Evaluation of polymerase chain reaction using protein b primers for rapid diagnosis of tuberculous meningitis.

Background: Rapid and specific diagnosis of tubercular meningitis (TBM) is of utmost importance.

Aim: To evaluate polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using protein b primers directed against M. tuberculosis for the diagnosis of tuberculous meningitis.

17O-decoupled (1)H spectroscopy and imaging with a surface coil: STEAM decoupling.

(17)O-decoupled (1)H spin-echo imaging has been reported as a means of indirect (17)O detection, with potential application to measurement of blood flow and metabolism. In its current form, (17)O decoupling requires large RF amplitudes and a 180 degrees refocusing pulse, complicating its application in volume and surface coils, respectively. To overcome this problem, we have developed an (17)O-decoupled proton stimulated echo sequence ("STEAM decoupling") to allow (17)O detection with a surface coil.

Sodium visibility and quantitation in intact bovine articular cartilage using high field (23)Na MRI and MRS.

Noninvasive methods of detecting cartilage degeneration can have an impact on identifying the early stages of osteoarthritis. Accurate measurement of sodium concentrations within the cartilage matrix provides a means for analyzing tissue integrity. Here a method is described for quantitating sodium concentration and visibility in cartilage, with general applications to all tissue types.

Sodium MRI of human articular cartilage in vivo.

Preliminary results from in vivo sodium MRI of human patellar articular cartilage are presented. Sodium images generated of an in vitro bovine patella clearly distinguish the region of proteoglycan depletion from the region of healthy cartilage. This provides the first evidence that sodium imaging may be used to detect changes due to osteoarthritis in vivo.

Congenital aneurysm of the internal jugular vein in a pregnant woman.

A pregnant woman with a symptom-free congenital aneurysm of the internal jugular vein (IJV) is described. A color duplex scan revealed an aneurysm (2.4 cm in diameter) of the right IJV in the mid-neck without evidence of thrombus.