scholarly journals Retrospective Analysis of EEG in Patients With COVID-19: EEG Recording in Acute and Follow-up Phases

2021 ◽  
pp. 155005942110359
Author(s):  
Isabel Sáez-Landete ◽  
Adriana Gómez-Domínguez ◽  
Beatriz Estrella-León ◽  
Alba Díaz-Cid ◽  
Olga Fedirchyk ◽  
...  

Background. Interest in electroencephalographic (EEG) coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) findings has been growing, especially in the search for a specific-features EEG of encephalopathy. Methods. We made a retrospective analysis of 29 EEGs recorded in 15 patients with COVID-19 and neurological symptoms. We classified the EEGs as “Acute EEG” and “follow-up EEG.” We did a statistical analysis between voltage and respiratory status of the patient, stay or not in the intensive care unit (ICU), days of stay in the ICU, sedative drugs, pharmacological treatment, type of symptoms predominating, and outcome. Results. We found EEG abnormalities in all patients studied. We observed the amplitude of background <20 µV at 93% of “acute EEG,” versus only 21.4% of “follow-up EEG.” The average voltage went from 12.33 ± 5.09 µV in the acute EEGs to 32.8 ± 20.13 µV in the follow-up EEGs. A total of 60% of acute EEGs showed an intermittent focal rhythmic. We have not found a statistically significant association between voltage of acute EEG and nonneurological clinical status (including respiratory) that may interfere with the EEG findings. Conclusions. Nonspecific diffuse slowing EEG pattern in COVID-19 is the most common finding reported, but we found in addition to that, as a distinctive finding, low voltage EEG, that could explain the low prevalence of epileptic activity published in these patients. A metabolic/hypoxic mechanism seems unlikely on the basis of our EEG findings. This pattern in other etiologies is reminiscent of severe encephalopathy states associated with poor prognosis. However, an unreactive low voltage pattern in COVID-19 patients is not necessarily related to poor prognosis.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helena Donath ◽  
Ursula Hess ◽  
Matthias Kieslich ◽  
Marius Theis ◽  
Ute Ohlenschläger ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Ataxia telangiectasia (A-T) is a rare autosomal-recessive multisystem disorder characterized by pronounced cerebellar ataxia, telangiectasia, cancer predisposition and altered body composition. In addition, evidence is rising for endocrine dysfunction. Objectives: To determine the evolution of diabetes and its prevalence in a larger A-T cohort. Methods: A retrospective analysis of the patient charts of 39 subjects from the Frankfurt A-T cohort was performed between August 2002 and 2018 concerning HbA1c and oral glucose tolerance (OGTT). The median follow-up period was 4 years (1-16 years). In addition, in 31 A-T patients aged 1 to 38 years HbA1c and fasting glucose were studied prospectively from 2018-2019. Results: In the retrospective analysis, we could demonstrate a longitudinal increase of HbA1c. The prospective analysis showed a significant increase of HbA1c and fasting glucose with age (r = 0.79, p <0.0001). OGTT has a good sensitivity for IR screening, whereas HbA1c can be used to evaluate individual courses and therapy response. Seven out of 39 (17.9%) patients suffered from diabetes. Metformin did not always lead to sufficient diabetes control; one patient was treated successfully with repaglinide. Conclusion: Diabetes is a common finding in older A-T patients and often starts in puberty. Our data clearly demonstrate the need for an annual diabetes screening in patients > 12 years.


2016 ◽  
Vol 34 (2_suppl) ◽  
pp. 136-136
Author(s):  
Andrea Katharina Thissen ◽  
Daniel Porres ◽  
David J. K. P. Pfister ◽  
Axel Heidenreich

136 Background: Prostate cancer (Pca) has been found incidentally in radical cystoprostatectomy (RCP) specimens in 27-70%. We evaluated histopathological features and clinical outcome of patients with incidental Pca undergoing RCP for urothelial bladder cancer and identified potential risk factors for the presence of significant Pca, being defined as Gleason Score ≥7b, primary tumor ≥T2c or Pca volume ≥0.5cm3. Methods: A retrospective analysis of patients who underwent RCP between 01/2005-03/2015 was performed with regard to clinical data and pathohistological features. Whole mount serial sections of specimens were examined in the same urological and pathological institution. Pca grade, p-stage, cancer volume and surgical margins were recorded. Preoperative PSA values and follow-up were analysed. Results: We identified 71 patients with incidental Pca with a mean age of 71.7 years (47-84 years). 33/71 patients (46.5%) had significant Pca (28.2% ≥T2c, 4.2% GS ≥7b [+≥T2c], 14.1% cancer volume ≥0.5cm3[+≥T2c]). Other features were as follows: pT2a, n=36 (50.7%); pT2b, n=2 (2.8%); GS 6, n=50 (70.4%); GS 7a, n=18 (25,3%). All patients were R0 and N0 for Pca. Mean preoperative PSA level was 2.7ng/ml. None of the patients developed biochemical recurrence (median follow-up: 29.5 [1-124 months]). Patients with significant Pca were older than those with insignificant Pca (median age 71.2 years vs 70.1 years) and had higher preoperative PSA levels: 90% of patients with a PSA level of 4-10ng/ml had a ≥T2c Pca, while 81.5% of patients with PSA levels of 0-1ng/ml had a pT2a Pca. P-stages in patients with PSA values between 1-4ng/ml were found to be equally distributed between pT2a-pT2c. Conclusions: The occurence of incidental Pca is a common finding in patients undergoing RCP, with a considerable proportion having the characteristics of significant Pca. Potential risk factors for significant Pca are older age and PSA levels >4ng/ml. However, none of the patients experienced biochemical relapse or Pca-related death during the follow-up. In line with published data, incidental Pca does not impact on the oncological outcome of patients undergoing RCP. The prognosis is primarily determined by bladder cancer.


Blood ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 122 (21) ◽  
pp. 5115-5115
Author(s):  
Hasmukh Jain ◽  
Manju Sengar ◽  
Hari Menon ◽  
Uma Dangi ◽  
Bhausaheb Bagal ◽  
...  

Abstract Poor prognosis DLBCL, including intermediate and high risk disease according to IPI accounts for approximately 20% of new cases of DLBCL. The addition of rituximab to conventional chemotherapy (CHOP) has improved the outcomes in this subset, with a 2-year overall survival (OS) of about 50%. However, 40-50% of these patients still have either primary refractory disease or relapse after an initial response. Rituximab-EPOCH (R-EPOCH), an infusional regimen has a dynamic dose adjustment strategy based on the hematopoietic nadir in previous cycle to achieve an optimal drug concentration. Phase II studies with R-EPOCH in untreated DLBCL with intermediate and high risk IPI have reported improved outcomes, with an estimated 2-year OS of 75% which appears superior to that of R-CHOP. Hence we analysed the outcomes of patients with de-novo, poor prognosis (intermediate and high risk IPI) DLBCL who received R-EPOCH and compared it to the  historical cohort of patients who were treated with R CHOP at our centre. Methods Treatment-naïve patients of DLBCL with intermediate or high risk IPI, registered at our centre between November 2011 to June 2013, who received R-EPOCH regimen, were included for the analysis. Case records were reviewed for – demography, histology, stage, bulk of disease, extranodal sites,  performance status, IPI, LDH, albumin, details of chemotherapy, grade ¾ toxicities (CTCAE version 4) and need for hospitalization.  Responses were evaluated at mid and end of chemotherapy. Overall and progression free survival were calculated. Similar analysis was done for poor prognosis DLBCL patients treated with R-CHOP between Jan 2007 to December 2010. Results Baseline characteristics and treatment outcomes of  32 patients (males-24, females-8) treated with R-EPOCH were compared to 42 patients (males-28, females-14) who received R- CHOP. Median age in R- EPOCH group was 47 years (range-20-75 years) versus 55 years (23-72 years )in R- CHOP. Performance status≥ 2 was seen in 47% in R- EPOCH as compared to 28% in R-CHOP group. Significant proportion of patients in R-EPOCH had bulky disease(81% versus  16%) and stage III/IV disease (90% versus 81%) as compared to R-CHOP. Patients with IPI of two represented 8(25%), IPI of three, 11(34%), and IPI of four and five, 10(32%) on R- EPOCH compared to 21(50%), 19(45%) and 2(5%) on R-CHOP, respectively. Serum albumin<3.5 gm/dL was seen in 10(32%) on R-EPOCH and 14(33%) on R-CHOP. LDH was elevated in all but two patients on R-EPOCH compared to 37(88%) patients on R-CHOP. Complete response was seen in 60%, and disease progression in 18% patients on R-EPOCH, compared to 59%, and 20% on R-CHOP respectively. There were 5 deaths on R-EPOCH, 3 due to toxicity and 2 due to disease progression, and in comparison there were 4 deaths on R-CHOP, all of them due to disease progression.  With a median follow up of 6 months, the estimated OS at 1 year is 74% and progression free survival (PFS) is 62% for patients on R- EPOCH. For patients on R- CHOP, with a median follow up of 31 months, 1 year OS is 68% and PFS is 64%. Conclusion Our retrospective analysis indicates that treatment with R-EPOCH regimen resulted in similar results as with R-CHOP regimen. However patients treated with R-EPOCH had more adverse features in terms of disease bulk, poor performance status and high IPI score. A prospective randomized comparison is warranted between these two regimens. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


Blood ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 128 (22) ◽  
pp. 5305-5305
Author(s):  
Chiara Ciochetto ◽  
Maria Stella Scalzo ◽  
Barbara Botto ◽  
Alessia Castellino ◽  
Annalisa Chiappella ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction: MYC and BCL2 overexpression assessed by IHC and rearrangement detected by FISH are important prognostic factor in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL). Double Hit Lymphoma (DHL) patients have a poor prognosis with conventional therapy and Double expressor Lymphoma (DE) have worse outcome compared with conventional DLBCL although data are controversial. Aimed at a better knowledge of this issue, we performed a retrospective analysis to determine prevalence and outcome of Single Hit Lymphoma (SHL), DHL and DE in patients with de-novo DLBCL treated with Rituximab and CHOP. Methods: de novo DLBCL treated with R-CHOP between January 2003 and December 2013 were included in the study. BCL2 and BCL6 expression were evaluated by IHC at diagnosis while MYC expression was retrospectively investigated with Tissue Micro Arrays (TMA) technique; cases were considered positive for MYC, BCL2 or BCL6 expression by IHC if >40%, >40% or >25% of cells stained positive, respectively. FISH analysis for MYC and BCL2 rearrangements were performed with dual color break apart probes on TMA. PFS and OS were estimated with Kaplan-Meier method and compared between groups with the Cox model. We further evaluated in this series the IHC score proposed by Botto et al. (Blood 2014 124:2964) in DLBCL. The score was based on the assessment in IHC of the expression of MYC, BCL2 and BCL6. The three variable contributed with different risk in the multivariate analysis and an IHC sum additive score of 0-5 was calculated proportionally to the coefficient estimated (coefficient [Log hazard ratio] 0.92 for MYC+, 0.73 for BCL2+ and 0.48 for BCL6-), assigning an individual risk of 2 points for MYC or BCL2 positivity and 1 point for BCL6 negativity. Patients were stratified in three different risk groups; Low risk (0-1 point), Intermediate risk (2 points) and High risk (≥3 points). Results: Of a total of299 DLBCL screened, 267 were evaluable for survival analysis; median age was 65 years (range 20-90). 154 patients had complete immunohystochemical data and 101 were fully investigated by IHC and FISH. No significant differences in clinical presentation or in the outcome were seen between patients with or without available histologic tissue for IHC and FISH. Among 154 patients with complete IHC data we found 12 (8%) DLBCL without expression (DLBCL), 96 (62%) Single expressor (SE), 46 DE (30%). With a median follow up of 60 months, 5-year PFS rates were: DLBCL 90%, SE 60% and DE 43% respectively (fig 1) (HR 8.25 (95% CI: 1.12 -60.99) p 0.039); 5ys OS rates were 91%, 68% and 57% respectively (HR 5.72 (95% CI: 0.77 - 42.82) p 0.08). Applying the prognostic model (adjusted for IPI and age) defined in our previous pilot study we recorded 12/154 patients with low risk score, 61/154 with intermediate and 81/154 patients in high risk group. 5y-PFS rates were 91% vs 67% vs 45% (p=0.014) respectively (HR 1.74 (95% CI: 1.12 -2.69) p 0.014). Among 101 patients investigated by FISH we recorded 10 SHL (10%) and 8 DHL (8%). Clinical characteristics were superimposable among DLBCL, SHL and DHL with a prevalence of non GCB phenotype in DE group (56%). Among 101 patients fully investigated for FISH and IHC, 38 patients had MYC overexpression by IHC; 11 of them had also a MYC translocation. We found 3 cases with MYC rearrangement without protein overexpression. With a median follow up of 60 months PFS in DLBCL, SHL and DHL was 65%, 58% and 25% respectively (fig. 2); 5 ys OS was 70%, 77% and 25% respectively. The worse prognosis of DHL was statistically significant with an HR of 3.3 (95% CI: 1.37- 7.94, p 0.008) in terms of PFS and 3.9 (95% CI:1.59- 9.52 p 0.003) in terms of OS. Conclusion: Our data confirmed that our IHC prognostic score based on MYC, BCL2 and BCL6 expression, is a simple, reproducible and valid prognostic assessment that identify three groups with a different outcome in a large cohort of DLBCL. Moreover these data confirm intermediate prognosis for patients with DE lymphoma and poor prognosis of DHL treated with conventional chemoimmunotherapy. Figure 1 PFS in patients with complete IHC data Figure 1. PFS in patients with complete IHC data Figure 2 PFS in patients with complete FISH data Figure 2. PFS in patients with complete FISH data Disclosures Chiappella: Roche: Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Speakers Bureau; Janssen-Cilag: Speakers Bureau; Teva: Speakers Bureau; Pfizer: Speakers Bureau; Amgen: Speakers Bureau. Cavallo:Celgene: Honoraria; Onyx: Honoraria; Janssen-Cilag: Honoraria. Vitolo:Celgene: Honoraria; Gilead: Honoraria; Janssen: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Takeda: Honoraria; Roche: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau.


Author(s):  
Maximilian Patzig ◽  
Robert Forbrig ◽  
Clemens Küpper ◽  
Ozan Eren ◽  
Tobias Saam ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective To approach the clinical value of MRI with vessel wall imaging (VWI) in patients with central nervous system vasculitis (CNSV), we analyzed patterns of VWI findings both at the time of initial presentation and during follow-up. Methods Stenoocclusive lesions, vessel-wall contrast enhancement (VW-CE) and diffusion-restricted lesions were analyzed in patients with a diagnosis of CNSV. On available VWI follow-up, progression, regression or stability of VW-CE were evaluated and correlated with the clinical status. Results Of the 45 patients included, 28 exhibited stenoses visible on MR angiography (MRA-positive) while 17 had no stenosis (MRA-negative). VW-CE was found in 2/17 MRA-negative and all MRA-positive patients (p < 0.05). 79.1% (53/67) of stenoses showed VW-CE. VW-CE was concentric in 88.3% and eccentric in 11.7% of cases. Diffusion-restricted lesions were found more frequently in relation to stenoses with VW-CE than without VW-CE (p < 0.05). 48 VW-CE lesions in 23 patients were followed over a median time of 239.5 days. 13 VW-CE lesions (27.1%) resolved completely, 14 (29.2%) showed partial regression, 17 (35.4%) remained stable and 4 (8.3%) progressed. 22/23 patients received immunosuppressive therapy for the duration of follow-up. Patients with stable or progressive VW-CE were more likely (p < 0.05) to have a relapse (14/30 cases) than patients with partial or complete regression of VW-CE (5/25 cases). Conclusion Concentric VW-CE is a common finding in medium/large-sized vessel CNSV. VW-CE might represent active inflammation in certain situations. However, follow-up VWI findings proved ambiguous as persisting VW-CE despite immunosuppressive therapy and clinical remission was a frequent finding.


Author(s):  
Julie L. Wambaugh ◽  
Lydia Kallhoff ◽  
Christina Nessler

Purpose This study was designed to examine the association of dosage and effects of Sound Production Treatment (SPT) for acquired apraxia of speech. Method Treatment logs and probe data from 20 speakers with apraxia of speech and aphasia were submitted to a retrospective analysis. The number of treatment sessions and teaching episodes was examined relative to (a) change in articulation accuracy above baseline performance, (b) mastery of production, and (c) maintenance. The impact of practice schedule (SPT-Blocked vs. SPT-Random) was also examined. Results The average number of treatment sessions conducted prior to change was 5.4 for SPT-Blocked and 3.9 for SPT-Random. The mean number of teaching episodes preceding change was 334 for SPT-Blocked and 179 for SPT-Random. Mastery occurred within an average of 13.7 sessions (1,252 teaching episodes) and 12.4 sessions (1,082 teaching episodes) for SPT-Blocked and SPT-Random, respectively. Comparisons of dosage metric values across practice schedules did not reveal substantial differences. Significant negative correlations were found between follow-up probe performance and the dosage metrics. Conclusions Only a few treatment sessions were needed to achieve initial positive changes in articulation, with mastery occurring within 12–14 sessions for the majority of participants. Earlier occurrence of change or mastery was associated with better follow-up performance. Supplemental Material https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.12592190


2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Ikuma Nozaki ◽  
Yumi Tone ◽  
Junko Yamanaka ◽  
Hideko Uryu ◽  
Yuko Shimizu-Motohashi ◽  
...  

We report about a 14-year-old boy who presented with an anterior mediastinal mass that was diagnosed as malignant teratoma. Surgical resection was performed along with pre- and postoperative chemotherapy. Although elevated alpha-fetoprotein became negative, he experienced pain in his right hip joint 3 months after resection. Systematic evaluation revealed multiple locations of metastasis, and the pathological diagnosis based on bone biopsy was malignant melanoma originating from malignant teratoma, which rapidly progressed. He died 15 months after diagnosis of the original malignant teratoma. Diagnosing and treating malignant transformation of teratoma, including malignant melanoma, is difficult because it is very rare. To our knowledge, this is the second reported case of malignant melanoma arising from a mediastinum malignant teratoma, with both cases having a poor prognosis. In addition to the follow-up of tumor markers, systematic evaluation, including imaging, should be considered even after remission to monitor malignant transformation of teratoma. We expect to establish a successful therapy and improve mortality rate after more such cases are accumulated.


2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 146-148
Author(s):  
Lara Girelli ◽  
Elena Prisciandaro ◽  
Niccolò Filippi ◽  
Lorenzo Spaggiari

Abstract Oesophago-pleural fistula is an uncommon complication after pneumonectomy, usually related to high morbidity and mortality. Due to its rarity and heterogeneous clinical presentation, its diagnosis and management are challenging issues. Here, we report the case of a patient with a history of pneumonectomy for a tracheal tumour, who developed an asymptomatic oesophago-pleural fistula 7 years after primary surgery. In consideration of the patient’s good clinical status and after verifying the preservation of respiratory and digestive functions, a bold conservative approach was adopted. Five-year follow-up computed tomography did not disclose any sign of recurrence of disease and showed a stable, chronic fistula.


Medicina ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 57 (7) ◽  
pp. 660
Author(s):  
Csilla-Andrea Eötvös ◽  
Roxana-Daiana Lazar ◽  
Iulia-Georgiana Zehan ◽  
Erna-Brigitta Lévay-Hail ◽  
Giorgia Pastiu ◽  
...  

Among the different types, immunoglobulin light chain (AL) cardiac amyloidosis is associated with the highest morbidity and mortality. The outcome, however, is significantly better when an early diagnosis is made and treatment initiated promptly. We present a case of cardiac amyloidosis with left ventricular hypertrophy criteria on the electrocardiogram. After 9 months of follow-up, the patient developed low voltage in the limb leads, while still maintaining the Cornell criteria for left ventricular hypertrophy as well. The relative apical sparing by the disease process, as well as decreased cancellation of the opposing left ventricular walls could be responsible for this phenomenon. The discordance between the voltage in the frontal leads and precordial leads, when present in conjunction with other findings, may be helpful in raising the clinical suspicion of cardiac amyloidosis.


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