Carotid sonography

Article Abstract:

Strokes are a leading cause of death and disability in the United States. Strokes may result from a number of underlying problems, with atherosclerosis in the carotid arteries, which supply the brain, being the major cause. Strokes caused by atherosclerosis, which is a clogging due to accumulation of fatty plaques inside the artery, can be prevented if detected and treated early. The major test at present is digital subtraction angiography (DSA), which involves injecting a material into arteries that improves imaging of X-rays. This technique is both expensive and invasive, however. Other techniques are used that are neither invasive nor as expensive as DSA. These techniques indirectly measure blood flow in vessels to determine whether they are clogged or blocked. The newest of these techniques is known as color Doppler US (ultrasonography). It involves using probes that provide data to make color maps of arterial blood flow in the brain, and the results can be used in conjunction with information obtained from duplex sonography, which uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of carotid vessels. These techniques combined provided valuable information about blood flow and soft tissues. The US information is needed to detect any stenoses (narrowing) in the arteries. It must be sensitive enough to differentiate the relative severities of these narrowings, as surgery is only necessary for high-grade stenoses. The color Doppler information also needs to be sensitive in its measurements of flow. Recent research has shown that both techniques are as sensitive as the invasive technique of DSA, yet combined they are quick, relatively inexpensive, and as accurate as other techniques for detecting risks of stroke. Further studies to standardize the analysis of results should make this form of imaging an even more valuable diagnostic tool. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Atherosclerosis, Doppler ultrasonography

---

Imaging of acute stroke

Article Abstract:

Stroke is the third most common cause of death in the United States. Although the mortality rate for stroke has decreased, the morbidity rate exacts a great toll on patients who suffer strokes and their families. Present medical knowledge is limited in the diagnosis and treatment of strokes. Computed tomography (CT) and ultrasound (US) imaging techniques can be used to rule out other possibilities when stroke is suspected, but not to directly diagnose it. Treatment of stroke is limited by the inability to detect it early and by the lack of understanding of the development and progression of the disease. Treatment is also limited because of a lack of ways to examine the effectiveness of treatments beyond clinical observation. Early detection and treatment are essential because delay leads to dead brain tissue which cannot be treated. This requires imaging techniques that can locate the damaged area and evaluate changes as they occur. Imaging techniques such as US, CT, magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, and others have been successfully used in other areas to differentiate diseased from normal tissue. Research needs to focus on how to use these techniques to differentiate between normal brain tissue and brain tissue that is impaired or destroyed because of stroke. Studies have already shown that MR may be able to detect tissue changes in patients who have had stroke symptoms for only one day. Imaging techniques have the potential for use in the diagnosis of stroke, particularly in the critical first 24 hours when brain tissue is still alive. Research should focus on use of imaging techniques to evaluate differences in damaged and healthy brain tissue as well as other indications of stroke. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

CT imaging, CAT scans, Brain diseases

---

Intracranial assessment of incontinentia pigmenti using magnetic resonance imaging, angiography, and spectroscopic imaging

Article Abstract:

Blood vessel blockage, which is commonly seen in the retinas of incontinentia pigmenti (IP) patients, may also be the cause of brain lesions. IP is an inherited disorder that frequently causes abnormalities of the skin, eyes, hair, teeth, and central nervous system. Seven IP patients had magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), magnetic resonance contrast studies of blood vessels, and multislice proton magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging. The last technique measures the amount and distribution of lactate, a compound produced in oxygen-starved tissues. Five patients had abnormal MRI findings consistent with a blockage of the cerebral blood vessels. One of the five patients had reduced flow in the middle cerebral artery and increased amounts of lactate. The presence of imaging abnormalities tended to correlate with the degree of retinal abnormality and neurobehavioral abnormality.

Causes of, Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, Angiography, Cerebrovascular disease, Cerebrovascular disorders, Pigmentation disorders

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Articular cartilage defects of the knee: correlation between magnetic resonance imaging and gross pathology. Influence of cyclic loading on the nutrition of articular cartilage
• Abstracts: Examination of the second-trimester fetus with severe oligohydramnios using transvaginal scanning. Transvaginal sonography of the endometrium in postmenopausal women
• Abstracts: Two-tier approach to biophysical assessment of the fetus. Predictive value of fetal scalp blood lactate concentration and pH as markers of neurologic disability
• Abstracts: Interactions with oral contraceptives. Influence of oral contraceptives on drug therapy. Sex hormone-binding globulin-a surrogate marker for the prothrombotic effects of combined oral contraceptives
• Abstracts: Treatment of depressed in-patients: cognitive therapy plus medication, relaxation plus medication, and medication alone

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.