Published: 2011 Mar
Issue: 5(3) :: Pages: 24-29

   

Abstract: We report the case of a 35 year old African American female who developed hypertrophic olivary degeneration secondary to resection of a pontine cavernous malformation. The patient initially complained of headaches and diplopia. Unenhanced computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance images (MRI) of the brain revealed a left pontine cavernous malformation with scattered foci of recent and remote hemorrhage. The patient subsequently underwent surgical resection of the lesion. Follow up MRI 7 months post surgery demonstrated hypertrophy and T2 signal hyperintensity in the ipsilateral inferior olivary nucleus secondary to hypertrophic olivary degeneration. Familiarity with this diagnosis and its imaging characteristics is required of the radiologist to prevent erroneous diagnoses of other pathology.

Published: 2011 Mar
Issue: 5(3) :: Pages: 17-23

   

Abstract: Hirayama disease (HD) is a rare type of cervical myelopathy related to flexion of the neck characterized by progressive muscular weakness and atrophy of the distal upper limbs most frequently seen in young males. HD is thought to be secondary to an abnormal anterior displacement of the posterior dura with secondary compression of the lower cervical spinal cord and chronic injury to the anterior gray matter horns. We present two patients with HD and discuss its pathophysiology and imaging characteristics.

Published: 2011 Mar
Issue: 5(3) :: Pages: 8-16

   

Abstract: Thrombosis of superior ophthalmic veins (SOV) is a well known entity occurring secondary to varied etiologies. We describe diffusion restriction in thrombosed SOV in two cases of different etiologies- bilateral involvement in a patient with septic cavernous sinus thrombosis (CST) and another where embolisation of an indirect carotico-cavernous fistula (CCF) resulted in complete SOV thrombosis accompanied by clinical worsening. Our cases add to the limited literature on diffusion findings in SOV thrombosis.

Published: 2011 Mar
Issue: 5(3) :: Pages: 1-7

   

Abstract: Thyroid abscesses are rare complications of neck infections. We report the case of a teenager who developed increasing neck pain and swelling following treatment for a Streptococcus throat infection. Imaging demonstrated a complex fluid collection in the left thyroid lobe. Ultrasound guided aspiration was performed for diagnostic purposes, yielding purulent fluid that grew multiple bacterial species. Following initial antibiotic treatment, the patient underwent definitive surgical management. Underlying risk factors and imaging techniques will be reviewed.