MRI diagnosis of hypertrophic olivary degeneration
LI Hong1, MA Lin2, HE Bao-ming1, YOU Kun1, QUAN Chang-bin1, HONG Jian1
1. Department of Radiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of the General Hospital of PLA, Beijing 100091, China;2. MRI Room, the General Hospital of PLA, Beijing 100083, China
Abstract：Objective: To analyze MRI characteristics of hypertrophic olivary degeneration(HOD) in order to improve our knowledge for this disease. Materials and Methods: MRI findings in all 8 patients with HOD and the inciting lesions were reviewed. The intervals from ictus to MR scan were 3~30 months. Results: The region of inferior olivary nucleus(ION) presented high intensity on T2WI and iso- or mild hypo-intensity on T1WI in all 8 patients. Bilateral ION showed high-signals in 3 cases. Enlargement of the ION in 5 patients also was noted. The primary lesions were also located-three with midbrain infarctions, two with pontine tegmental hemorrhages and two with hemorrhages, one with infarction in the cerebellum. Conclusion: MR images may clearly demonstrate the changes of ION in patients with a lesion in the triangle of Guillain and Mollaret. Misdiagnosis may be avoided by improving the recognizition for this disease.
2006, Vol. 17 
