scholarly journals Different MRI patterns in MS worsening after stopping fingolimod

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. e566 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caterina Lapucci ◽  
Damiano Baroncini ◽  
Maria Cellerino ◽  
Giacomo Boffa ◽  
Ilaria Callegari ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Features ◽  
Brain Mri ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Lesion Volume ◽  
Mri Findings ◽  
Volume Increase ◽  
Mri Features ◽  
Disability Status ◽  
The Mean

ObjectiveTo analyze MRI images in patients with MS who experienced worsening of neurologic status (WNS) after stopping fingolimod (FTY).MethodsIn this retrospective study, demographic, clinical, and radiologic data of patients with MS who experienced WNS after stopping FTY were retrospectively collected. We introduced the “δExpanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS)-ratio” to identify patients who, after FTY withdrawal, showed an inflammatory flare-up exceeding the highest lifetime disease activity level. Patients with δEDSS-ratio > 1 were enrolled in the study.ResultsEight patients were identified. The mean (SD) age of the 8 (7 female) patients was 35.3 (4.9) years. The mean FTY treatment duration was 3.1 (0.8) years. The mean FTY discontinuation–WNS interval was 4 (0.9) months. The 4 patients with δEDSS-ratio ≥ 2 developed severe monophasic WNS (EDSS score above 8.5), characterized by clinical features and MRI findings not typical of MS, which we classified as “tumefactive demyelination pattern” (TDL) and “Punctuated pattern” (PL). Conversely, patients whose δEDSS-ratio was between 1 and 2 had clinical features and brain MRI compatible with a more typical, even if aggressive, MS relapse. In patients with TDL and PL, the flare-up of inflammatory activity led to severe tissue damage resulting in T2 but also T1 lesion volume increase at 6-month follow-up.ConclusionsPeculiar MRI features (TDL and PL), different from a typical MS flare-up, might occur in some patients who experienced WNS after stopping FTY. Further studies, also involving immunologic biomarkers, are necessary to investigate TDL or PL pathophysiology.

scholarly journals Brain atrophy and clinical characteristics predicting SDMT performance in multiple sclerosis: A 10-year follow-up study

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 205521732199239
Author(s):  
Cecilie Jacobsen ◽  
Robert Zivadinov ◽  
Kjell-Morten Myhr ◽  
Turi O Dalaker ◽  
Ingvild Dalen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Data ◽  
Grey Matter Volume ◽  
Lesion Volume ◽  
Information Processing Speed ◽  
Disability Status ◽  
Mri Scans ◽  
Patients At Risk ◽  
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Mri ◽  
Specific Volumes

Objectives To identify Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), clinical and demographic biomarkers predictive of worsening information processing speed (IPS) as measured by Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT). Methods Demographic, clinical data and 1.5 T MRI scans were collected in 76 patients at time of inclusion, and after 5 and 10 years. Global and tissue-specific volumes were calculated at each time point. For the primary outcome of analysis, SDMT was used. Results Worsening SDMT at 5-year follow-up was predicted by baseline age, Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), SDMT, whole brain volume (WBV) and T2 lesion volume (LV), explaining 30.2% of the variance of SDMT. At 10-year follow-up, age, EDSS, grey matter volume (GMV) and T1 LV explained 39.4% of the variance of SDMT change. Conclusion This longitudinal study shows that baseline MRI-markers, demographic and clinical data can help predict worsening IPS. Identification of patients at risk of IPS decline is of importance as follow-up, treatment and rehabilitation can be optimized.

scholarly journals Hemochromatosis Mutations, Brain Iron Imaging, and Dementia in the UK Biobank Cohort

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Janice L. Atkins ◽  
Luke C. Pilling ◽  
Christine J. Heales ◽  
Sharon Savage ◽  
Chia-Ling Kuo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Iron Reduction ◽  
Brain Mri ◽  
European Ancestry ◽  
Uk Biobank ◽  
Brain Iron ◽  
Mri Features ◽  
Incident Dementia ◽  
Hfe Mutations ◽  
The Uk

Background: Brain iron deposition occurs in dementia. In European ancestry populations, the HFE p.C282Y variant can cause iron overload and hemochromatosis, mostly in homozygous males. Objective: To estimated p.C282Y associations with brain MRI features plus incident dementia diagnoses during follow-up in a large community cohort. Methods: UK Biobank participants with follow-up hospitalization records (mean 10.5 years). MRI in 206 p.C282Y homozygotes versus 23,349 without variants, including T2 * measures (lower values indicating more iron). Results: European ancestry participants included 2,890 p.C282Y homozygotes. Male p.C282Y homozygotes had lower T2 * measures in areas including the putamen, thalamus, and hippocampus, compared to no HFE mutations. Incident dementia was more common in p.C282Y homozygous men (Hazard Ratio HR = 1.83; 95% CI 1.23 to 2.72, p = 0.003), as was delirium. There were no associations in homozygote women or in heterozygotes. Conclusion: Studies are needed of whether early iron reduction prevents or slows related brain pathologies in male HFE p.C282Y homozygotes.

Delayed post-hypoxic leukoencephalopathy: Case report

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. s839-s839 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Solerdelcoll Arimany ◽  
M. Garriga ◽  
E. Parellada
Keyword(s):  
Neuropsychiatric Symptoms ◽  
Brain Mri ◽  
Clinical History ◽  
Good Prognosis ◽  
Mri Findings ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Competing Interest ◽  
Weighted Sequences ◽  
Direct Toxicity ◽  
Progressive Cognitive Impairment

IntroductionDelayed post-hypoxic leukoencephalopathy (DPHL) is an underrecognized syndrome of delayed demyelination, where patients manifest neuropsychiatric symptoms after a period of 2–40 days of apparent recovery from a cerebral hypo-oxygenation episode.ObjectivesWe report a case of a patient who successfully recovered from an overdose of heroin, but then suffered a delayed abrupt neurological deterioration.AimsTo improve assessment and recognition of DPHL.MethodsAn adequate retrospective collection of clinical data and nonsystematic review of the literature was performed.ResultsA 43-year-old male with schizoaffective disorder who attempted suicide with an overdose of heroin, was successfully revived and return to his previously mental status, but 3 weeks after, he abruptly developed progressive cognitive impairment with akinetic mutism and ataxia. He was admitted to our acute psychiatric unit after brain CT and chemistry analyses were unremarkable. Brain MRI showed diffusely symmetric hyperintensity in the white matter (WM), pronominally the periventricular WM, on FLAIR and T2 weighted sequences. At 16 weeks postoverdose, he presented improvement both cognitive and motor symptoms, lasting deficits in frontal-executive functions.DiscussionDPHL is characterized by similar clinical and neuroimaging features regardless of the initial insult. The mean lucid interval coincides with the replacement half-life for myelin related lipids and proteins. Prolonged mild-to-moderate hypo-oxygenation of WM is thought to disrupt myelin turnover. It appears probable that these were responsible for DPHL in our patient rather than a direct toxicity.ConclusionDPHL can be diagnosed when clinical history, laboratory assessments and MRI findings are concordant. DPHL requires extensive support care and carries a relatively good prognosis.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Prospective study of multiple sclerosis with early onset

2002 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 115-118 ◽  
Author(s):  
A Ghezzi ◽  
C Pozzilli ◽  
M Liguori ◽  
M G Marrosu ◽  
N Milani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
First Year ◽  
Hormonal Changes ◽  
Disability Status ◽  
Definite Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Relapsing Remitting ◽  
Clinically Definite Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
The Mean ◽  
And Gender

Fifty-four subjects (36 females and 18 males) affected by clinically definite multiple sclerosis (MS) and with onset of the disease at 15 years of age or before were prospectively studied in five Italian MS centres. Female/male ratio was 4.7 in subjects with age ≥12 years, suggesting a role of hormonal changes in triggering MS onset. The mean follow-up duration was 10.9-5.6 years. The functional systems more frequently involved at onset were the pyramidal and brainstem (both in 28% of cases). The onset was monosymptomatic in 31 subjects (57%). The course was relapsing-remitting in 39 subjects (72%) and relapsing-progressive in 15 (28%). Disability was assessed by the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS): the mean score after 8 years of follow up was 3.5 (-2.5). The score was <4 in 68% of cases, between 4 and 6 in 8% of cases, > 6 in 24% of cases. Disability after 8 years was highly predicted by disability in the first year (p=0.008). There was a tendency to a worse prognosis in relation to the number of relapses in the first 2 years (p=0.08). The outcome was not influenced by the characteristics of symptoms at onset, age and gender.

Gamma Knife surgery for pediatric arteriovenous malformations: a 25-year retrospective study

2012 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 445-450 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eduard B. Dinca ◽  
Patricia de Lacy ◽  
John Yianni ◽  
Jeremy Rowe ◽  
Matthias W. R. Radatz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Arteriovenous Malformations ◽  
Lesion Volume ◽  
Bleeding Rate ◽  
Patients Âgés ◽  
Obliteration Rate ◽  
Telephone Interviews ◽  
Presenting Symptoms ◽  
Martin Grade ◽  
The Mean

Object The authors present their 25-year experience in treating pediatric arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) to allow comparisons with other historic studies and data in adults. Methods Data were collected from a prospectively maintained departmental database selected for age and supplemented by case note review and telephone interviews as appropriate. Results Three hundred sixty-three patients, ages 1–16 years (mean ± SD, 12 ± 3.2 years), underwent 410 treatments; 4 had planned 2-stage treatments and 43 were retreated subsequent to an initial partial response. Fifty-eight percent received general anesthesia for the procedure. Sixteen percent had previously undergone embolization. The most common presenting symptoms were as follows: hemorrhage (80.2%), epilepsy (8.3%; overall seizure prevalence 19.9%), and migrainous headaches (6.3%). Only 0.28% of the AVMs were incidental findings. The mean lesion volume was 3.75 ± 5.3 cm3 (range 0.01–32.8 cm3), with a median Spetzler-Martin grade of III (range I–V). The mean peripheral (therapeutic) dose was 22.7 ± 2.3 Gy (range 15–25 Gy), corresponding to a mean maximum dose of 43.6 ± 6 Gy (range 25–51.4 Gy). The obliteration rate was 71.3% in patients who received one treatment and 62.5% for retreated patients, with a mean obliteration time of 32.4 and 79.6 months, respectively. The overall obliteration rate was 82.7%. No follow-up data are as yet available for the 4 patients who underwent the staged treatments. Only 4 patients received peripheral doses below 20 Gy, and the AVM was obliterated in 3 of these patients. The other patients received 20, 22.5, or 25 Gy and had obliteration rates of 82.6%, 77.7%, and 86.3%, respectively. The bleeding rate postradiosurgery was 2.2%, and the cumulative complication rate was 3.6%, with radionecrosis being the most common complication (1.1%). Conclusions Surprisingly, there was no correlation (p = 0.43) between outcome and radiosurgical dose when that dose was between 20 and 25 Gy, thus suggesting that the lower of these 2 doses may be effective. Radiosurgery for pediatric AVM is safe and effective.

scholarly journals Results Are Similar Two Years After Acute or Delayed Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction. A Randomized Controlled Trial

2017 ◽  
Vol 5 (5_suppl5) ◽  
pp. 2325967117S0017
Author(s):  
Karl Eriksson ◽  
Christoffer von Essen ◽  
Björn Barenius
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Primary Endpoint ◽  
Pivot Shift ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Acl Injury ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Delayed Group ◽  
The Mean

Objectives: Acute ACLR has been avoided since the 1990’s due to reports of postoperative stiffness. But are these risks still valid with modern arthroscopic techniques? The aim of this randomized controlled trial was to assess the impact of the time between injury and reconstruction on the outcome after ACLR. Our hypothesis was that acute ACLR with semitendinosus graft can be performed safely. Methods: The primary endpoint was ROM at three months after surgery. A power calculation revealed the need for 64 patients to detect a ROM difference of 5 degrees between the groups (5% significance level). 70 patients with a high recreational activity level (Tegner ≥6) who presented with an acute ACL injury were randomized to an acute reconstruction within 8 days from the injury or delayed reconstruction (after normalized ROM) 6-10 weeks after the injury. Fixation was with Endobutton in femur and a metallic interference screw in tibia. The rehabilitation was performed at the same physiotherapy center for all patients. Follow up assessment was performed by a physiotherapist not involved with the rehabilitation. The follow up at 24 months included ROM, Lachman, instrumented laxity with Rolimeter, pivot shift, one leg hop index, Biodex, IKDC, KOOS, Lysholm and Tegner Activity level, and a VAS question regarding knee function and the knee function’s effect on activity level. Results: Seventy percent of the patients were males, mean age at the time of surgery was 27 years (18 -41) and the median pre-injury Tegner level was 9 (6-10) with no differences between the groups. 64 (91%) patients were assessed at three months with no difference according to the primary endpoint. Median Tegner level was restored to pre-injury levels in both groups after one year, and did not change between one and two years. 63 (90%) patients were available for the 2-year follow up. There was one graft rupture and one contralateral ACL injury in both groups. There was additional surgery in 15% of the acute patients and in 31% in the delayed (n.s.). The mean instrumented laxity was 1.8 mm in the acute and 2.0 in the delayed group. There were no positive pivot shift in the acute group and 6 patients with grade 1 or not possible to perform in the delayed group (p=0.039). IKDC revealed no significant differences between the groups. Lysholm score was 87 in both groups. KOOS values showed no significant difference between the groups. VAS response to the question “How is your knee working on a scale from 0-100? (100 = best)” was 81 in the acute and 71 in the delayed group (p=0.1) and “How does your knee affect your activity level? (100 = no affection)” the mean score was 75 in the acute and 67 in the delayed group (p=0.3). Functional strength (one leg hop index >90%) was 85% in the acute and 67% in the delayed group (n.s). Conclusion: We found no increased risk of arthrofibrosis after acute ACLR. Good results can be achieved at two years regardless of ROM and swelling in the acute stage.

scholarly journals Reducing return of disease activity in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis transitioned from natalizumab to teriflunomide: 12-month interim results of teriflunomide therapy

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 205521731882461
Author(s):  
Stanley L Cohan ◽  
Keith Edwards ◽  
Lindsay Lucas ◽  
Tiffany Gervasi-Follmar ◽  
Judy O’Connor ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Disease Activity ◽  
Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging ◽  
T2 Lesions ◽  
Disability Status ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Multiple Sclerosis Patients ◽  
Mean Time ◽  
Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis

Background Natalizumab is an effective treatment for relapsing multiple sclerosis. Return of disease activity upon natalizumab discontinuance creates the need for follow-up therapeutic strategies. Objective To assess the efficacy of teriflunomide following natalizumab discontinuance in relapsing multiple sclerosis patients. Methods Clinically stable relapsing multiple sclerosis patients completing 12 or more consecutive months of natalizumab, testing positive for anti-John Cunningham virus antibody, started teriflunomide 14 mg/day, 28 ± 7 days after their final natalizumab infusion. Physical examination, Expanded Disability Status Scale, laboratory assessments, and brain magnetic resonance imaging were performed at screening and multiple follow-up visits. Results Fifty-five patients were enrolled in the study. The proportion of patients relapse-free was 0.94, restricted mean time to first gadolinium-enhancing lesion was 10.9 months and time to 3-month sustained disability worsening was 11.8 months. The mean number of new or enlarging T2 lesions per patient at 12 months was 0.42. Exploratory analyses revealed an annualized relapse rate of 0.08, and a proportion of patients with no evidence of disease activity of 0.68. Forty-seven patients (85.5%) reported adverse events, 95% of which were mild to moderate. Conclusions Teriflunomide therapy initiated without natalizumab washout resulted in a low rate of return of disease activity. Clinicians may consider this a worthwhile strategy when transitioning clinically stable patients off natalizumab to another therapy. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01970410

scholarly journals Cell-Free Osteochondral Scaffold for the Treatment of Focal Articular Cartilage Defects in Early Knee OA: 5 Years’ Follow-Up Results

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (11) ◽  
pp. 1978 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Sessa ◽  
Luca Andriolo ◽  
Alessandro Di Martino ◽  
Iacopo Romandini ◽  
Roberto De Filippis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Articular Cartilage ◽  
International Knee Documentation Committee ◽  
Clinical Results ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Cartilage Defects ◽  
Mri Findings ◽  
Clinical Criteria ◽  
Osteochondral Scaffold ◽  
Articular Cartilage Defects

The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical results at five years’ follow-up of a tri-layered nanostructured biomimetic osteochondral scaffold used for focal articular cartilage defects in patients meeting the criteria of early osteoarthritis (EOA). The study population comprised 22 patients (mean age: 39 years), prospectively assessed before surgery, at 24 and 60 months’ follow-up. Inclusion criteria were: at least two episodes of knee pain for more than 10 days in the last year, Kellgren-Lawrence OA grade 0, I or II and arthroscopic or MRI findings according to the European Society of Sports Traumatology, Knee Surgery & Arthroscopy (ESSKA) criteria. Clinical results demonstrated significant improvement in International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective and objective scores and in Tegner score, although activity level never reached the pre-injury level. The complication rate of this study was 8.3%. Two patients underwent re-operation (8.3%), while a comprehensive definition of failure (including both surgical and clinical criteria) identified four failed patients (16.6%) at this mid-term follow-up evaluation. The use of a free-cell osteochondral scaffold represented a safe and valid alternative for the treatment of focal articular cartilage defects in the setting of an EOA, and was able to permit a significant clinical improvement and stable outcome with low complication and failure rates.

scholarly journals Predictors of Clinical Outcomes After Proximal Hamstring Repair

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 232596711882371 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric N. Bowman ◽  
Nathan E. Marshall ◽  
Michael B. Gerhardt ◽  
Michael B. Banffy
Keyword(s):  
Patient Satisfaction ◽  
Clinical Outcomes ◽  
Outcome Measures ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Medical Comorbidities ◽  
Outcome Scores ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Tegner Score ◽  
Proximal Hamstring

Background: Proximal hamstring avulsions cause considerable morbidity. Operative repair results in improved pain, function, and patient satisfaction; however, outcomes remain variable. Purpose: To evaluate the predictors of clinical outcomes after proximal hamstring repair. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed proximal hamstring avulsions repaired between January 2014 and June 2017 with at least 1-year follow-up. Independent variables included patient demographics, medical comorbidities, tear characteristics, and repair technique. Primary outcome measures were the Single Assessment Numerical Evaluation (SANE), International Hip Outcome Tool–12 (iHOT-12), and Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic (KJOC) Athletic Hip score. Secondary outcome measures included satisfaction, visual analog scale for pain, Tegner score, and timing of return to sports. Results: Of 102 proximal hamstring repairs, 86 were eligible, 58 were enrolled and analyzed (67%), and patient-reported outcomes were available for 45 (52%), with a mean 29-month follow-up. The mean patient age was 51 years, and 57% were female. Acute tears accounted for 66%; 78% were complete avulsions. Open repair was performed on 90%. Overall satisfaction was 94%, although runners were less satisfied compared with other athletes ( P = .029). A majority of patients (88%) returned to sports by 7.6 months, on average, with 72% returning at the same level. Runners returned at 6.3 months, on average, but to the same level 50% of the time and at a decreased number of miles per week compared to nonrunners (15.7 vs 7.8, respectively; P < .001). Postoperatively, 78% had good/excellent SANE Activity scores, but the mean Tegner score decreased (from 5.5 to 5.1). Acute tears had higher SANE Activity scores. The mean iHOT-12 and KJOC scores were 99 and 77, respectively. Endoscopic repairs had equivalent outcome scores to open repairs, although conclusions were limited given the small number of patients in the endoscopic group. Greater satisfaction was noted in patients older than 50 years ( P = .024), although they were less likely to return to running ( P = .010). Conclusion: Overall, patient satisfaction and functionality were high. With the numbers available, we were unable to detect any significant differences in functional outcome scores based on patient age, sex, body mass index, smoking status, medical comorbidities, tear grade, activity level, or open versus endoscopic technique. Acute tears had better SANE Activity scores. Runners should be cautioned that they may be unable to return to the same preinjury activity level after proximal hamstring repair. Clinical Relevance: When counseling patients with proximal hamstring tears, runners and those with chronic tears should set appropriate expectations.

SaGA S, the Short and Graphic A bility Score: an alternative scoring method for the motor components of the Multiple Sclerosis Functional C omposite

2004 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 231-242 ◽  
Author(s):  
C Vaney ◽  
S Vaney ◽  
D T Wade
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Scoring Method ◽  
Left Hand ◽  
Disability Status ◽  
Study Population ◽  
The Mean ◽  
One Year ◽  
Independent Assessment

The timed performances of the 10-m timed walk (TMTW) and the nine-ho le peg test (NHPT) of 881 consecutive patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) undergoing a rehabilitation stay, were expressed as a logarithmic function of time in two subscores to form a composite score called the Short and G raphic A bility Score (SaGA S). The subscores (sS) were constructed in such a way that any interval of 0.5 unit corresponds to a change of 25% in the tests. The SaGA S was computed as the mean of four subscores: SaGAS=(2×2-TMTWsS+NHPTsS right hand+NHPTsS left hand). With the aid of a nomogram, the timed values of the tests are easily transformed into the corresponding subscores, which are then displayed graphically to facilitate follow-up over time. The correlation coefficients between the SaGA S and the two motor components of the MS Functional C omposite (MSFC) (r =0.987), the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS)(r = -0.83), the Nottingham EADL Index (r =0.80) and the Rivermead Mobility Index (RMI) (r =0.90) were all statistically significant (P B-0.001), supporting the validity of the measure. SaGA S had a similar sensitivity to the RMI, but was significantly more sensitive than the EDSS in detecting changes occurring during the rehabilitation stay (14.9% versus 5.0%; P B-0.001) and over a one-year follow-up (35.3% versus 19.7%; P B-0.001). C ompared with the motor components of the MSFC, with which it shares several features, SaGA S has several advantages: it does not depend on the stratification of the study population; it does not skew the results of the NHPT towards improvement at the lower end; and it offers an independent assessment of both hands. SaGA S is a simple, intuitive, nonphysician-based measure, which could provide consistent scoring in future clinical trials.

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