Contribution of perfusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging in the differentiation of meningiomas and other extra-axial tumors: case reports and literature review

We present six cases of extra-axial lesions: three meningiomas [including one intraventricular and one cerebellopontine angle (CPA) meningioma], one dural metastasis, one CPA schwannoma and one choroid plexus papilloma which were chosen from a larger cohort of extra-axial tumors evaluated in our institution. Apart from conventional MR examinations, all the patients also underwent perfusion-weighted imaging (PWI) using dynamic susceptibility contrast method on a 1.5 T MR unit (contrast: 0.3 mmol/kg, rate 5 ml/s). Though the presented tumors showed very similar appearance on conventional MR images, they differed significantly in perfusion examinations. The article draws special attention to the usefulness of PWI in the differentiation of various extra-axial tumors and its contribution in reaching final correct diagnoses. Finding a dural lesion with low perfusion parameters strongly argues against the diagnosis of meningioma and should raise a suspicion of a dural metastasis. In cases of CPA tumors, a lesion with low relative cerebral blood volume values should be suspected to be schwannoma, allowing exclusion of meningioma to be made. In intraventricular tumors arising from choroid plexus, low perfusion parameters can exclude a diagnosis of meningioma. In our opinion, PWI as an easy and quick to perform functional technique should be incorporated into the MR protocol of all intracranial tumors including extra-axial neoplasms

15th IFAC Symposium on Information Control Problems in Manufacturing INCOM 2015

International audienc

Neuroradiology training in EU: international survey of 31 countries within UEMS frame

Objective: To assess the current framework of interventional and diagnostic neuroradiology in Europe Methods: The UEMS (European Union of Medical Specialists) Section of Radiology and the subspecialty UEMS Division of Neuroradiology collected by e-mail a survey on the situation of diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology’ training and practice in Europe. The questionnaire was sent to the national delegates from 31 UEMS member countries, belonging to the European Union, the European Economic Area and the Council of Europe. In case of uncertain or discordant replies, the survey envisaged the involvement of neuroradiology scientific societies’ experts for providing a decisive answer. Results: A formal post-residency training in diagnostic and interventional neuroradiology is provided respectively by 12/31 and 20/31 of the European countries. Currently, for becoming neuroradiologist in a country without fellowship program, a radiologist should (1) get subspecialty credits, (2) follow training inside national or international neuroradiology departments, or (3) perform the main reporting activity in neuroradiology. In nearly 2/3 of the States included in the survey, the neurointerventional procedures are provided by radiologists (22/31) and in the most frequent scenario a specific training in neurovascular is required to all radiologist or nonradiologist candidates (18/31). Conclusions: The European framework of neuroradiology’s training and practice that emerged through this survey is fragmented, but there is an increasing attention by European scientific societies and institutions to create a common path of training and practice that can guarantee high educational and patient care standards

Neuroradiology training in EU: international survey of 31 countries within UEMS frame

To assess the current framework of interventional and diagnostic neuroradiology in Europe METHODS: The UEMS (European Union of Medical Specialists) Section of Radiology and the subspecialty UEMS Division of Neuroradiology collected by e-mail a survey on the situation of diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology' training and practice in Europe. The questionnaire was sent to the national delegates from 31 UEMS member countries, belonging to the European Union, the European Economic Area and the Council of Europe. In case of uncertain or discordant replies, the survey envisaged the involvement of neuroradiology scientific societies' experts for providing a decisive answer

Statistical, Morphometric, Anatomical Shape Model (Atlas) of Calcaneus

<div><p>The aim was to develop a morphometric and anatomically accurate atlas (statistical shape model) of calcaneus. The model is based on 18 left foot and 18 right foot computed tomography studies of 28 male individuals aged from 17 to 62 years, with no known foot pathology. A procedure for automatic atlas included extraction and identification of common features, averaging feature position, obtaining mean geometry, mathematical shape description and variability analysis. Expert manual assistance was included for the model to fulfil the accuracy sought by medical professionals. The proposed for the first time statistical shape model of the calcaneus could be of value in many orthopaedic applications including providing support in diagnosing pathological lesions, pre-operative planning, classification and treatment of calcaneus fractures as well as for the development of future implant procedures.</p></div

Correlation between the SPHARM coefficients of the left and the right calcaneus.

<p>Linear correlation is performed on the reduced set of coefficients excluding the three highest coefficients (see inset).</p

An example of reconstructed SSM of right calcaneus using (from left to right) the 25th, 50th and 75th quartile of the spherical harmonic coefficients.

<p>An example of reconstructed SSM of right calcaneus using (from left to right) the 25th, 50th and 75th quartile of the spherical harmonic coefficients.</p