PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

J Broeckx

Publications and source records attributed to J Broeckx.

14 recordsLinked to original sources

Contraversive pushing and inattention of the contralesional hemispace.

The aim of this study was to investigate, in 114 stroke patients, the frequency of occurrence of a largely unknown neurological disorder, characterized by a postural imbalance due to a 'pushing away' reaction of the body towards the contralesional side of space, in function of hemispheric lesion localization and gender. The study also investigate the relation of this contraversive pushing with active movement, somatosensory perception deficits and, in particular, inattention of contralesional hemispace and body. The similarity of the presence of contraversive pushing and the syndrome of spatial hemineglect together with a gender-related differentiation suggest the existence of a "pusher syndrome", in which the pathophysiology points in the direction of a spatial higher-order processing deficit, related to spatial inattention, underlying the higher frequency and severity of contraversive pushing after right brain lesions.

Aged↗

Aneurysmal bone cyst of the zygomatic arch.

We present a case of aneurysmal bone cyst in the jaw investigated with plain film, US, computed tomography (axial, precontrast) and magnetic resonance (1 Tesla, axial T1 weighted before and after Gadolinium administration, axial and coronal T2-weighted after Gadolinium administration). The zygomatic arch is a very rare location for an aneurysmal bone cyst: as far as we know, only a few cases are found in the literature.

Adult↗

Magnetic resonance imaging of localized giant cell tumour of the tendon sheath (MRI of localized GCTTS).

The objective of this study was to evaluate the appearance of localized giant cell tumour of the tendon sheath (GCTTS) on unenhanced and Gd-enhanced MR images. MR images of 13 histologically proven cases of localized GCTTS were evaluated for mean size, location, homogeneity and signal intensity (SI) on both T1- and T2-weighted images, and enhancement pattern. All lesions except 1 affected young adults. On T1- and T2-weighted images, lesions showed predominantly low SI equal to or slightly higher than skeletal muscle. On Gd-enhanced T1-weighted images, strong homogeneous enhancement was seen. These findings reflect the underlying histological composition of the lesion; haemosiderin deposition in xanthoma cells, shortening T2-relaxation time, and abundant collagenous proliferation are responsible for low SI on T1- and T2-weighted images. Strong homogeneous enhancement originates from numerous proliferative capillaries in the collagenous stroma. We conclude that these characteristic MR features, together with clinical information, are a valuable diagnostic tool in offering a correct preoperative diagnosis.

Adolescent↗

Schwannoma of the trachea.

In this study we present a case of schwannoma of the trachea investigated with computer tomography (axial, precontrast) and magnetic resonance (1 Tesla, sagittal T1w before and after Gadolinium, sagittal T2w, coronal and axial after Gadolinium). The topographic abilities of MR allowed us to determine the exact location and extension of the tumor in the trachea. As far as we know, this study, based on magnetic resonance, is the first of the kind in the radiologic literature.

Adult↗

Effect of piracetam on recovery and rehabilitation after stroke: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

The nootropic agent piracetam has been shown to improve learning and memory, and it may, by this means, facilitate recovery and rehabilitation after a stroke. We report the results of a pilot study exploring its effects in patients undergoing rehabilitation after acute cerebral infarction in the carotid artery territory. We compared piracetam and placebo, each given for 12 weeks, in a multicenter, double-blind, randomized trial of parallel-group design; testing was performed at baseline (6-9 weeks poststroke), weeks 5 and 12, and, in fewer patients, 12 weeks after termination of treatment. Standardized tests of activities of daily living (Barthel Index, Kuriansky Test), aphasia (Aachen Aphasia Test), and perception (Rivermead Perception Assessment Battery) were the primary efficacy variables. Of 158 patients, 137 (81 males, 56 females) were studied after treatment and 88 at 24-week follow-up. Thirty patients on piracetam (45%) and 37 on placebo (53%) were aphasic on entry. Both groups, including the subgroups with aphasia, were well matched at baseline for demographic data, stroke sequelae, type and severity of aphasia, and prognostic parameters. Multivariate analysis of Aachen Aphasia subtest scores showed a significant overall improvement relative to baseline in favor of piracetam (p = 0.02) at 12 weeks. This was not seen at 24 weeks when, however, fewer patients were available for evaluation so that we could neither confirm nor deny whether improvement was maintained after cessation of piracetam. We were unable to demonstrate an effect on tests of activities of daily living and could neither confirm nor exclude an effect on perceptual deficit. We have shown an improvement in aphasia in patients undergoing rehabilitation after a stroke after 12 weeks' treatment with piracetam that requires confirmation in further studies.

Aged↗