Patient Info

Neuroradiology is a specialty of radiology that deals with the diagnostic and therapeutic study of anomalies on the physiology of the nervous system and related structures (skull, spine) and related scientific research. These interventions are carried out through the use of ionizing radiation, ultrasound and magnetic fields; in particular, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging play a primary role.

 

Various imaging techniques, alternative or complementary, are used for diagnostic research and confirmation or for pre- and post-operative budgets. The main diseases investigated by diagnostic neuroradiology are:

 

Malformations, congenital or secondary, of the cranio-cerebral and vertebro-medullary district

Vascular affections

Inflammatory or infectious pathologies

Organic signs of neurological syndromes

Organic signs of neuroendocrine pathologies

Brain changes in the elderly

Traumatic or secondary lesions of the skull and components of the spine (e.g. head injury, herniated discs)

Space-occupying injuries (e.g. tumors, hydrocephalus)

 

Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are the first instance investigations, resolving in most cases.

Other investigations, of more limited use, are angiography, conventional radiography, ultrasound and nuclear medicine.

Using the same imaging methods, and in particular with the use of angiography, percutaneous, endovascular and extravascular procedures can be performed, offering a less invasive alternative than conventional neurosurgery or by providing therapy for some pathologies not surgically attackable, or even being an aid to neurosurgery or radiotherapy.

 

One of the main methods used in interventional neuroradiology for the endovascular closure of brain aneurysms, involves the positioning, by using catheters with the Seldinger technique, of detachable platinum spirals by Guglielmi.

 

The other vast field is represented by the minimally invasive treatment for degenerative pathologies of the vertebral column, represented by:

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• disc protrusions

• herniated discs

• spinal canal stenosis

• vertebral collapses

• vertebral instability

• facettal syndrome.

 

These pathologies are treated percutaneously, with different techniques, which allow to avoid surgery.