Journal of neurology
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Journal of neurology · Oct 2004
Comparative StudyCombined MR spectroscopic imaging and diffusion tensor MRI visualizes corticospinal tract degeneration in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Motor neuron damage and cortical spinal tract (CST) degeneration are pathological features of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We combined whole-brain diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and three-dimensional magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) to study the CST at different locations. Eight ALS patients were compared with normal controls. ⋯ NAA/Cr ratios were also decreased in ALS patients compared with normal controls, with significant differences in the SWM and PV but not in PIC. Combined whole-brain DTI and MRSI can detect axonal degeneration in ALS. Measurements of FA obtained in the SWM, CS, PV and PIC, and NAA/Cr ratios in the SWM and PV yield the most robust results.
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Journal of neurology · Oct 2004
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical TrialA placebo-controlled trial of gabapentin for painful HIV-associated sensory neuropathies.
Painful HIV-associated sensory neuropathies (HIV-SN) are a common complication of HIV infection. The pathogenesis is unknown and the treatment very limited. Gabapentin (GBP) is effective in painful diabetic neuropathy and postherpetic neuralgia and its effectiveness on painful HIV-SN has been reported anecdotally. ⋯ GBP was more effective than placebo in reducing pain and sleep interference in patients with HIV-SN.