Application of a computerized language lateralization index from FMRI by a group of clinical neuroradiologists.

Background And Purpose: Deriving accurate language lateralization from fMRI studies in the clinical context can be difficult, with 10%-20% incorrect conclusions. Most interpretations are qualitative, performed by neuroimaging experts. Quantitative lateralization has been widely described but with little implementation in the clinical setting and is disadvantaged by the use of arbitrary threshold techniques.

Conventional MRI does not reliably distinguish radiation necrosis from tumor recurrence after stereotactic radiosurgery.

Distinguishing radiation necrosis (RN) from tumor recurrence after stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for brain metastases is challenging. This study assesses the sensitivity (SN) and specificity (SP) of an MRI-based parameter, the "lesion quotient" (LQ), in characterizing tumor progression from RN. Records of patients treated with SRS for brain metastases between 01/01/1999 and 12/31/2009 and with histopathologic analysis of a subsequent contrast enhancing enlarging lesion at the treated site at a single institution were examined.

A 5-item scale to predict stroke outcome after cortical middle cerebral artery territory infarction: validation from results of the Diffusion and Perfusion Imaging Evaluation for Understanding Stroke Evolution (DEFUSE) Study.

Background And Purpose: Various clinical, laboratory, and radiographic parameters have been identified as predictors of outcome for ischemic stroke. The purpose of this study was to combine these parameters into a validated scale for outcome prognostication in patients with a middle cerebral artery territory infarction.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 129 patients over a 2-year period and considered demographic, clinical, laboratory, and radiographic parameters as potential predictors of outcome.

Effect of a prescan patient-radiologist encounter on functional MR image quality.

Background And Purpose: A substantial number of clinical fMRI examinations inadequately assess language localization or lateralization, usually due to patient movement and suboptimal participation. We hypothesized that a prescan interview of the patient by the radiologist would reduce the fraction of nondiagnostic scans.

Materials And Methods: A single noise score for each acquisition was produced from time-series data on the basis of a weighted sum of 22 factors.

Statin use is independently associated with smaller infarct volume in nonlacunar MCA territory stroke.

Background: Studies have shown an association between HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) and improved stroke outcomes, possibly secondary to neuroprotective properties.

Objective: To assess whether patients taking statins prior to ischemic stroke have smaller infarcts on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), adjusting for other relevant clinical factors.

Design: We retrospectively reviewed the Cleveland Clinic Foundation (CCF) Neurology Inpatient Database from June 2002 through June 2004.