Beyond stroke-uncommon causes of diffusion restriction in the basal ganglia.

In the emergency setting, a regional area of restricted diffusion involving the basal ganglia typically represents an acute infarct due to small vessel occlusion. However, it is important to consider additional differentials, specifically systemic causes. This article will review anatomy of the basal ganglia and pertinent associated vasculature, followed by other entities that can be a cause of restricted diffusion.

Imaging of head and neck emergencies.

The anatomy of the head and neck contains very few structures that could be considered expendable and, consequently, is exceptionally intolerant to infection, inflammation, and injury. Acute pathologic processes in this body region, therefore, tend to result in significant suffering, functional impairment, or life endangerment if the diagnosis is missed or treatment is delayed. Many emergent processes within the cervical region also need to be considered for their possible impact on structures within the head and chest, into which there are many routes for potential communication.

Cognitive and limbic circuits that are affected by deep brain stimulation.

Several lines of evidence indicate that the neural network that underlies the pathophysiology of obsessive-compulsive disorder and depression centers on the prefronto-basal ganglia system. Particularly involved are anterior cingulate cortex, the orbital prefrontal cortex, the ventral striatum, and parts of the thalamus. Additional integral parts of the network include, the amygdala, the midbrain dopamine cells and the serotonergic neurons.

Changes in lung function measured by spirometry and the forced oscillation technique in cystic fibrosis patients undergoing treatment for respiratory tract exacerbation.

Objective measures of lung function are critical for the treatment and study of lung diseases such as cystic fibrosis (CF). Spirometry is the most widely used and accepted method of pulmonary function testing in CF, but not all patients can perform the maneuvers required to obtain valid results from spirometry. The forced oscillation technique (FOT) requires less cooperation than spirometry.