The assessment of vasomotor reactivity by transcranial Doppler ultrasound correlates with cerebral blood flow changes even when different vasodilatory stimuli are used. In cooperative patients the breath-holding maneuver as vasodilatory stimulus seems clinically useful for a first estimation of cerebral vasomotor reactivity.
This study reviews the neuroradiological findings of 43 patients with a developmental venous anomaly in order to discuss the clinical significance of this entity. All patients underwent unenhanced and contrast-enhanced computer tomography and magnetic resonance tomography, as well as selective angiography, and were followed for at least 2 years. In 40% (17 of 43) of patients a cryptic vascular malformation was found in the proximity to the developmental venous anomaly. Neurological symptoms were present in 8 of 17 patients (47%) in this group. Patients with an isolated developmental venous anomaly had symptoms in 19% (5 of 26), but none of them had experienced a hemorrhage. Magnetic resonance was the most sensitive method for the diagnosis of both types of lesions and alterations of the adjacent parenchyma. These results further support that developmental venous anomalies represent a clinically benign entity. However, patients with an association of a developmental venous anomaly and a cryptic vascular malformation are at risk for hemorrhage from their angiographically occult vascular malformation. Magnetic resonance proved to be the imaging modality of choice for both entities and is appropriate for diagnosis and follow-up.
Up to 5 years ago, the radiological diagnosis of leukodystrophy was based on computed tomography (CT). More recently, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been used to study pathology of the white matter with great success. The abnormalities in eight patients with different types of leukodystrophy are described, using high-field MRI. CT and MRI show comparable sensitivity in detecting the pathological changes of leukodystrophy. MRI seems to be superior in visualizing the extent of the lesions, their precise anatomical location and any involvement of the brain stem and cerebellum. Differential diagnosis among the three types of leukodystrophy by MRI is difficult but may be attempted by some features. Specific diagnosis can be achieved only by laboratory examination or histology. The role of MRI should be to suggest the proper biochemical test at an earlier stage.
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