Background and Purpose-Acute rates of recanalization after intravenous (IV) recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) in proximal vessel occlusion have been estimated sparingly, typically using transcranial Doppler (TCD). We aimed to study acute recanalization rates of IV rt-PA in CT angiogram-proven proximal (internal carotid artery [ICA], M1 middle cerebral artery [MCA], M2-MCA, and basilar artery) occlusions and their effects on outcome. Materials and Methods-The CT angiogram database of the Calgary stroke program was reviewed for the period 2002 to 2009. All patients with proximal vessel occlusions receiving IV rt-PA who were assessed for recanalization by TCD or angiogram (for acute endovascular treatment) were included for analysis. Rates of acute recanalization as observed on TCD/first run of angiogram and postendovascular therapy recanalization rates were noted. Modified Rankin Scale score Յ2 at 3 months was used as a good outcome. Results-Among 1341 patients in the CT angiogram database, 388 patients with proximal occlusion were identified. Of these, 216 patients had received IV rt-PA; 127 patients underwent further imaging to assess recanalization. Among the patients undergoing TCD (nϭ46) and cerebral angiogram (nϭ103), only 27 (21.25%) patients had acute recanalization. By occlusion subtype, the rates of recanalization were: distal ICA (with or without ICA neck occlusion or stenotic disease) 1 of 24 (4.4%); M1-MCA (with or without ICA neck occlusion or stenotic disease) 21 of 65 (32.3%); M2-MCA 4 of 13 (30.8%); and basilar artery 1 of 25 (4%). Onset to rt-PA time was comparable in patients with and without recanalization. Recanalization (PϽ0.0001; risk ratio, 2.7; 95% confidence interval, 1.5-4.6) was the strongest predictor of outcome (adjusted for age and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score). Key Words: intracranial occlusion Ⅲ ischemic stroke Ⅲ recanalization Ⅲ thrombolysis I ntravenous (IV) recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) treatment for acute ischemic stroke 1,2 works by achieving recanalization of intracranial occlusion resulting in restoration of flow and prevention of infarct expansion. 3 Data on recanalization after IV thrombolysis are limited to small angiographic and transcranial Doppler (TCD) monitoring studies. 4 None of the major IV thrombolysis trials has assessed the baseline occlusion status or recanalization rates after treatment. In an era when there is increasing use of endovascular therapies for recanalization, in the absence of robust evidence from randomized controlled trials, there is a desperate need for clear data on the rates of recanalization with IV rt-PA. 5 The present study reports the rates of acute recanalization of proximal intracranial vessel occlusions identified by baseline CT angiography (CTA) among acute ischemic stroke patients treated with IV rt-PA. Conclusions- Patients and MethodsWe identified patients presenting with acute ischemic stroke secondary to major vessel occlusion from the CT Angiography database of the Calgary St...

Pott puffy tumor is osteomyelitis of the frontal bone with associated subperiosteal abscess causing swelling and edema over the forehead and scalp. It is a complication of frontal sinusitis or trauma. We present the case of an 8-year-old girl with frontal swelling. Imaging evaluation showed frontal osteomyelitis as a complication of frontal sinusitis with associated epidural and subperiosteal abscess. The patient was treated surgically and recovered well. This case highlights the need for high clinical suspicion and early diagnosis and management to prevent life-threatening complications. Unfortunately, in our case the patient had to undergo surgery for this complication, which could have been prevented by earlier diagnosis.

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PurposeTraumatic vertebral artery injury (TVAI) can have a varied clinical presentation and appearance on imaging. In this review, we present the screening criteria, spectrum of imaging features, grading, and imaging pitfalls of TVAI. Our review focuses on the imaging of TVAI on computed tomography angiography (CTA), magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), and cases of TVAI mimics.ImagingThe imaging spectrum on CTA can range from either focal or long segment luminal stenosis (the most common findings), smooth or tapered narrowing of lumen, string of pearls appearance, concentric intramural haematoma, intimal flap (the most definite sign), and double lumen of the artery. On time-of-flight MRA, the most common findings include loss of flow void within the vessel due to slow flow, thrombosis or occlusion, and hyperintense signal within the vessel wall due to intramural haematoma on T1 fat-saturated images.ConclusionThe reader should be aware of the screening criteria, common and uncommon findings, variant anatomy, artifacts, and mimics of TVAI when evaluating cases of craniocervical trauma, to be competent in calling in or ruling out injury.