Susceptibility artifact on brain MRI due to gas bubbles

Case contributed by Chris O'Donnell
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Post-operative examination immediately following excision of posterior fossa mass

Patient Data

Age: 65 years
Gender: Male

Multiple low signal intensity rounded filling defects with in the subarachnoid space and lateral ventricles anteriorly.  These are poorly seen on the FLAIR sequence, better seen on T2-weighting and "bloom" on the SWI sequence.

Case Discussion

It is important to recognize artefacts on MRI in order to avoid error in reporting.  The clinical history in this case is important as well as the distribution of the signal alteration (floating anteriorly with the patient in a supine position).

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