Neuroradiology: Page 218

MRI pulls double duty for PFO, atrial septal aneurysm

By Shalmali Pal

Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a known cause of cerebral strokes, and studies have shown that the stroke rate is even higher if PFO is associated with an atrial septal aneurysm. Researchers from Europe suggest using contrast-enhanced dynamic MRI for detecting both conditions.

January 13, 2005

Study questions PFO and cerebral damage link in scuba divers

By Shalmali Pal

An ongoing debate in the scuba diving community involves people who have never suffered from type II decompression sickness, but who may still be at risk for cerebral damage because of "silent" gas embolisms. Previous studies have found that divers with patent foramen ovale are at a greater risk for gas embolisms. However, an MR study by researchers in Germany finds the risk may have been overstated.

January 13, 2005

AuntMinnieTV: fMRI offers insight into retraining the brain

By Brian Casey

January 6, 2005

AuntMinnieTV: fMRI offers insight into retraining the brain

Functional MRI can provide important information on how the brain learns to conduct complicated motor-skills tasks, according to research presented at the 2004 RSNA show. The study could lay the groundwork for the development of prosthetic devices that paralyzed or stroke-impaired individuals could control using impulses in the brain.

January 5, 2005

Diagnostic Imaging: Head and Neck

The book has a template, multicolor format, which makes the information easier to access. Each section begins with an introduction and overview addressing relevant anatomic and imaging issues. Subsections are well organized by pathologic entity and anatomic location.

January 5, 2005

Preop MRI to measure CBF may benefit neonates with heart defects

By Shalmali Pal

Advances in neonatal cardiac surgery have vastly improved newborn survival rates, but impaired neurodevelopment and neurological damage remain major concerns in these high-risk patients. Researchers from Philadelphia have found that using MRI to measure cerebral blood flow in severe cases of congenital heart defects may identify a preoperative risk factor for poor neurocognitive outcome.

December 28, 2004