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Accurately predicting a fetus's gestational age (GA) is crucial in prenatal care. This study aimed to develop an artificial intelligence (AI) model to predict GA using biometric measurements from fetal brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We assessed the significance of using different reference standards for interpreting GA predictions. Measurements of biparietal diameter (BPD), fronto-occipital diameter (FOD), and head circumference (HC) were obtained from 52 normal fetal MRI cases from Rush University. Both manual and AI-based methods were utilized, and comparisons were made using three reference standards (Garel, Freq, and Bio). The AI model showed a strong correlation with manual measurements, particularly for HC, which exhibited the highest correlation with actual values. Differences between GA predictions and picture archiving and communication system (PACS) records varied by reference, ranging from 0.47 to 2.17 weeks for BPD, 0.46 to 2.26 weeks for FOD, and 0.75 to 1.74 weeks for HC. Pearson correlation coefficients between PACS records and GA predictions exceeded 0.97 across all references. In conclusion, the AI model demonstrated high accuracy in predicting GA from fetal brain MRI measurements. This approach offers improved accuracy and convenience over manual methods, highlighting the potential of AI in enhancing prenatal care through precise GA estimation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. The histologic grades of meningiomas have a significant impact on the risk of recurrence, prognosis, and the need for adjuvant treatment such as radiation therapy. The purpose of this study is to investigate the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics of typical and atypical/anaplastic meningiomas. Methods. The medical records of 32 consecutive patients who underwent meningioma resections between April 2004 and November 2006 were retrospectively reviewed. Preoperative MR studies were reviewed by board-certified neuroradiologists. Both univariate and multivariate analyses were used to analyze the MR characteristics of the typical and atypical/anaplastic meningiomas. A review of pertinent literature was also conducted. Results. Thirty-two patients were identified during the study period. Histopathologic examination of the surgical specimens revealed 27 (84.4% - Group I) typical meningiomas and 5 (15.6% - Group 2) atypical/anaplastic meningiomas. The chi-square test showed that restricted diffusion was much more likely to be present in Group 2 (p < 0.01), and the choline-to-creatinine (Cho/Cr) ratio was significantly higher in Group 2 (8.8 vs. 5.1, p = 0.01). The multivariate analysis confirmed that the atypical/anaplastic group is much more likely to have restricted diffusion (p = 0.02) and higher Cho/Cr ratios (p = 0.03). Conclusion. Meningiomas with restricted diffusion and higher Cho/Cr ratio on MR spectroscopy are more likely to be atypical/anaplastic types. Preoperative MRI utilizing these sequences can provide important information which can be valuable to counsel patients regarding prognosis, risk of recurrence and the need for adjuvant radiation in addition to surgical resection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract. In this country, cerebral cysticercosis is not commonly implicated as the etiology of an otherwise uncomplicated seizure disorder occurring during childhood. Nine children with neurologic symptomatology and radiographic (computed tomography) evidence consistent with cerebral cysticercosis have been evaluated. Each patient was born and resided for some period (1 1/2 to 10 years) in an endemic area. Principal symptomatology consisted of a generalized seizure disorder. EEGs were normal in five patients and nonspecific in two. Serologic studies on serum and CSF were negative in 8/9 patients including the single patient requiring surgical intervention for excision of a cysticercal cyst. Cerebral nuclide scanning was not helpful and skull radiography was used to diagnose intracerebral calcifications in six patients. Computed tomography revealed multiple calcifications in six patients and a solitary lesion in one. Five patients had enhancing cystic lesions including three of those with diffuse calcifications. Since the natural history of cerebral cysticercosis presenting in this fashion is benign, symptomatic treatment is often sufficient. Anticonvulsants generally provide adequate seizure control. In one patient, cyst removal was necessary to achieve seizure control. On the basis of this experience, conclusions are (1) that the incidence of cerebral cysticercosis in exposed children is higher than commonly appreciated, and (2) that computed tomography may assist in the establishment of the diagnosis. Pediatrics 66:967-971, 1980; cerebral cysticercosis, intracranial calcifications, computed tomography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neurocysticercosis has been diagnosed increasingly in the United States as a consequence of increased immigration from and travel to areas of endemic cysticercosis. We report a retrospective series of 47 pediatric cases of neurocysticercosis in our large children's hospital in Chicago, which has a large immigrant population. Neurocysticercosis was diagnosed on the basis of any of the following three criteria: (1) surgical biopsy findings, (2) radiographic findings consistent with neurocysticercosis as well as diagnostic serum and/or cerebrospinal fluid titers, or (3) consistent radiographic findings and a compatible epidemiologic history (without diagnostic serological findings). Epidemiologic, clinical, laboratory, and radiographic data were analyzed. Neurocysticercosis is a relatively common cause of afebrile seizures in children who present to our emergency department in Chicago. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are both important modalities in evaluation of children with neurocysticercosis. Laboratory studies are neither sensitive for nor predictive of the diagnosis of neurocysticercosis. Therapy is well tolerated. The long-term prognosis for treated patients appears to be excellent. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]