Susceptibility-Based Differentiation of Intracranial Calcification and Hemorrhage in Pediatric Patients. (July 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gumus, Kazim; Koc, Gonca; Doganay, Selim; Gorkem, Sureyya B.; Dogan, Mehmet S.; Canpolat, Mehmet; Coskun, Abdulhakim; Bilgen, Mehmet
• Is Part Of: Journal of child neurology. Volume 30:Number 8(2015:Jul.)
• Page Start: 1029
• Page End: 1036
• Publication Date: 2015-07
• Subjects: intracranial hemorrhage -- calcification -- phase image -- susceptibility-weighted imaging; Nervous system -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 618.928
• DOI: 10.1177/0883073814552439
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0883-0738

Abstract

Differential diagnosis of intracranial hemorrhage versus calcification on conventional magnetic resonance images (MRIs) is often challenging. Although computed tomography (CT) confirms calcification, phase information obtained during susceptibility-weighted imaging can be useful in distinguishing between 2 pathologies. Fourteen patients previously diagnosed to have hemorrhage or calcification with imaging were included in the study retrospectively. Phase shift values of hemorrhage and calcification were compared by using Student t test. The pathologies identified were tuberous sclerosis, Sturge-Weber syndrome, craniopharyngioma, congenital cytomegalovirus, subependymal hemorrhages, and hemorrhagic microembolic infarction. Calcifications appeared hypointense whereas hemorrhages were hyperintense on phase maps (left-handed magnetic resonance system). Statistical comparison of phase shift values yielded significant difference between hemorrhage versus calcification ( P < .01). Phase maps were found to offer valuable data to differentiate 2 pathologies when used complementary to conventional magnetic resonance images. Considering the relatively higher risks of radiation exposure in children, susceptibility-weighted imaging with phase maps may help to waive radiation exposure from CT.