Journal of neuroimaging : official journal of the American Society of Neuroimaging
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In hyperglycemic patients, who succumbed to septic shock, an increased rate of apoptosis of microglial cells and damaged neurons of the hippocampus were found. However, the influence of perioperative glucose levels on hippocampal brain structures has not yet been investigated. ⋯ This study found no effect of intraoperative hyperglycemia on postoperative brain structures and volumes including volumes of hippocampus and hippocampal subfields, frontal lobe, and frontal cortical thickness. Further studies investigating the impact of intraoperatively elevated glucose levels should consider a tighter or even continuous glycemic measurement and the determination of central microglial activation.
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Stroke, either ischemic or hemorrhagic, accounts for significantly high morbidity and mortality rates around the globe effecting millions of lives annually. For the past few decades, ultrasound has been extensively investigated to promote clot lysis for the treatment of stroke, myocardial infarction, and acute peripheral arterial occlusions, with or without the use of tPA or contrast agents. In the age of modern minimal invasive techniques, magnetic resonance imaging-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound is a new emerging modality that seems to promise therapeutic utilities for both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. ⋯ Apart from safety and efficacy, initiation of trials would further enable answers regarding its practical application in a clinical setup. Though this technology has been under study for treatment of various brain diseases for some decades now, relatively very few neurologists and even neurosurgeons seem to be acquainted with it. The aim of this review is to provide basic understanding of this powerful technology and discuss its clinical application and potential role as an emerging viable therapeutic option for the future management of stroke.
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Degeneration of gray matter and subcortical structures after ischemic stroke has been well described. However, little is known about white matter degeneration after stroke. It is unclear whether white matter degeneration occurs throughout the whole brain, or whether patterns of degeneration occur more in specific brain areas. ⋯ White matter changes after stroke may be localized rather than a global phenomenon.
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Multiple sclerosis (MS) diffusely abnormal white matter (DAWM) is a mildly hyperintense magnetic resonance imaging abnormality distinct from typical lesions. Our goal was to investigate the prevalence and natural history of DAWM in a large cohort (n = 348) of relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) patients. ⋯ DAWM is present in a quarter of RRMS patients, and rarely increases or develops de novo. DAWM predicts brain atrophy but does not predict physical disability. Because of its posterior periventricular location, further investigation is warranted to evaluate its relationship to other measures of disability, including visual spatial processing and cognitive function.