Thoracic and Lumbosacral Spine Anatomy.

We review anatomy of the thoracic, lumbar, and sacral spine. Knowledge of normal anatomy is vital when reviewing imaging of the spine because it allows for the detection of abnormal findings. We emphasize the normal appearance of the thoracic and lumbosacral spine on imaging, focusing on the most common imaging techniques of computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, as well as highlighting a few less common and emerging imaging techniques that can evaluate the spine.

Collateral Blood Flow and Ischemic Core Growth.

Treatment of a large vessel occlusion in the acute ischemic stroke setting focuses on vessel recanalization, and endovascular thrombectomy results in favorable outcomes in appropriate candidates. Expeditious treatment is imperative, but patients often present to institutions that do not have neurointerventional surgeons and need to be transferred to a comprehensive stroke center. These treatment delays are common, and it is important to identify factors that mitigate the progression of the ischemic core in order to maximize the preservation of salvageable brain tissue.

A Case of Spinal Infectious Osteomyelitis Versus Gout: Advanced Imaging with Dual Energy CT.

A 67-year-old male presented to the hospital for lower back pain and left lower extremity radiculopathy. Although the patient was afebrile and white blood cell count was normal, MRI was concerning for discitis/osteomyelitis at L4-L5. Subsequently, the patient developed a right knee joint effusion and underwent an arthrocentesis that was notable for the presence of urate crystals.

Utility of routine follow-up imaging in patients with small paraflacine and/or paratentorial hemorrhages.

Objective: Imaging follow-up for acute intracranial hemorrhage has followed the same protocols despite differences in clinical progression and outcome associated with bleed in different compartments. We evaluated isolated, small parafalcine and paratentorial subdural hemorrhages to determine the necessity of routine imaging follow up.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of all patients presenting to the Emergency Department who were found to have an isolated parafalcine and/or paratentorial subdural hemorrhage, and obtained follow up imaging over the course of 3 years.

A Rare Case of a Pediatric Medullary Intracranial Germinoma.

Background: Germinomas are rare intracranial lesions, with medulla germinomas being reported in only approximately 20 cases to date. These tumors are extremely sensitive to radiotherapy, and knowledge of them can allow for accurate diagnosis as well as significantly impact treatment and prognosis.

Case Description: We present a case of medullary germinoma and review the cases previously reported in the literature.

Screening for Intracranial Aneurysms in Patients with Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms.

Introduction: A higher prevalence of intracranial aneurysms (IAs) has been previously reported by retrospective studies in patients with thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAAs). The goal of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of IAs in a large cohort of prospectively screened patients with TAAs and identify potential risk factors.

Methods: Patients above 18 years with TAAs who were prospectively screened for IAs using computed tomographic angiogram/magnetic resonance angiogram over a 9-year period were included in the study.

Patterns of Superficial Midfacial Fat Volume Distribution Differ by Age and Body Mass Index.

Background: The changes that occur to midfacial fat with increasing age and BMI are poorly understood. The aim of this study was to determine how superficial cheek fat volume and distribution are differentially predicted by changes in BMI versus age.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational study of patients with facial computed tomography scans.

Longitudinal Analysis of Superficial Midfacial Fat Volumes Over a 10-Year Period.

Background: Volumetric changes to facial fat that occur with aging remain poorly understood. The aim of this study was to evaluate for longitudinal changes to midfacial fat volumes in a group of individuals.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective longitudinal study of adult subjects who underwent multiple facial computed tomographic (CT) scans timed at least 8 years apart.

The impact of DaTscan on the diagnosis and management of movement disorders: A retrospective study.

Background: The diagnosis of Parkinson's disease remains a challenge in patients who have abnormal symptoms or show a lack of response to medication. The imaging technique, DaTscan, can be used to visualize dopamine degeneration in the nigro-striatum, which is associated with Parkinsonian Syndrome. We examined the use of the DaTscan in diagnosis, confidence in diagnosis, and clinical management.