Letter From the Guest Editors

Volume 34, Number 2

April 2013

Letter From the Guest Editors

I

n June 2010, we published the first of 2 volumes devoted to the brainstem. In it, we started with the anatomy of the brainstem to get into the clinical appearances of disease and the image techniques that support the study of this central nervous system (CNS) region. At the end of the volume we looked at the diseases that can affect the brainstem in 2 great articles. But the importance of this part of the CNS and the need to understand more deeply the diagnostic keys of the different pathologies have made us to prepare this volume rich in images and diagnostic clues. The present volume shows, in depth and in detail, the 5 major groups of disorders affecting the brainstem. This so complex region of the CNS often presents us serious doubts about the diagnosis and precisely, because of their complexity and vulnerability, biopsies cannot be taken most of the time. It is at this point that diagnosis based on

0887-2171/$ - see front matter & 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. http://dx.doi.org/10.1053/j.sult.2013.01.007

good structural and advanced image techniques is crucial in guiding the management and the treatment most appropriate to the patient. This volume not only delves into the pathologies but also shows the application of advanced imaging techniques in the study of the diseases of this vital and complex region. We thank the authors for writing these superb articles and we appreciate the selfless effort to teach us their wisdom and to transmit us their experience. We are sure that you will enjoy and learn from this compendium of knowledge about the exciting region of the brainstem. M. A´ngeles Ferna´ndez-Gil Ramo´n Palacios Bote Guest Editors

103