We report three cases of traumatic microbleeds evaluated by sequential observation. Hypo-intensities on T2* gradient echo imaging (T2*GEI) appeared just 2-3 h after the injury (the hyper-acute period). However, these hypo-intensities on T2*GEI disappeared or became obscure 2-6 days after the injury (the subacute period). A follow-up MRI again revealed clear hypo-intensities on T2*GEI 1-3 months after the injury (the chronic period). Our cases indicate that hypo-intensities on T2*GEI might change dynamically from the hyper-acute to the chronic period. The differences of susceptibility effects by hematoma age might be the cause of this dynamic change.
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Despite advances in molecular imaging, preoperative diagnosis of astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas can be challenging. In the present study, we assessed whether 7T SWI can be used to distinguish astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas and whether malignant grading of gliomas is possible.MATERIALS AND METHODS: 7T SWI was performed on 21 patients with gliomas before surgery with optimization for sharp visualization of the corticomedullary junction. Scoring for cortical thickening and displacement of medullary vessels, characteristic of oligodendroglial tumors, and cortical tapering, characteristic of astrocytic tumors, was performed. Additionally, characteristics of malignancy, including thickening of the medullary veins, the presence of microbleeds, and/or necrosis were scored.RESULTS: Scoring for oligodendroglial (highest possible score, 13) and astrocytic (lowest score possible, À3) characteristics yielded a significant difference between astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas (mean, À1.93 versus 11.71, P , .01). Scoring for malignancy was significantly different among the World Health Organization grade II (n ¼ 10), grade III (n ¼ 4), and grade IV (n ¼ 7) tumors (mean, 0.20 versus 1.38 versus 2.79). Cortical thickening was observed significantly more frequently in oligodendrogliomas (P , .02), with a sensitivity of 71.4% and specificity of 85.7%; observation of tapering of the cortex was higher in astrocytomas (P , .01) with a sensitivity of 85.7% and specificity of 100%.CONCLUSIONS: Visualization of the corticomedullary junction by 7T SWI was useful in distinguishing astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas. Observation of tapering of the cortex was most sensitive and specific for diagnosing astrocytomas. Reliably predicting malignant grade was also possible by 7T SWI.
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