Journal of Neuroradiology最新文献

Background and purpose: Olfactory stimuli are known to have a significant effect on cognitive functions. However, their effect on risky decision-making remains unclear. The present study aimed to investigate this effect, using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and a novel mixed gambling task.

Materials and methods: Twenty-nine healthy participants with normal olfactory function underwent fMRI scanning while performing a gambling task under exposure to pleasant and unpleasant odors, as well as fresh air and a neutral condition without any olfactory stimulation. ROI-to-ROI functional connectivity analyses were conducted, focusing on regions involved in olfactory processing and risky decision-making, including dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC), orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), insula, anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), piriform cortex, and uncus.

Results: Pleasant odors, compared to the neutral condition, enhanced connectivity between OFC and vmPFC. Fresh air, compared to neutral, reduced connectivity between the DLPFC, OFC, vmPFC, piriform and insula, while increasing connectivity between the piriform and uncus. Unpleasant odors, compared to neutral, increased connectivity between the vmPFC, OFC, and ACC. Unpleasant odors, compared to fresh air, enhanced connectivity between the DLPFC and insula but reduced connectivity between the insula and OFC. Pleasant odors, compared to unpleasant odors, increased connectivity between the insula and OFC (p-FDR < 0.05).

Conclusion: Olfactory stimuli modulate neural networks underlying risky decision-making during a mixed gambling task. These findings highlight the clinical relevance of olfactory modulation for addiction research and the potential of functional connectivity analyses to provide a foundation for personalised interventions aimed at reducing maladaptive risk-taking behavior and cue-driven vulnerability.

Endovascular treatment (EVT) of dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVF) includes transarterial and transvenous techniques, or EVT combined with surgery. The transfistulous approach (TFA) allows direct occlusion of the proximal venous outflow via transarterial catheterization through the AV shunt. We report five cases of DAVF treated using this technique, with complete anatomical occlusion in 4 patients, and near-complete occlusion in one. Clinical cure was achieved in 4 patients; one patient with advanced dementia showed no change in symptoms. No complications were observed. TFA is safe and highly effective, especially in managing high-grade DAVFs, and represents a valuable alternative to traditional EVT techniques.

Background and purpose: Chiari types 0 to 1.5, represent a spectrum of developmental hindbrain anomalies that may cause brainstem compression and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow disturbance. This study explored associations between magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features and clinical findings, specifically CSF flow impedance, tonsillar blackout sign (TBS), obex position, and related clinico-anatomical parameters, across the expanded Chiari spectrum.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on 147 patients who underwent advanced MRI imaging at a single institution from 2018 to 2025 with suspected Chiari deformity. Patients were classified by Chiari type based on cerebellar tonsillar descent and obex position. Imaging evaluations included CSF flow, TBS severity, syrinx characteristics, and position of obex relative to the foramen magnum. Anatomical classifications, imaging features, and clinical profiles were systematically correlated using appropriate statistical methods.

Results: Higher Chiari types were closely associated with increased CSF flow impedance (p = 0.012), and a greater frequency (p < 0.001) as well as severity (p = 0.014) of TBS. A low-lying obex position was significantly associated with elevated CSF impedance (p < 0.001), higher severity of TBS (p < 0.001), and a greater incidence of syrinx formation (p = 0.04). Although head and neck pain and pain in the upper extremities were the most common clinical findings, no significant correlation was found between Chiari type, obex level and syrinx cavity. A weak correlation was observed between CSF flow impedance and TBS (p = 0.01; r = 0.23).

Conclusions: This study highlights the importance of using multiple MRI signs for a comprehensive and individualized assessment of Chiari deformities, moving beyond tonsillar measurements to improve diagnosis, risk stratification, and patient management.