- Cauda Equina and Filum Terminale Arteriovenous Fistulas: Anatomic and Radiographic Features
Intradural AVF below the conus medullaris may develop either on the filum terminale or the cauda equina (lumbosacral and coccygeal radicular nerves). Only 3 detailed cauda equina AVFs have been reported in the literature. The authors present the angiographic and MR imaging findings of cauda equina and filum terminale AVF cases, supplemented with literature research to characterize the radiologic features of the 2 entities. On angiography, filum terminale AVFs were invariably supplied by the extension of the anterior spinal artery accompanied by a closely paralleling filum terminale vein. Cauda equina AVFs were fed by either a radicular or a spinal artery or both arteries, often with a characteristic wavy radicular-perimedullary draining vein.
- Prognostic Accuracy of Fetal MRI in Predicting Postnatal Neurodevelopmental Outcome
The authors identified all fetal MR imaging performed at their institution during a 10-year period (n = 145) and assessed agreement between prenatal prognosis and postnatal outcome. Prenatal prognosis was determined by a pediatric neurologist who reviewed the fetal MR imaging report and categorized each pregnancy as having a favorable, indeterminate, or poor prognosis. Assessment of postnatal neurodevelopmental outcome was made solely on the basis of the child's Gross Motor Function Classification System score and whether the child developed epilepsy. Postnatal outcome was categorized as favorable, intermediate, or poor. There was 93.0% agreement between prenatal and postnatal imaging diagnoses. Prognosis was favorable in 44.2%, indeterminate in 50.0%, and poor in 5.8% of pregnancies. There was 93.5% agreement between a favorable prenatal prognosis and a favorable postnatal outcome.
- Percutaneous CT-Guided Core Needle Biopsies of Head and Neck Masses: Technique, Histopathologic Yield, and Safety at a Single Academic Institution
This is a retrospective review of head and neck biopsies performed from January 2013 through December 2019. Clinical diagnosis and indication, patient demographics, mass location and size, biopsy needle type, technical approach, dose-length product, sedation details, complications, diagnostic histopathologic yield, and the use of iodinated contrast were recorded for each case. Twenty-seven CT-guided head and neck core needle biopsies were performed in 26 patients. The diagnostic sample rate was 100% (27/27). A concordant histopathologic diagnosis was obtained in 93% (25/27) of cases. There was a single complication of core needle biopsy, a small asymptomatic superficial hematoma.