Intracranial hypotension is a condition caused by the loss of cerebrospinal fluid through either a dural defect, ruptured meningeal diverticulum, or CSF-venous fistula. In the past decade, this condition has been increasingly diagnosed in individuals suffering from orthostatic headaches. In adults, CSF leaks are commonly caused by dural defects due to a degenerative disc osteophyte violating the ventral dura. In the pediatric population, spontaneous leaks may occur in individuals with underlying connective tissue disease, or from venous/lymphatic malformations which approximate the spinal subarachnoid space. Most commonly, a CSF leak results in an “orthostatic headache” characterized by head pain which worsens upon sitting or standing and improves when lying flat. In addition to headache, patients can experience vestibulocochlear symptoms, changes in vision, forgetfulness, or personality changes. CSF leak localization usually requires dynamic myelography, performed using either digital subtraction or CT techniques. However, specific tailored MRI protocols can aid in the detection and characterization of leaks. Treatment options include percutaneous injection of autologous blood or fibrin sealant into the epidural space, embolization of draining veins, or primary surgical repair. The goal of this exhibit is to provide an illustrative review of the various pathologies that can cause CSF leak in the pediatric population. A review of anatomy and pathophysiology followed by a case-based presentation including congenital, iatrogenic, traumatic, and idiopathic causes will be presented. Both noninvasive and invasive imaging protocols will be discussed with a focus on minimizing radiation dose in the pediatric population. Read More

Meeting name: SPR 2024 Annual Meeting & Postgraduate Course , 2024

Authors: Jordan Gregory, Hampton Erica, Stence Nicholas, Milla Sarah, Callen Andrew

Keywords: CSF Leak, Intracranial hypotension, CSF-venous fistula

Brain death, also known as death by neurologic criteria, (BD/DNC) is the permanent loss of total brain function in individuals who have sustained catastrophic brain injuries. Accounting for approximately 5% of pediatric deaths, BD/DNC remains a clinical diagnosis, which is often emotionally laden and not always straightforward. When results are equivocal or there exist limitations to the safe completion of the clinical assessment, clinicians rely on ancillary testing to make informed decisions. In October 2023, updated adult and pediatric BD/DNC consensus guidelines were published which reinforce differences in the recommendations for testing between the adult and pediatric populations. It is, therefore, crucial for Pediatric Radiologists to understand these guidelines and the critical role radiology plays in supporting this important diagnosis. In this educational exhibit, we will review the recent consensus guidelines and clinical indications for the use of imaging in BD/DNC evaluation. We will provide a step-by-step guide which will include patient preparation, radionuclide or contrast administration, image acquisition, and image interpretation for the two validated methods of pediatric BD/DNC ancillary testing: Radionuclide Perfusion Scintigraphy and 4-Vessel Catheter Angiography. Although 4 vessel catheter angiography is considered the gold standard in ancillary BD/DNC testing, as it is believed to be both 100% sensitive and 100% specific, radionuclide scintigraphy is the more widely used modality in the pediatric population, owing to the less invasive nature of the exam. Neither exam is without challenges related to limited availability and technical skill required yet are currently the only validated radiologic tools recommended for use in brain death diagnosis. Our exhibit will review multiple cases of evaluation for BD/DNC, accentuating imaging findings and pearls/pitfalls of acquisition and interpretation. Opportunities for investigation of other available imaging techniques will also be highlighted. Read More

Meeting name: SPR 2024 Annual Meeting & Postgraduate Course , 2024

Authors: Hampton Erica, Fuentealba Cargill Andrea, Trenbeath Zachary, Alazraki Adina, Stence Nicholas, Milla Sarah

Keywords: Nuclear Medicine, Interventional Radiology