BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Rapid brain MR imaging is often substituted for head CT in multiply imaged patients with shunted hydrocephalus. Fast TSE-T2 sequences are commonly used in these protocols. One limitation of TSE-T2 sequences is the decreased catheter delineation compared with CT. The aim of this study was to compare fast TSE-T2 with rapid SS-GRE sequences in the evaluation of intracranial shunt catheter delineation as part of a rapid nonsedated pediatric brain MR imaging protocol.

Congenital absence of the parotid gland is a rare entity. Absence is most commonly unilateral, and is not associated with accessory glandular tissue. In the majority of reported cases, parotid gland aplasia is seen with craniofacial abnormalities or hypoplasia of other ectodermal structures, particularly the lacrimal glands. We present a 14-year-old male with bilateral parotid gland aplasia detected incidentally on MRI of the brain and then confirmed on neck CT. The studies also revealed accessory parotid tissue superficial to the left masseter muscle. There were no associated craniofacial abnormalities. The lacrimal glands and submandibular glands were normal.

SUMMARY:The human HOXA1 mutation syndromes commonly present with abnormalities of the inner ear and ICAs. Previous cases describe varying degrees of hypoplasia or aplasia of the affected structures, often with asymmetric involvement. We present imaging findings documenting complete absence of the ICAs bilaterally with bilateral CLA, which, to our knowledge, has not been previously reported.