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P A Boon

Publications and source records attributed to P A Boon.

16 recordsLinked to original sources

MRI language dominance assessment in epilepsy patients at 1.0 T: region of interest analysis and comparison with intracarotid amytal testing.

The primary goal of this study was to test the reliability of presurgical language lateralization in epilepsy patients with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) with a 1.0-T MR scanner using a simple word generation paradigm and conventional equipment. In addition, hemispherical fMRI language lateralization analysis and region of interest (ROI) analysis in the frontal and temporo-parietal regions were compared with the intracarotid amytal test (IAT). Twenty epilepsy patients under presurgical evaluation were prospectively examined by both fMRI and IAT. The fMRI experiment consisted of a word chain task (WCT) using the conventional headphone set and a sparse sequence. In 17 of the 20 patients, data were available for comparison between the two procedures. Fifteen of these 17 patients were categorized as left hemispheric dominant, and 2 patients demonstrated bilateral language representation by both fMRI and IAT. The highest reliability for lateralization was obtained using frontal ROI analysis. Hemispherical analysis was less powerful and reliable in all cases but one, while temporo-parietal ROI analysis was unreliable as a stand-alone analysis when compared with IAT. The effect of statistical threshold on language lateralization prompted for the use of t-value-dependent lateralization index plots. This study illustrates that fMRI-determined language lateralization can be performed reliably in a clinical MR setting operating at a low field strength of 1 T without expensive stimulus presentation systems.

Adolescent↗

Usefulness of language and memory testing during intracarotid amobarbital testing: observations from an fMRI study.

BACKGROUND: Several procedures for testing language lateralization and memory function exist during the intracarotid amobarbital test (IAT). The use of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) gives the opportunity to assess the validity of some of these procedures, or at least to inspect the neuronal correlates. A comprehensive fMRI protocol was tested, aimed at addressing aspects of lateralization of language, as well as testing memory in relation to activation of mesiotemporal regions. Here we report observations with possible consequences for the current IAT procedures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The protocol consisted of three language tasks (overt naming, semantic decision and silent word generation) and two memory tasks (encoding and retrieving visual scenes). The paradigms used a block-related procedure in nine right-handed normal volunteers. During the procedure dynamic weighted full brain images were acquired which are sensitive to the blood oxygenation activation effect. RESULTS: Encoding showed symmetrical bilateral activation in the mesiotemporal regions, specifically the hippocampus, parahippocampal gyrus and fusiform gyrus. With a retrieval task activation of the mesiotemporal areas was restricted to the posterior hippocampal area. Overt object naming showed results, similar to encoding tasks with bilateral activation of hippocampal areas. Silent word generation showed much stronger ability to lateralize than the other two language-related tasks and especially object naming. CONCLUSION: Activation revealed by fMRI activation shows that IAT procedures, using active semantic language processing or comprehensive procedures with multiple language tasks have the highest guarantee for individual activation lateralization. Simple object naming does not guarantee a lateralized language fMRI activation pattern. Of the different memory procedures during IAT, the procedures (Interview and the Montreal) demanding encoding processing will be related to larger areas of bilateral hippocampal activation than procedures (Seattle) exclusively requiring retrieval. Moreover, tasks using recognition of previously presented language items (naming objects) are equally effective for assessing hippocampal activation compared with presenting separate memory items.

Adult↗

Developing a comprehensive presurgical functional MRI protocol for patients with intractable temporal lobe epilepsy: a pilot study.

Our aim was to put together and test a comprehensive functional MRI (fMRI) protocol which could compete with the intracarotid amytal (IAT) or Wada test for the localisation of language and memory function in patients with intractable temporal lobe epilepsy. The protocol was designed to be performed in under 1 h on a standard 1.5 tesla imager. We used five paradigms to test nine healthy right-handed subjects: complex scene-encoding, picture-naming, reading, word-generation and semantic-decision tasks. The combination of these tasks generated two activation maps related to memory in the mesial temporal lobes, and three language-related maps of activation in a major part of the known language network. The functional maps from the encoding and naming tasks showed typical and symmetrical posterior mesial temporal lobe activation related to memory in all subjects. Only four of nine subjects also showed symmetrical anterior hippocampal activation. Language lateralisation was best with the word generation and reading paradigms and proved possible in all subjects. The reading paradigm enables localisation of language function in the left anterior temporal pole and middle temporal gyrus, areas typically resected during epilepsy surgery. The combined results of this comprehensive f MRI protocol are adequate for a comparative study with the IAT in patients with epilepsy being assessed for surgery.

Adult↗

The validation of the finite difference method and reciprocity for solving the inverse problem in EEG dipole source analysis.

The performance of the finite difference reciprocity method (FDRM) to solve the inverse problem in EEG dipole source analysis is investigated in the analytically solvable three-shell spherical head model for a large set of test dipoles. The location error for a grid with 2 mm and 3 mm node spacing is in general, not larger than twice the internode distance, hence 4 mm and 6 mm, respectively. Increasing the number of scalp electrodes from 27 to 44 only marginally improves the location error. The orientation error is always smaller than 4 degrees for all the test dipoles considered. We have also compared the sensitivity to noise using FDRM in EEG dipole source analysis with the sensitivity to noise using the analytical expression for the forward problem. FDRM is not more sensitive to noise than the method using the analytical expression.

Artifacts↗

Relationship between gamma-hydroxybutyrate plasma concentrations and its electroencephalographic effects in the rat.

In view of the potential interest in an objective parameter for the depth of coma in intoxications with the recreational drug gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), we have studied the relationship between the plasma concentrations and the electroencephalographic (EEG) changes induced by GHB in the rat. Fifteen rats randomly received either 150 (n = 3), 200 (n = 6) or 300 mg kg(-1) (n = 6) GHB over 5 min, followed by a supramaximal dose of 450 mg kg(-1) over 5 min at the end of the experiment. Plasma concentrations were determined with HPLC. The EEG was continuously recorded and the amplitude in the 15.5-30 Hz frequency band was quantified using aperiodic analysis. The plasma concentration-time profiles were fitted to a two-compartment model with Michaelis-Menten elimination. The pharmacokinetic parameters Vmax, Km and the apparent volume of distribution (Vd) proved to be independent of the dose and the mean pooled values were Vmax 2068 +/- 140 microg min(-1) kg(-1), Km 58 +/- 16 microg mL(-1) and Vd 476 +/- 12 mL kg(-1). The EEG amplitude in the 15.5-30 Hz frequency band displayed a monophasic inhibition and the effect-plasma concentration curve showed hysteresis. This hysteresis between EEG effect and plasma concentrations was minimized by simultaneous calculation of hypothetical effect-site concentrations and fitting the effect vs effect-site concentration curve to a sigmoid inhibitory Emax model. The descriptors of this Emax model (Emax, EC50, k(e,0), gamma and E0) were independent of the dose with an equilibration half-life t1/2k(e,0) of 5.6 +/- 0.3 min (mean value of the pooled results of the 5-min treatment groups). To investigate the origin of this hysteresis, a dose of 600 mg kg(-1) GHB was infused over either 45 or 60 min each in three animals. The hysteresis was much less pronounced with 45 min than with 5 min and was absent with 60-min infusions. This indicated that the hysteresis was due to a distribution delay between the central compartment and the effect site. This study showed that the concentration-effect relationship of GHB could be characterized in individual rats using aperiodic analysis in the 15.5-30 Hz frequency band.

Animals↗

Influence of hypovolemia on the pharmacokinetics and the electroencephalographic effect of propofol in the rat.

BACKGROUND: Hypovolemia decreases the dose requirement for anesthetics, but no data are available for propofol. As it is impossible to study this in patients, a rat model was used in which the influence of hypovolemia on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of propofol was investigated. METHODS: Animals were randomly allocated to either a control (n = 9) or a hypovolemia (n = 9) group, and propofol was infused (150 mg x kg(-1) x h(-1)) until isoelectric periods of 5 s or longer were observed in the electroencephalogram. The changes observed in the electroencephalogram were quantified using aperiodic analysis and used as a surrogate measure of hypnosis. The righting reflex served as a clinical measure of hypnosis. RESULTS: The propofol dose needed to reach the electroencephalographic end point in the hypovolemic rats was reduced by 60% (P < 0.01). This could be attributed to a decrease in propofol clearance and in distribution volume. Protein binding was similar in both groups. To investigate changes in end organ sensitivity during hypovolemia, the electroencephalographic effect versus effect-site concentration relation was studied. The effect-blood concentration relation was biphasic, exhibiting profound hysteresis in both hypovolemic and control animals. Semiparametric minimization of this hysteresis revealed similar equilibration half-lives in both groups. The biphasic effect-concentration relation was characterized by descriptors showing an increased potency of propofol during hemorrhage. The effect-site concentration at the return of righting reflex was 23% (P < 0.01) lower in the hypovolemic animals, also suggesting an increased end organ sensitivity. CONCLUSIONS: An increased hypnotic effect of propofol occurs during hypovolemia in the rat and can be attributed to changes in both pharmacokinetics and end organ sensitivity.

Anesthesia, Intravenous↗

Relationship between etomidate plasma concentration and EEG effect in the rat.

PURPOSE: The effect-plasma concentration relationship of etomidate was studied in the rat using electroencephalographic changes as a pharmacodynamic parameter. METHODS: Etomidate was infused (50 mg/kg/h) in chronically instrumented rats (n=6) until isoelectric periods of 5 s or longer were observed in the electroencephalogram (EEG). The EEG was continuously recorded during the experiment and frequent arterial blood samples were taken for determination of etomidate plasma concentrations. The changes observed in the raw EEG signal were quantified using aperiodic analysis in the 2.5-7.5 Hz frequency band. The return of the righting reflex was used as another parameter of anesthesia. RESULTS: A mean dose of 8.58+/-0.41 mg/kg needed to be infused to reach the end point of 5 s isoelectric EEG. The plasma concentration time profiles were most adequately fitted using a three-exponential model. Systemic clearance, volume of distribution at steady-state and elimination half-life averaged 93+/-6 ml/min/kg, 4.03+/-0.24 l/kg and 59.4+/-10.7 min respectively. The EEG effect-plasma concentration relationship was biphasic exhibiting profound hysteresis. Semi-parametric minimization of this hysteresis revealed an equilibration half-life of 2.65+/-0.15 min, and the biphasic effect-concentration relationship was characterized nonparametrically by descriptors. The effect-site concentration at the return of the righting reflex was 0.44+/-0.03 microg/ml. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study show that the concentration-effect relationship of etomidate can be characterized in individual rats using aperiodic analysis in the 2.5-7.5 Hz frequency band of the EEG. This characterization can be very useful for studying the influence of diseases on the pharmacodynamics of etomidate in vivo.

Anesthetics, Intravenous↗

Influence of hypovolemia on the pharmacokinetics and the electroencephalographic effect of etomidate in the rat.

The influence of hypovolemia (removal of 30% of the blood volume) on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of etomidate was investigated in the rat. Chronically instrumented animals were randomly allocated to either a control (n = 9) or a hypovolemia (n = 9) group, and etomidate was infused (50 mg/kg/h) until isoelectric periods of 5 s or longer were observed in the electroencephalogram. The changes observed in the electroencephalogram were quantified using aperiodic analysis in the 2.5- to 7.5-Hz frequency band and used as a surrogate measure of hypnosis. The righting reflex was used as a clinical measure of hypnosis. The etomidate dose that had to be infused to reach the electroencephalographic endpoint was almost 40% lower (p <.01) in the hypovolemic animals than in the control animals. This difference could be attributed to a decrease in clearance (-20%; p =.06) and distribution volume (-30%; p <.01) of etomidate. Protein binding was similar in both groups. To investigate changes in end organ sensitivity during hypovolemia, the electroencephalographic effect-versus-effect-site concentration relationship was studied. The effect-plasma concentration relationship was biphasic, exhibiting profound hysteresis in both hypovolemic and control animals. Semiparametric minimization of this hysteresis revealed similar equilibrium half-lives in both groups, and the biphasic effect-concentration relationship was characterized nonparametrically by descriptors. With these descriptors, a slightly increased potency of etomidate during hemorrhage was observed. The concentration at the return of righting reflex was 16% (p <.05) lower in the hypovolemic animals. In conclusion, an increased hypnotic effect of etomidate was observed during hypovolemia that is mainly attributed to pharmacokinetic changes. Our data also suggest a small increase in central nervous system sensitivity for etomidate in hypovolemic animals.

Anesthetics, Intravenous↗

The diagnosis of pseudoseizures.

Increasing experience with intensive monitoring of patients with intractable seizures has shown that a significant number of patients presents with pseudoseizures (psychogenic seizures). While in a majority of the patients differential diagnosis should be obvious, in some patients diagnostic error may occur. This is the case if the physician is unfamiliar with uncommon seizures, if the patient presents with atypical or bizarre attacks, and if interictal and/or ictal EEG are normal. Comparative studies of patients with true convulsive seizures and patients with pseudoseizures have revealed some 'typical' ictal features of pseudoseizures. Of these, longer ictal duration, less stereotypy, asynchronous extremity movements, atypical vocalization, alternating head movements and pelvic thrusting are the most characteristic. Many exceptions exist, however, since many patients with complex partial seizures (mostly of frontal origin) may present with similar ictal features. The final diagnosis of pseudoseizures is based upon integration of numerous data including careful seizure history, results of intensive video EEG monitoring and electroclinical correlation by experienced observers. Psychiatric and personality examination, different techniques of suggestion and determination of serum prolactin may provide additional diagnostic evidence.

Diagnosis, Differential↗

Parietal lobe epilepsy: diagnostic considerations and results of surgery.

Eleven patients, evaluated between 1983 and 1988, with parietal lobe seizure origin as determined by circumscribed lesion detection in all and successful surgery in 10, were retrospectively evaluated in terms of clinical seizure characteristics and electroencephalographic (EEG) findings. Seven of 11 patients reported auras prior to seizures. In 4 patients, auras were lateralized somatosensory sensations, but in 1 they were ipsilateral to the side of seizure origin, and in 2 they had only occurred many years previously when seizures began. Other auras were either nonspecific or suggested seizure origin outside of the parietal lobe. Observed seizures were of two types: asymmetrical tonic seizures with or without clonic activity and complex partial seizures with loss of contact and automatisms. Four patients had only the first type of seizure and an equal number had only the second type. Three patients had both types of seizures during different episodes. Scalp EEGs correctly localized the side and region of seizure onset in only 1 patient. Three additional patients with congruent parietal localization on scalp EEG had additional misleading EEG findings. All patients had lesions detected with neuroimaging, but in 5 this detection occurred after they had been initially evaluated. These 5 patients had intracranial EEG studies designed to localize the region of seizure origin, and correct seizure onset localization was achieved in 2. Of the other 3 patients, false localization occurred in 1, and 2 could not be localized. Four patients with known lesions and 2 of the patients in whom lesions were detected after initial intracranial evaluations were studied with subdural grid electrodes placed over the lesions.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent↗

Long-term study of isoprinosine in a case of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis.

A long-term study of isoprinosine, with temporary discontinuation of the treatment, in a 25-year-old man with subacute sclerosing panencephalitis is presented. Isoprinosine appears to have mainly an effect on the mental disturbances in stage I. EEG and CFS changes correlate well with the clinical course and the influence of isoprinosine.

Adult↗

Language activation distributions revealed by fMRI in post-operative epilepsy patients: differences between left- and right-sided resections.

OBJECTIVE: To reveal differences of cerebral activation related to language functions in post-operative temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) patients. METHODS: Right (RTL) and left temporal lobe (LTL) resected patients, and healthy controls were studied using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Only patients with complete left-hemispheric language dominance according to the intracarotid amytal procedure (IAP) were included. Language-related activations were evoked by performing word generation and text reading language tasks. Activation lateralization and temporo-frontal distribution effects were analysed. RESULTS: For word generation, only LTL patients showed reduced left lateralized activation compared to controls, due to a decrease in activation in the left prefrontal cortex and an increase in the right prefrontal cortex. For reading, the left-hemispheric lateralization in RTL patients increased because of enhanced activity in the left prefrontal cortex, whereas for LTL patients the activation became bilaterally distributed over the temporal lobes. Lateralization results between pre-operative IAP and post-operative fMRI were highly discordant. Significant temporo-frontal distribution changes manifested from the reading but not from the word generation task. CONCLUSION: The cerebral language representation in post-operative LTL epilepsy patients is more bi-hemispherically lateralized than in controls and RTL patients. Post-operative temporo-frontal and interhemispheric redistribution effects, involving contralateral homologous brain areas, are suggested to contribute to the cerebral reorganisation of language function.

Adult↗

Intracranial, intraaxial, space-occupying lesions in patients with intractable partial seizures: an anatomoclinical, neuropsychological, and surgical correlation.

Fifty of approximately 250 patients evaluated for intractable partial seizures were shown to have a space-occupying lesion detected with radiographs and/or neuroimaging. Twenty-eight males and 22 females had a mean age at seizure onset of 13 years and a mean duration of seizures of 11 years. All patients had closed-circuit television with EEG monitoring and complete neurologic and neuropsychological assessment. Findings were correlated with lesion location and surgical data. Twenty-seven lesions (54%) were located in the temporal lobe. Thirty-five lesions (70%) were neoplastic. All patients with temporal lobe lesions had complex partial seizures, as did 74% of patients with extratemporal lesions. A good correlation between clinical seizure characteristics and lesion localization was found with the temporal, occipital, and frontal lesions but not with the parietal lesions. Sixty-six percent of patients had focal interictal EEG findings. Lateralization corresponded to the side of the lesion in 64% and was localized to the region of the lesion in 30%. Lateralized ictal EEGs occurred in 58% of patients, corresponding with the side of the lesion in all but one patient. Abnormal findings on neuropsychological testing were congruent with lesion lateralization in 56% of patients and were localized to the region in 26%. Thirty-nine of 47 patients who underwent a subtotal lobectomy to include the lesion are seizure-free after greater than or equal to 1 year of follow-up, and five others are markedly improved.

Brain↗