With the increasing number of transgenic mouse models of human brain diseases, there is a need for a sensitive method that allows assessing quantitative whole brain perfusion within a reasonable scan time. Arterial spin labeling (ASL), an MRI technique that permits the noninvasive quantification of cerebral blood flow, has been used to assess rodents brain perfusion. For mice, the reported experiments performed with continuous or pulsed ASL were challenged by poor multislice capability, limited sensitivity, or quantification issues. Here, the recently proposed pseudo‐continuous ASL strategy, which has shown great promise for human studies, was investigated for mouse brain perfusion imaging at 11.75 T. Pseudo‐continuous ASL was experimentally optimized and compared with a standard flow‐sensitive alternating inversion recovery sequence for sensitivity, robustness, absolute quantification, and multislice imaging capability. A sensitivity gain up to 40% and clear advantages for multislice imaging are obtained with pseudo‐continuous ASL. Magn Reson Med, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Delayed contrast imaging of the inner ear with 3T MRI revealed in vivo changes of the membranous labyrinth consistent with unilateral Ménière's disease.

Leiomyosarcoma (LMS) of the trachea is an extremely rare malignancy with only a few reported cases in English literature. As such the diagnosis can be frequently missed or delayed. We present a case of a 69-year-old male who underwent tracheostomy for airway obstruction secondary to glottic squamous cell carcinoma and treated definitely with radiation therapy. Subsequently, the patient developed LMS of the tracheostomy site. The case further details multiple risk factors that could contribute to development of LMS including radiation exposure, prior malignancy, and chronic inflammation. These risk factors have been well established for LMS in other sites but less so in the head and neck region, which is the subject of our discussion. We also review the current guidelines for head and neck as well as limb sarcomas and discussed role of surgery or radiation and their accompanying challenges in management of this rare malignancy.

Introduction: Hydrogel capsules are FDA-approved superabsorbent agents used for weight loss. Typically, 3 capsules are swallowed with water before eating. When in contact with water, the particles inside the capsules expand a hundredfold into an elastic gel-like structure that creates a satiated feeling in the user and promotes fullness. The capsular contents are not absorbed into the bloodstream. The most common side effects are bloating, flatulence, and abdominal pain (1-2). In this case, we discuss a patient who experienced dysphagia from pill impaction in the esophagus. Case Description/Methods: A 39-year-old female with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) presented following impaction of 3 cellulose/citric acid hydrogel capsules taken all at once before eating as the instructions stated. She reported feeling the capsules stuck in her esophagus and she was unable to tolerate swallowing. She has had issues with dysphagia in the past, but these episodes typically improved with drinking water. At the time of presentation, she was not taking any medications for EoE. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) was performed and demonstrated gelatinized capsules within the esophagus (Figure ) at 20 cm and extending 5 cm distally. The impaction was broken down with graspers and retrieval devices, and the remaining material was pushed into the stomach. Due to the gelatinous content, it was extremely challenging to capture the loose material to be removed. Biopsies were taken of the esophagus which demonstrated mild to moderate eosinophilic infiltration. Discussion: For some individuals, hydrogel capsules can be useful adjuncts for weight loss. However, esophageal impaction and dysphagia can occur if not swallowed properly. To reduce this risk, users should consider swallowing each of the 3 capsules individually, followed each time by a glass of water. This method of administration will likely prevent the chance of the expansion of the capsular contents into the larger gelatinous material in the esophagus and encourage it to occur in the stomach. People with dysphagia, diverticula, and other motility disorders should be extremely careful and take these gelatinous capsules individually.