Vulnerable carotid plaque imaging and histopathology without a dedicated MRI receiver coil.

Stroke is associated with vulnerable carotid artery plaques showing specific histopathologic features, namely a lipid-rich necrotic core, intraplaque hemorrhage, ulceration, and thin fibrous cap. While ultrasound and computed tomography (CT) can identify carotid plaques and determine the extent of stenosis, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides further information regarding plaque composition and morphology. In this feasibility study, three patients with symptomatic, moderately stenosed plaques were imaged with CT angiography (CTA) and MRI (3T and 1.

Magnetic resonance brain imaging in patients with visual vertigo.

Introduction: Patients with visual vertigo (VV) report dizziness provoked by moving visual surroundings. It has been suggested that these subjects develop a compensation strategy for a vestibulo-proprioceptive deficit and rely excessively on visual input. We have postulated that patients with VV might have brain abnormalities that interfere with appropriate processing of visual stimulation and performed a brain MRI study to verify this hypothesis.

Hyperbaric oxygen may induce angiogenesis in patients suffering from prolonged post-concussion syndrome due to traumatic brain injury.

Purpose: Recent clinical studies present convincing evidence that hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) may be the coveted neurotherapeutic method for brain repair. One of the most interesting ways in which HBOT can induce neuroplasticity is angiogenesis. The objective in this study was to assess the neurotherapeutic effect of HBOT in post TBI patients using brain perfusion imaging and clinical cognitive functions.

Acceptance of forensic imaging in Israel.

Background: Forensic imaging was officially introduced in Israel in 2011. Religious and cultural opposition to autopsies prevails in most of the population of Israel.

Objectives: To examine the extent to which forensic imaging has been accepted as an adjuvant or partial replacement of forensic autopsy, particularly among those opposed to forensic autopsy.

Contrast-Enhanced Computed Tomography as a Necessary Scan in Acute Stroke: A Case Series.

Background: We present a number of exemplary cases where the diagnostic value of the contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) after CT angiography in our acute stroke imaging protocol was of fundamental clinical significance.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 7 cases presented to the emergency room, between 2012 and 2014, suspected of acute stroke, with findings diagnosed by the contrast-enhanced CT.

Results: Seven exemplary cases: acute midbrain infarct versus posterior-fossa artefact differentiation in contrast-enhanced CT; differentiation between an M1 occlusion and an internal carotid artery dissection in contrast-enhanced CT; diagnosis of veno-occlusive disease rather than arterial occlusion; bleeding arterial aneurysm revealed by contrast-enhanced CT; previously unsuspected sinus vein thrombosis; sinus vein thrombosis suspected in CT angiography, ruled out by contrast-enhanced CT; and space occupying lesion clearly diagnosed by contrast-enhanced CT.

The relationship between ureteral stone characteristics and secondary signs in renal colic.

Purpose: To assess correlations between stone size/location and severity of secondary signs for ureteral obstruction.

Methods: Unenhanced multi-detector computed tomography examinations of 150 patients with acute renal colic were reviewed. Stone size, location in the ureter, kidney size and Hounsfield unit values, perinephric edema, and degree of hydronephrosis were assessed.

Coronal reconstruction of unenhanced abdominal CT for correct ureteral stone size classification.

Purpose: To determine whether size measurement of a urinary calculus in coronal reconstruction of computed tomography (CT) differs from stone size measured in the axial plane, and whether the difference alters clinical decision making.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed unenhanced CT examinations of 150 patients admitted to the emergency room (ER) with acute renal colic. Maximal ureteral calculus size was measured on axial slices and coronal reconstructions.