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At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources

Correlation between 99Tcm-HMPAO-SPECT brain image and a history of decompression illness or extent of diving experience in commercial divers.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the use of 99technetiumm-hexamethyl propylene amine oxime single photon computed tomography (HMPAO-SPECT) of the brain as a means of detecting nervous tissue damage in divers and to determine if there is any correlation between brain image and a diver's history of diving or decompression illness (DCI). METHODS: 28 commercial divers with a history of DCI, 26 divers with no history of DCI, and 19 non-diving controls were examined with brain HMPAO-SPECT. Results were classified by observer assessment as normal (I) or as a pattern variants (II-V). The brain images of a subgroup of these divers (n = 44) and the controls (n = 17) were further analysed with a first order texture analysis technique based on a grey level histogram. RESULTS: 15 of 54 commercial divers (28%) were visually assessed as having HMPAO-SPECT images outside normal limits compared with 15.8% in appropriately identified non-diver control subjects. 18% of divers with a history of DCI were classified as having a pattern different from the normal image compared with 38% with no history of DCI. No association was established between the presence of a pattern variant from the normal image and history of DCI, diving, or other previous possible neurological insult. On texture analysis of the brain images, divers had a significantly lower mean grey level (MGL) than non-divers. Divers with a history of DCI (n = 22) had a significantly lower MGL when compared with divers with no history of DCI (n = 22). Divers with > 14 years professional diving or > 100 decompression days a year had a significantly lower MGL value. CONCLUSIONS: Observer assessment of HMPAO-SPECT brain images can lead to disparity in results. Texture analysis of the brain images supplies both an objective and consistent method of measurement. A significant correlation was found between a low measure of MGL and a history of DCI. There was also an indication that diving itself had an effect on texture measurement, implying that it had caused subclinical nervous tissue damage.

Adult↗

Towards the networks of the brain: from brain imaging to consciousness.

The manner in which the brain computes in various tasks is being probed at a deep level by modern brain imaging techniques, with an increasing appreciation of the different networks being used to solve these tasks. There is simultaneously developing a neural modelling technology, which attempts to explain the underlying computations being performed by this set of networks. This paper describes results from brain imaging and how they may be related to the underlying neural networks by means of structural modelling. It thereby attempts to give an initial glimpse of the emerging picture of the functionality of brain networks. It concludes with a discussion of the role of consciousness in global processing, and how particular styles of neural processing can attain this.

Journal Article↗

Effects of image resolution on autoradiographic measurements of posterior cingulate activity in PDAPP mice: implications for functional brain imaging studies of transgenic mouse models of Alzheimer's Disease.

Fluorodeoxyglucosepositron emission tomography (PET) studies find that persons with Alzheimer's disease have preferential reductions in posterior cingulate activity. Using fluorodeoxyglucose autoradiography, we found that transgenic mice overexpressing a mutant form of the human amyloid precursor protein have preferentially reduced activity in the same region, providing a potential brain imaging indicator of Alzheimer's disease in these animals. In this study, we considered the feasibility of using in vivo imaging techniques, such as PET, to detect this reduction despite their limitations in spatial resolution. Autoradiographic measurements of posterior cingulate activity were remeasured in the previously studied PDAPP transgenic and littermate control mice after the images were filtered to lower spatial resolutions. We continued to detect significantly lower cingulate activity in the transgenic mice when the images were blurred to 0.50 mm, failed to detect significantly abnormal activity when the images were blurred to 0.75 mm, and, indeed, found significantly higher activity when the images were blurred to 1.0 mm. Reversal in direction of the abnormality appears attributable to a previously observed truncation in the corpus callosum in PDAPP mice. With the possible exception of future in vivo imaging techniques that have a spatial resolution greater than or equal to 0.50 mm and high sensitivity, noninvasive functional brain imaging techniques like PET may not be suitable for detecting declines in regional activity in PDAPP mice. It remains possible that these imaging techniques will prove useful in transgenic mouse lines that do not exhibit the same morphological abnormalities in neighboring white matter regions.

Alzheimer Disease↗

NIH Conference. Brain imaging: aging and dementia.

The brain imaging techniques of positron emission tomography using [18F]-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose, and computed tomography, together with neuropsychological tests, were used to examine overall brain function and anatomy in three study populations: healthy men at different ages, patients with presumptive Alzheimer's disease, and adults with Down's syndrome. Brain glucose use did not differ with age, whereas an age-related decrement in gray matter volume was found on computed tomographic assessment in healthy subjects. Memory deficits were found to precede significant reductions in brain glucose utilization in mild to moderate Alzheimer's dementia. Furthermore, differences between language and visuoconstructive impairments in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease were related to hemispheric asymmetry of brain metabolism. Brain glucose utilization was found to be significantly elevated in young adults with Down's syndrome, compared with controls. The importance of establishing strict criteria for selecting control subjects and patients is explained in relation to the findings.

Adult↗

Segmentation and interpretation of MR brain images: an improved active shape model.

This paper reports a novel method for fully automated segmentation that is based on description of shape and its variation using point distribution models (PDM's). An improvement of the active shape procedure introduced by Cootes and Taylor to find new examples of previously learned shapes using PDM's is presented. The new method for segmentation and interpretation of deep neuroanatomic structures such as thalamus, putamen, ventricular system, etc. incorporates a priori knowledge about shapes of the neuroanatomic structures to provide their robust segmentation and labeling in magnetic resonance (MR) brain images. The method was trained in eight MR brain images and tested in 19 brain images by comparison to observer-defined independent standards. Neuroanatomic structures in all testing images were successfully identified. Computer-identified and observer-defined neuroanatomic structures agreed well. The average labeling error was 7%+/-3%. Border positioning errors were quite small, with the average border positioning error of 0.8+/-0.1 pixels in 256 x 256 MR images. The presented method was specifically developed for segmentation of neuroanatomic structures in MR brain images. However, it is generally applicable to virtually any task involving deformable shape analysis.

Algorithms↗

Image study summarization of MR brain images by automated localization of relevant structures.

The paper discusses a methodology to objectify the patient presenting condition by automated selection of relevant images from a serial MR study. Structured data entry is used to capture the patient's chief complaint, pertinent history, signs, and symptoms. Expert created rules use this data to arrive at a differential and to identify the affected brain region/structure. Another expert created knowledge base then maps this information to the relevant image type, including image sequence specifics and orientation. A DICOM study reader identifies the relevant imaging sequences from the MR study. The structure localization method involves a search based on principal component analysis. A training set of subimages containing the structure of interest is used to generate a basis set of prototype images called eigenimages. The structure is located in an image by searching the image for a subregion that best matches the basis set. The structure localization was used to locate the lateral ventricles and orbits in nine images that were not part of the training set. The automated localizations were compared to expert localizations and the center of the regions located by the two techniques agreed to within +/- 1.7 mm (average for the nine localizations each of two structures).

Automation↗

Spatial transformation and registration of brain images using elastically deformable models.

The development of algorithms for the spatial transformation and registration of tomographic brain images is a key issue in several clinical and basic science medical applications, including computer-aided neurosurgery, functional image analysis, and morphometrics. This paper describes a technique for the spatial transformation of brain images, which is based on elastically deformable models. A deformable surface algorithm is used to find a parametric representation of the outer cortical surface and then to define a map between corresponding cortical regions in two brain images. Based on the resulting map, a three-dimensional elastic warping transformation is then determined, which brings two images into register. This transformation models images as inhomogeneous elastic objects which are deformed into registration with each other by external force fields. The elastic properties of the images can vary from one region to the other, allowing more variable brain regions, such as the ventricles, to deform more freely than less variable ones. Finally, the framework of prestrained elasticity is used to model structural irregularities, and in particular the ventricular expansion occurring with aging or diseases, and the growth of tumors. Performance measurements are obtained using magnetic resonance images.

Aging↗

Diagnostic and therapeutic consequences of repeat brain imaging and follow-up vascular imaging in stroke patients.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Recently, the diagnostic and therapeutic importance of repeat radiologic imaging in stroke patients has been questioned. The aim of this study was to show the therapeutic and diagnostic consequences of both repeat brain imaging and follow-up vascular imaging in this group of patients. METHODS: Neuroradiologic images and reports as well as clinical records of 317 patients (209 men and 108 women; mean age, 63 years) were reviewed retrospectively to determine the number of modifications made to the diagnosis and therapeutic regimen and to the classification of neuroradiologic findings. RESULTS: Two hundred thirty-eight repeat imaging procedures were performed in 171 patients. Of these, 76 were vascular imaging examinations (11 CT angiograms, 13 MR angiograms, 52 digital subtraction angiograms) and 162 were cross-sectional brain imaging studies (54 MR images, 108 CT scans). Forty of the 76 vascular imaging procedures and 77 of the 162 repeat cross-sectional brain imaging studies led to important diagnostic modifications with consequences for the patients' therapy and prognosis. CONCLUSION: Our study establishes that vascular imaging methods as well as cross-sectional brain imaging used as repeat imaging procedures in stroke patients can have important diagnostic and therapeutic consequences. We believe that repeat imaging in selected subgroups will be cost-effective.

Angiography, Digital Subtraction↗

Structural and radiometric asymmetry in brain images.

This paper presents a general framework for analyzing structural and radiometric asymmetry in brain images. In a healthy brain, the left and right hemispheres are largely symmetric across the mid-sagittal plane. Brain tumors may belong to one or both of the following categories: mass-effect, in which the diseased tissue displaces healthy tissue; and infiltrating, in which healthy tissue has become diseased. Mass-effect brain tumors cause structural asymmetry by displacing healthy tissue, and may cause radiometric asymmetry in adjacent normal structures due to edema. Infiltrating tumors have a different radiometric response from healthy tissue. Thus, structural and radiometric asymmetries across the mid-sagittal plane in brain images provide important cues that tumors may be present. We have developed a framework that registers images with their reflections across the mid-sagittal plane. The registration process accounts for tissue displacement through large deformation image warping. Radiometric differences are taken into account through an additive intensity field. We present an efficient multi-scale algorithm for the joint estimation of structural and radiometric asymmetry. Results for nine MR images of patients with tumors and four normal control subjects are presented.

Algorithms↗

EEG laterality in the era of structural brain imaging.

Bilateral EEG recording is a common practice when brain laterality needs to be assessed in cognitive neurophysiology and psychiatry research. Its precision and validity remain uncertain. With structural brain imaging methods, it is possible to examine EEG electrode placements according to the 10-20 system and the validity of inferences made on derived data. Frequent sources of placement errors are examined along with important factors that contribute to EEG imbalance. Examples are mentioned where asymmetries of EEG/ERP caused by cranial and parenchymal brain asymmetries may be mistaken for cognition-related laterality changes. Because external skull landmarks are not reliable predictors of cranial and parenchymal brain asymmetries, laterality assessment cannot be guaranteed by the 10-20 system. Consequently, a return, on a case-to-case basis, to nonstandard montages, assisted by structural brain imaging is seen as an acceptable alternative.

Brain↗

Comparison of brain imaging and neuropathology in cases of trisomy 18 and 13.

A comparative study of intracranial imaging and brain pathology in cases of trisomy 18 and 13 was performed. Computed tomography (CT) and ultrasonography (US) revealed disproportional dilatation of the lateral ventricles, a wide Sylvian fissure and a large extracerebellar space with a small cerebellum in each case. In addition, it was characteristic that the occipital poles of the cerebrum protruded in the infero-posterior direction in trisomy 18, and the pontine basis was relatively wide in trisomy 13. The brain pathology in trisomy 18 and 13 demonstrated that the large extracerebellar space is due to the cerebellar dysplasia and protruding occipital poles, the wide Sylvian fissures due to the temporal lobes or external capsular dysplasia, and the relatively wide pontine basis due to meningeal glioneuronal heterotopia. Thus, the characteristic intracranial image in trisomy 18 and 13 suggest microdysgenesis of the brain and might be useful for understanding the pathological structure of the central nervous system in these conditions.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗

Conceptual, methodological, and statistical challenges in brain imaging studies of developmentally based psychopathologies.

Brain imaging studies in developmentally based psychopathologies most often use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to study regional volumes, task-related activity, neurometabolite concentrations, or the paths of fiber tracts within the brain. Methodological challenges for the use of MRI in studying these disorders include understanding the ultrastructural correlates of brain structure and function that are below the limits of resolution of this imaging modality and developing better methods for approximating the anatomical boundaries of the cytoarchitectonic units that are defined by those ultrastructural characteristics. Conceptual challenges include distinguishing findings that represent pathophysiologically central causes from compensatory and epiphenomenal effects, a difficulty that stems directly from the inherently correlational nature of imaging data. The promise of functional imaging studies must capitalize on the specificity of the cognitive and behavioral probes that are used to illuminate core features of the pathophysiology of developmental disorders, while recognizing the assumptions and limitations of the subtraction paradigms that are used to isolate the brain functions of interest. Statistical challenges include incorporating adequate statistical models for scaling effects within the brain, as well as modeling important demographic correlates that contribute to the substantial interindividual variability inherent in most imaging data. Statistical analyses need to consider the substantial intercorrelation of measures across the brain and the importance of correcting for multiple statistical comparisons, as well as the need for improved methods for brain warping and for assessing effective connectivity in functional imaging studies.

Brain↗

Tridentate ligands containing the SNS donor atom set as a novel backbone for the development of technetium brain-imaging agents.

In developing 99mTc complexes as potential brain-imaging agents, we investigated the coordination chemistry of ligands containing sulfur and nitrogen donor atoms with the general formula R-CH2CH2N(CH2CH2SH)2 (R = C2H5S, (C2H5)2N). These ligands act as tridentate SNS chelates to the TcO3+ core, leaving open one coordination site cis to the oxo group. In reactions with the highly reactive [99TcOCl4]- precursor, this vacancy was occupied by a chlorine atom. When the ligands reacted in the presence of 4-methoxythiophenol, using 99Tc(V)-gluconate as precursor, the vacancy was filled with 4-methoxythiophenol, which acted as coligand. Thus neutral mixed ligand complexes of the general formula [TcO((SCH2CH2)2NCH2CH2R)X], where X = Cl or 4-methoxythiophenol, were synthesized. The complexes were characterized by UV-vis, IR, 1H NMR, crystallographic, and elemental analyses. The crystal structures of 3a (R = C2H5S, X = Cl) and 4b (R = (C2H5)2N, X = 4-methoxythiophenol) demonstrated that the coordination geometry is trigonal bipyramidal with the N1 and Cl or S3 occupying the apical positions and the basal plane defined by the S1 and S2 of the tridentate ligand and the oxo group. The complexes 4a(99mTc) (R = C2H5S, X = 4-methoxythiophenol) and 4b(99mTc) were prepared using 99mTc-glucoheptonate as precursor and were purified by HPLC. Biodistribution in mice showed high initial brain uptake (3.68% and 3.56% dose/organ for 4a(99mTc) and 4b(99m-Tc), respectively). Complex 4b(99mTc) displayed significantly higher brain/blood values and prolonged retention in brain as well. The results suggest that structural modifications based on configurations 4a,b may provide novel 99mTc brain-imaging agents with improved biological characteristics.

Animals↗

A new apparatus for brain imaging: four-head rotating gamma camera single-photon emission computed tomograph.

The development of a new rotating gamma camera SPECT device for imaging the brain was undertaken with the objective of achieving the highest full volume imaging spatial and temporal resolution performance. For this purpose, four rectangular gamma camera detectors were arranged as close to the head as possible, and united in a block to insure detector head registration and alignment as well as to enable rotation stability at high speeds. Phantom and clinical studies performed demonstrated 42 sequential, 4-mm thick transaxial images acquired in one scan and with sufficient volume to permit the entire cerebrum and cerebellum to be imaged with high sensitivity. The central field of view reconstructed spatial resolution measured 7.0 mm full width of half maximum utilizing the high-resolution collimator, and tomographic images of arbitrary planes including sagittal and coronal demonstrated equally high resolution. The high sensitivity and high speed rotational acquisition capability of the device permits dynamic SPECT studies to be carried out in the analysis of rapidly varying radiotracer concentrations.

Brain↗

[The contribution of brain imaging to the study of panic disorder].

AIMS: The present review is aimed to evaluate the recent contribution of brain imaging techniques to the definition of neuroanatomofunctional models of panic disorder (PD). METHODS: Structural and functional brain imaging studies of PD, conducted from January 1993 to October 2003 and selected through a comprehensive Medline search (key-words: panic disorder, emotions, brain imaging, EEG, Event-Related Potentials, MRI, fMRI, PET, SPECT, TC) were included in the review. The Medline search has been complemented by bibliographic cross-referencing. RESULTS: The majority of the reviewed studies suggests that a dysfunction of a neural circuit encompassing prefrontal and temporo-limbic cortices is present in PD. A right hemisphere preferential involvement in PD has been shown by several studies. CONCLUSIONS: Reviewed neuroimaging studies suggest a dysfunction of frontal and temporo-limbic circuitries in PD. However, those studies cannot be considered conclusive because of several methodological limitations. Longitudinal and multi-modal studies involving larger patient samples, possibly integrated with population-based and genetic studies, would provide more insight into pathophysiological mechanisms of PD. DECLARATION OF INTEREST: Authors declare that none of them had any known real, potential, or apparent conflict of interest and that there was no business or personal interest that might be relevant to the topic of this article.

Brain↗

Brain imaging.

Advances in medical technology have revolutionized diagnostic brain imaging. Traditional radiography and invasive contrast studies for intracranial imaging have been superseded by several newer imaging modalities which provide high resolution, cross-sectional images. Ultrasonography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance, and nuclear scintigraphy are now used for anatomical and functional imaging of the brain. These noninvasive modalities are available at most veterinary teaching institutions and are offered through many larger referral practices. The diagnostic usefulness and clinical limitations for each of these modalities are described.

Animals↗

[The contribution of brain imaging in acute psychotic disorders].

In recent years research on the neuronal substrate for mental disorders has considerably developed thanks to new brain imaging methods. Functional brain imaging has attracted several workers in their investigations of psychiatric diseases. Some authors have addressed the position of imaging in the diagnosis and, above all, prognosis of acute psychotic disorders. In the following paper, the authors review the published results. Both structural and functional imaging confirm the hypothesis of a neurophysiological contribution to acute psychotic disorders, as shown by ventricular dilatation and functional abnormalities. Nonetheless, imaging does not seem to have a precise and absolute diagnostic and prognostic value, although of undeniable heuristic interest.

Acute Disease↗

Radioiodinated phenoxyacetic acid derivatives as potential brain imaging agents. II. Structure-biodistribution relationship.

In developing new brain imaging agents for single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), we synthesized eleven radioiodinated phenoxyacetic acid derivatives and investigated the relationship between the chemical structure and in vivo characteristics. Biodistribution studies in mice revealed high initial brain uptake for all the compounds. Blood radioactivity level depended markedly upon the chemical stability of the compound. The alpha, alpha-dimethylester derivative (1e), amide derivatives (2a--c) and diamine derivatives (3a, b, 4), which were stable to hydrolysis, showed low blood activity levels following i.v. administration. Disappearance of the ester and amide compounds from the brain was rapid. However, the diamine derivatives displayed improved retention in the brain. Compounds 3a and 4 possessed the best combination of high brain uptake and sufficient retention to be useful as potential brain imaging radiopharmaceuticals with SPECT devices.

Animals↗