Biomedical subjects

Dianne B Mendelsohn

Publications and source records attributed to Dianne B Mendelsohn.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2005

Use of sagittal images for localization of the subthalamic nucleus. Technical note.

Direct observation of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) is not always possible, and physicians at many centers rely on indirect methods that relate the position of the STN to more easily recognized structures such as the red nucleus (RN). In this paper the authors describe an indirect method of viewing the STN based on the anatomy depicted on sagittal magnetic resonance (MR) images. A review of sagittal slices appearing in standard stereotactic atlases showed that the STN lies within the angle formed by the descending internal capsule (IC) and the substantia nigra (SN). The authors' technique consists of marking the location of the STN in this nigrocapsular angle on each sagittal MR image between the RN and the lateral border of the brainstem, and transferring these points to axial MR images to build a locus of points used to describe the STN. A point is chosen in the center of this locus as the stereotactic target. Two hundred eighty-two sagittal images obtained from 71 MR imaging studies performed in 29 patients by using a fast-spin echo inversion-recovery technique were examined for the presence of the STN, the SN, and the IC. The descending IC could be detected in 97% of the slices, the SN in 95% of the slices, and the STN in 73% of the slices. This indirect method involving sagittal anatomy can be used to refine localization of the STN.

Humans↗

PubMed2004

Transverse myelitis in systemic sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Neurological involvement occurs rarely with systemic sclerosis (SSc). Only a few cases of transverse myelopathy have been reported in the setting of SSc. OBJECTIVE: To describe a patient with SSc who developed transverse myelitis that improved during a course of immunosuppression. RESULTS: A 30-year-old woman with SSc presented with subacute onset of bilateral lower extremity weakness and numbness. Results of magnetic resonance imaging and cerebrospinal fluid studies supported a diagnosis of transverse myelitis. The patient responded favorably to a course of corticosteroids and cyclophosphamide. No overlapping autoimmune disorders were evident. Clinical follow-up showed significant recovery, with resolution of radiological abnormalities. CONCLUSION: Transverse myelitis can occur as a rare manifestation of SSc and may respond favorably to immunosuppressive therapy.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗

PubMed2004

Multilevel intramedullary spinal neurocysticercosis with eosinophilic meningitis.

BACKGROUND: Cysticercal involvement of the spinal cord is a very rare form of neurocysticercosis. Intramedullary cysts are even less common. OBJECTIVE: To describe a novel presentation of multilevel intramedullary neurocysticercosis with eosinophilic meningitis. DESIGN: Case report. PATIENT: A 35-year-old man with a history of cerebral neurocysticercosis who presented with both cauda equina and Brown-Sequard syndromes associated with cerebrospinal fluid findings of eosinophilic meningitis. RESULTS: Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the multilevel intramedullary cord lesions. The patient was treated medically with dexamethasone and albendazole and had a good recovery. CONCLUSION: Intramedullary neurocysticercosis should be considered as a potentially treatable cause of multilevel spinal lesions with subacute meningitis.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Functional magnetic resonance imaging of activation in subcortical auditory pathway.

OBJECTIVES: Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) has been used to investigate activation of the auditory cortex; however, assessment of activation in the subcortical auditory pathway has been challenging. The aim of this study was to examine neural correlates of cortical and subcortical auditory activation evoked by pure-tone stimulus using silent fMRI. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective analysis. METHODS: Seventeen normal-hearing volunteers (7 male, 10 female; age range, 14-37 yrs) underwent silent fMRI. An audiometer was used to deliver pure tones of 1000 Hz to the left ear. Pure tones were presented at hearing thresholds determined in the scanner. Brain regions showing increased activation during pure-tone stimulus presentation were mapped and auditory activations exceeding P <.001 were included in the analysis. RESULTS: Pure-tone stimuli evoked bilateral activation in cortical regions of the transverse and superior temporal gyri and the planum temporale. Activation in subcortical structures included the medial geniculate body, inferior colliculus, lateral lemniscus, superior olivary complex, and cochlear nucleus. CONCLUSIONS: Silent functional magnetic resonance imaging findings documented the feasibility of detecting activation elicited by pure tone along the cortical and subcortical auditory pathway. The use of this technique in the assessment of disorders with auditory dysfunction merits further investigation.

Acoustic Stimulation↗