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Biomedical subjects

Y Lampl

Publications and source records attributed to Y Lampl.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Annexin V SPECT imaging of phosphatidylserine expression in patients with dementia.

The authors sought to use radiolabeled annexin V, a marker of phosphatidylserine expression, to image Alzheimer dementia (AD). Four of five patients with AD had multifocal cortical annexin V uptake, whereas all seven non-AD and six control patients had normal SPECT. The mean cortex/cerebellar activity in patients with AD (1.4 +/- 0.6) was higher than that of non-AD dementia patients (0.7 +/- 0.2; p = 0.02). Radiolabeled annexin V may be useful for imaging AD.

Aged↗

Transient global amnesia -- not always a benign process.

OBJECTIVES: Transient global amnesia (TGA) is an episodic dysfunction of declarative memory, which is assumed to be a benign disorder. Brain perfusion single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) was shown to be abnormal during the acute stage and to become normal with normalization of memory function. No data are known about the brain perfusion pattern among these patients with recurrent TGA. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixteen patients with TGA were studied with an initial brain imaging during the acute stages of their attack, and a second imaging was performed after 3 months. In the event of a patients having a second abnormal brain perfusion HMPAO SPECT, a third imaging was performed after 1 year. RESULTS: Hypofusion perfusion was demonstrated in all cases during the acute stage. In all patients who had a first TGA, a normal SPECT was demonstrated after 3 months. In three patients with recurrent TGA, the brain perfusion remained abnormal after 3 months and after 1 year. CONCLUSIONS: A normal perfusion in TGA after 3 months can be expected in a patient with a first attack. In patients with recurrent TGA attacks, a persistent focal hypoperfusion can be expected. This subgroup of patients may demonstrate a non-benign type of TGA, eventually due to a different etiology of event.

Adult↗

Optic neuritis complicating west nile virus meningitis in a young adult.

A case of West Nile virus (WNV) infection with meningitis and optic neuritis in a 28-year-old man is presented. The patient had a number of unusual clinical and laboratory findings that broadened the differential diagnosis. The emergence of WNV infection in southern Europe and North America calls for increased awareness of physicians to this clinical entity.

Adult↗

Cerebrovascular reactivity in patients under long-term acetazolamide treatment.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The acetazolamide (AZA) test is a well-accepted method for measuring the vascular reactivity of the cerebral arteries. In order to investigate the nature of this reactivity after long-term daily AZA treatment, the cerebral blood velocity (CBV) was measured using transcranial Doppler in patients under continuous AZA treatment after a single AZA 1 g intravenous (IV) dose. METHODS: Thirteen patients (eight women, five men) on long-term daily AZA (750 mg/day, mean treatment duration 68 +/- 12+ months) were included in the study. The CBV of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) and the basilar artery (BA), including the values of peak velocity, mean velocity and pulsatility index (PI) were measured. The examination was performed twice - with the initial IV administration of AZA and 20 min later. The results were compared with those of 10 age matched volunteers. RESULTS: A consistent significant increase of CBV in the right and left MCA (P < 0.001 for both arteries) was found in all study participants. A highly significant decrease of peak CBV in the BA (P < 0.001) was found in the post-AZA velocities of the patient's group. In the control group, a consistent significant increase in all post-AZA tests was demonstrated (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: A mild elevation of blood velocity in the MCAs concomitant with a highly significant decrease of velocity in the BA was present in all examined patients. These patterns of CBV changes indicate the presence of a 'steal phenomenon' from the posterior to the anterior circulation and stress the necessity for caution when evaluating the indications for performance of the AZA test in patients under continuous AZA therapy.

Acetazolamide↗

Serum leptin level in women with idiopathic intracranial hypertension.

Leptin is a protein secreted by adipose cells which influences regulation of energy balance and body weight. Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is recognised as a neurological disorder mainly affecting obese females. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between IIH and serum leptin level in 15 obese patients and compare the results with those for 16 obese and 15 non-obese women. A significantly higher serum leptin level was found in patients with IIH than in controls (p<0.0001), and this did not correlate with body mass index (BMI). Serum leptin levels were significantly associated with BMI in both control groups (p<0.0006). Additional factors must therefore be involved in the phenomenon of serum leptin increase beyond weight gain. The cause can only be hypothesised, but it seems that the origin is central, probably hypothalamic.

Adipose Tissue↗

Benign intracranial hypertension: correlation of cerebral blood flow with disease severity.

UNLABELLED: Benign intracranial hypertension (BIH) is characterized by symptoms and signs of raised intracranial pressure in the absence of an intracranial mass lesion, infection or hydrocephalus. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of disease severity on cerebral blood flow in patients with BIH on acetazolamide therapy. METHODS: 11 patients (nine females, two males; mean age 30.5 years; range 22-29 years) with BIH were studied. All patients underwent CT and MRI scanning which were normal. The CSF pressure of all patients was above 200 mm H2O. All patients were under treatment with acetazolamide (1 g/day). Disease severity was determined by visual field examination and by clinical symptoms. Five patients were categorized into mild to moderate BIH (group I) and six patients had severe BIH (group II). All patients underwent perfusion brain SPECT with 740 MBq of Tc-99m-HMPAO. RESULTS: Brain perfusion abnormalities were observed in six of the 11 patients. One out of five patients in group I (20%) and five out of six patients (83%) in group II, had abnormal SPECT findings (P<0.04). In four patients of group II the left parietal lobe was involved and another patient had a right occipital abnormality. The single patient from group I with SPECT abnormalities demonstrated focal decreased perfusion in the left temporal area and decreased perfusion in the left caudate nucleus. CONCLUSION: Patients with severe degree of BIH have a higher incidence of cerebral perfusion abnormalities. This group may have an increased risk of cerebrovascular complications. The continuous administration of acetazolamide which affects the vascular autoreactivity may contribute to the regional hypoperfusion. Further studies are recommended to evaluate the natural course of disease versus iatrogenic treatment effects.

Acetazolamide↗

Antiepileptic treatment in patients with early postischemic stroke seizures: a retrospective study.

Early seizures caused by stroke are a common cause of epilepsy in adults. The protocol for treatment in such a case is not clear. Patients were studied retrospectively after early poststroke seizures. Two groups of patients were compared: one treated group included 35 patients who continued therapy for 2 years; the second group of 23 patients were untreated following a first attack, receiving anticonvulsive therapy only after a second seizure. The data of 61 patients (35 treated and 26 untreated) were analyzed. In the treated group, 24 patients were on treatment with carbamazepine, 9 with valproic acid and 2 with phenytoin. Seizure-free rate after 2 years was 85% in group I and 61% in group II (p = 0.042). Comparing the seizure rate and the event-free period (number/follow-up at risk) during the 2 years of no anticonvulsive therapy, both groups experienced about the same seizure rate (4.8 vs. 6.2%, p = 0.605) and similar seizure-free curve survival analysis (p = 0.85). We conclude that treatment of seizures immediately after the first attack after cerebral infarctions decreases the risk of recurrent seizure during the first 2 years of antiepileptic treatment. This subgroup of patients receiving antiepileptic medication immediately after the first poststroke seizure continues to be at the same rate of risk after treatment was stopped as the untreated group during the first 2 years. Antiepileptic therapy is an option in the medical management of poststroke seizure patients, but has no influence on the development of recurrent seizures after discontinuing medication.

Aged↗

Laboral outcome after acute unilateral vestibulopathy.

Sixty-five adult patients who had acute peripheral vestibulopathy (APV) were followed-up to determine their functional outcome. During the acute phase, they were treated with betahistine and mobilization. In the entire study population, APV was not significantly associated with a change in occupational activities, physical work or driving ability. Older individuals had significantly attributed a change in work to disease other than APV. Change attributed to APV occurred significantly more frequently in women than in men. The therapeutic approach seems beneficial.

Adult↗

Bilateral ptosis and changes in state of alertness in thalamic infarction.

Uni- or bilateral supranuclear ptosis is known to be caused by cerebral lesion. The exact anatomical cortical and subcortical basis is still undefined. We report a case of a patient developing bilateral ptosis with a left thalamic lesion. The bilateral ptosis was associated with transient changes in the state of alertness. We postulate that the thalamus, especially the anterior region, may have an influential role on the pathway from the cortex via the posterior branch of the internal capsule to the levator palpebrae superioris nuclei.

Arousal↗

Cerebrospinal fluid magnesium level as a prognostic factor in ischaemic stroke.

Magnesium has been reported to have a dilatatory effect on cerebral arteries. Reduction of extracellular Mg+2 has been shown to be directly correlated with the intensity of cerebral spasm. A neuroprotective effect of magnesium in stroke has also been hypothesized. The aim of our study was to examine the Mg+2 levels in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the early stage of stroke and to evaluate the correlation between Mg+2 levels and the development of neurological deficits. Between 1986 and 1994, 96 patients who had a stroke of 24- to 48-h duration were enrolled in the study. Serum and CSF levels of magnesium were checked on admission, 2448 h after the onset of stroke. Using a neurological score, the neurological deficit was assessed on the 1st day, 1 and 4 weeks later. Computed tomography (CT) was performed after 1 week, and the volume and location of infarction were calculated and measured. Statistical analysis was performed for cortical and subcortical patients separately, using Spearman correlation and multiple linear and logistic regression analyses. Significant correlation was found between CSF Mg+2 and the size of the infarct (P < 0.0001). There was no correlation between serum Mg+2 and CSF Mg+2 levels. Regression analysis demonstrated an increase in the values of the Mathew Neurological Score with higher CSF Mg+2 levels. This association remained true after other factors such as age, associated heart disease, diabetes and infarction size had been taken into account by the regression model. The results confirm that there is a relationship between a low Mg+2 concentration in CSF during the first 48 h after onset of ischaemic stroke and the intensity of the neurological deficit. The therapeutic consequence of this finding may have some importance.

Adult↗

Familial dyslexia associated with cavum vergae.

Three members of one family, diagnosed as dyslexic, are described. All of them have variations of midline cavity: cavum vergae or cavum septum pellucidum, diagnosed by neuroradiological examination. In contrast, the non dyslexic members of the same family have no neuroanatomical congenital variations. We raise the possibility of a functional correlation between the dyslexia and the anatomical findings in the affected members of this family.

Adolescent↗

Cerebrospinal fluid soluble interleukin-2 receptor in cerebral lupus.

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum samples of 20 young adults (mean age 41 +/- 3.4 yr) with a first episode of stroke were tested for interleukin-2 (IL-2), soluble interleukin-2 receptor (SIL-2R), tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-1-beta (IL-1 beta) levels. The results were compared to 20 patients who had neurological symptoms without evidence of a neurological disease. Three subgroups were formed according to the aetiological source of the stroke, determined by the neurological examination and evaluation. In 13 patients, the presence of atheromatous carotid plaque or cardiac disease was found. In five of the patients, stroke was the presenting symptom of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), which developed during the follow-up period. In two patients, no obvious aetiology could be demonstrated. The SIL-2R level was significantly higher in the CSF of patients who later developed definite SLE (P = 0.001). Other CSF interleukins and all serum interleukin levels were not significantly different in any of the groups. No correlation between albumin quotient and CSF SIL-2R was found. The SIL-2R level in the CSF may be used as a diagnostic tool to differentiate immunologically mediated vascular processes in the CNS from stroke of other origin.

Adult↗

Endothelin in cerebrospinal fluid and plasma of patients in the early stage of ischemic stroke.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Endothelin 1 (ET-1), a highly potent endogenous vasoactive peptide, exerts a sustained vasoconstrictive effect on cerebral vessels. Elevation of ET-1 in plasma has been reported 1 to 3 days after ischemic stroke. Since we assumed that a much faster and more intense response may be observed in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and since an increase in concentration of ET-1 in the CSF may cause constriction of cerebral vessels and eventually influence the neurological outcome, we measured ET-1 values in the CSF within 18 hours of stroke onset and compared the values with those in the plasma. METHODS: Twenty-six consecutive patients with acute stroke were clinically evaluated according to the modified Matthew Scale and underwent two repeat CT scans. Within 5 to 18 hours of stroke onset, lumbar puncture and blood samples were concomitantly obtained and tested; ET-1 levels in CSF and plasma of these patients were analyzed by radioimmunoassay and compared with the levels of a control group of patients with no neurological disease. RESULTS: The mean CSF concentration of ET-1 in the CSF of stroke patients was 16.06 +/- 4.9 pg/mL, compared with 5.51 +/- 1.47 pg/mL in the control group (P < .001). It was significantly higher in cortical infarcts (mean, 17.7 +/- 4.1 pg/mL) than in subcortical lesions (mean, 10.77 +/- 4.1 pg/mL) (P < .001) and significantly correlated with the volume of the lesion (P = .003). The correlation between ET-1 levels in the CSF and the Matthew Scale score was less significant (P = .05). Plasma ET-1 level was not elevated in any group. CONCLUSIONS: ET-1 is found to be significantly elevated in the CSF of stroke patients during the 18 hours after stroke. No elevation was demonstrated in plasma at this time period. ET-1 may be used as an additional indicator of ischemic vascular events in the early diagnosis of stroke. The dissimilarity between the CSF and plasma ET-1 concentrations may lead also to an hypothesis that there is a vasoconstrictive effect on the cerebral vessels or a neuronal effect caused by ET-1 in the mechanism of the progression of brain ischemia.

Adult↗

Anterior operculum syndrome localized by SPECT.

UNLABELLED: The aim of this case report was to present a patient with complete anarthria and orofacial apraxia without other relevant neurological deficit. The clinical features are compatible with anterior operculum syndrome. METHODS: A regional brain perfusion scan was done using 99mTc-HMPAO and a SPECT gamma camera. A brain CT scan and an MRI were also performed. RESULTS: Brain CT and MRI were not diagnostic. On brain SPECT, hypoperfusion of the left inferior area of the frontal lobe was noted. CONCLUSION: The patient studied showed an uncommon case of anterior operculum syndrome of focal degenerative origin localized by SPECT. SPECT may be a useful and effective method for diagnosis of this unusual neurological deficit.

Aged↗

Early treatment of a single generalized tonic-clonic seizure to prevent recurrence.

BACKGROUND: The question of whether to start antiepileptic treatment after a single unprovoked seizure remains controversial and has been the subject of much debate in the relevant literature. OBJECTIVES: To determine the rate of recurrence of a second attack after a single unprovoked epileptic seizure by using 2 study groups of treated and untreated patients and, thus, to establish a treatment policy for these patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A group of 91 patients with a single generalized tonic-clonic seizure were prospectively studied; 87 of these patients completed the study. The end point of the study was 36 months after the single attack or the occurrence of a subsequent epileptic attack. The patients were randomly divided into 2 groups; 45 patients who immediately received anticonvulsive treatment and 42 who remained untreated for the follow-up period. Patients in the treated group were given monotherapy with carbamazepine. The results of recurrences were statistically analyzed by using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: Results indicated a significantly higher percentage of seizure-free patients in the treated group compared with that in the untreated group (P = .001). The treated men were proved to be less at risk for recurrent seizures compared with treated women (P < .001 vs P = .03, respectively). CONCLUSION: Treatment after a single unprovoked seizure leads to a significant reduction in the risk of relapse of generalized tonic-clonic epilepsy.

Adult↗