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Neurologic Deficits (neurologic + deficit)
Selected AbstractsTemporary Neurologic Deficit After Cervical Transforaminal Injection of Local AnestheticPAIN MEDICINE, Issue 2 2004Michael Karasek MD ABSTRACT Objective To describe the effects of spinal cord block after injection of local anesthetic into a cervical radicular artery. Design Case report. Setting Neurology practice specializing in spinal pain. Interventions A patient underwent a C6,7 transforaminal injection. Contrast medium indicated correct and safe placement of the needle. Results After the injection of local anesthetic, the patient developed quadriplegia. The injection was terminated. The neurologic impairment resolved after 20 minutes observation. Conclusion Despite correct placement of the needle for a cervical transforaminal injection, injectate may nevertheless enter a cervical radicular artery. Whereas local anesthetic, so injected, appears to have only a temporary effect on spinal cord function, particulate steroids may act as an embolus and cause permanent impairment. [source] Familial Hemiplegic Migraine: Permanent Attack-Related Neurologic DeficitsHEADACHE, Issue 8 2007David Dodick MD Hemiplegic migraine (HM) is characterized by motor weakness and at least one other aura symptom or sign that is fully reversible within 24 hours. While prolonged neurological impairment lasting weeks has been observed, persistent attack-related neurological deficits have not been described. This case illustrates the potential for permanent neurological deficits to occur as a sequelae of HM in the absence of infarction, and highlights potentially important pathophysiological and treatment implications. [source] Neurocognitive Functions after Beating Heart Mitral Valve Replacement without Cross-Clamping the AortaJOURNAL OF CARDIAC SURGERY, Issue 2 2008Ferit Cicekcioglu M.D. The aim of this study was to compare preoperative and postoperative neurocognitive functions in patients who underwent beating heart mitral valve replacement on cardiopulmonary bypass without cross-clamping the aorta. Methods: The prospective study included 25 consecutive patients who underwent mitral valve replacement. The operations were carried out on a beating heart method using normothermic cardiopulmonary bypass without cross-clamping the aorta. All patients were evaluated preoperatively (E1) and postoperatively (at sixth day [E2] and second month [E3]) for neurocognitive functions. Results: Neurologic deficit was not observed in the postoperative period. Comparison of the neurocognitive test results, between the preoperative and postoperative assessment for both hemispheric cognitive functions, demonstrated that no deterioration occurred. In the three subsets of left hemispheric cognitive function test evaluation, total verbal learning, delayed recall, and recognition, significant improvements were detected at the postoperative second month (E3) compared to the preoperative results (p = 0.005, 0.01, and 0.047, respectively). Immediate recall and retention were significantly improved within the first postoperative week (E2) when compared to the preoperative results (p = 0.05 and 0.05, respectively). Conclusions: The technique of mitral valve replacement with normothermic cardiopulmonary bypass without cross-clamping of the aorta may be safely used for majority of patients requiring mitral valve replacement without causing deterioration in neurocognitive functions. [source] Multiple Subpial Transections: The Yale ExperienceEPILEPSIA, Issue 2 2001Lisa P. Mulligan Summary: ,Purpose: Although resection of an epileptogenic region is the mainstay of epilepsy surgery, epileptogenic areas in functionally critical cortex cannot be approached in that manner. Multiple subpial transection (MST) was developed to treat those refractory seizures without causing unacceptable neurologic deficit. We review our experience with this technique. Methods: Twelve patients who underwent MST with or without resection between 1990 and 1998 were retrospectively reviewed with regard to seizure and neurologic outcome, and predictive factors. Results: Five (42%) of 12 patients obtained a significant improvement in seizure frequency, and two other patients had a marked decrease in the severity of their seizures. Resection with MST reduced seizure frequency more, but this was not a significant difference. No predictive factors for outcome were identified. Only one patient sustained any persistent neurologic deficit. Conclusions: In selected patients, MST may be a viable alternative when the epileptogenic focus lies in unresectable cortex. A multicenter study with appreciable patient numbers will be necessary to define predictive factors for success. [source] Pseudomigraine With Lymphocytic Pleocytosis: A Calcium Channelopathy?HEADACHE, Issue 8 2003Clinical Description of 10 Cases, Genetic Analysis of the Familial Hemiplegic Migraine Gene CACNA1A Objective.,To report the clinical findings of 10 patients diagnosed with pseudomigraine with lymphocytic pleocytosis and the results of mutational analysis of the CACNA1A gene in 8 of these patients. Background.,Pseudomigraine with lymphocytic pleocytosis, also referred to as headache with neurologic deficits and cerebrospinal fluid lymphocytosis (HaNDL), is characterized by episodic transient neurologic dysfunction associated with moderate to severe headache and cerebrospinal fluid lymphocytic pleocytosis. Episodes are recurrent and the condition is self-limiting. The etiology of this sporadic condition remains unknown, but the episodic nature and its ability to be triggered by angiography is somewhat reminiscent of the phenotypic features of familial hemiplegic migraine, a condition caused by mutations in the CACNA1A gene. Design/Methods.,Utilizing retrospective chart review, we describe the clinical features of pseudomigraine with lymphocytic pleocytosis in 10 patients. Whole blood was taken from 8 patients (2 were lost to follow-up) and used for DNA testing. The CACNA1A gene was screened for mutations using heteroduplex analysis and direct DNA sequencing. Results.,Clinical features of pseudomigraine with lymphocytic pleocytosis included transient episodes of weakness, sensory and visual symptoms, aphasia, and confusion lasting minutes up to 4 hours. Sensory symptoms, typically affecting the face and arm, were the most common presentation. Localization of symptoms did not conform to vascular territories. Headache was typically throbbing and most often bilateral. Genetic analysis did not identify any mutations in the CACNA1A gene. Conclusions.,Similarities between familial hemiplegic migraine and pseudomigraine with lymphocytic pleocytosis include recurrent headache with reversible neurologic deficit, cerebrospinal fluid lymphocytic pleocytosis, and triggers such as angiography. Even so, heteroduplex analysis and DNA sequencing failed to identify any sporadic mutations or shared polymorphisms in the exons or the intron/exon boundaries of the CACNA1A gene. These results do not support a role of the CACNA1A gene in the etiology of pseudomigraine with lymphocytic pleocytosis. [source] Incidence and Predictors of Periprocedural Cerebrovascular Accident in Patients Undergoing Catheter Ablation of Atrial FibrillationJOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY, Issue 12 2009DANIEL SCHERR M.D. Background: Cerebrovascular accident (CVA) is a serious complication of catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF). The incidence and clinical predictors of periprocedural CVA in patients undergoing AF ablation are not fully understood. Methods: This study included 721 cases (age 57 ± 11 years; 23% female; 345 persistent AF) in 579 consecutive patients referred for AF ablation. Periprocedural CVA was defined as onset of a new neurologic deficit that occurred anytime between the start of the procedure and 30 days after the AF ablation, and was confirmed by a neurologist. Cranial imaging with CT and/or MRI was performed in each case. Patients were anticoagulated with warfarin for at least 4 weeks pre- and immediately postprocedure and were bridged with enoxaparin. Transesophageal echocardiography was performed within 24 hours prior to ablation in all cases. Results: Periprocedural CVA occurred in 10 of 721 cases (1.4%). The risk of periprocedural CVA did not vary significantly during the course of the study. Among these 10 patients (age 62 ± 11 years; 1 female; 5 persistent AF), 6 manifested neurological deficits within 24 hours, 3 after 24,48 hours, and 1 patient had a CVA 6 days following AF ablation despite a therapeutic INR level. All CVAs were ischemic. Five patients had residual deficits after 30 days. Four of 43 patients (9.3%) with a prior history of CVA had periprocedural CVA. Periprocedural CVA occurred in 0.3%, 1.0%, and 4.7% of patients with CHADS2 scores of 0, 1, and , 2 (P < 0.001). In 2 separate multivariate analyses, a CHADS2 score , 2 (OR 7.1, P = 0.02) and history of CVA (OR 9.5, P < 0.01) remained independent predictors of periprocedural CVA. Conclusions: Despite periprocedural anticoagulation and transesophageal echocardiography, we found a 1.4% incidence of periprocedural CVA in AF ablation patients. A CHADS2 score , 2 and a history of CVA are independent predictors of CVA after AF ablation. The CVA risk is low in patients with CHADS2 score of 0. [source] Spinal somatosensory evoked potential evaluation of acute nerve-root injury associated with pedicle-screw placement procedures: An experimental studyJOURNAL OF ORTHOPAEDIC RESEARCH, Issue 2 2003I-Ming Jou Pedicle screws for spinal fixation risk neural damage because of the proximity between screw and nerve root. We assessed whether spinal somatosensory evoked potential (SSEP) could selectively detect pedicle-screw-related acute isolated nerve injury. Because pedicle screws are too large for a rat's spine, we inserted a K-wire close to the pedicle in 32 rats, intending not to injure the nerve root in eight (controls), and to injure the L4 or L5 root in 24. We used sciatic-nerve-elicited SSEP pre- and postinsertion. Radiologic, histologic, and postmortem observations confirmed the level and degree of root injury. Sciatic (SFI), tibial (TFI), and peroneal function indices (PFI) were calculated and correlated with changes in potential. Although not specific for injuries to different roots, amplitude reduction immediately postinsertion was significant in the experimental groups. Animals with the offending wire left in place for one hour showed a further non-significant deterioration of amplitude. Electrophysiologic changes correlated with SFI and histologic findings in all groups. SSEP monitoring provided reliable, useful diagnostic and intraoperative information about the functional integrity of single nerve-root injury. These findings are clinically relevant to acute nerve-root injury and pedicle-screw insertion. If a nerve-root irritant remains in place, a considerable neurologic deficit will occur. © 2002 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved. [source] A very large Schwannoma originating from the median nerve in carpal tunnelJOURNAL OF THE PERIPHERAL NERVOUS SYSTEM, Issue 3 2004Hakan Gündes Abstract Schwannomas are common benign nerve tumors occurring in the peripheral nerves. A very large schwannoma of more than 5 years duration, originating from the median nerve in the carpal tunnel in a 38-year-old woman, is reported. There was a painful mass, 60 mm in length and 42 mm in diameter, on the palm without signs of sensory disturbance or atrophy on the thenar muscles. Surgical removal was performed under high-power magnification by separating the sensory and motor fascicles from the tumor. Histological examination resulted in a Schwannoma. At 4-year follow-up, the patient was asymptomatic with excellent relief of symptoms. The tumor did not recur. Although cases have been reported in the literature, this is one of the largest ever described without any neurologic deficit. [source] Can Patients with Brain Herniation on Cranial Computed Tomography Have a Normal Neurologic Exam?ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE, Issue 2 2009Marc A. Probst MD Abstract Objectives:, Herniation of the brain outside of its normal intracranial spaces is assumed to be accompanied by clinically apparent neurologic dysfunction. The authors sought to determine if some patients with brain herniation or significant brain shift diagnosed by cranial computed tomography (CT) might have a normal neurologic examination. Methods:, This is a secondary analysis of the National Emergency X-Radiography Utilization Study (NEXUS) II cranial CT database compiled from a multicenter, prospective, observational study of all patients for whom cranial CT scanning was ordered in the emergency department (ED). Clinical information including neurologic examination was prospectively collected on all patients prior to CT scanning. Using the final cranial CT radiology reports from participating centers, all CT scans were classified into three categories: frank herniation, significant shift without frank herniation, and minimal or no shift, based on predetermined explicit criteria. These reports were concatenated with clinical information to form the final study database. Results:, A total of 161 patients had CT-diagnosed frank herniation; 3 (1.9%) had no neurologic deficit. Of 91 patients with significant brain shift but no herniation, 4 (4.4%) had no neurologic deficit. Conclusions:, A small number of patients may have normal neurologic status while harboring significant brain shift or brain herniation on cranial CT. [source] Radiosurgery for the treatment of spinal lung metastasesCANCER, Issue 11 2006Peter C. Gerszten MD Abstract BACKGROUND. Spinal metastases are a common source of pain as well as neurologic deficit in patients with lung cancer. Metastases from lung cancer traditionally have been believed to be relatively responsive to radiation therapy. However, conventional external beam radiotherapy lacks the precision to allow delivery of large single-fraction doses of radiation and simultaneously limit the dose to radiosensitive structures such as the spinal cord. The current study evaluated the efficacy of single-fraction radiosurgery for the treatment of spinal lung cancer metastases. METHODS. In the current prospective cohort evaluation, 87 lung cancer metastases to the spine in 77 patients were treated with a single-fraction radiosurgery technique with a follow-up period of 6 to 40 months (median, 12 months). The indication for radiosurgery treatment was pain in 73 cases, as a primary treatment modality in 7 cases, for radiographic tumor progression in 4 cases, and for progressive neurologic deficit in 3 cases. RESULTS. Tumor volume ranged from 0.2 to 264 cm3 (mean, 25.7 cm3). The maximum tumor dose was maintained at 15 to 25 grays (Gy) (mean, 20 Gy; median, 20 Gy). No radiation-induced toxicity occurred during the follow-up period. Long-term axial and radicular pain improvement occurred in 65 of 73 patients (89%) who were treated primarily for pain. Long-term radiographic tumor control was observed in all patients who underwent radiosurgery as their primary treatment modality or for radiographic tumor progression. CONCLUSIONS. Spinal radiosurgery was found to be feasible, safe, and clinically effective for the treatment of spinal metastases from lung cancer. The results of the current study indicate the potential of radiosurgery in the treatment of patients with spinal lung metastases, especially those with solitary sites of spine involvement, to improve long-term palliation. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society. [source] Single-fraction radiosurgery for the treatment of spinal breast metastasesCANCER, Issue 10 2005M.P.H., Peter C. Gerszten M.D. Abstract BACKGROUND The spine is the most common site of bony metastases in patients with osseous breast carcinoma metastases. Spine metastases are the source of significant pain and occasionally neurologic deficit in this patient population. Conventional external beam radiotherapy lacks the precision to allow delivery of large single-fraction doses of radiation and simultaneously limit the dose to radiosensitive structures such as the spinal cord. This study evaluated the clinical efficacy of the treatment of spinal breast carcinoma metastases with a single-fraction radiosurgical technique. METHODS In this prospective cohort evaluation, 68 breast carcinoma metastases to the spine in 50 patients were treated with a single-fraction radiosurgery technique with a follow-up period of 6,48 months, median 16 months. The most common indication for radiosurgery treatment was pain in 57 lesions, as a primary treatment modality in 8 patients, and for radiographic tumor progression, as a postsurgical boost, and for a progressive neurologic deficit in 1 patient each. RESULTS Tumor volume ranged from 0.8,197 cm3 (mean, 27.7 cm3). Maximum tumor dose was maintained at 15,22.5 Gy (mean, 19 Gy). No radiation-induced toxicity occurred during the follow-up period (6,48 mo). Long-term axial and radicular pain improvement occurred in 55 of 57 (96%) patients who were treated primarily for pain. Long-term radiographic tumor control was seen in all patients who underwent radiosurgery as their primary treatment modality, for radiographic tumor progression, or as a postsurgical treatment. CONCLUSIONS Spinal radiosurgery was found to be feasible, safe, and clinically effective for the treatment of spinal metastases from breast carcinoma. The results indicate the potential of radiosurgery in the treatment of patients with spinal breast metastases, especially those with solitary sites of spine involvement, to improve long-term palliation. Cancer 2005. © 2005 American Cancer Society. [source] Aortic Tumor or Mobile Thrombus?ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Issue 2 2010Andrea Loiselle M.D., M.P.H. Isolated large mobile mass in the thoracic aorta can be due to thrombus or, rarely, aortic tumor. We report the case of a 61-year-old man with no history of medical problems presenting with neurologic deficits and in whom a large mobile echogenic mass in the distal aortic arch was found with transesophageal echocardiography. Given his few cardiovascular risk factors and absence of other systemic symptoms, he received anticoagulant therapy. Subsequent resolution of the aortic mass suggested a diagnosis of thrombus. This case illustrates an unusual manifestation of aortic arch atherosclerosis and underscores the utility of transesophogeal echocardiography for patients with ischemic stroke. (Echocardiography 2010;27:E21-E22) [source] Seizure Outcome after Resection of Supratentorial Cavernous Malformations: A Study of 168 PatientsEPILEPSIA, Issue 3 2007Christian R. Baumann Summary:,Purpose: The optimal management of cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs) with epileptic seizures is still a matter of debate. The aim of our study was to examine seizure outcome in the largest published series of surgically treated patients with epilepsy due to a supratentorial CCM, and to define predictors for good surgical outcome. Methods: We retrospectively studied 168 consecutive patients with a single supratentorial CCM and symptomatic epilepsy in a multicenter study. Pre- and postoperative clinical examinations, age at epilepsy onset, age at operation, type of symptoms due to the CCM (seizures, headache, hemorrhage, focal deficits), type and frequency of epileptic seizures, and the localization and size of the CCM were assessed. Seizure outcome was determined in the first, second, and third postoperative years. Results: The CCM was completely resected in all patients. More than two thirds of the patients were classified as seizure free in the first 3 postoperative years. Predictors for good seizure outcome were age older than 30 years at the time of surgery, mesiotemporal CCM localization, CCM size <1.5 cm, and the absence of secondarily generalized seizures. No mortality occurred in our series, but only mild postoperative neurologic deficits in 12 (7%) patients. Conclusions: Considering the natural history of CCMs, the favorable neurologic and seizure outcome, surgical resection of CCMs should be considered in all patients with supratentorial CCMs and concomitant epilepsy, irrespective of the presence or absence of predictors for a favorable seizure outcome. [source] Quantitative EEG Asymmetry Correlates with Clinical Severity in Unilateral Sturge-Weber SyndromeEPILEPSIA, Issue 1 2007Laura A. Hatfield Summary:,Purpose: Sturge-Weber syndrome (SWS) is a neurocutaneous disorder with vascular malformations of the skin, brain, and eye. SWS results in ischemic brain injury, seizures, and neurologic deficits. We hypothesized that a decrease in quantitative EEG (qEEG) power, on the affected side, correlates with clinical severity in subjects with SWS. Methods: Fourteen subjects had 16-channel scalp EEG recordings. Data were analyzed using fast Fourier transform and calculation of power asymmetry. Blinded investigators assigned scores for clinical neurological status and qualitative assessment of MRI and EEG asymmetry. Results: The majority of subjects demonstrated lower total power on the affected side, usually involving all four frequency bands (delta, theta, alpha, and beta). qEEG asymmetry correlated strongly with neurologic clinical severity scores and MRI asymmetry scores. qEEG data generally agreed with the MRI evidence of regional brain involvement. In MRI-qEEG comparisons that did not agree, decreased power on qEEG in a brain region not affected on MRI was more likely to occur in subjects with more severe neurologic deficits. Conclusions: qEEG provides an objective measure of EEG asymmetry that correlates with clinical status and brain asymmetry seen on MRI. These findings support the conclusion that qEEG reflects the degree and extent of brain involvement and dysfunction in SWS. qEEG may potentially be a useful tool for early diagnosis and monitoring of disease progression in SWS. qEEG may prove useful, in severely affected individuals with SWS, for determining regions of brain dysfunction. [source] Cerebrospinal fluid 14-3-3-, protein level in eight HIV-negative cryptococcal meningitis adultsEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY, Issue 4 2008W. N. Chang The clinical data and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) 14-3-3-, protein detection of eight adult HIV-negative cryptococcal meningitis (CM) cases were examined. The eight cases included six males and two females aged 35,70 years (mean = 49.8 years). The duration between the onset of CM symptoms and the first CSF study ranged from 1 to 60 days. Initial neuroimaging study was abnormal in 87.5% (7/8) of the cases. All the eight had positive initial and subsequent follow-up CSF 14-3-3-, protein detection. The densitometric values of CSF 14-3-3-, protein were not correlated with either the CSF white blood cell counts or the therapeutic results. The therapeutic results showed that three cases died and five survived. Significant neurologic deficits were shown in 60% (3/5) of the survivors. This study revealed that HIV-negative CM patients have elevated CSF 14-3-3-, protein levels, and that this level is not changed with a short-term treatment. [source] Medical malpractice and the thyroid glandHEAD & NECK: JOURNAL FOR THE SCIENCES & SPECIALTIES OF THE HEAD AND NECK, Issue 6 2003Daniel D. Lydiatt DDS Abstract Background. A medical malpractice litigation "crisis" exists in this country. Analyzing litigation trends through verdict summaries may help understand causes. Methods. Jury verdict reviews from 1987,2000 were obtained from a computerized database. Reviews compile data on defendants, plaintiffs, allegations of wrongdoing, and verdict summaries. Results. Thirty suits from nine states occurred. Plaintiffs were women in 80% of the cases, with a median age of 41. Fifty percent of patients (15 of 30) had a bad outcome, (9 of 30 dead, 4 of 30 with neurologic deficits, 1 blind, and 1 alive with cancer). Thirty percent alleged surgical complications, mostly recurrent laryngeal nerve injury, and 75% of cancer patients alleged a delay, either through falsely negative biopsies or no biopsy taken. Respiratory events occurred in 43% and frequently resulted in large awards. Conclusions. The liberal use of fine-needle aspiration and documentation of surgical risks may help reduce litigation. Complications and bad outcomes do not indicate negligence. Analysis may contribute to risk management strategies or litigation reform. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 25: 429,431, 2003 [source] Pseudomigraine With Lymphocytic Pleocytosis: A Calcium Channelopathy?HEADACHE, Issue 8 2003Clinical Description of 10 Cases, Genetic Analysis of the Familial Hemiplegic Migraine Gene CACNA1A Objective.,To report the clinical findings of 10 patients diagnosed with pseudomigraine with lymphocytic pleocytosis and the results of mutational analysis of the CACNA1A gene in 8 of these patients. Background.,Pseudomigraine with lymphocytic pleocytosis, also referred to as headache with neurologic deficits and cerebrospinal fluid lymphocytosis (HaNDL), is characterized by episodic transient neurologic dysfunction associated with moderate to severe headache and cerebrospinal fluid lymphocytic pleocytosis. Episodes are recurrent and the condition is self-limiting. The etiology of this sporadic condition remains unknown, but the episodic nature and its ability to be triggered by angiography is somewhat reminiscent of the phenotypic features of familial hemiplegic migraine, a condition caused by mutations in the CACNA1A gene. Design/Methods.,Utilizing retrospective chart review, we describe the clinical features of pseudomigraine with lymphocytic pleocytosis in 10 patients. Whole blood was taken from 8 patients (2 were lost to follow-up) and used for DNA testing. The CACNA1A gene was screened for mutations using heteroduplex analysis and direct DNA sequencing. Results.,Clinical features of pseudomigraine with lymphocytic pleocytosis included transient episodes of weakness, sensory and visual symptoms, aphasia, and confusion lasting minutes up to 4 hours. Sensory symptoms, typically affecting the face and arm, were the most common presentation. Localization of symptoms did not conform to vascular territories. Headache was typically throbbing and most often bilateral. Genetic analysis did not identify any mutations in the CACNA1A gene. Conclusions.,Similarities between familial hemiplegic migraine and pseudomigraine with lymphocytic pleocytosis include recurrent headache with reversible neurologic deficit, cerebrospinal fluid lymphocytic pleocytosis, and triggers such as angiography. Even so, heteroduplex analysis and DNA sequencing failed to identify any sporadic mutations or shared polymorphisms in the exons or the intron/exon boundaries of the CACNA1A gene. These results do not support a role of the CACNA1A gene in the etiology of pseudomigraine with lymphocytic pleocytosis. [source] Extensive Brain Stem Lesions in Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura: Repeat Magnetic Resonance FindingsJOURNAL OF NEUROIMAGING, Issue 1 2005Sun Ah Park MD ABSTRACT The authors report on an unusual case of extensive brain stem lesions as a manifestation of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). A 28-year-old woman developed rapidly progressive neurologic deficits 5 days after a cesarean delivery. Her condition had been normal after delivery. Initial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed extensive T2 hyperintense lesions involving the entire brain stem; only part of the pons showed hyperintense abnormalities in a concomitantly taken diffusion-weighted image. The hematologic evaluations and her clinical course revealed the diagnosis of TTP, so plasma exchange and methyl-prednisolone therapy were initiated. After 10 days of treatment, she developed neurologic improvement. A follow-up MRI on the 75th day revealed dramatically reduced brain stem lesions with only residual punctate lesions in the pons. Her remaining neurologic deficits were dysarthria, limb ataxia, and left hemiparesis. As demonstrated in this study, extensive brain stem involvement should be added as a possible neuroimaging feature of TTP. [source] The role of thrombin in gliomasJOURNAL OF THROMBOSIS AND HAEMOSTASIS, Issue 9 2005Y. HUA Summary.,Background:,In a previous study we found that intracerebral infusion of argatroban, a specific thrombin inhibitor, reduces brain edema and neurologic deficits in a C6 glioma model. Objectives:,To examine the role of thrombin in gliomas and whether systemic argatroban administration can reduce glioma mass and neurologic deficits and extend survival time in C6 and F98 gliomas. Methods:,The presence of thrombin in human glioblastoma samples and rat C6 glioma cells (in vitro and in vivo) was assessed using immunohistochemistry. The effect of thrombin on C6 cell proliferation in vitro was assessed using a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide assay. The role of thrombin in vivo was assessed in rat C6 and F98 glioma cell models using argatroban, a thrombin inhibitor. The effects of argatroban on tumor mass, neurologic deficits and survival time were investigated. Results:,Thrombin immunoreactivity was found in cultured rat C6 glioma cells and human glioblastomas. Thrombin induced C6 cell proliferation in vitro. In C6 glioma, argatroban reduced glioma mass (P < 0.05) and neurologic deficits (P < 0.05) at day 9. In F98 glioma, argatroban prolonged survival time (P < 0.05). Conclusion:,These results suggest that thrombin plays an important role in glioma growth. Thrombin may be a new therapeutic target for gliomas. [source] Outbreak of Neurologic Disease Caused by Equine Herpesvirus-1 at a University Equestrian CenterJOURNAL OF VETERINARY INTERNAL MEDICINE, Issue 1 2007Rick W. Henninger Background: Equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1) infection causes neurologic disease in horses. However, risk factors for the disease and long-term prognosis are poorly characterized. Hypothesis: There are identifiable risk factors for equine herpes-1 myeloencephalopathy. Animals: The entire population of 135 horses housed within the equestrian facility. Methods: A descriptive study investigated the clinical, serologic, virologic, and management aspects of an outbreak of EHV-1 myeloencephalopathy. Results: Out of 135 horses at the facility, 117 displayed signs of EHV-1 infection. Forty-six horses developed neurologic deficits characterized by symmetrical hind limb ataxia and weakness. Twelve horses that developed neurologic deficits became recumbent and did not survive. The development of severe neurologic deficits during the outbreak was associated with the presence of residual deficits at the 6-month examination. Within 1 year of the outbreak onset, all horses that survived had returned to an exercise level comparable to that experienced before the outbreak. Factors associated with the development of neurologic disease included age of > 5 years, location in the south or arena stall areas, and highest rectal temperature on day 3 or later of the febrile period. Conclusions and clinical importance: Being > 5 years of age, having had a rectal temperature of > 103.5°F, and highest rectal temperature occurring on or after the 3rd day of the febrile period were the factors most predictive of the development of neurologic disease and death. Data obtained during this outbreak substantiate previous findings relating to clinical aspects and diagnosis of EHV-1 myeloencephalopathy. The prophylactic and therapeutic use of acyclovir during this outbreak is described. [source] Catheter Tip Granuloma Associated with Sacral Region Intrathecal Drug AdministrationNEUROMODULATION, Issue 4 2003Fernandez Julius MD Abstract Spinal cord compression from catheter tip granulomatous masses following intrathecal drug administration may produce devastating permanent neurologic deficits. Some authors have advocated intrathecal catheter placement below the conus medullaris to avoid the possibility of spinal cord involvement. Multiple cases of catheter tip granulomas in the thoracolumbar region have been reported. We present a unique case of a sacral region catheter tip inflammatory mass producing permanent neurologic deficits. A 71-year-old white male with a diagnosis of failed back surgery syndrome was referred to the senior author for evaluation. After more extensive conservative therapy, including spinal cord stimulation, failed to yield adequate pain relief, he was offered implantation of an intrathecal pump for opioid administration. Excellent pain relief was achieved in the postoperative period; however, three years after implantation, he presented with progressive saddle anesthesia and bowel/bladder incontinence. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a space occupying lesion associated with the catheter tip. The patient underwent emergent second level complete sacral laminectomy with partial resection of an intradural extra-axial mass and removal of intrathecal catheter. At discharge, the patient had no restoration of neurologic function. Histologic examination of the mass confirmed a sterile inflammatory mass. It has been suggested that intrathecal catheters be placed below the conus medullaris to avoid the possibility of spinal cord involvement. We present an unusual case documenting devastating permanent neurologic deficits from a catheter tip granuloma in the sacral region. [source] A contiguous deletion syndrome of X-linked agammaglobulinemia and sensorineural deafnessPEDIATRIC ALLERGY AND IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 2 2001Darko Richter Hearing loss in patients with X-linked agammaglobulinemia is often attributed to recurrent infections. However, recent genetic studies suggest a different etiology in some patients. We present three unrelated patients, 6, 9, and 14 years of age, with large deletions of the terminal portion of the Bruton tyrosine kinase (Btk) gene extending 4.2,19 kb beyond the 3, end of the gene. The DNA immediately downstream of the 3, end of Btk contains the deafness-dystonia protein gene (DDP). Mutations in this gene have recently been shown to underlie the Mohr,Tranebjaerg syndrome, which is characterized by sensorineural deafness, dystonia, and mental deficiency. Besides the immunodeficiency, our patients exhibited progressive sensorineural deafness. The clue to an associated hearing problem was delayed development of speech in one patient and post-lingual deafness noticed between the age of 3,4 years in the other two. These patients have not yet exhibited significant associated neurologic deficits. [source] Predicting behavioral problems in craniopharyngioma survivors after conformal radiation therapyPEDIATRIC BLOOD & CANCER, Issue 7 2009Eugenia P. Dolson BS Abstract Background Although radiation therapy is a primary treatment for craniopharyngioma, it can exacerbate existing problems related to the tumor and pre-irradiation management. Survival is often marked by neurologic deficits, panhypopituitarism, diabetes insipidus, cognitive deficiencies, and behavioral and social problems. Procedure The Achenbach Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) was used to evaluate behavioral and social problems during the first 5 years of follow-up in 27 patients with craniopharyngioma treated with conformal radiation therapy. Results All group averages for the CBCL scales were within the age-typical range at pre-irradiation baseline. Extent of surgical resection was implicated in baseline differences for the internalizing, externalizing, behavior problem and social scores. Significant longitudinal changes were found in internalizing, externalizing, behavior problem and school scores that correlated with tumor and treatment-related factors. Conclusions The most common variables implicated in post-irradiation behavioral and social problems were CSF shunting, presence of an Ommaya reservoir, diabetes insipidus, and low pre-irradiation growth hormone levels. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009;52:860,864. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Determinants of prognosis of acute transverse myelitis in childrenPEDIATRICS INTERNATIONAL, Issue 5 2003Reiko Miyazawa Abstract Background: Acute transverse myelitis (ATM) is a severe disorder; recovery requires several months and often leaves neurologic residua. To determine what features of patients with acute transverse myelitis significantly influence prognosis, the authors reviewed reports of ATM in Japanese children published in the last 15 years (from 1987 to 2001). Methods: The authors studied reports of 50 Japanese patients (17 boys, 26 girls, 7 children of unspecified sex; mean age ± SD, 8.0 ± 3.8 years). Acute-phase and demographic features including age, increased deep tendon reflexes, Babinski reflex, sex, preceding infection, decreased deep tendon reflexes, time course of peak neurologic impairment, treatment with prednisolone and/or high-dose methylprednisolone, and the day of illness when treatment was started were used as independent variables in a regression analysis. The dependent variable was long-term persistence of neurologic deficits. Results: Younger patients and those without increased deep tendon reflexes or a Babinski reflex were more likely to have residual neurologic deficits such as paraplegia or tetraplegia, sensory loss and sphincter disturbance. No relationship was seen between prognosis and sex, preceding infections, decreased deep tendon reflexes, time course of peak neurologic impairment, treatment with prednisolone or high-dose methylprednisolone, or timing of treatment initiation. Conclusions: Age at onset and neurologic features were important for outcome prediction in ATM. Steroid therapy did not associate with better outcome. [source] Amelioration of brain pathology and behavioral dysfunction in mice with lupus following treatment with a tolerogenic peptideARTHRITIS & RHEUMATISM, Issue 12 2009Smadar Lapter Objective Central nervous system (CNS) involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is manifested by neurologic deficits and psychiatric disorders. The aim of this study was to examine SLE-associated CNS pathology in lupus-prone (NZB × NZW)F1 (NZB/NZW) mice, and to evaluate the ameliorating effects of treatment with a tolerogenic peptide, hCDR1 (human first complementarity-determining region), on these manifestations. Methods Histopathologic analyses of brains from lupus-prone NZB/NZW mice treated with vehicle, hCDR1, or a control scrambled peptide were performed. The messenger RNA expression of SLE-associated cytokines and apoptosis-related molecules from the hippocampi was determined. Anxiety-like behavior was assessed by open-field tests and dark/light transfer tests, and memory deficit was assessed using a novel object recognition test. Results Infiltration was evident in the hippocampi of the lupus-afflicted mice, and the presence of CD3+ T cells as well as IgG and complement C3 complex deposition was observed. Furthermore, elevated levels of gliosis and loss of neuronal nuclei immunoreactivity were also observed in the hippocampi of the mice with lupus. Treatment with hCDR1 ameliorated the histopathologic changes. Treatment with hCDR1 down-regulated the high expression of interleukin-1, (IL-1,), IL-6, IL-10, interferon-,, transforming growth factor ,, and the proapoptotic molecule caspase 8 in the hippocampi of the mice with lupus, and up-regulated expression of the antiapoptotic bcl -xL gene. Diseased mice exhibited increased anxiety-like behavior and memory deficit. Treatment with hCDR1 improved these parameters, as assessed by behavior tests. Conclusion Treatment with hCDR1 ameliorated CNS pathology and improved the tested cognitive and mood-related behavior of the mice with lupus. Thus, hCDR1 is a novel candidate for the treatment of CNS lupus. [source] COMBINED SPINAL AND EPIDURAL ANAESTHESIA WITH CHLOROPROCAINE FOR HYSTERECTOMYCLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL PHARMACOLOGY AND PHYSIOLOGY, Issue 1 2008Run-Qiao Fu SUMMARY 1The aim of the present study was to determine the clinical efficacy and safety of chloroprocaine (CP) for gynaecological surgery. 2One hundred and twenty gynaecological patients scheduled for hysterectomy were divided randomly into four groups: Group A (n = 30), 2.5% CP 1.0 mL; Group B (n = 30), 2.5% CP 1.2 mL; Group C (n = 30), 2.5% CP 1.4 mL; and Group D (n = 30), 2.5% CP 1.6 mL. The dose of CP used in each group was mixed with 1 mL vehicle containing 5% glucose and 1.5% ephedrine. Spinal anaesthesia was achieved by lumbar puncture in the L2,3 interspace and injection of the mixture. Wherever necessary, CP (2.5%) was used for epidural anaesthesia. 3Although the times to onset and peak effect, as well as the grade of motor block of the lower limbs (Bromage scale), were similar among the four groups, the level of the highest sensory nerve block increased gradually, from T7 (± 1), T6 (± 1), T4 (± 1) to T3 (± 1) in Groups A, B, C and D, respectively. The rate of unsatisfactory spinal anaesthesia was 80 and 16.7% in Groups A and B, respectively, and consequently epidural anaesthesia was superimposed in those patients for surgery to start. Spinal anaesthesia was very satisfactory for surgery in Groups C and D. In contrast, the incidence of hypotension in Groups B, C and D was 6.7, 16.7 and 67.7%, respectively; however, respiratory depression only occurred in Group D in nine cases (30%). No other adverse events or neurologic deficits were found. 4The present results suggest that 30,35 mg CP in a total volume of 2.2,2.4 mL used for spinal anaesthesia in hysterectomy is safe and efficient. The combination of spinal and epidural anaesthesia with 2.5% CP can achieve 100% satisfactory anaesthesia for this type of surgery. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||