Neuroimaging for the Nonradiologist

Abstract

Neuroimaging interpretation is truly an art. One of the prerequisites for effective neuroimaging interpretation is a solid understanding of neuroanatomy, which is both complex and intricate. Building upon a foundation of neuroanatomy, a detailed knowledge of pathophysiology is required. One must also have a command of various imaging modalities to correctly apply anatomic and pathophysiological information. This includes an understanding of the physics behind each modality, which will in turn aid in knowing a particular modality's strengths and weaknesses. Blending all of these skills together to make an accurate interpretation while keeping a particular clinical scenario in mind is where the art of neuroimaging is applied. Mastering this process is obviously something that takes years of proper training, meticulous attention to detail, and a background of clinical experience. It is difficult to distill this art form into a small nugget of all-encompassing knowledge; however, a few introductory concepts will go a long way toward improving one's ability to glean useful clinical information from neuroimaging studies. ' AnatomyRegardless of the modality employed, a solid base of anatomic understanding is critical for correct image interpretation. Modalities may evolve and change, but anatomy is constant. This lends an alternate meaning to Sigmund Freud's saying "Anatomy is destiny."A neuroimager's arena is the central nervous system (CNS). Information regarding the peripheral nervous system as well as head and neck anatomy is beyond our scope. The CNS consists of the brain and the spinal cord. The following sections describe the most salient CNS neuroanatomy.