Author: Brent Weinberg, MD

Basic Spine – Chapter 4

Posted on by Brent Weinberg, MD

Basic Spine – Chapter 4 – Non-Degenerative disease

This is the fourth chapter in a review of basic spine imaging. This chapter covers non-degenerative disease, such as tumors, inflammatory disease, and other spine abnormalities. This chapter uses a location based approach to narrow differential diagnoses based on whether abnormalities are intramedullary, extramedullary but intradural, and extradural.

The level of this lecture is appropriate for medical students, junior residents, and trainees in other specialties who have an interest in spine imaging or may see patients with spine disease.

Basic Spine – Chapter 3

Posted on by Brent Weinberg, MD

Basic Spine – Chapter 3 – Degenerative disease

This is the third chapter in a review of basic spine imaging. This chapter covers the range of spine degenerative disease, including terminology, grading of stenosis, and other concepts.

The level of this lecture is appropriate for medical students, junior residents, and trainees in other specialties who have an interest in spine imaging or may see patients with spine disease.

Basic Spine – Chapter 2

Posted on by Brent Weinberg, MD

Basic Spine – Chapter 2 – Principles and Terminology

This is the second chapter in a review of basic spine imaging. This chapter covers general principles of spine imaging as well as terminology which is frequently encountered in spine imaging.

The level of this lecture is appropriate for medical students, junior residents, and trainees in other specialties who have an interest in spine imaging or may see patients with spine disease.

Basic Spine – Chapter 1

Posted on by Brent Weinberg, MD

Basic Spine – Chapter 1 – Introduction and Anatomy

This is the introduction chapter to a review of basic spine imaging. This chapter covers anatomy and other basic concepts.

The level of this lecture is appropriate for medical students, junior residents, and trainees in other specialties who have an interest in spine imaging or may see patients with spine disease.

Basic Spine

Posted on by Brent Weinberg, MD

Basic Spine – Introductory lecture

This lecture covers some key concepts for beginner radiologists when interpreting studies of the spine.

The level of this lecture is appropriate for medical students, junior residents, and trainees in other specialties who have an interest in spine imaging or may see patients with spine disease. More senior residents may find some concepts useful as a review and potentially benefit from the cases in chapter 5.

The lecture is divided into chapters as follows:

  • Chapter 1 – Introduction and spine anatomy
  • Chapter 2 – General principles and terminology
  • Chapter 3 – Spine Degenerative disease
  • Chapter 4 – Spine Non-degenerative disease, a location based approach
  • Chapter 5 – Case based review

While designed as one continuous lecture, individual components may be useful for general review.

Board Review 1 – Full lecture

Posted on by Brent Weinberg, MD

Board Review 1 – Full lecture

This lecture is a board review lecture geared towards preparation for the radiology resident ABR core exam, although similar material is used for the ABR certifying exam general and neuroradiology sections.

The format of this lecture is case-based. Each case consists of a series of images followed by 1 or 2 questions. The first question is usually to name the diagnosis, while the second is a multiple choice question to test deeper understanding of the specific condition. Try to get the diagnosis before you see the second questions.

The first 5 cases of this review are a case based review of neurodegenerative disorders and dementia. Cases 6-20 are general neuroradiology board review. Enjoy.

Basic Neuroradiology – Introductory Lecture

Posted on by Brent Weinberg, MD

Basic Neuroradiology

This lecture covers some key concepts for beginner radiologists, particularly medical students and junior residents. Some are specific to neuroradiology while others apply across the field. Key concepts include:

  1. Read a lot of studies, and occasionally a book.
  2. Follow up on your patients.
  3. Get actual history.
  4. Pay attention to your reports.
  5. Follow the clues.
  6. Know and look at “lawyer zones”.
  7. Don’t fall for satisfaction of search.
  8. Look at the edges of the study.
  9. Don’t argue.
  10. It’s possible to harm patients, but doesn’t happen often.

Yes, I already know that they are misnumbered, but I had already recorded this and it wasn’t worth changing. Enjoy!

Board Review 1 – Case 20

Posted on by Brent Weinberg, MD

Board Review 1 – Case 20

Neuroradiology board review. This lecture is geared towards the ABR core exam for residents, but it would be useful for review for the ABR certifying exam or certificate of added qualification (CAQ) exam for neuroradiology.

More description and the answer (spoiler!) are seen below the video.

This case shows a CT of the orbits with proptosis and enlargement of the extraocular muscles. There is relative sparing of the myotendinous junction (where the muscles meet the globe).

The diagnosis is: Graves ophthalmopathy

Graves disease is one of the most common causes of bilateral opthalmopathy, although findings do not have to be symmetric. Findings often do not improve with treatment of Graves disease.

Youtube Playlist

Board Review 1 – Case 19

Posted on by Brent Weinberg, MD

Board Review 1 – Case 19

Neuroradiology board review. This lecture is geared towards the ABR core exam for residents, but it would be useful for review for the ABR certifying exam or certificate of added qualification (CAQ) exam for neuroradiology.

More description and the answer (spoiler!) are seen below the video.

The initial CT in this patient shows subtle hyperintensity in the pons which could easily be mistaken for artifact. However, MRI confirms a central and symmetric hyperintensity within the pons.

The diagnosis is: osmotic demyelination

Osmotic demyelination is a diagnosis characterized by central FLAIR hyperintensities in the pons, although abnormalities can occur anywhere in the brain. They are associated with abnormalities in serum osmolality, particularly sodium concentration. The primary differential consideration is infarct, although these are rarely bilaterally symmetric.

Youtube Playlist

Board Review 1 – Case 18

Posted on by Brent Weinberg, MD

Board Review 1 – Case 18

Neuroradiology board review. This lecture is geared towards the ABR core exam for residents, but it would be useful for review for the ABR certifying exam or certificate of added qualification (CAQ) exam for neuroradiology.

More description and the answer (spoiler!) are seen below the video.

This case starts with a CT of the thoracic spine which demonstrates a dumbell shaped mass in the left posterior mediastinum which extends into the left sided neural foramen. There is smooth remodeling of the adjacent bone, suggesting that this is a chronic finding. MRI shows a T2 hyperintense and avidly enhancing mass.

The diagnosis is: schwannoma

Schwannomas of the spine can be intradural or extradural masses. Their characteristic appearance is an avidly enhancing mass that extends through and remodels the neural foramina. Primary differential considerations include meningioma and neurofibroma.

Youtube Playlist