interval between 24 and 72 h and the hematoma volume, absolute edema volume, and the relative edema were calculated. The outcome was reassessed at 12 weeks and defined as favorable if MRS < 3. Results: A total of 69 patients were found to be having SICH on imaging; however, 25 patients were excluded as they had one of the criterion for exclusion. Hence, only 44 patients were included in the study. On univariate analysis, none of the demographic characteristics of the patients, vascular risk factors, presenting complaints, blood pressure, Glasgow coma scale, and MRS at admission, laboratory parameters were not significantly different in the two outcome groups. The hematoma volume was significantly higher in the poor outcome group (P < 0.0001) and the relative edema was associated with a favorable outcome at 12 weeks (P < 0.0001). On multivariate logistic regression, the hematoma volume and relative edema were found to have effect on the outcome similar to that seen on univariate analysis. Conclusion: In SICH, a larger hematoma volume is a predictor of poor outcome and a relative edema is associated with a better functional status.

Bladder dysfunction and urodynamic study in tuberculous meningitis

BACKGROUNDnMicturitional disturbances in tuberculous meningitis have been reported infrequently and that too without urodynamic studies. Bladder dysfunction in tuberculous meningitis is often considered secondary to tuberculous radiculomyelopathy. We, in this study, evaluated the incidence and pattern of bladder dysfunction in tuberculous meningitis.nnnMATERIALS AND METHODnIn this prospective study, 51 patients were included. In addition to clinical evaluation, patients were subjected to a urodynamic study along with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of brain and spine. Patients were followed up for 6 months. A follow-up urodynamic study was performed after 6 months.nnnRESULTSnOut of 51 patients, urinary symptoms were present in one-third of the patients. Approximately, 70% (36) of the patients had urodynamic abnormalities. The commonest (22/51) urodynamic abnormality was detrusor hyporeflexia/areflexia. Other urodynamic abnormalities were neurogenic detrusor overactivity in 10, detrusor sphincter dyssynergia in 6, normal detrusor activity in 19, reduced bladder sensation in 12, raised cystometric capacity in 9, and larger volumes of post-void residual urine in 12 patients. Six patients were unable to void on command. Three patients with neurogenic detrusor overactivity had leak during study. MRI showed spinal meningeal enhancement in 37, lumbosacral arachnoiditis in 25, myelitis in 12 patients, CSF loculations in 6, and cord atrophy in 5 patients. Spinal arachnoiditis and urinary symptoms showed significant association with urodynamic abnormalities. Follow-up urodynamic study showed resolution of urodynamic abnormalities in 72.6% of the patients with treatment. Seven (28%) patients, with normal baseline urodynamic findings, paradoxically developed new abnormalities.nnnCONCLUSIONnBladder dysfunctions, in tuberculous meningitis, are frequently encountered. A significant association exists between urodynamic abnormalities and tuberculous lumbosacral arachnoiditis and myeloradiculopathy.