Radiology MRI

As a new hobby project I recently took on some digital piano and synthesizer training. Part of it is to learn to read the notes. And somehow I keep on seeing five lines of staff even om MRI images :) ! This localizer incidentally even shows the grand staff. :) 
You can see a little annular tear in a place of previous disk herniation. 
The numbering of lumbar levels is often a matter of discussion. Previous exam has called the lowest lumbar vertebra as L5. I used the same numbering but in fact the vertebra that is called L5 on this image is a transitional vertebra that is partially sacral vertebra - so it could be called S1. I made a note on my report for the clinician that in case of operation it is important to correlate the level of operation with fluoroscopy. 
For correct numbering of spinal lumbar levels I look for proximal parts of ribs 12 on sagittal images and count from what I assume as L5 upwards. When I have the whole spine or CT, especially with coronal images, then the life i…

37 years old patient presenting with hydrocephalus caused by unusually large Colloid Cyst (CC) at the typical location in the region of foramina Monroe. CC have characteristic appearance as thin-walled cyst in this location filled with rather homogenous high density content (cholesterol and proteins) on non-contrast CT. This one is rather large. For "usual" size Colloid Cyst see this other case. CC can grow and obstruct foramina Monroe causing hydrocephalus - as in this case. Therefore neurosurgeons often recommend follow-up of CC that do not cause hydrocephalus or operate cases like this one. 


Patient has been operated (new images on the left) with successful removal of the CC and reduction of the hydrocephalus. Operation using endoscope and only small trepanation frontally (not shown). Note how nicely the sulci are seen now after operation compared with pre-operative images.

As additional finding at MRI of Lumbar spine an oval cystic lesion with thin well demarcated wall without contrast enhancement located in conus medullaris. This is a ventriculus terminalis also known as fifth ventricle. It represents developmental remnant and is believed to have no clinical significance. It has typical location and lack of enhancement differentiates it from other cystic lesions in the spine as for example hemangioblastoma. 
See also this interesting article: G. Liccardo - Fifth ventricle: an unusual cystic lesion of the conus medullaris

Below is a short summary of the protocol for Pelvimetry (Bäckenmätning in Swedish).


First a thick MIP is reconstructed on the scanner that covers whole pelvis. A line is drawn on the scanner that is later used for calibration on PACS workstation.


Calibration of the previously measured line.


On the above MIP the Transversal Inlet Diameter (Transverstingångsmått) is measured as the largest transversal distance in the pelvic inlet. As well as Intertubar Diameter (Intertubaravstånd) as distance between ischial tubers.


On sagittal reconstruction measure Sagittal Inlet Diameter (Sagittellt ingångsmått) as shortest distance between posterior part of symphysis pubis and promontorium (S1). As well as Sagittal Outlet Diameter (Sagittellt utgångsmått) as shortest distance between posterior part of symphysis pubis and fist mobile joint between sacrum and coccyx.



On axial reconstruction (see topogram for level) measure Interspinal Diameter (Interspinal avstånd) as shortest distance between ischial…

Case 1.
Healthy 57 years old male, military (fighter-jet) pilot, presented with speech problems after Covid-19 infection:


MRI shows acute infarctions in the temporo-occipital regions on the left most likely of small embolic nature. Rather unexpected finding in this age and at this location in otherwise healthy person.


Case 2.
67 years old male presented with expressive aphasia. Unknown Covis-19 status:


MRI shows extensive cortical and subcortical as well as periventricular infarctions in temporo-occipital regions on the left.

Some doctors observe increased number of brain infarctions in especially younger age group of patients with Covid-19. There are hypothesis that virus is causing increase risk for both cerebral and cardiac infarctions.

Below some cases with Covid-19 pneumonia.

88 years old male:






Not much was seen on the scout image.


Severe Covid-19 pneumonia:




28 years old male with Down syndrome, died 2 days later:




79 years old male Covid-19 basal pneumonia, died 10 days later: