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Object: To assess the value of high resolution fast spin echo T2 weighted (HR-FSE T2w) sequence for the diagnosis of acoustic neuroma. Two criteria for normality of the HR-FSE T2w examination are defined., Patients and Methods: 114 patients underwent MR imaging at 1.5 T. The protocol included: axial images; 2 overlapped sequences focused on the internal auditory meatus (IAM), HR-FSE T2w acquisition (512 matrix, 3 mm sections with 1.5 mm overlapping); pre and postcontrast T1 weighted sequences focused on IAM. We defined two criteria for a normal HR-FSE T2w image: cerebellospinal fluid visible throughout the IAM, cochleo-vestibular and facial nerves visible in the IAM., Results: 31 examinations were abnormal with HR-FSE T2w sequence, 25 lesions were found on postcontrast T1 weighted sequence (i.e. 6 false-positive results and none false-negative). The sensitivity, specificity and negative predictive value of this HR-FSE T2w sequence were 100%, 97% and 100% respectively., Conclusion: the HR-FSE T2w sequence is the first-line method for detecting tumoral lesions of the IAM. If the 2 normality criteria are present on the HR-FSE T2w images, the T1w sequence with gadolinium injection is of no use; the injection of gadolinium remains necessary if only one of these criteria is lacking.

Body composition, currently evaluated by computed tomography scan, is related to poor evolution and severity of Crohn's disease (CD). Few MRI studies have been performed, yet it is the most commonly used imaging modality for the surveillance of the disease. Evaluate the feasibility of MRI body composition measurement and compare the variation according to the activity of the disease. A cohort of 132 consecutive patients was studied. The visceral adiposity index (VAI), subcutaneous adiposity index (SAI) and skeletal muscle index (SMI) were measured. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to disease activity. Sarcopenic status was defined according to the cut off value (SMI < 38.9 cm2/m2 in women and < 54.4 cm2/m2 in men). MRI measurements of body composition parameters were feasible and reproducible. After adjustment, sarcopenia was more common (2.07 [1.02; 4.27], p = 0.046), and the SMI (−4.90 [−9.36; −0.431], p = 0.032) was lower in active disease. The SAI was lower (−14.7 [−29.8; 0.258], p = 0.054) in active disease. The VAI tended to be higher with active disease (3.91 [−3.50; 11.9], p = 0.34), and the VAI/SAI+VAI ratio was higher (9.40 [4.72; 14.1], p <0.001). Assessment of body composition is feasible and reproducible in routine MR and parameters are related to disease activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background The long-term management of perianal Crohn's disease for patients on anti-TNF-α therapy remains challenging. Aim To evaluate the long-term course and complications of patients with perianal fistulas treated with anti-TNF-α based on their clinical remission and healing on MRI. Methods Patients were evaluated clinically and by MRI. Deep remission was defined as clinical remission associated with the absence of contrast enhancement and T2 hyperintensity on MRI. Flare-free survival, surgery and hospitalizations were compared based on the presence or not of deep remission. Results Forty-eight consecutive patients were included with a median follow-up of 62 months after anti-TNF-α first administration. Deep remission was observed in 16 patients (33.4%). For patients in deep remission, the median time to any perianal event was 116 months (95–130) versus 42 months (8–72) in patients with pathological MRI (p < 0.001). Sixteen patients (50%) with pathological MRI had perianal surgery versus 2 (12.5%) in the deep remission group (p < 0.05). The mean duration of cumulative hospital stays was 0.75 ± 0.52 days in the deep remission group versus 19.7 ± 7.4 in the pathological group (p < 0.05). Conclusions Higher flare-free survival and lower rates of surgery and hospitalization were found in patients achieving deep remission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]