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A Procedure for Implanting a Spinal Chamber for Longitudinal In Vivo Imaging of the Mouse Spinal Cord
Published on: December 3, 2014
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Spinal Coccidioidomycosis: MR Imaging Findings in 41 Patients
R N Crete1, W Gallmann2, J P Karis2
1From the Department of Neuroradiology (R.N.C., W.G., J.P.K.), Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona Danielle.Andazola@dignityhealth.org.
AJNR. American Journal of Neuroradiology
|October 6, 2018
Summary
Coccidioides immitis causes diverse spinal diseases, most frequently leptomeningeal enhancement and arachnoiditis. These fungal infections can mimic other spinal infections on MR imaging.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Neurology
Background:
- Coccidioides immitis is a dimorphic fungus endemic to the Southwestern US and Mexico.
- It is a common cause of spine disease at the institution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe spinal manifestations of Coccidioides immitis infection.
- To provide MR imaging examples of these findings.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of electronic medical records and PACS.
- Inclusion of 41 patients with confirmed Coccidioides immitis infection via biopsy and/or CSF studies.
- Categorization and quantification of abnormal MR imaging findings.
Main Results:
- Forty-one patients were included.
- Common findings: leptomeningeal enhancement (63%), arachnoiditis (54%), osteomyelitis-discitis (34%).
- Brain involvement (basilar meningitis) was seen in 73% of patients.
Conclusions:
- Coccidioides immitis causes varied spinal manifestations.
- Leptomeningeal enhancement and arachnoiditis are most common.
- Findings may mimic tuberculous or pyogenic infections on MR imaging.
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