- Identification of Vortex Cores in Cerebral Aneurysms on 4D Flow MRI
The authors subjected 40 aneurysms (37 unruptured, 3 ruptured) to 4D flow MR imaging. They visualized streamlines with velocities below the threshold—that is, a percentage value of the aneurysm maximum inflow velocity—and progressively decreased the threshold to identify vortex cores as thin, streamline bundles with minimum velocities. A simple flow pattern (single vortex core) was identified in 27 aneurysms; the other 13 exhibited a complex flow pattern. The cores were stable in 32 and unstable in 8 aneurysms. Significantly more aneurysms with-than-without blebs or daughter sacs had a complex flow pattern. The identification of vortex cores on 4D flow MR imaging may help to stratify the rupture risk of unruptured cerebral aneurysms.
- Anatomy of the Great Posterior Radiculomedullary Artery
The authors describe the microsurgical anatomy of the great posterior radiculomedullary artery with emphasis on its morphometric parameters as well as its implications for spinal cord blood supply. The artery of Adamkiewicz in spinal cord specimens (n = 50) was injected with colored latex until the small-caliber arterial vessels were filled and the great posterior radiculomedullary artery was identified. The course, diameter, and location of great posterior radiculomedullary artery were documented. A great posterior radiculomedullary artery was identified in 36 (72%) spinal cord specimens. In 11 (22%) specimens, bilateral great posterior radiculomedullary arteries were present. In 13 cases (26%), a unilateral left-sided great posterior radiculomedullary artery was identified. In 11 cases (22%), a unilateral right-sided great posterior radiculomedullary artery was identified.
- Incidental Brain MRI Findings in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Seven studies were included, reporting 5938 children (mean age, 11.3 ± 2.8 years). Incidental findings were present in 16.4% of healthy children, intracranial cysts being the most frequent (10.2%). Nonspecific white matter hyperintensities were reported in 1.9%, Chiari I malformation was found in 0.8%, and intracranial neoplasms were reported in 0.2%. In total, the prevalence of incidental findings needing follow-up was 2.6%. The prevalence of incidental findings is much more frequent in children than previously reported in adults, but clinically significant incidental findings were present in <1 in 38 children.