BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:Pilomyxoid astrocytoma (PMA) is a recently described variant of pilocytic astrocytoma (PA) with unique clinical and histopathologic characteristics. Because the histopathology of PMA is distinct from that of PA, we hypothesized that PMAs would display distinctive imaging characteristics. We retrospectively reviewed the imaging findings in a large number of patients with PMA to identify these characteristics.

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Duvenhage virus was isolated from a patient who died of a rabieslike disease after being scratched by a bat early in 2006. This occurred ≈80 km from the site where the only other known human infection with the virus had occurred 36 years earlier.

CT and MR images of 32 patients with neurocysticercosis were correlated with pathomorphology. Gross morphological features of cystic larvae, complex arachnoid cysts, granulomatous abscesses, basal meningitis and mineralised nodules correlated closely with the images obtained, especially on MR, where resolution permitted visualisation of larval protoscolices. Our material indicates three forms of the natural history of neurocysticercosis related chiefly to anatomic location, and provides details of the evolution of large, complex arachnoid cysts.

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A diagnosis of the Neu-Laxova syndrome was made by ultrasonography in the third trimester of pregnancy. Initial ultrasonographic examination, at approximately 28 wk gestation, showed intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR), hypoechoic skeletal structures, kyphosis, feeble fetal activity, and restricted limb movement. Subsequent sonograms showed microcephaly with a receding forehead and prominent eyes, generalised edema and flexion deformities of limbs. Late third trimester findings included polyhydramnios, swelling and webbing of the knee and elbow joints, and severe edema of the hands and feet, giving the impression of absent digits. The clinical features of this case are consistent with group II of Curry's classification of the Neu-Laxova syndrome [Curry, 1982]. The histopathological findings, a triad of dermatological features, poor cortex formation of the long bones, and central nervous system (CNS) dysgenesis, are discussed. In view of the 25% recurrence rate, at risk pregnancies should be carefully monitored by ultrasonography: at 6-8 wk for accurate dating, at 12-16 weeks for active fetal limb movement, and at 16-24 wk for facial and skeletal anomalies, the detection of IUGR, and polyhydramnios.

While no singular neuroimaging feature is pathognomonic of PPTID, these tumors are usually larger, demonstrate local invasion, and appear much more heterogeneous than pineocytoma. Because PPTIDs have a higher grade and increased potential for recurrence as compared to pineocytomas, it is important to consider this diagnosis as shorter follow-up, and adjuvant therapy may be indicated in selected cases.

Our findings do not support that MRI evidence alone of diffuse myelopathy is a predictor of poor outcome in childhood AIM.