Mohit Maheshwari

CLINICAL OUTCOMES OF PATIENTS RECEIVING INTEGRATED PET/CT-GUIDED RADIOTHERAPY FOR HEAD AND NECK CARCINOMA

PURPOSE We previously reported the advantages of (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography (PET) fused with CT for radiotherapy planning over CT alone in head and neck carcinoma (HNC). The purpose of this study was to evaluate clinical outcomes and the predictive value of PET for patients receiving PET/CT-guided definitive radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy. METHODS AND MATERIALS From December 2002 to August 2006, 42 patients received PET/CT imaging as part of staging and radiotherapy planning. Clinical outcomes including locoregional recurrence, distant metastasis, death, and treatment-related toxicities were collected retrospectively and analyzed for disease-free and overall survival and cumulative incidence of recurrence. RESULTS Median follow-up from initiation of treatment was 32 months. Overall survival and disease-free survival were 82.8% and 71.0%, respectively, at 2 years, and 74.1% and 66.9% at 3 years. Of the 42 patients, seven recurrences were identified (three LR, one DM, three both LR and DM). Mean time to recurrence was 9.4 months. Cumulative risk of recurrence was 18.7%. The maximum standard uptake volume (SUV) of primary tumor, adenopathy, or both on PET did not correlate with recurrence, with mean values of 12.0 for treatment failures vs. 11.7 for all patients. Toxicities identified in those patients receiving intensity modulated radiation therapy were also evaluated. CONCLUSIONS A high level of disease control combined with favorable toxicity profiles was achieved in a cohort of HNC patients receiving PET/CT fusion guided radiotherapy plus/minus chemotherapy. Maximum SUV of primary tumor and/or adenopathy was not predictive of risk of disease recurrence.

Propranolol Use in PHACE Syndrome with Cervical and Intracranial Arterial Anomalies: Collective Experience in 32 Infants

The objective of this retrospective study of patients evaluated between July 2008 and October 2011 in seven pediatric dermatology centers was to combine collective clinical experience using oral propranolol therapy in 32 infants with PHACE syndrome (Posterior fossa [brain malformations present at birth], Hemangioma [usually covering a large area of the skin of the head or neck >5 cm]; Arterial lesions [abnormalities of the blood vessels in the neck or head]; Cardiac abnormalities or aortic coarctation [abnormalities of the heart or blood vessels that are attached to the heart]; Eye abnormalities) with cervical or intracranial arterial anomalies. Patients were given an average daily dose of oral propranolol of 1.8 mg/kg divided two or three times per day for an average duration of 12.3 months. The main outcome measure was adverse neurologic events. Seven (22%) patients were categorized as being at higher risk for stroke, defined on magnetic resonance imaging as severe, long‐segment narrowing or nonvisualization of major cerebral or cervical vessels without anatomic evidence of collateral circulation, often in the presence of concomitant cardiovascular comorbidities. Only one patient developed a change in neurologic status during propranolol treatment: mild right hemiparesis that remained static and improved while propranolol was continued. An additional three patients had worsening hemangioma ulceration or tissue necrosis during therapy. This is the largest report thus far of patients with PHACE syndrome treated with propranolol. Although no catastrophic neurologic events occurred, serious complications, particularly severe ulcerations, were seen in a minority of patients, and given the sample size, we cannot exclude the possibility that propranolol could augment the risk of stroke in this population. We propose radiologic criteria that may prove useful in defining PHACE patients as being at high or standard risk for stroke. We continue to advise caution in using systemic beta‐blockers, particularly for children with vascular anomalies at higher risk for stroke. Use of the lowest possible dosage, slow dosage titration, three times per day dosing to minimize abrupt changes in blood pressure, and close follow‐up, including neurologic consultation as needed, are recommended.

A significant proportion of children with morphea en coup de sabre and Parry-Romberg syndrome have neuroimaging findings.

En coup de sabre (ECDS) and Parry‐Romberg syndrome (PRS) are variants of linear morphea on the head and neck that can be associated with neurologic manifestations. Intracranial abnormalities on computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are present in a significant proportion of individuals with these conditions. We describe 32 children from our institution with ECDS or PRS; neuroimaging was performed in 21 cases. We also review 51 additional cases from the literature. Nineteen percent of the children at our institution with ECDS or PRS had intracranial abnormalities on MRI, half of whom were asymptomatic. Hyperintensities on T2‐weighted sequences were the most common finding, present in all children with intracranial abnormalities on MRI. Seizures (13%) and headaches (9%) were the most common neurologic symptom. Neurologic symptoms were not correlated with neuroimaging abnormalities, with two asymptomatic children having marked MRI findings and only two of nine symptomatic children having an abnormal MRI. Similarly the severity of the superficial disease did not predict neurologic involvement; a child with subtle skin involvement had striking MRI findings and seizures, whereas another with a bony defect had no brain parenchymal involvement. Neurologic symptoms and neuroimaging abnormalities are found in a surprisingly substantial percentage of children with ECDS and PRS. Early recognition of neurologic involvement is necessary because it affects treatment choices. Because clinical predictors of intracranial abnormalities are poor, strong consideration should be given to obtaining an MRI before treatment initiation to assist in management decisions and establish a baseline examination.

Isolated Solitary Vertebral Body Tuberculosis—Study of Seven Cases

AIM To describe the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in isolated solitary vertebral body tuberculosis. Also to emphasize tuberculosis as an important entity, besides neoplasms, in the differential diagnosis of pathologies involving a single vertebral body. MATERIAL AND METHODS The clinical and imaging features of seven patients (four men and three women; age range 18-60 years), with proved solitary vertebral body tuberculosis were retrospectively studied. RESULTS Isolated solitary vertebral body tuberculosis is seen in only 1.69% of the total proven cases of spine tuberculosis seen in our institute between 1993 and 2002. All patients presented with constitutional symptoms and localized pain and tenderness. MRI showed decreased signal intensity on T1-weighted images and increased signal intensity on T2-weighted images. Cortical break was seen in three patients of whom epidural and pre-vertebral extensions were seen in one each. CONCLUSIONS Although tuberculosis affecting a solitary vertebral body is rare it should be considered as an important differential diagnosis, besides neoplasms. In these cases MRI serves as the best imaging technique available for diagnosis. However, confirmation can only be made on histopathology or culture of the specimen.

Congenital Cystic Lesions of the Head and Neck

This article presents clinical characteristics and radiologic features of congenital cervical cystic masses, among them thyroglossal duct cysts, cystic hygromas, branchial cleft cysts, and the some of the rare congenital cysts, such as thymic and cervical bronchogenic cysts. The imaging options and the value of each for particular masses, as well as present clinical and radiologic images for each, are discussed.

Diastematomyelia with terminal lipomyelocystocele arising from one hemicord:Case report

Diastematomyelia is an uncommon spinal dysraphism with midline dorsoventral clefting of the spinal cord. Formation of syrinx cavity within the hemicord, vertebral anomalies and lipomas is known to be associated with diastematomyelia. We present an unusual case of a 4-month-old girl, who presented with diastematomyelia and terminal myelocystocele, and dilatation of the terminal portion of the spinal canal with formation of a cystic structure. Findings were confirmed by subsequent surgery and histopathology. Ectopic right kidney, Chiari I malformation and changes of partial sacral agenesis were other findings noted in this case. No case report of formation of terminal myelocystocele arising from one hemicord was described in the literature we reviewed.

Spinal dysraphism associated with the cutaneous lumbosacral infantile hemangioma: a neuroradiological review

BackgroundSpinal dysraphism is suspected in patients with midline abnormalities, especially in those with lumbosacral cutaneous markings. A recent prospective study demonstrated that isolated cutaneous infantile hemangiomas (IH) of the lumbosacral region have one of the highest risks (relative risk of 438) of associated spinal dysraphism.ObjectiveThe specific types of dysraphism and radiological findings associated with cutaneous IH of the lumbosacral region have not been described in detail, to the best of our knowledge. The aim of this multicenter study is to retrospectively classify types of spinal anomalies associated with the cutaneous lumbosacral IH.Materials and methodsThe radiological images of 20 cases of lumbosacral infantile hemangioma associated with spinal dysraphism were reviewed.ResultsTethered cord was found in 60% of the 20 cases, spinal lipoma was present in 50% and 45% had intraspinal hemangiomas. Sinus tract was found in 40% of the children.ConclusionA range of spinal anomalies is associated with cutaneous lumbosacral infantile hemangiomas and MRI can be used to characterize these abnormalities.

A Simplified Algorithm for Diagnosis of Spinal Cord Lesions

Neuroimaging is indispensable for evaluation of Myelopathy not only for localization but also for etiologic determination. MRI is the preferred examination for further characterization of the majority of these conditions. These include traumatic, inflammatory, infections, compressive and neoplastic conditions. This article provides an overview of a variety of pathologies that afflict the spinal cord in an easy to understand format. Their respective imaging manifestations on MRI and differential diagnoses are focused in this review. Early diagnosis and treatment of Myelopathy is critical in preventing or arresting neurological morbidity.

Imaging features of disseminated peritoneal hydatidosis before and after medical treatment.

Hydatid disease is a parasitic infection caused by the cestode, Echinococcus granulosus. It is endemic in many parts of the world, including India. Most frequently it affects liver and lung [1]. Involvement of the peritoneal cavity is uncommon, accounting for 13% of abdominal echinococcosis [5]. We present a rare case of disseminated peritoneal hydatidosis and its imaging features before and after medical therapy. Diagnosis was confirmed by serological assay and positive response to anti-helminthic drugs.

White Matter: Functional Anatomy of Key Tracts

Functions of the different cortical parts of the brain are mediated by the widespread white matter networks that connect the different parts of the brain. With the advent of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), it is now possible to visualize the larger of these white matter tracts.