PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

Adrian M Siegel

Publications and source records attributed to Adrian M Siegel.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Good outcomes in ischemic stroke patients treated with intravenous thrombolysis despite regressing neurological symptoms.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: We evaluated the clinical course of 19 acute stroke patients with rapid early improvement of neurological deficit within the 3-hour window, treated with intravenous thrombolytics. RESULTS: No patient demonstrated a neurological deterioration during hospitalization. National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores at therapy decision and discharge were 5 (4 to 6) and 0.5 (0 to 1.5), respectively. At 3-month follow-up, 1 patient had died; in remaining patients, NIHSS was 0 (0 to 1) and modified Rankin Scale 0.5 (0 to 1; < or =1 in 15 patients). CONCLUSIONS: Withholding of intravenous thrombolysis because of spontaneous early regression of neurological symptoms may not be justified.

Adult↗

Biological activity of paediatric cerebral cavernomas: an immunohistochemical study of 28 patients.

OBJECTIVE: According to the hypothesis that paediatric cerebral cavernomas may have different biological activity compared to adult cavernomas, immunohistochemical analysis was used to elucidate the biological nature of paediatric cavernomas. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We examined the histological features and the proliferative and angiogenic capacity of the tissue specimens acquired from 28 paediatric patients. Normal paediatric brain tissues obtained from paediatric autopsy cases were used as a control group. The proliferative activity of the endothelium and the neoangiogenetic capacity were investigated by immunohistochemistry for proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), Ki-67 epitope (MIB-1), Flk-1 receptor, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1 alpha, and endoglin antibody, respectively. Afterwards, the results of the paediatric lesions were analysed and compared with the correspondent values of previously reported immunohistochemical analysis in adult cavernomas. RESULTS: Positive immunostaining of VEGF was detected significantly less in paediatric cavernomas compared to adult cases (p<0.05). In contrast, endoglin, a protein that is upregulated during an increased vascular shear stress, was expressed more often in paediatric cavernomas (p<0.05). Neither the expression of the PCNA nor the expression of the HIF-1alpha was found significantly different between paediatric and adult cavernomas. However, the positive immunoreaction for MIB-1 occurred more often in the paediatric cases (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The immunohistochemical study indicates that paediatric cavernomas are dynamic lesions. The VEGF/Flk-1 associated neoangiogenesis may play a minor role for the biology of paediatric cavernomas, while endoglin seems to act more prominently than previously thought, particularly for the biology of paediatric cavernomas.

Adolescent↗

Lipoma on the corpus callosum in a patient with schizophrenia-like episode: is there a causal relationship?

Disturbed interhemispheric communication has been proposed as responsible for schizophrenia. We present a case of a schizophrenia-like episode with no neurologic or other psychiatric symptoms. However, magnetic resonance imaging revealed a lipoma on the splenium of the corpus callosum. Neuropsychologic examination revealed normal interhemispheric transfer, but a slight dysfunction associated with right-hemispheric anterior regions. Rather than supporting the hypothesis of a causal relationship between callosal abnormality and schizophrenia-like symptoms, our findings argue against a direct causal relationship between lesion site and psychotic episode. We conclude that cerebral abnormality per se may represent a risk factor for neuropsychiatric symptoms.

Adult↗

Seizure outcome after resection of cavernous malformations is better when surrounding hemosiderin-stained brain also is removed.

PURPOSE: Considering the epileptogenic effect of cavernoma-surrounding hemosiderin, assumptions are made that resection only of the cavernoma itself may not be sufficient as treatment of symptomatic epilepsy in patients with cavernous malformations. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis whether seizure outcome after removal of cavernous malformations may be related to the extent of resection of surrounding hemosiderin-stained brain tissue. METHODS: In this retrospective study, 31 consecutive patients with pharmacotherapy-refractory epilepsy due to a cavernous malformation were included. In all patients, cavernomas were resected, and all patients underwent pre- and postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We grouped patients according to MRI findings (hemosiderin completely removed versus not/partially removed) and compared seizure outcome (as assessed by the Engel Outcome Classification score) between the two groups. RESULTS: Three years after resection of cavernomas, patients in whom hemosiderin-stained brain tissue had been removed completely had a better chance for a favorable long-term seizure outcome compared with those with detectable postoperative hemosiderin (p=0.037). CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that complete removal of cavernoma-surrounding hemosiderin-stained brain tissue may improve epileptic outcome after resection of cavernous malformations.

Adolescent↗

Did Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoevsky suffer from mesial temporal lobe epilepsy?

Many scientific authors--among them famous names such as Henri Gastaut or Sigmund Freud--dealt with the question from what kind of epilepsy Fyodor Mikhailovitch Dostoevsky (1821-1881) might had suffered. Because of the tight interplay between Dostoevsky's literary work and his own disease we throw light on the author's epilepsy against the background of his epileptic fictional characters. Moreover, we attempt to classify Dostoevsky's epilepsy on the basis of his bibliography, language, and literary work.

Epilepsy, Temporal Lobe↗

Biological activity of adult cavernous malformations: a study of 56 patients.

OBJECT: Cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs) have previously been considered as congenital and biologically static malformations. On the other hand, the potential for growth and de novo generation of CCMs have also been reported. It is therefore important to study the proliferative and neoangiogenetic capacity of these lesions. METHODS: The authors studied the surgical specimens of 56 CCMs (23 deep and 33 superficial) obtained from adult patients. The proliferative activity of the endothelium and the neoangiogenetic capacity of these lesions were considered through immunohistochemical anaylsis of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), MIB-1, Flk-1, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1alpha, and endoglin antibodies. Positive immunostaining of endothelial cells occurred in 86% of patients for PCNA and in 38% of the cases for MIB 1. The expression of Flk-1 was observed in the endothelium of 71% of the cases, for VEGF in 41%, for HIF-1 alpha in 48.1%, and for endoglin in 63.6% of the cases. The correlation of immunohistochemical and clinical data indicated that VEGF was expressed in significantly less deep-seated lesions when compared with superficial CCMs. Neither the expression of the proliferative markers nor the expression of the angiogenetic antibodies correlated with patient age at surgery, sex, or the number of recent prior hemorrhagic episodes in the patients. CONCLUSIONS: The CCMs from adult patients are active lesions exhibiting endothelial proliferation and neoangiogenesis. According to the data in this study, neoangiogenesis is more prominent in superficial CCMs than in deep-seated CCMs and is not associated with recent prior hemorrhages.

Adult↗

Mutations in a gene encoding a novel protein containing a phosphotyrosine-binding domain cause type 2 cerebral cavernous malformations.

Cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs) are congenital vascular anomalies of the central nervous system that can result in hemorrhagic stroke, seizures, recurrent headaches, and focal neurologic deficits. Mutations in the gene KRIT1 are responsible for type 1 CCM (CCM1). We report that a novel gene, MGC4607, exhibits eight different mutations in nine families with type 2 CCM (CCM2). MGC4607, similar to the KRIT1 binding partner ICAP1alpha, encodes a protein with a phosphotyrosine-binding domain. This protein may be part of the complex pathway of integrin signaling that, when perturbed, causes abnormal vascular morphogenesis in the brain, leading to CCM formation.

Blotting, Northern↗

Presurgical evaluation and surgical treatment of medically refractory epilepsy.

Thanks to today's modern imaging examination techniques and especially to the common use of intracranial electrodes for localizing seizure foci, more and more patients with partial epilepsy can be treated microsurgically. The results of such neurosurgical therapies are very good, particularly in mesial temporal lobe epilepsy. In recent years, good results (60-70% seizure freedom) have also been achieved in extratemporal epilepsy surgery, so that such procedures can now be recommended for carefully selected patients. In this review, presurgical evaluations and the different surgical approaches are presented.

Epilepsy↗

Validation of ictal single photon emission computed tomography with depth encephalography and epilepsy surgery.

Many centers have reported that ictal single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) localizes regions of seizure onset with greater sensitivity and specificity than interictal SPECT. Here we report interictal and ictal SPECT scan results in both lesional and nonlesional cases. Using technetium hexamethyl propylamenamine oxide (HMPAO) or ethyl cysteinate dimer (ECD), these scans were done in 52 patients with partial and secondarily generalized seizures. Twenty-five had normal MRI and 27 showed structural lesions. None had mesial temporal sclerosis clearly identified on MRI. All 52 subsequently had interictal and ictal intracranial EEG studies that appeared to localize the seizure focus. Thirty-nine patients had surgery and have been followed for 2 or more years. Interictal SPECT scans showed focal hypoperfusion consistent with intracranial EEG localization of the seizure focus in 29% of patients. In another 13%, there was correct lateralization but not localization. Ictal SPECT scans showed focal hyperperfusion consistent with intracranial EEG localization of the seizure focus in 52% of patients. In another 25%, there was correct lateralization but not localization. The presence or absence of structural lesions on MRI did not affect ictal hyperperfusion or its correlation with intracranial EEG. Thirty-nine patients had resective surgery, of whom 62% had class I outcomes. There was a trend towards better outcome when ictal SPECT data were concordant with intracranial EEG data. The presence or absence of structural lesions on MRI did not affect the likelihood of class I outcome. Ictal SPECT is superior to interictal SPECT in localizing and lateralizing seizure foci. Its results correlate well with intracranial EEG, but in more than one third of cases, the latter shows focal seizure onset in areas that do not show focal hyperperfusion. Surgical outcome tends to be better when the two modalities give concordant results.

Adolescent↗

De novo cerebellar medulloblastoma in a 26-year recurrence-free case of temporal glioblastoma multiforme. Case report.

The authors describe a patient who survived 26 years after resection of a right temporal glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) without signs of tumor recurrence. Preoperative emergency angiography demonstrated a hypovascular mass localized in the right temporal lobe with right-to-left shift of the vascular structures. At surgery, the tumor had cystic and solid components localized in the lateral occipitotemporal gyrus, reaching the posterolateral wall of the inferior horn of the right lateral ventricle and extending to the trigone and posterior horn. The initial pathological diagnosis of a GBM was reviewed and confirmed throughout the follow-up period. Twenty-six years after surgery and subsequent radiosurgery, the patient underwent resection of a medulloblastoma localized in the right cerebellum as well as stereotactic biopsy sampling of tissue at the original GBM site. Neither radiological nor histological evidence of recurrence of the GBM could be documented. The intraoperative, histological, and radiological findings are described.

Adult↗

Linkage to the CCM2 locus and genetic heterogeneity in familial cerebral cavernous malformation.

BACKGROUND: Cerebral cavernous malformation (CCM) is a form of intracranial vascular disease that may arise sporadically or be dominantly inherited. Linkage studies have revealed genetic heterogeneity among the dominantly inherited forms suggesting the existence of at least three loci called CCM1, CCM2 and CCM3. METHODS: In the present study, we screened five families with dominantly inherited CCM for CCM1 gene mutations with denaturing high performance liquid chromatography (DHPLC). Then, we performed linkage analysis and haplotyping on these five families using highly polymorphic markers at the candidate CCM loci. RESULTS: None of the five families tested with DHPLC were found to have mutations in the CCM1 gene. Based on haplotyping, we identified three families segregating alleles for CCM2, while two families segregated alleles for CCM3. Using linkage analysis, we could confirm that one family (IFCAS-1) had a positive Lod score of 2.03 (p<0.0001) at the CCM2 locus using marker D7S678. CONCLUSIONS: The present study is the first one to replicate linkage at the CCM2 locus and provides a fifth family identified as such. It also supports the concept of genetic heterogeneity in CCM, identifying four other families that showed no mutations in the CCM1 gene.

Chromosome Mapping↗

Statistical mapping of scalp-recorded ictal EEG records using wavelet analysis.

PURPOSE: The wavelet transform (WT) is well suited for the analysis of signals whose characteristics vary rapidly over time. We devised a computerized method for objective scoring of scalp-recorded seizures that takes advantage of the WT. METHODS: Using wavelet coefficients as a metric, we devised a statistical scoring method aimed at detecting significant and sustained rhythmic buildup. The approach was used to create spatiotemporal significance maps for each seizure. Each seizure was also independently analyzed by computer and an expert reader not involved in the clinical workup or computer analysis of these patients. Hierarchical decision rules for determining seizure lateralization and localization were established from a training set of seizures and subsequently tested on those from an independent test set of seizures. The test dataset included a total of 57 scalp-recorded seizures from 18 patients, each with a > or =12-month seizure-free surgical outcome. RESULTS: Validation was determined by the site of surgical resection. Of the 57 seizure records in the test dataset, the computerized approach resulted in 48 correctly lateralized seizures as compared to 34 for the expert reader. Further, the computer correctly localized 41 seizures to the expert's 31. CONCLUSIONS: The method presented appears to provide an objective basis for the intrachannel scoring of ictal EEGs with minimal interference from artifacts and intermittent discharges. Although the approach has so far shown a substantial improvement over expert scoring in estimating the lateralization and locus of seizure onset, further testing is required to fully evaluate fully its diagnostic accuracy.

Brain Mapping↗

Mutational analysis of 206 families with cavernous malformations.

OBJECT: A gene contributing to the autosomal-dominant cerebral cavernous malformation (CCM) phenotype, KRIT1 (an acronym for Krev Interaction Trapped 1), has been identified through linkage analysis and mutation screening. The authors collected blood samples from 68 patients with familial CCM and 138 patients with apparently sporadic CCM as well as from their families, in an effort to characterize the prevalence and spectrum of disease-causing sequence variants in the KRIT1 gene. METHODS: The authors used single-strand conformational polymorphism analysis to identify genomic variants in KRIT1, which were sequenced to determine the specific mutation. Among 43 Hispanic-American kindreds who immigrated to the southwestern US from northern Mexico, 31 share an identical founder mutation. This Q455X mutation is found in 18 (86%) of 21 persons with a positive family history and in 13 (59%) of 22 persons with apparently sporadic CCM. This mutation was not found among 13 persons with CCM who were recruited from Mexico. These findings establish the key role of a recent founder mutation in Hispanic persons with CCM who live in the US. Although nearly all Hispanic families in the US in which there are multiple CCM cases linked to the CCM1 locus, only 13 of 25 non-Hispanic CCM-carrying families have displayed evidence of linkage to the CCM1 locus. Among these 13 families, the authors identified eight independent mutations in nine kindreds. They identified four additional mutations among 22 familial CCM kindreds with no linkage information, bringing the total number of independent mutations to 12. Inherited KRIT1 mutations were not detected among 103 non-Hispanic persons in whom a family history of CCM was rigorously excluded. CONCLUSIONS: All mutations were nonsense mutations, frame-shift mutations predicting premature termination, or splice-site mutations located throughout the KRIT1 gene, suggesting that these are genetic loss-of-function mutations. These genetic findings, in conjunction with the clinical phenotype, are consistent with a two-hit model for the occurrence of CCM.

Codon↗