Ayse Gul Alimli

Diagnostic performance of heavily T2-weighted techniques in obstructive hydrocephalus: comparison study of two different 3D heavily T2-weighted and conventional T2-weighted sequences

AbstractPurpose To evaluate efficacy of three-dimensional (3D) heavily T2-weighted (W) MRI sequences in assessment of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pathways and to compare two different types of 3D heavily T2W MRI sequences (CISS and SPACE) with two-dimensional (2D) T2W turbo spin echo (TSE) sequences for hydrocephalus with intraventricular obstruction.Materials and methodsSixty-two patients who were diagnosed with intraventricular obstructive hydrocephalus, according to clinical and radiological findings, were included in this retrospective study. 2D-TSE-T2, 3D-CISS, and 3D-SPACE, which are part of the protocol, were analyzed quantitatively by measuring ventricle-to-parenchyma contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and qualitatively by evaluating the capabilities of visualization of the obstructive pathology, overall image quality, severity of artifacts, and delineation of the CSF pathways. One-way ANOVA and Friedman’s test were used for statistical analysis.ResultsCNR between CSF and brain parenchyma was significantly higher using 3D-SPACE sequences compared with 3D-CISS and 2D-TSE-T2 sequences. The qualitative findings showed that 3D heavily T2W sequences were superior to 2D-TSE-T2 sequences. 3D-SPACE sequences showed fewer artifacts than 3D-CISS or 2D-TSE-T2 sequences.Conclusion3D heavily T2W sequences are necessary tools for assessment of CSF pathways in patients with intraventricular obstructive hydrocephalus. 3D-SPACE sequences allowed heavy T2W, which is necessary for CSF flow imaging and provided significantly fewer image artifacts and improved CNR in comparison with 3D-CISS sequences.

Pterygopalatine Fossa: Not a Mystery!

The pterygopalatine fossa is an important anatomic crossroads that is connected with numerous intra- and extracranial spaces via foramina and fissures. Although this fossa is small, its central location in the skull base and its communications provide clinical, radiological, and anatomical significance. In this pictorial review, we aimed to describe the radiologic anatomy of the pterygopalatine fossa, as well as to give some pathologic examples to better understand this major conduit.

Imaging features of Burkitt lymphoma in pediatric patients

Burkitt lymphoma is an aggressive and rapidly growing tumor that is curable and highly sensitive to chemotherapy. It can affect almost every tissue in the body, producing various clinical presentations and imaging appearances, according to the predilection of the different subtypes for certain sites. Awareness of its diagnostically specific imaging appearances plays an important role in rapid detection and treatment. In this pictorial review, we aimed to identify the most common imaging features of Burkitt lymphoma in pediatric patients.

MRI and CT findings of isolated intracranial Rosai–Dorfman disease in a child

Isolated intracranial Rosai–Dorfman disease (RDD) is extremely rare in pediatric patients. We present the case of a 22-month-old boy whom had isolated intracranial RDD involvement. To our knowledge, a parieto-occipital regional involvement without a dural tail sign has not been previously documented. Also, the mass contained hyperintense central T1 foci, and hypointense T2 and gradient echo foci; which are helpful in the differential diagnosis from meningioma. The magnetic resonance and computed tomography imaging findings are discussed and the follow-up course is presented in this paper.

Juvenile Nasopharyngeal Angiofibroma: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings

Purpose: Juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (JNA) is a rare tumor that exhibits a predictable spreading pattern. Radiologist’s prior knowledge on the tumor’s characteristics aids in establishing a diagnosis. We aimed to report the characteristic Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) findings and the spread patterns of JNA. Materials and methods: We retrospectively evaluated the MRI findings and extension pathways of 6 cases of JNA. Results: The patients’ age ranged from 8 to 16 years and all patients were male. The tumors were classified according to the Onerci system. Tumors were largely isointense to muscle on T1-weighted images and hyperintense on T2-weighted images. All lesions had internal signal-void regions and all exhibited intense enhancement after IV contrast injection. Diffusion restriction was not an associated feature. ADC values for these tumors were high. The evaluation of the available MR angiography studies of three patients showed the blood supply to the tumor to be mainly from the internal maxillary branch of the external carotid artery. In all patients, the diagnosis was based on MR images and a surgical excision was planned. Conclusion: The diagnosis can be established based on the characteristic imaging findings and the clinical history without performing a biopsy.

Intramedullary pilocytic astrocytoma.

A 5-year-old female patient was admitted to Pediatric Neurosurgery Division, Gazi University Faculty of Medicine with complaints of abdominal pain, leg pain, and progressive weakness in legs for 2 months. Her medical history was unremarkable. The neurologic examination revealed decreased muscle strength of lower extremities (Grade 2 of 5). Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and spine MRI were performed. The cranial MRI revealed no pathologic changes. The thoracic spine magnetic resonance images with contrast administration showed a 2 2 10-cm cystic mass with peripheral enhancement located at the level of T3–T8 vertebrae (Fig. 1). The lesion caused an expansion of the cord. The spinal cord showed hyperintensity at T2-weighted images, which was consistent with vasogenic edema (Fig. 2). After antiedema treatment with steroids, T3–T7 laminectomy and subtotal resection of the lesion under intraoperative neuromonitoring was

Non-infantile variant of desmoplastic ganglioglioma: Conventional and advanced MR imaging characteristics

Desmoplastic infantile ganglioglioma is a paediatric brain tumor that is commonly seen in the infantile age group. Literature on the non-infantile variant of this low-grade supratentorial neoplasm is very scarce, except for a few case reports. Herein, we report a case of desmoplastic non-infantile ganglioglioma occurring at the age of 6 years and describe its conventional and advanced magnetic resonance imaging characteristics.

Hepatic Complications of Umbilical Venous Catheters in the Neonatal Period: The Ultrasound Spectrum

Umbilical venous catheterization is commonly used in the neonatal period; however, it has some complications. In this study, we evaluated neonates who underwent umbilical venous catheterization and developed hepatic complications. Furthermore, we aimed to define all of the possible lesions and to clarify the imaging findings of umbilical venous catheter–induced hepatic injury.

A Newborn with an Alternative Porto-Caval Shunt

Summary Background Absent ductus venosus (ADV) is a rare condition, but it should be known that this embryonic anomaly may be detected by fetal echocardiographic or newborn ultrasound examinations. Case Report We present a baby with an ADV and an accompanying alternative porto-caval shunt between the right portal vein and inferior vena cava detected on postnatal ultrasound examination. Conclusions Variations in the fetal umbilical or porto-systemic circulations should be detected by fetal or newborn ultrasound examinations and kept in mind before common interventions such as UV catheterizations.