European journal of neurology : the official journal of the European Federation of Neurological Societies
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Idiopathic inflammatory demyelinating disorders (IIDD) affect the central nervous system. In classical multiple sclerosis (CMS), brain, optic nerves [optic neuritis (ON)] and spinal cord [acute transverse myelitis (ATM)] are affected. In neuromyelitis optica (NMO), optic nerves and spinal cord are predominantly affected. NMO-IgG, an autoantibody targeting aquaporin-4, is a marker for NMO. We studied the frequency and clinical relevance of NMO-IgG seropositivity in IIDD patients. ⋯ Neuromyelitis optica -IgG facilitates diagnosis of NMO spectrum disorders. NMO-IgG seropositivity is associated with higher relapse rate in first 2 years.
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Overlooking a potential diagnosis of cauda equina syndrome (CES) can result in severe long-term neurologic deficits. There is a growing trend to order urgent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of the lumbar spine in any patient presenting with signs suspicious for CES. A substantial number of these MRI scans do not show cauda compression. The purpose of this study is to assess whether clinical characteristics can predict MRI-confirmed cauda compression. ⋯ In our series, urinary retention of more than 500 ml alone or in combination with two or more specific clinical characteristics were the most important predictors of MRI confirmed cauda compressions.
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Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is an independent risk factor for stroke. Impairment of cerebral autoregulation may play a potential role in the pre-disposition to stroke of OSAS patients. In this study, we aimed to assess dynamic cerebral autoregulation (DCA) during wakefulness in OSAS patients and a group of matched controls. ⋯ Cerebral autoregulation is impaired in patients with OSAS during wakefulness. Impairment of cerebral autoregulation is correlated with the severity of OSAS.