Neurology
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Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is typically a monophasic demyelinating disorder. However, a clinical presentation consistent with ADEM can also be the first manifestation of multiple sclerosis (MS), particularly in children. Quantitative analyses of MRI images from children with monophasic ADEM have yet to be compared with those from children with MS, and MRI criteria capable of distinguishing ADEM from MS at onset have yet to be derived. ⋯ MRI diagnostic criteria are proposed that may be useful in differentiating children experiencing the first attack of multiple sclerosis from those with monophasic acute disseminated encephalomyelitis.
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MRI diagnostic criteria have not yet been adopted for pediatric multiple sclerosis (MS). MRI plays a pivotal role in supporting the diagnosis of MS in adults. We sought to quantitatively define the MRI features of pediatric MS, to determine features that distinguish MS from nondemyelinating relapsing childhood neurologic disorders, and to propose MRI criteria for lesion dissemination in space in children with MS. ⋯ We propose modifications to the currently established McDonald MRI criteria for lesion dissemination in space that will enhance the diagnostic accuracy of these criteria for multiple sclerosis in children.
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Clinical Trial
Acute ischemic stroke: imaging-guided tenecteplase treatment in an extended time window.
Tenecteplase is a modified tissue plasminogen activator with a longer half-life and higher fibrin specificity than alteplase. ⋯ Tenecteplase 0.1 mg/kg, using advanced imaging guidance in an extended time window, may have significant biologic efficacy in acute ischemic stroke. The imaging selection differences between the tenecteplase and alteplase groups prevent a conclusive efficacy comparison. Nonetheless, these results lend support for randomized trials comparing tenecteplase with alteplase, preferably incorporating penumbral/angiographic imaging selection.
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In amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI), functional neuronal connectivity may be altered, as suggested by quantitative EEG and neuroimaging data. In young healthy humans, the execution of linguistic tasks modifies the excitability of the hand area of the dominant primary motor cortex (M1(hand)), as tested by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). We used TMS to investigate functional connectivity between language-related cortical areas and M1(hand) in aMCI. ⋯ Findings suggest that functional connectivity between the language-related brain regions and the dominant M1(hand) may be altered in amnestic mild cognitive impairment. Follow-up studies will reveal whether transcranial magnetic stimulation application during linguistic tasks may contribute to characterize the risk of conversion to Alzheimer disease.