High-resolution magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis and management of vertebral artery dissection:A case report

BACKGROUND Vertebral artery dissection(VAD)is a rare but life-threatening condition characterized by tearing of the intimal layer of the vertebral artery,leading to stenosis,occlusion or rupture.The clinical presentation of VAD can be heterogeneous,with common symptoms including headache,dizziness and balance problems.Timely diagnosis and treatment are crucial for favorable outcomes;however,VAD is often missed due to its variable clinical presentation and lack of robust diagnostic guidelines.High-resolution magnetic resonance imaging(HRMRI)has emerged as a reliable diagnostic tool for VAD,providing detailed visualization of vessel wall abnormalities.CASE SUMMARY A young male patient presented with an acute onset of severe headache,vomiting,and seizures,followed by altered consciousness.Imaging studies revealed bilateral VAD,basilar artery thrombosis,multiple brainstem and cerebellar infarcts,and subarachnoid hemorrhage.Digital subtraction angiography(DSA)revealed vertebral artery stenosis but failed to detect the dissection,potentially because intramural thrombosis obscured the VAD.In contrast,HRMRI confirmed the diagnosis by revealing specific signs of dissection.The patient was managed conservatively with antiplatelet therapy and other supportive measures,such as blood pressure control and pain management.After 5 mo of rehabilitation,the patient showed significant improvement in swallowing and limb strength.CONCLUSION HR-MRI can provide precise evidence for the identification of VAD.

Investigating the relationship between intracranial atherosclerotic plaque remodelling and diabetes using high-resolution vessel wall imaging

BACKGROUND Intracranial atherosclerosis,a leading cause of stroke,involves arterial plaque formation.This study explores the link between plaque remodelling patterns and diabetes using high-resolution vessel wall imaging(HR-VWI).AIM To investigate the factors of intracranial atherosclerotic remodelling patterns and the relationship between intracranial atherosclerotic remodelling and diabetes mellitus using HR-VWI.METHODS Ninety-four patients diagnosed with middle cerebral artery or basilar artery INTRODUCTION Intracranial atherosclerotic disease is one of the main causes of ischaemic stroke in the world,accounting for approx-imately 10%of transient ischaemic attacks and 30%-50%of ischaemic strokes[1].It is the most common factor among Asian people[2].The adaptive changes in the structure and function of blood vessels that can adapt to changes in the internal and external environment are called vascular remodelling,which is a common and important pathological mechanism in atherosclerotic diseases,and the remodelling mode of atherosclerotic plaques is closely related to the occurrence of stroke.Positive remodelling(PR)is an outwards compensatory remodelling where the arterial wall grows outwards in an attempt to maintain a constant lumen diameter.For a long time,it was believed that the degree of stenosis can accurately reflect the risk of ischaemic stroke[3-5].Previous studies have revealed that lesions without significant luminal stenosis can also lead to acute events[6,7],as summarized in a recent meta-analysis study in which approximately 50%of acute/subacute ischaemic events were due to this type of lesion[6].Research[8,9]has pointed out that the PR of plaques is more dangerous and more likely to cause acute ischaemic stroke.Previous studies[10-13]have found that there are specific vascular remodelling phenomena in the coronary and carotid arteries of diabetic patients.However,due to the deep location and small lumen of intracranial arteries and limitations of imaging techniques,the relationship between intracranial arterial remodelling and diabetes is still unclear.In recent years,with the development of magnetic resonance technology and the emergence of high-resolution(HR)vascular wall imaging,a clear and multidimensional display of the intracranial vascular wall has been achieved.Therefore,in this study,HR wall imaging(HR-VWI)was used to display the remodelling characteristics of bilateral middle cerebral arteries and basilar arteries and to explore the factors of intracranial vascular remodelling and its relationship with diabetes.

High-resolution Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Moyamoya Disease

Objective： To introduce the imaging characteristics of moyamoya disease （MMD） using high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging （HR-MRI） and to discuss the role of HR-MRI in differentiating MMD from other intracranial artery diseases, especially intracranial atherosclerotic disease （ICAD）. Data Sources： This review was based on the data in articles published between 2005 and 2015, which were obtained from PubMed. The keywords included HR-MRI, MMD, ICAD, and intracranial artery diseases. Study Selection： Articles related to HR-MRI for MMD or other intracranial artery diseases were selected for review. Results： There are differences between the characteristic patterns of HR-MRI in MMD and ICAD. MMD is associated with inward remodeling, smaller outer diameters, concentric occlusive lesions and homogeneous signal intensity, while ICAD is more likely to be associated with outward remodeling, normal outer diameters, eccentric occlusive lesions, and heterogeneous signal intensity. Other intracranial artery diseases, such as dissection and vasculitis, also have distinctive characteristics in HR-MRI. HR-MRI may become a useful tool for the differential diagnosis of MMD in the future. Conclusions： HR-MRI of MMD provides a more in-depth understanding of MMD, and it is helpful in evaluating pathological changes in the vessel wall and in differentiating MMD from other intracranial artery steno-occlusive diseases, particularly ICAD.以

A case of primary angiitis of the central nervous system diagnosed and treated based on HR-MRI

Objective:To summarize the clinical features,imaging manifestations,therapeutic options,and prognosis of the primary angiitis of the central nervous system(PACNS)and to explore the role of high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging(HR-MRI)in the PACNS diagnosis and treatment.Methods:One patient with PACNS treated by HR-MRI was retrospectively analyzed and summarized by combining relevant literature.Results:The patient was a young female who was hospitalized with progressive cerebral infarction and multiple intracranial arterial stenosis.HR-MRI indicated vasculitic changes.After excluding other diseases,hormone shock combined with immunosuppression was given,followed by long-term rehabilitation treatment.The patient’s condition tended to stabilize,and the prognosis was satisfactory.Conclusion PACNS is challenging to diagnose and is characterized by poor prognosis and easy recurrence.HR-MRI plays an important role in the clinical diagnosis and treatment adjustment for PACNS.

Non-invasive assessment of intracranial wall shear stress using high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging in combination with computational fluid dynamics technique

In vivo studies on association between wall shear stress(WSS)and intracranial plaque are deficient.Based on the three-dimensional T1-weighted high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging(3DT1 HR-MRI)data of patients with low-grade stenotic(<50%)atherosclerotic middle cerebral artery(MCA)and subjects with normal MCA,we built a three-dimensional reconstructed WSS model by computational fluid dynamics(CFD)technique.Three-dimensional registration of the CFD model to the HR-MRI was performed with projections based on the resolution and thickness of the images.The relationships between the Wss at each side of the vessel wall and plaque location were analyzed.A total of 94 MCA plaques from 43 patients and 50 normal MCAs were analyzed.In the normal MCAs,WSS was lower at the ventral-inferior wall than at the dorsal-superior wall(proximal segment,p<0.001;middle segment,p<0.001)and lower at the inner wall than at the outer wall of the MCA curve(p<0.001).In atherosclerotic MCAs,similar low Wss regions were observed where plaques developed.The WSS ratio of the ventral-inferior wall to the dorsal-superior wall in atherosclerotic MCAs was lower than that in normal MCAs(p=0.002).The WSS_(inmer-outer)ratio in atherosclerotic MCAs was lower than that in normal MCAs(p=0.002).Low WSS was associated with MCA atherosclerosis formation and occurred mainly at the ventral inferior wall,which was anatomically opposite the orifices of penetrating arteries,and at the inner wall of the MCA curve.Overall,the results were well consistent with the low WSS theory in atherosclerosis formation.The reconstructed WSS model is a promising novel method for assessing an individualized vascular profile once validated by further studies.

igh-resolution Magnetic Resonance Vessel Wall Imaging for Intracranial Arterial Stenosis

Objective： To discuss the feasibility and clinical value of high-resolution magnetic resonance vessel wall imaging （HRMR VWI） for intracranial arterial stenosis. Date Sources： We retrieved information from PubMed database up to December 2015, using various search terms including vessel wall imaging （VWI）, high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging, intracranial arterial stenosis, black blood, and intracranial atherosclerosis. Study Selection： We reviewed peer-reviewed articles printed in English on imaging technique of VWI and characteristic findings of various intracranial vasculopathies on VWI. We organized this data to explain the value of VWI in clinical application. Results： VWI with black blood technique could provide high-quality images with submillimeter voxel size, and display both the vessel wall and lumen of intracranial artery simultaneously. Various intracranial vasculopathies （atherosclerotic or nonatherosclerotic） had differentiating features including pattern of wall thickening, enhancement, and vessel remodeling on VWI. This technique could be used for determining causes of stenosis, identification of stroke mechanism, risk-stratifying patients, and directing therapeutic management in clinical practice. In addition, a new morphological classification based on VWI could be established for predicting the efficacy of endovascular therapy. Conclusions： This review highlights the value of HRMR VWI for discrimination of different intracranial vasculopathies and directing therapeutic management.

Imaging related to underlying immunological and pathological processes in COVID-19

The introduction of coronavirus disease-2019(COVID-19)as a global pandemic has contributed to overall morbidity and mortality.With a focus on understanding the immunology and pathophysiology of the disease,these features can be linked with the respective findings of imaging studies.Thus,the constellation between clinical presentation,histological,laboratory,immunological,and imaging results is crucial for the proper management of patients.The purpose of this article is to examine the role of imaging during the particular stages of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection–asymptomatic stage,typical and atypical COVID-19 pneumonia,acute respiratory distress syndrome,multiorgan failure,and thrombosis.The use of imaging methods to assess the severity and duration of changes is crucial in patients with COVID-19.Radiography and computed tomography are among the methods that allow accurate characterization of changes.

Imaging traumatic facial nerve injuries:a narrative review of current strategies and future directions for cranial nerve imaging

Traumatic facial nerve injuries can result in temporary or permanent loss of function.Restoration of facial expression may occur spontaneously or require surgical intervention.Although thorough examination and history can localize the site of facial nerve damage,it can be difficult to predict if and when recovery will occur.This is salient because the window for optimal outcomes from surgical re-neurotization can be as short as 1 to 2 years,after which functional loss may be irreversible.It is essential to offer patients the most appropriate treatment plan based on prognosis,and imaging plays an essential role in localizing the site and morphology of nerve injury.Multiple imaging modalities have been used to evaluate the facial nerve,including computed tomography(CT)and,more recently,advanced magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)and ultrasound(US).CT and MRI are more commonly implemented;however,Diffusion tensor tractography,high-resolution US,and functional US are gaining traction for studying cranial nerve pathology.Until recently,the morphology of facial nerve and other cranial nerve injuries could only be inferred using non-invasive diagnostic techniques.With the advent of newer imaging technologies and techniques to examine nerves,more refined assessment and prognostic information is now possible.This article reviews up-to-date cranial nerve imaging techniques from the last ten years and explores future avenues for facial nerve imaging.

Morphological Change of Early Spontaneous Recanalization Following Internal Carotid Artery Occlusion due to Possible Dissection

The early period of spontaneous recanalization is commonly described as within hours to weeks after internal carotid artery （ICA） occlusion.Of occlusion due to carotid artery dissection （CAD）,early recanalization is observed in 57-59% of cases.[1] CAD is a highly dynamic process with dramatic morphological changes in the early stage of the disease;however,little is known about the radiographic findings in the initial week.