Preliminary Diagnosis: Brain Abscess I. What imaging technique is first-line for this diagnosis? Multiplanar MRI with and without contrast II. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of this technique for diagnosis of brain abscess. Advantages Most sensitive examination for brain abscess Best anatomic resolution for brain imaging Can depict early changes (cerebritis) that precede discrete abscess…
Preliminary Diagnosis: Sturge-Weber syndrome I. What imaging technique is first-line for this diagnosis MRI of the brain with and without IV contrast is the preferred first-line imaging for Sturge-Weber syndrome. II. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of this technique for diagnosis of Sturge-Weber syndrome. Advantages Ideal for demonstrating the changes of Sturge-Weber including pial angiomatosis,…
Preliminary Diagnosis: Intracranial Aneurysm I. What imaging technique is first-line for this diagnosis CT angiogram (CTA). However, a non-contrast head CT should be performed first, followed by CTA, which requires IV contrast. II. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of this technique for diagnosis of an intracranial aneurysm. Advantages Has high diagnostic accuracy for intracranial aneurysms…
Preliminary Diagnosis: Cerebellar hemangioblastoma I. What imaging technique is first-line for this diagnosis MRI with and without contrast II. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of this technique for diagnosis of cerebellar hemangioblastoma. Advantages Provides highest anatomic resolution while also allowing evaluation of sequelae such as mass effect Has the highest sensitivity for detecting small lesionsContinue…
Preliminary Diagnosis: Epidural Abscess I. What imaging technique is first-line for this diagnosis MRI of the spine with and without contrast. STIR and post-contrast fat-saturated images should be included. II. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of this technique for diagnosing epidural abscess. Advantages Highest sensitivity for detecting epidural abscess. Can detect early signs of infection,…
