Purpose
In this poster we review the most frequently encountered anatomic variants in CT and MRI neuroradiology studies (in the brain,
bone or cerebrospinal fluid spaces) that can be misinterpreted as pathological findings.
The goal is to provide the diagnostic clues to recognize and characterize anatomical variants or pitfalls in neuroradiology CT and MRI exams to avoid the later performance of unnecessary imaging.
Methods and Materials
Retrospective,
observational, descriptive single center epidemiologic study that presenting the key findings to recognize lesions often misdiagnosed in clinical practice.
Results
We have found the following common errors in neuroradiology:
Ventricular system abnormalities: cerebral lateral ventricle asymmetry (left ventricle is usually larger than right) with significant bulging of the septum pellucidum to the smaller one,
which makes us think of an obstructive monoventriculomegaly (Fig.
1); ventricular coarctation,
which usually occurs in the frontal or occipital horns due to fusion of the ependymal walls (Fig.
2); cavum septum pellucidi/cavum vergae/cavum veli interpositus (Fig.
3,
4,
5 and 6), cerebrospinal fluid collections that simulate the appearance of cysts,...
Conclusion
We must become familiar with normal neuroanatomy variants and be aware of the technical quality of the exams we supervise and report.
Thereby,
we will avoid overdiagnosis and we will minimize he impact of unnecessary radiation and high cost examinations that increase the anxiety of the patients.
References
Born CM,
Meisenzahl EM,
Frodl T,
el al.
The septum pellucidum and its variants: an MRI study.
Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2004; 254:295-302.
SanMillanRuizD,GaillaoudP,RufenachtDA,DelavelleJ,HenryF,Fasel JH.Thecraniocervical venous system in relation to cerebral venous drainage.
AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2002; 23(9):1500-1508.
Atlas of Neuroradiologic,
Embryologic,
Anatomy and Variant.
J.
Randy Jinkins 2000.
Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Bernard JP,
Moscoso G,
Renier D,
Ville Y.
Cystic malformations of the posterior fossa.
Prenat Diagn 2001; 21:1064-1069.
Fordham LA,
Chung CJ,
Donnelly LF.
Imaging of congenital vascular and lymphatic...