We report transient changes in computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans in a patient with focal status epilepticus, referred to us with a tentative diagnosis of neoplasm based on CT and angiographic findings. EEG seizures originated independently from each temporal-occipital area, predominantly from the right. Previous EEGs had shown almost exclusively right temporo-occipital epileptogenic activity. MRI showed increased signal intensity, and CT showed decreased right hemisphere attenuation without enhancement. One month later, there was resolution of the radiological and clinical abnormalities. The transient CT and MRI changes probably represented focal cerebral edema, developing during focal status epilepticus. Lack of change in the left hemisphere probably reflected the quantitative difference in epileptic activity. Clues to the diagnosis of focal edema due to status include: (1) changes on electrical and imaging studies that correlate anatomically with the clinical status, and (2) resolution of abnormalities with appropriate seizure control. In patients with suspected seizure disorders, electrical and clinical data should be correlated before interpretation is made of focal lesions seen by neuroimaging techniques.

SUMMARY Giant fusiform aneurysm of the cerebral arteries was found in 11 patients during a 20-year period. The 7 males and 4 females ranged in age from 9 to 68 years (mean: 49 years). The supraclinoid segment of the internal carotid artery (ICA) and the M-1 segment of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) were the most frequently inrolred arteries. Multiple aneurysms were identified in 3 patients. Compression of adjacent intracranial structures was the usual cause of symptoms, and only 2 patients experienced subarachnoid hemorrhage. One patient presented with transient ischemic attacks. Computed tomography, with and without Hypaque infusion, clearly demonstrated the aneurysms in the 6 of 7 patients studied. Thrombus was invariably seen in the lumen of the aneurysm. Cerebral angiography in 11 patients displayed marked dilatation and elongation of the inrolred artery. The dilatation frequently extended into connecting arteries. Surgical treatment was carried out in 6 patients, including 2 with aneurysm entrapment and decompression, 2 with proximal ICA ligation, 1 with wrapping and 1 with wrapping and superficial temporal artery (STA) to MCA anastomosis. Death occurred in 2 patients not treated surgically. Stroke, Vol 12, No 2, 1981 GIANT FUSIFORM ANEURYSM of the basilar artery is a well-recognized clinical and pathological entity.

SUMMARY Twenty-two patients with the clinical diagnosis of transient ischemic attacks were prospectively evaluated by computed tomography (CT) and proton magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Nineteen patients also underwent cerebral angiography. The MRI studies were performed with a prototype superconductive magnet using a 0.6 Tesla or a 1.5 Tesla magnetic field. Two pulse sequence techniques were used resulting in Tl and T2 weighted images. All studies were interpreted descriptively by a single neuroradiologist La a blinded fashion, with special attention to focal parenchymal abnormalities. Patients with previously documented clinical strokes or reversible ischemic neurologic deficits lasting more than 24 hours were excluded. The CT scans revealed focal areas of abnormalities in 7 of 22 patients (32%), while the MRI scans showed focal changes in 17 patients (77%). All the CT lesions were clearly visualized on MRI. The MRI changes were better seen on T2 weighted images as areas of increased signal intensity. There was a marked preponderance of deep hemispheric lesions on both CT and MRI studies. Focal parenchymal abnormalities were not limited to the symptomatic vascular territory. We conclude that MRI reveals focal parenchymal changes in the majority of patients with transient ischemic attacks and is more sensitive than late generation CT scans. However, specificity appears to be poor, and may limit clinical usefulness. While the significance of the MRI "lesions" remains speculative, they may represent markers of chronic cerebrovascular disease in these patients. Stroke Vol 17, No 3, 1986 TRANSIENT ISCHEMIC ATTACKS (TIA's) are episodes of focal neurologic dysfunction referable to a specific arterial distribution, and resolving within 24 hours. The classical clinical concept initially implied a truly reversible process without permanent parenchymal damage. More recently, it has been recognized that some patients presenting with TIA's have actually sustained cerebral infarction with timely resolution of signs and symptoms. '* Some authors argue for a separate classification of TLA patients with parenchymal lesions, and suggest a different therapeutic approach to these patients. 4 The advent of late generation computed tomographic (CT) scanning and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has added a new dimension to the problem. These more sensitive imaging techniques are identifying an increasing number of focal parenchymal abnormalities in TIA patients and are raising questions about the frequency, nature, and clinical significance of these lesions. In this study, we prospectively examine the CT and MRI findings in 22 TIA patients, and correlate these findings with the clinical presentation and angiographic findings. Patients and MethodsTwenty-two patients with the clinical diagnosis of TIA's were prospectively evaluated by proton MRI and CT scanning as part of their initial evaluation at the Cleveland Clinic Hospital. These represented a group of consecutive cases evaluated by the cerebrovascular surgery and neurology...

Forty subjects were examined to determine the accuracy and clinical usefulness of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) examination of the spine. The NMR images were compared with plain radiographs, high-resolution computed tomograms, and myelograms. The study included 15 patients with normal spinal cord anatomy and 25 patients whose pathological conditions included canal stenosis, herniated discs, metastatic tumors, primary cord tumor, trauma, Chiari malformations, syringomyelia, and developmental disorders. Saturation recovery images were best in differentiating between soft tissue and cerebrospinal fluid. NMR was excellent for the evaluation of the foramen magnum region and is presently the modality of choice for the diagnosis of syringomyelia and Chiari malformation. NMR was accurate in diagnosing spinal cord trauma and spinal canal block. The normal disc was seen, but with rare exceptions bulging of the annulus and herniation of the nucleus pulposus were not visualized.

Proton magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using a 0.6- or 1.5-Tesla superconductive magnet was compared with high-resolution computed tomography (CT) in 60 patients with transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) or brain infarction. MRI showed focal parenchymal changes in 84% of patients with TIAs, whereas CT showed similar changes in 42%. The sensitivity of MRI was also greater in patients with infarcts, but the difference between CT and MRI was not as great. Infarcts were usually better delineated by MRI regardless of location. However, MRI failed to reveal cortical infarcts that were clearly seen on contrast-enhanced CT scans and was unable to clearly distinguish subacute from chronic hemorrhagic infarcts. MRI changes were best detected with T2-weighted images and usually appeared as multiple areas of increased signal intensity in the subcortical and periventricular white matter. MRI changes often could not be correlated with the clinical history and neurological findings; identical changes have been seen in patients with no history of cerebrovascular disease.