This work focuses on brain stroke imaging via microwave technology. In particular, the open issue of monitoring patients after stroke onset is addressed here in order to provide clinicians with a tool to control the effectiveness of administered therapies during the follow-up period. In this paper, a novel prototype is presented and characterized. The device is based on a low-complexity architecture which makes use of a minimum number of properly positioned and designed antennas placed on a helmet. It exploits a differential imaging approach and provides 3D images of the stroke. Preliminary experiments involving a 3D phantom filled with brain tissue-mimicking liquid confirm the potential of the technology in imaging a spherical target mimicking a stroke of a radius equal to 1.25 cm.

Our experience suggests that radiofrequency ablation can be used successfully in unresectable lung cancer as an alternative or complementary treatment to radio- or chemotherapy. Larger studies are necessary to fully evaluate its potential combination with other treatment techniques.

This report describes endovascular approaches for occlusion of vertebro-vertebral arteriovenous fistula (W-AVF) in a series of three cases and a review of the literature. Complete neuroimaging assessment, including CT, MR and DSA was performed in three patients (two female, one male) with W-AVF. Based on DSA findings, the W-AVF were occluded by endovascular positioning of detachable balloons (case 1), coils (case 2), or a combination of both (case 3) with parent artery patency in two out of three cases. In this small series, endovascular techniques for occlusion of W-AVF were safe and effective methods of treatment. To date, there are no guidelines on the best treatment for W-AVF. Detachable balloons, endovascular coiling, combined embolization procedures could all be considered well-tolerated treatments.

• In multiple sclerosis, previous Gadolinium administrations correlate with dentate nuclei T1 relaxometry. • Such correlation is linked to linear Gadolinium chelates and unrelated to disease duration or severity. • Dentate nuclei T2* relaxometry is age-related and independent of previous Gadolinium administrations. • Changes in dentate nuclei T1 relaxometry are not determined by iron accumulation. • MR relaxometry can quantitatively assess Gadolinium accumulation in dentate nuclei.

Gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCA), widely used in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) for almost 30 years, were recently shown to be deposited in the brain and to induce persistent T1 shortening in deep gray matter structures in subjects with normal renal function. The aim of the present study is to summarize the evidence derived from the rapidly growing scientific literature on Gadolinium retention in the brain and in the rest of the body. To this end, the original articles that described imaging and pathology findings in humans and animals exposed to GBCA were reviewed. The main aspects that emerged were the different effects of linear and macrocyclic GBCA on brain MRI appearance, the evidence of Gadolinium tissue retention in multiple organs, and the debated issue of the possible clinical consequences. Although no adverse health effects have been documented so far, updated information about GBCA build-up in the body is necessary for health professionals, also in view of the increasing concern in the general population. To date, our knowledge about the mechanisms of Gadolinium tissue deposition and, above all, its long-term consequences is still largely incomplete. However, while official guidelines are eagerly awaited, some advices may already be given, to help our radiological daily practice.

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Tubulinopathies constitute a family of neurodevelopmental/neurodegenerative disorders caused by mutations in several genes encoding tubulin isoforms. Loss-of-function mutations in TBCE, encoding one of the five tubulin-specific chaperones involved in tubulin folding and polymerization, cause two rare neurodevelopmental syndromes, hypoparathyroidism-retardation-dysmorphism and Kenny-Caffey syndrome. Although a missense mutation in Tbce has been associated with progressive distal motor neuronopathy in the pmn/pmn mice, no similar degenerative phenotype has been recognized in humans. We report on the identification of an early-onset and progressive neurodegenerative encephalopathy with distal spinal muscular atrophy resembling the phenotype of pmn/pmn mice and caused by biallelic TBCE mutations, with the c.464T>A (p.Ile155Asn) change occurring at the heterozygous/homozygous state in six affected subjects from four unrelated families originated from the same geographical area in Southern Italy. Western blot analysis of patient fibroblasts documented a reduced amount of TBCE, suggestive of rapid degradation of the mutant protein, similarly to what was observed in pmn/pmn fibroblasts. The impact of TBCE mutations on microtubule polymerization was determined using biochemical fractionation and analyzing the nucleation and growth of microtubules at the centrosome and extracentrosomal sites after treatment with nocodazole. Primary fibroblasts obtained from affected subjects displayed a reduced level of polymerized α-tubulin, similarly to tail fibroblasts of pmn/pmn mice. Moreover, markedly delayed microtubule re-polymerization and abnormal mitotic spindles with disorganized microtubule arrangement were also documented. Although loss of function of TBCE has been documented to impact multiple developmental processes, the present findings provide evidence that hypomorphic TBCE mutations primarily drive neurodegeneration.