Modern Neuroradiology Relevant to Anesthetic and Perioperative Management

Neuroradiology plays an important role in the evaluation of neurological disorders. Basic knowledge of neuroradiology is relevant for the medical personnel involved in anesthetic and perioperative management. Imaging modalities utilized in the evaluation of central nervous system lesions including plain radiography, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) including CT and MR angiography, catheter angiography, and CT myelography for the evaluation of anatomic structures and pathological lesions of central nervous system will be discussed. An overview of imaging that provides insight into the functioning/physiology of central nervous system like diffusion-weighted imaging, diffusion tensor imaging, perfusion CT, and MR and MR spectroscopy is also discussed. Intraoperative MRI and portable MRI are newer developments in the imaging field that have particular relevance for caregivers involved in anesthetic, perioperative, and critical care. Then representative neurological disorders and the role of recent technological advancements in their evaluation are discussed. Among the imaging patterns, edema, hemorrhage, mass effect, herniation, and hydrocephalus are discussed, with brief mention of pathophysiology and resultant appearance upon imaging. Lastly, among the surgical intracranial disorders, traumatic brain injury, brain neoplasms, intracranial aneurysms, and other intracranial vascular malformations and ischemic stroke are individually discussed as they have particular relevance to neuroanesthetists.