Carotid Stenosis

http://brainavm.oci.utoronto.ca/malformations/Carotid_stenosis_index.htm This is a image showing carotid stenosis. Carotid stenosis is narrowing of the carotid arteries. These are the main arteries that supply blood to the brain. Carotid artery stenosis is also known as carotid artery disease. This is the most common form of stroke. This narrowing is caused by a build up of plaque in the inner lining of the artery. To diagnosis this a doctor may hear abnormal sounds when listening to the artery. It can also be diagnosed by using US, CT, or MRI. This can be treated by a surgical procedure called a carotid endartectomy. It removes the plaque causing the stenosis. A carotid angioplasty could also be performed. It uses balloons or stents to open the vessel.

Lipoma of the Neck

This is a image of a young man with a large lipoma of the neck. It can be seen just by look at this mans neck. The other image is a axial CT scan of the mans neck. The lipoma shows up large and black. http://www.ghorayeb.com/NeckLipoma.html. Lipomas are benign soft tissue tumors that can appear in various body organs. They vary in size and have a soft rubber feel and are painful to touch usually. The most common place for lipomas is in the neck. These types of tumors are superficial subcutaneous lipomas. They occur more frequently in woman than men and in overweight people. No one really knows why lipomas occur. They are usually inherited. They can be treated by surgical removal or liposuction.

Vein of Galen Malformations

This image is a coronal image of a MRI head showing a large central vein of Galen malformation with moderate degree of hydrocephalus.http://www.emedicine.com/neuro/topic538.htm. Galen malformations are when capillaries that normally slow blood flow and allow oxygen exchange with surrounding tissues are missing. This allows the blood to flow directly from arteries into the veins without slowing down. This rush of blood goes almost directly to the heart, overwhelming it. This can lead to congestive heart failure. This is most often seen in infants who experience rapid heart failure. In some cases a child may develop hydrocephalus because the malformation blocks the normal flow of cerebrospinal fluid. The most effective treatment is embolization rather than surgery. After a successful embolization patients can go on to lead full and active lives. If untreated this can cause problems with mental development resulting in retardation or even death.