Tumefactive Multiple Sclerosis: diagnostic study considering the differential diagnosis from other brain lesions

Tumefactive Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is characterized by the presence of at least one lesion ≥ 2cm in diameter, with co-existing mass effect or edema. In our study, we review the advanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) techniques used in the diagnosis of tumefactive MS, as well as the spectrum of differential diagnosis from other brain tumors. We also present two cases of tumefactive MS. In conclusion, tumefactive MS should always be part of the differential diagnosis in each patient with radiological features of tumor-like brain lesions, in order to avoid unnecessary interventional diagnostic procedures

acquiT he contribution of MR Urography in imaging congenital malformations in children - preliminary results

 Magnetic resonance urography (MRU) is a fairly new technique which has been studied for the last 10 years. MRU offers increased spatial and temporal resolution and provides quantitative functional information on renal perfusion, excretion and drainage. This article presents the first results obtained from MRU studies in children in Northern Greece. 21 children (3-11 years old) diagnosed with congenital malformations were studied with MRU. A standardized protocol was created in order to make MRU feasible in everyday use, based on protocols suggested by other researchers. Both T1 and T2 weighted images were obtained using the following sequences: 2D Τ2-weighted fat saturation, 3D single shot fast spin-echo (SSFSE/RARE), 2D Radial SSFSE and T1-weighted gradient LAVA (3D SPGR). In 16 out of the 21 cases the MRU images and data agreed with the previous diagnosis based on radionuclide and ultrasound studies. In 5 cases MRU provided additional information, altering or even overruling the previous diagnosis. These 5 cases are presented in this article

MR urography: Anatomical and quantitative information on congenital malformations in children

Background and Aim: Magnetic resonance urography (MRU) is considered to be the next step in uroradiology. This technique combines superb anatomical images and functional information in a single test. In this article, we aim to present the topic of MRU in children and how it has been implemented in Northern Greece so far. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the potential of MRU in clinical practice. We focus both on the anatomical and the quantitative information this technique can offer. Materials and Methods: MRU was applied in 25 children (ages from 3 to 11 years) diagnosed with different types of congenital malformations. T1 and T2 images were obtained for all patients. Dynamic, contrast-enhanced data were processed and signal intensity versus time curves were created for all patients from regions of interest (ROIs) selected around the kidneys in order to yield quantitative information regarding the kidneys function. Results: From the slopes of these curves we were able to evaluate which kidneys were functional and from the corticomedullary cross-over point to determine whether the renal system was obstructed or not. Conclusion: In all 25 cases MRU was sufficient, if not superior to other imaging modalities, to establish a complete diagnosis