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MR imaging in "lacunar" hemiballismus.
Journal of Computer Assisted Tomography
|September 1, 1986
Summary
Proton magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is superior to computed tomography (CT) for detecting lacunar infarctions in the subthalamic nucleus, a common cause of hemiballismus. MRI precisely located these subthalamic nucleus lesions.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Neuroimaging
Background:
- Hemiballismus is a hyperkinetic movement disorder often caused by subthalamic nucleus lesions.
- Lacunar infarctions are small ischemic strokes that can affect deep brain structures.
Observation:
- Two patients with hemiballismus secondary to lacunar infarctions were evaluated.
- Cranial computed tomography (CT) and proton magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were compared.
Findings:
- Proton MRI detected lacunar infarctions in the subthalamic nucleus, whereas CT did not.
- Lesion localization using multiplanar measurements confirmed involvement of the lateral subthalamic nucleus.
Implications:
- Proton MRI is a more sensitive imaging modality than CT for diagnosing subthalamic nucleus lacunar infarctions.
- Accurate imaging is critical for understanding the pathophysiology of hemiballismus and guiding potential treatments.