MRI Signal Abnormalities of the Optic Tracts, a Marker of Meningoencephalitis Caused by Trypanosoma Gambiense (TG)—A Delayed Patho-Radlological Correlation

Parasitic meningoencephalitis presents several etiologies which sometimes depend on their geographical location. They require thorough blood and cerebrospinal fluid check-up for directing an efficient treatment. Clinicians and radiologists are constantly looking for specific signs that could point to a particular etiology. The meningoencephalitis caused by Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT) due to Trypanosoma brucei gambiense (TG) is a rare disease characterized by a slow progression, over years sometimes. Its non-specific presentation either clinically or in imaging can lead to misdiagnosis and thus, delay the treatment. However, involvement of the optic tracts seems to be characteristic of this condition, on old data from animal experimentation and recent high-field MRI data. MRI is the best current technique to explore the brain, cranial nerves, and visual pathways. In this article, we are going to present two observations of meningoencephalitis caused by HAT and then discuss some specific aspects of this neglected and re-emerging disease.

CT Scans and Delays in Diagnosis of Stroke in Senegal’s Regional Hospitals: A Multicenter Study of 655 Cases

Stroke represents the 2nd cause of mortality and 1st cause of physical disability in the adult population. In Senegal, it represents 30% of hospitalization and 2/3 of the mortality in the department of neurology in the capital city, Dakar. Objective: To specify the types of stroke and to evaluate diagnostic delays in Senegal’s regional hospitals. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective, cross-sectional, descriptive, multicentric study for 4 years (from 2014 to 2017) including any patient presenting a clinical suspicion with a CT scan confirmation of stroke in one of the 9 regional hospitals in Senegal with a recruitment period of 6 months per hospital. CT scans were performed with a 16 slices machine in 6 hospitals, 4 slices in 2 hospitals and 2 slices in 1 hospital. We studied the types and location of strokes, the associated signs and the time from stroke onset to admission and the time from admission to CT scan. Results: 655 patients were retained including 322 men and 333 women for an M/F ratio of 0.96. The average age was 63 years (range: 7 years, 112 years). High blood pressure was noted in 59.2% of patients and diabetes in 10.7% of patients. Strokes were ischemic in 76% of cases involving the middle cerebral artery in 73% of cases and hemorrhagic in 24%, of which 80.7% were deep localized. A mass effect was noted in 7.5% of cases, an engagement in 6.9% of cases and ventricular hemorrhage in 2.7% of cases. The delay between the onset of the deficit and admission was less than 6 hours in 10.6% of patients. The time between the onset of stroke and admission to hospital was specified in 416 patients (63.5%) of the study population, it was less than 6 hours in 10.6% of patients, between 6 hours and 24 hours for 29.3% and more than 24 hours for 60.1%. Between admission and the CT scan, the time was precise in 459 patients (70%), it was less than 6 hours in 37.9%, between 6 hours and 24 hours in 43.6 % and more than 24 hours in 18.5%. Conclusion: CT is central to the diagnosis of stroke in rural areas. However, there is a significant delay in diagnosis and management.

High-Field MRI Contribution in Tolosa-Hunt Syndrome (THS). Report of Two Cases and Review of Literature

Background: Tolosa Hunt Syndrome is an inflammatory condition of unknown etiology of the cavernous sinus and superior orbital fissure. Because of the difficulty in establishing histological evidence, his diagnosis is based on a set of arguments established by the International Headache Society. MRI allows indirect visualization of the granuloma and plays a key role in diagnosis and follow-up. Aim: To illustrate High-field MRI contribution in Tolosa-Hunt Syndrome (THS). Cases Presentation: Two patients, a 25-year-old female and a 40-year-old male were recruited in this retrospective case report study at the Radiology service of Fann University Hospital (Dakar Senegal). The first patient has been suffering from a right retro-orbital pain and diplopia for 2 months and the second from a painful oculomotor nerve palsy for 3 months. Blood tests, lumbar puncture, thyroid hormone levels and an infectious screen were done. Screening for converting enzymes, and serum antibodies were also done. They underwent a high field MRI (Siemens 1.5T) with T1, T2, FLAIR, T2*, diffusion B1000, TOF polygon, CISS 3D and T1 gadolinium sequences in the 3 planes space. No significant abnormality was detected in blood tests or CSF analysis. Screening for converting enzymes and serum antibodies screen were also negative. For each patient, MRI examinations showed a non tumoral thickening of the right cavernous sinus, suggesting a granulomatous involvement. Tolosa Hunt Syndrome was evoked firstly. They were put on corticotherapy at high doses with a spectacular regression of symptoms. The Criteria of the International Headache Society of THS were met in both patients. Conclusion: High-field MRI is a significant diagnostic tool in the assessment of painful ophthalmoplegia. It allows a direct visualization of the granuloma of the cavernous sinus and assesses its course throughout the disease.