Karen Lynch, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Peter G. Hildenbrand MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

James Russell DO, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Adam Fang MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

The purpose of this exhibit is: 1. To bring to radiologists' attention the pathological changes of midline fatty infiltration of the tongue due to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) that create the imaging appearances on T1-weighted MR imaging. 2. To demonstrate how the "bright tongue sign" and tongue metrics may assist in the diagnosis of neurodegenerative disease.

Anatomy of the tongue - Muscles - Nerve innervation Pathologic changes in the tongue in patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) - Denervation - Muscle atrophy of the tongue Appearance of the tongue in patients with ALS - Bright tongue - Tongue atrophy, dental gap Clinical Significance - The tongue is a large muscle frequently seen on MR imaging of the brain and cervical spine. - May indirectly aid in confirming the diagnosis of ALS.

http://abstract.rsna.org/uploads/2014/14009617/14009617_c3ef.pdf

Lynch, K, Hildenbrand, P, Russell, J, Fang, A, Bright Tongue Sign: A Potentially Intriguing "Neural Health" Biomarker in Neurodegenerative Disease.  Radiological Society of North America 2014 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, - ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2014/14009617.html