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Biomedical subjects

O Boyko

Publications and source records attributed to O Boyko.

13 recordsLinked to original sources

A comparative study of MR imaging profile of titanium pedicle screws.

OBJECTIVE: We compared the MR imaging profile of three different types of titanium pedicle screw implants in common usage in a human cadaveric model. We additionally compared the change in temperature during imaging among three constructs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Titanium-based lumbar pedicle screw/rod constructs from three manufacturers were implanted sequentially in a human cadaveric spine. MR imaging was then performed using both conventional spin-echo sequences and advanced imaging pulse sequences. Changes in tissue temperature were also measured during imaging to assess differences among the various implants. MR images were compared in a blinded fashion by two neuroradiologists. RESULTS: No significant differences in imaging profile were noted between the three types of titanium implants with regards to their MR artifact profile. Fast spin-echo sequences led to a decrease in perceptible MR artifacts. Moreover, there were no significant differences in temperature increase among the three manufacturers (mean increase 0.5 degrees C) during imaging. CONCLUSION: Slight differences in the percentage of titanium among the three pedicle screw systems does not appear to result in artifact differences during MR imaging. Therefore, with regard to imaging profile considerations, the three systems studied should be considered interchangeable.

Artifacts↗

Volume (three-dimensional) fast spin-echo imaging of the lumbar spine.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to prospectively evaluate a proton-density-weighted, three-dimensional (3D) volume fast spin-echo (SE) pulse sequence in the assessment of the lumbar spine for suspected spondylosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-eight patients referred for low back or lower extremity pain were imaged with both a two-dimensional (2D) protocol and a proton-density-weighted 3D volume fast SE imaging. The spinal canal, conus medullaris, intervertebral disks, neural foramina, bone marrow, and spinal alignment shown with the 3D volume fast SE pulse sequence were independently assessed by two neuroradiologists. These findings were compared with those of the routine 2D studies. RESULTS: Interpretation of disk protrusions and stenoses of the neural foramina were concordant between both protocols. No instance of cord abnormality was detected with either protocol. CONCLUSION: A 3D volume fast SE proton-density-weighted pulse sequence may provide information comparable to that of routine 2D imaging. Advantages of volume imaging include thinner sections, the capability of reconstruction into any plane, and the potential to decrease imaging time.

Adult↗

Single-voxel proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy of the pons and cerebellum in patients with schizophrenia: a preliminary study.

Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) is a non-invasive functional imaging technique that can measure various brain tissue metabolites such as N-acetylaspartate (NAA), choline (Cho), creatine-phosphocreatine (Cr), myo-inositol (mI) and other metabolites. Morphological studies have indicated the pons and cerebellum as possible sites of abnormal functioning in schizophrenic patients. This study examines schizophrenic patients for the presence of abnormalities in proton MRS (1H-MRS) measured metabolites in two regions of the posterior fossa. Twelve schizophrenic patients and eight non-schizophrenic control subjects were studied by measuring the ratios of NAA/Cr, Cho/Cr and mI/Cr from 1H-spectra obtained from the pons and right or left cerebellum using an integrated MRI/MRS protocol. Spectra were obtained from a voxel in the pons and voxels from the left and/or right lateral cerebellum. Data were analyzed in the absorption mode and fitted to Lorentzian lineshapes using a Marquart algorithm. Significantly lower NAA/Cr ratios were found in the pons of schizophrenic patients than in the control subjects, but not in the cerebellum. This study is the first to measure brain tissue metabolites using 1H-MRS in the pons and cerebellum of schizophrenic patients. Significant alterations of 1H-MRS metabolites may suggest the involvement of the posterior fossa as a part of the pathological substrate underlying schizophrenia.

Adult↗

Ipsilateral subcortical atrophy associated with temporal lobectomy.

Stereologic methods for determining the volume of cerebral structures in vivo via magnetic resonance imaging have identified unilateral hippocampal atrophy among patients with complex partial epilepsy of temporal lobe origin. Metabolic imaging has also identified altered metabolism in temporal as well as extratemporal regions among these patients. As the temporal cortex and subcortical nuclei of the limbic system are reciprocally connected with striatal projection fields, we examined the putamen nuclei for evidence of associated extratemporal volume asymmetry in patients before and after temporal lobectomy. There was no evidence of preoperative putamen volume asymmetry, but a significant postoperative decrement in ipsilateral putamen volume was observed. The magnitude of postsurgical putamen volume asymmetry was correlated with the duration of time since resection. Progressive degeneration of extratemporal projections of the temporal lobe may occur in association with temporal lobectomy.

Adolescent↗

Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome caused by psychogenic food refusal: MR findings.

A 37-year-old woman developed Wernicke encephalopathy after prolonged psychogenic food refusal. MR revealed characteristic signal abnormalities in the midbrain and dorsal thalamus. Follow-up scans showed atrophy and third ventricular enlargement. Wernicke encephalopathy can occur in nonalcoholics, and MR imaging is useful in both the diagnosis and follow-up.

Adult↗

Magnetic resonance spectroscopy in social phobia: preliminary findings.

Proton localized magnetic resonance spectroscopy was studied in 20 social phobics and 20 age- and sex-matched controls. Stimulated Echo Acquisition Mode volume element localization was used with chemical shift imaging. Choline and creatine signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) were significantly lower in social phobia than in controls in subcortical, thalamic, and caudate areas. In the social phobic group, N-acetylaspartate (NAA) SNR was significantly lower in cortical and subcortical regions, and ratios of NAA to other metabolites were lower in social phobia. Choline, creatine, and NAA SNRs were inversely correlated to total social phobia and fear symptoms, as measured by the Brief Social Phobia Scale, in the thalamic and noncortical gray areas. In a small number of patients who received clonazepam, posttreatment SNRs generally increased relative to baseline. Our results suggest a promising place for magnetic resonance spectroscopy in social phobia and also indicate potential pharmacodynamic uses of this technique.

Adult↗

A magnetic resonance image study of age-related changes in human putamen nuclei.

Putamen nuclei were assessed in 36 normal volunteers using magnetic resonance imaging and a systematic sampling method. There was a significant decrease in the volume of the putamen nuclei with advancing age (r = -0.74, p less than 0.0001), and an associated decline in the volume of the caudate nuclei (r = 0.60, p less than 0.0001). The implications of these findings in age-associated motor abnormalities are discussed.

Adult↗

Subcortical hyperintensities on brain magnetic resonance imaging: a comparison of normal and bipolar subjects.

Bipolar disorder has been reported to occur frequently in a number of subcortical diseases. This suggests that subcortical structures may be involved in the etiology of bipolar disorder in some patients. With the advent of brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), in vivo visualization of the subcortical white and gray matter is now possible, allowing the examination of these structures. The authors report a higher occurrence of deep white matter lesions in bipolar patients (44%) compared with age-matched controls (6%). The neuroanatomic and clinical correlates of these lesions will be discussed, along with their potential pathophysiologic significance.

Adult↗

Effects of cell membrane disruption on the relaxation rates of blood and clot with various methemoglobin concentrations.

The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics of hemorrhage and clotted blood change with age. The effects of methemoglobin and cell membrane lysis, factors which in part may underlie this evolution of imaging characteristics, were studied using clotted and heparinized dog blood at various methemoglobin concentrations. Cell lysis did not alter the longitudinal relaxation rate (1/T1) in clotted or unclotted samples. Membrane lysis altered significantly the transverse relaxation rate (1/T2) in both clotted and unclotted samples. Lysed samples of oxygenated blood at 0% methemoglobin had significantly higher T2 values than intact samples. At 0% methemoglobin, clotted samples had slightly but significantly shorter relaxation times than unclotted samples. Within the samples studied, large changes in the state of oxygenation and methemoglobin content were observed in less than 24 h. Such changes necessitate frequent monitoring of these parameters if serial studies are to be done.

Animals↗

Meningocele manqué: radiologic findings with clinical correlation.

PURPOSE: To determine whether meningocele manqué can be detected by neuroimaging techniques in dysraphic patients. METHODS: We reviewed the records and imaging studies of 16 patients with surgically proved meningocele manqué seen at our institution between 1989 and 1990. Both CT and MR imaging techniques were used. CT of the spine was performed immediately following contrast myelography. RESULTS: Nine of 16 patients (CT, four; and MR, five) showed evidence of meningocele manqué which corresponded to intraoperative findings. Fourteen of 16 patients were found to have diastematomyelia, eight with medium septum and six without a septum. Associated findings included syrinx (six), lipoma (five), dermoid cyst (one), and neuroenteric cyst (one). After completing this review, we were able to prospectively diagnose dorsal bands in two new patients; these bands were confirmed at surgery. CONCLUSION: Dorsal bands can be detected in dysraphic patients with CT or MR using operative findings as a road map.

Adolescent↗

Bicaudate index on magnetic resonance imaging: effects of normal aging.

The bicaudate and bifrontal indices have been used in prior computed tomographic studies to investigate atrophy of the caudate nuclei in patients with Huntington's chorea and cerebral atrophy. However, the relationship between these indices and caudate volume has not been documented previously. In this study, we used high-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to determine the effects of normal aging on the bicaudate and bifrontal indices and to study the relationship between these indices and caudate volume. The subjects were 49 normal volunteers, aged 22 to 82 years, who were without any significant neurologic or psychiatric disorders. Age was positively correlated with bicaudate index (r = .59; P < .0001) and bifrontal index (r = .40; P < .0047). Age was negatively correlated with caudate nuclei volume (r = -.47; P < .0005). Caudate volume was negatively correlated with bicaudate (r = -.27; P < .06) and bifrontal (r = -.31; P < .03) indices. These findings are consistent with prior reports of caudate nuclei degeneration with increasing age. Linear and volumetric caudate measurements with MRI may prove useful in the investigation of caudate nuclei function in the neuromotor decline with normal aging and in disorders such as Huntington's chorea.

Adult↗

Poststenotic signal loss in MR angiography: effects of echo time, flow compensation, and fractional echo.

PURPOSE: To evaluate with steady and pulsatile flow the influence of echo time, gradient strength and duration, and flow compensation on the degree of turbulent signal loss, factors that have been implicated in MR angiography's overestimation of the degree of stenosis. METHODS: We examined poststenotic turbulent flow in two models, one that created a turbulent jet and another that simulated a plaque-like stenosis. The pulse sequence used in these experiments allowed for a single variable (flow compensation, echo time, or gradient strength) to be varied without changing the others. RESULTS: Poststenotic signal loss can lead to overestimation of the degree of a stenosis. The area of signal loss in the turbulent jet was influenced by fractional echo and flow compensation, but not by echo time. We found that the dominant mechanism in poststenotic signal loss is related to the strength and duration of the imaging gradients. CONCLUSIONS: Flow-compensated sequences with reduced gradient strength and duration will reduce poststenotic signal loss and may lead to more accurate estimations of the extent of stenotic lesions.

Arterial Occlusive Diseases↗