Ultrahigh-resolution 7-Tesla anatomic magnetic resonance imaging and diffusion tensor imaging of formalin-fixed human brainstem-cerebellum complex.

Introduction: Brain cross-sectional images, tractography, and segmentation are valuable resources for neuroanatomical education and research but are also crucial for neurosurgical planning that may improve outcomes in cerebellar and brainstem interventions. Although ultrahigh-resolution 7-Tesla (7T) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) reveal such structural brain details in living or fresh unpreserved brain tissue, imaging standard formalin-preserved cadaveric brain specimens often used for neurosurgical anatomic studies has proven difficult. This study sought to develop a practical protocol to provide anatomic information and tractography results of an human brainstem-cerebellum specimen.

Factors Contributing to Spinal Cord Stimulation Outcomes for Chronic Pain.

Objective: Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) has been shown to be a safe and effective therapy for patients with chronic pain. However, some patients do not obtain or maintain adequate pain relief after SCS. The goal of this study was to identify factors that affect patient outcome with regard to SCS.