Neurocysticercosis is a neurologic parasitic disease caused by the encysted larva of the tapeworm Taenia solium and is the most important parasitic disease of the human central nervous system. It is the most common cause of acquired epilepsy in endemic settings and constitutes a public health challenge for most of the developing world. Nowadays, however, as a result of globalization, neurocysticercosis is being seen more frequently in developed countries as well. Neurocysticercosis is acquired through fecal-oral contamination, and the disease course is complex, with two intermediate hosts (ie, pigs and humans) and a definitive host (humans). Traditionally, it has been classified into active and nonactive forms according to disease location. Radiologists must be aware of its imaging appearance, which is quite variable, as is the differential diagnosis. Imaging findings depend on several factors, including the stage of the life cycle of T solium at presentation; the number and location (ie, subarachnoid, cisternal, or intraventricular) of parasites; and associated complications such as vascular involvement (ie, arteritis with or without infarction), inflammatory response (ie, edema, gliosis, or arachnoiditis), and, in ventricular forms, degree of obstruction. Thus, the diagnostic approach, management, and prognosis for neurocysticercosis differ widely depending on the type of infection.

Coronary artery dilatations-aneurysms and ectasia-are an uncommon and frequently unrecognized incidental finding in patients with coronary artery disease. Aneurysms and ectasia are associated with a vast group of disorders, and the evaluation and characterization of coronary aneurysms and ectasia represent a great diagnostic task with clinical and therapeutic implications. The underlying etiology is variable and includes degenerative, congenital, inflammatory, infectious, toxic, and traumatic causes. Unlike aneurysms, ectasia is more frequently seen in association with atherosclerosis or as a compensatory mechanism in those cases in which a proximal stenosis is noted in the opposite coronary artery; ectasia is also seen in some coronary artery anomalies, such as anomalous origin from the pulmonary artery, or as a result of a high-flow state, as seen in coronary artery fistulas. The diagnostic approach depends on the clinical scenario, and nowadays, noninvasive evaluation with multidetector computed tomography is possible. Imaging assessment should include evaluation of (a) the distribution, (b) maximal diameter, (c) presence or absence of intraluminal thrombi, (d) number, (e) extension, and (f) associated complications such as myocardial infarction. This article presents an overview of the definition, classification, etiology, clinical manifestations, and potential complications of coronary artery aneurysms and ectasia.

Background ABCA1 genetic variation is known to play a role in HDL-C levels and various studies have also implicated ABCA1 variation in cardiovascular risk. The functional ABCA1/R230C variant is frequent in the Mexican population and has been consistently associated with low HDL-C concentrations. Although it has been associated with other cardiovascular risk factors such as obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus, it is not known whether it is associated with coronary artery disease (CAD).AimThe purpose of the study was to analyze whether the ABCA1/R230C variant is associated with premature CAD in a case-control association study (GEA or Genetics of Atherosclerotic Disease), and to explore whether BMI modulates the effect of the C230 allele on other metabolic traits using a population-based design.ResultsThe C230 allele was significantly associated with both lower HDL-C levels and a lower risk of premature CAD as compared to controls (OR = 0.566; Padd = 1.499×10−5). In addition, BMI modulated the effect of R230C on body fat distribution, as the correlation between BMI and visceral to subcutaneous adipose tissue (a metric of the propensity to store fat viscerally as compared to subcutaneously) was negative in RR homozygous individuals, but positive in premenopausal women bearing the C230 allele, with a statistically significant interaction (P = 0.005). BMI-R230C interaction was also significant for triglyceride levels in women regardless of their menopausal status (P = 0.036).ConclusionThis is the first study assessing the effect of the R230C/ABCA1 variant in remature CAD. C230 was associated with both decreased HDL-C levels and a lower risk of premature CAD, and gender-specific BMI-R230C interactions were observed for different metabolic traits. These interactions may help explain inconsistencies in associations, and underscore the need to further analyze interactions of this functional and frequent variant with diet, exercise and other environmental factors.

State-of-the-art multidetector computed tomographic (CT) technology has replaced invasive angiography for evaluation of patients suspected to have aortic disease. Although most aortic disease is associated with atherosclerosis (ie, aneurysms and dissection), the spectrum of aortic disease is vast and includes various congenital and acquired entities. Radiologists should also be familiar with uncommon aortic diseases, which are divided into those that are congenital in origin and acquired disorders, and with their findings at multidetector CT. The first group includes patent ductus arteriosus, aortic hypoplasia, aortic coarctation, interrupted aortic arch, aortopulmonary window, common arterial trunk, supravalvular aortic stenosis, and vascular rings. The acquired disorders include aortic dissection due to extension of a coronary artery dissection, Marfan syndrome, large-vessel vasculitis such as Takayasu arteritis, and mycotic aneurysms. Finally, specific conditions associated with therapeutic maneuvers--such as recoarctation, stent-graft rupture, and endoleaks--can also be assessed with multidetector CT. Multidetector CT is an alternative tool helpful in establishing the primary diagnosis, defining anatomic landmarks and their relationships, and identifying associated cardiovascular anomalies. It is also an adjunct in the evaluation of complications during follow-up.

Background: The association of subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) with insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome (MS), and coronary atherosclerosis is uncertain. Objective: To investigate the role of increased intrahepatic fat in the association of SCH with insulin resistance, MS, and coronary atherosclerosis. Design, patients, and methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study in a sample of 753 subjects (46% males) aged 35-70 years with no history of diabetes, renal, hepatic, thyroid, or coronary heart disease, and were participants of the Genetics of Atherosclerotic Disease study. SCH was defined as a high serum TSH level with normal free thyroxine concentration. Fatty liver (FL), coronary artery calcification (CAC), and abdominal visceral adipose tissue were assessed by computed tomography. Cross-sectional associations of SCH with and without FL, with MS, insulin resistance, and subclinical atherosclerosis defined as a CAC score O0, were examined in logistic regression models. Results: SCH was observed in 17.7% of the population studied. The prevalence of FL was similar in both euthyroid and SCH subjects (31.8 vs 27.8%, PZ0.371). SCH plus FL subjects were heavier and had more metabolic abnormalities compared with SCH plus normal liver subjects. In multivariate-adjusted logistic regression analyses, SCH plus FL was associated with MS (odds ratio (OR): 2.73, 95% CI: 1.26-5.92), insulin resistance (OR: 4.91, 95% CI: 1.63-14.75), and CAC score O0 (OR: 3.05, 95% CI: 1.20-7.76). SCH without FL showed no associations. Conclusion: SCH with FL is associated with increased odds of MS, insulin resistance, and CAC, independent of potential confounders.