Background: Lachrymal gland (LG) involvement in patients with Graves' Ophthalmopathy (GO) has been considered as a potential cause of the associated GO symptoms and different studies found that the LG measurements were significantly higher in patients with GO than healthy controls. The aim of this study was to evaluate LG involvement, through measurement of herniation compared the interzygomatic line using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), in patients with different GO activity.Methods: Thirty-two consecutive Caucasian patients (10 M, 22 F, mean age 49.5, IR 30-68 yrs), affected by GO were enrolled and grouped in group A (16 with inactive GO, CAS<3) and B ( 16with active GO, CAS≥3) according to their GO activity. All patients underwent clinical, biochemical and morphological thyroid assessment, complete ocular evaluation and orbital MRI examination.Results: No significant difference was found for the hormonal parameters and thyroid ultrasoundderived parameters between the two groups. TRAb levels were slightly higher, although not significantly, in group B than group A [2.76 (0-40) vs. 1.74 (0-13.8) UI/L; p=0.073)]. The LG herniation measurement evaluated by MRI was significantly higher in group B for both right [10.1 (7.3-17) vs. 7 (0-13.4) mm; p=0.004)] and left [8.5 (6.6-13) vs. 5.8 (0-12) mm; p=0.026)] eye than group A. A linear positive correlation was found between TRAb levels and LC herniation (Rho 0.462, p=0.009) in all patients.Conclusions: Measurement of LG herniation seems to be a good marker of the disease and GO activity, although further larger studies are needed to better understand this association.

No abstract

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:In several countries, laws and regulations allow abortion for medical reasons within 24 -25 weeks of gestational age. We investigated the diagnostic value of prenatal MR imaging for brain malformations within 25 weeks of gestational age.

SUMMARY -

ss-FLAIR sequence may be useful to detect intraventricular anomalies especially when fetal position or maternal obesity prevents adequate visualization by ultrasound.