Brain structures and activity during a working memory task associated with internet addiction tendency in young adults: A large sample study

The structural and functional brain characteristics associated with the excessive use of the internet have attracted substantial research attention in the past decade. In current study, we used voxel-based morphometry (VBM) and multiple regression analysis to assess the relationship between internet addiction tendency (IAT) score and regional gray and white matter volumes (rGMVs and rWMVs) and brain activity during a WM task in a large sample of healthy young adults (n = 1,154, mean age, 20.71 ± 1.78 years). We found a significant positive correlation between IAT score and gray matter volume (GMV) of right supramarginal gyrus (rSMG) and significant negative correlations with white matter volume (WMV) of right temporal lobe (sub-gyral and superior temporal gyrus), right sublobar area (extra-nuclear and lentiform nucleus), right cerebellar anterior lobe, cerebellar tonsil, right frontal lobe (inferior frontal gyrus and sub-gyral areas), and the pons. Also, IAT was significantly and positively correlated with brain activity in the default-mode network (DMN), medial frontal gyrus, medial part of the superior frontal gyrus, and anterior cingulate cortex during a 2-back working memory (WM) task. Moreover, whole-brain analyses of rGMV showed significant effects of interaction between sex and the IAT scores in the area spreading around the left anterior insula and left lentiform. This interaction was moderated by positive correlation in women. These results indicate that IAT is associated with (a) increased GMV in rSMG, which is involved in phonological processing, (b) decreased WMV in areas of frontal, sublobar, and temporal lobes, which are involved in response inhibition, and (c) reduced task-induced deactivation of the DMN, indicative of altered attentional allocation.

Value of susceptibility weighted imaging (SWI) in assessment of intra-arterial thrombus in patients with acute ischemic stroke

Background Ischemic stroke is a major cause of death and disability. Thrombolytic therapy is a standard treatment stroke nowadays for ischemic strokes up to 4.5 h from start of symptoms. Although arterial occlusion can be detected by digital subtraction angiography (DSA), magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), and computed tomography angiography (CTA), the question about thrombus composition and formation times still might not be replied. The use of susceptibility weighted imaging (SWI) for detecting thrombus in acute ischemic stroke is getting to be a strongly investigated field. SWI can show the thrombus as a hypointense susceptibility vessel sign (SVS) in the affected area. Results Ninety-seven of our patients showed thrombus in MRA study. M1 segment was the most affected MCA segment representing about 57.6%. SWI detected intra-arterial thrombus in 122 patients compared to 97 patients detected by MRA (P = 0.0002). All patients had positive susceptibility sign. 88.8% of patients with positive thrombus in SWI had solitary thrombus, and 11.2% has multiple thrombi; on the other hand, MRA fails to detect any distant thrombi. 81% of patients with abnormally prominent vessel sign (APVS) showed parenchymal changes in these areas. On the other hand, deep structures, namely caudate nucleus, internal capsule and lentiform nucleus, are the least affected areas. All patients with abnormally prominent vessel sign showed arterial occlusion, and only 9 patients with no APVS showed arterial occlusion (P = 0.0001). Conclusion SWI plays an important role in the detection of peripheral thrombi in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Both SWI and MRA might complement each other for visual detection of occluded vessel. We recommend implementation of SWI into routine acute stroke MRI protocols.

Abstract 1122‐000111: Embolic Stroke of Undermined Significance with Unusual Degree of CSF Neutrophilic Pleocytosis

Introduction : A 50 year old African American female with a history of hyperlipidemia, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and peripheral artery disease with right lower extremity bypass earlier in 2021 presented with altered mental status (AMS) and right‐sided facial droop. She presented to an outside hospital where her temperature was 102.1°F and blood pressure was 185/84. The National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) was 16. Notable labs included white blood cell (WBC) count 10.3, sodium 133, lactate 2.7. Urine drug screen notable for THC. Urinalysis, CXR, COVID screen were negative. CT of the head did not show acute findings, CT angiogram did not show any stenosis or large vessel occlusions and CT perfusion revealed perfusion deficits in the left hemisphere. Given her elevated temperature and lactate, a lumbar puncture (LP) was performed. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis revealed WBC count 58 (95% neutrophilic predominance), RBC count 128, glucose 324 (serum glucose 576), protein 77 and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) 23. Concerns for meningitis lead to her being started on broad spectrum antibiotics (ampicillin, ceftriaxone, acyclovir, and vancomycin). She was then transferred to our comprehensive stroke center for further management. Methods : Initially she remained febrile and somnolent, but after 36 hours of antibiotics, her mentation improved. Antibiotics and antivirals were slowly tapered after the CSF meningitis panel, gram stain, cultures, and viral PCRs came back negative. MRI of brain showed acute left posterior cerebral artery (PCA) ischemic stroke with punctate infarcts of right lentiform nucleus and periventricular area. Transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) showed the left ventricle with severe hypertrophy and ejection fraction (EF) 65–70%. There was concern for endocarditis with systemic infection, however transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) was negative for infectious vegetations and bubble study was negative. Blood cultures showed no growth after four days. Syphilis screen, ANA, HIV were also negative. Lipids were elevated with total cholesterol 214 and LDL 138. Hemoglobin A1c was also elevated at 13. Results : After being stable for several days, the patient’s NIHSS reduced to three, two points for right homonymous hemianopia and one point for minor facial paralysis. An implantable loop recorder was placed to monitor for any arrhythmias that may have led to her stroke and the patient was discharged home on aspirin and atorvastatin. Conclusions : With the initial presentation of fever and AMS in this patient, there was high suspicion of infective endocarditis. She also suffered an ischemic stroke which was determined to be embolic from an undetermined source. The patient did not meet modified Duke Criteria for “possible infective endocarditis” which is considered when the patient has one major and one minor criteria or three minor criteria. Two minor criteria were met including a temperature > 38oC on admission and vascular embolic phenomena (stroke). Interestingly, blood and CSF cultures never grew an organism although the CSF WBC count was 58. While CSF lymphocytosis has been associated with TIA‐like presentations and other viral or fungal etiologies associated with ischemic stroke, this is perhaps the first case of a neutrophilic‐predominant CSF pleocytosis in setting of ischemic stroke without a clear source.

The Association Between Lentiform Nucleus Function and Cognitive Impairments in Schizophrenia

Introduction: Cognitive decline is the core schizophrenia symptom, which is now well accepted. Holding a role in various aspects of cognition, lentiform nucleus (putamen and globus pallidus) dysfunction contributes to the psychopathology of this disease. However, the effects of lentiform nucleus function on cognitive impairments in schizophrenia are yet to be investigated.Objectives: We aim to detect the fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (fALFF) alterations in patients with schizophrenia, and examine how their behavior correlates in relation to the cognitive impairments of the patients.Methods: All participants underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and cognitive assessment (digit span and digit symbol coding tests). Screening of brain regions with significant changes in fALFF values was based on analysis of the whole brain. The data were analyzed between Jun 2020 and Mar 2021. There were no interventions beyond the routine therapy determined by their clinicians on the basis of standard clinical practice.Results: There were 136 patients (75 men and 61 women, 24.1 ± 7.4 years old) and 146 healthy controls (82 men and 64 women, 24.2 ± 5.2 years old) involved in the experiments seriatim. Patients with schizophrenia exhibited decreased raw scores in cognitive tests (p < 0.001) and increased fALFF in the bilateral lentiform nuclei (left: 67 voxels; x = −24, y = −6, z = 3; peak t-value = 6.90; right: 16 voxels; x = 18, y = 0, z = 3; peak t-value = 6.36). The fALFF values in the bilateral lentiform nuclei were positively correlated with digit span-backward test scores (left: r = 0.193, p = 0.027; right: r = 0.190, p = 0.030), and the right lentiform nucleus was positively correlated with digit symbol coding scores (r = 0.209, p = 0.016).Conclusion: This study demonstrates that cognitive impairments in schizophrenia are associated with lentiform nucleus function as revealed by MRI, involving working memory and processing speed.

Imaging of Acute Stroke patient with Covid-19: A serial case

Background: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been declared as a pandemic in March 2020 by WHO. Apart from respiratory symptoms, COVID-19 is also associated with various neurological manifestations, one of which is stroke. We reported three cases with diagnosis of stroke in confirmed COVID-19 patients. Case Presentation: Head CT scan without contrast in the three reported cases showed different types of strokes. The first case showed ischemia in the right insular lobe and right parietal lobe. The second case showed intracerebral hemorrhage in the left thalamus and intraventricular hemorrhage, whereas the third case showed acute infarction in right frontotemporal lobe, right lentiform nucleus, right insular cortex, that supports prelenticulostriate segment I MCA embolism. Conclusion: CT scan is an important imaging modality in stroke cases both in COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 cases. CT scans are good at detecting the presence of bleeding, widely available, faster to operate, and less expensive than MRI. The types of stroke in COVID-19 patients can appear as different types of stroke. Generally, it appears as ischemic stroke, but hemorrhagic stroke can also occur with a less frequent occurrence. Further research is needed to explain the exact correlation between stroke and COVID-19.

A Rare Case of Wilson’s Disease in a 17 Years Old Girl

Introduction: Wilson’s disease (WD) is an autosomal recessive disorder involving cellular copper transport. A defect in biliary excretion leads to accumulation of copper in the liver, causing progressive liver injury and cirrhosis. Approximately 1 in 40,000 people have Wilson’s Disease. It affects both men and women equally. Symptoms appear between ages 5 and 35. Case Presentation: This is a case of 17 years old girl came with complained of dysphagia, irritability, breathlessness, weakness in both upper and lower limb at left side for 6 months. She had difficulty in going up and coming down a staircase and in getting up from the squatting position. She could walk with support for the first 6 months of his illness but later, had required crutches. After her admission diagnostic evaluation was done, and in the findings was chest x-ray was done which was normal. ECG showing normal sinus rate and rhythm. Ophthalmology call was done and slit lamp examination was noted which was showing KF ring was present bilaterally. MRI brain suggested symmetrical altered signal intensity lesion in bilateral thalami and lentiform nucleus, midbrain and pons appearing hyper intense on T2/FLAIR sequences in bilateral gangliocapsular region (mainly in putamen) and thalami as well as midbrain and dorsal aspect of pons as described above. A possibility of Wilson’s Disease can be considered, blood test show that Hb was decrease that is -9.7gm%, S.G.O.T was 34.0U/L, S.G.P.T was 32.0U/L, was normal at the time of discharge early ambulation, nutrition, psychological support was given. Therapeutic interventions and outcome: In the present case received syndopa 110/4, BD, orally. Tablet Zinc, OD, orally. Tablet Pan D, OD, orally., inj. Dexamethasone 2 mg I.V, T.D.S., Syrup Sumax, 10ml, BD. Now the patient condition is stable. Conclusion: This presented case of Wilson’s Disease is a rare disease condition. It is an autosomal recessive disease.In this case study, author mainly focus on expert medical management and excellent nursing care which leads to fast recovery of patient. After conversation with patient her response was positive and after nursing management and treatment she was discharged with satisfaction of recovery.

Cortical and Subcortical Anatomy of the Orbitofrontal Cortex: A White Matter Microfiberdissection Study and Case Series

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND The literature on white matter anatomy underlying the human orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) is scarce in spite of its relevance for glioma surgery. OBJECTIVE To describe the anatomy of the OFC and of the underlying white matter fiber anatomy, with a particular focus on the surgical structures relevant for a safe and efficient orbitofrontal glioma resection. Based on anatomical and radiological data, the secondary objective was to describe the growth pattern of OFC gliomas. METHODS The study was performed on 10 brain specimens prepared according to Klingler's protocol and dissected using the fiber microdissection technique modified according to U.T., under the microscope at high magnification. RESULTS A detailed stratigraphy of the OFC was performed, from the cortex up to the frontal horn of the lateral ventricle. The interposed neural structures are described together with relevant neighboring topographic areas and nuclei. Combining anatomical and radiological data, it appears that the anatomical boundaries delimiting and guiding the macroscopical growth of OFC gliomas are as follows: the corpus callosum superiorly, the external capsule laterally, the basal forebrain and lentiform nucleus posteriorly, and the gyrus rectus medially. Thus, OFC gliomas seem to grow ventriculopetally, avoiding the laterally located neocortex. CONCLUSION The findings in our study supplement available anatomical knowledge of the OFC, providing reliable landmarks for a precise topographical diagnosis of OFC lesions and for perioperative orientation. The relationships between deep anatomic structures and glioma formations described in this study are relevant for surgery in this highly interconnected area.

Grey matter abnormalities in Tourette syndrome: an activation likelihood estimation meta-analysis

Background Tourette syndrome (TS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder defined by the continual presence of primary motor and vocal tics. Grey matter abnormalities have been identified in numerous studies of TS, but conflicting results have been reported. This study was an unbiased statistical meta-analysis of published neuroimaging studies of TS structures. Methods A voxel quantitative meta-analysis technique called activation likelihood estimation (ALE) was used. The meta-analysis included six neuroimaging studies involving 247 TS patients and 236 healthy controls. A statistical threshold of p < 0.05 was established based on the false discovery rate and a cluster extent threshold of 50 voxels. Results We found that grey matter volumes were significantly increased in the bilateral thalamus, right hypothalamus, right precentral gyrus, left postcentral gyrus, left inferior parietal lobule, right lentiform nucleus, and left insula of TS patients compared to those of healthy controls. In contrast, grey matter volumes were significantly decreased in the bilateral postcentral gyrus, bilateral anterior cingulate, bilateral insula, left posterior cingulate and left postcentral gyrus of TS patients compared to those of healthy controls. Conclusions Our present meta-analysis primarily revealed significant increases in grey matter volumes in the thalamus and lentiform nucleus, and decreased grey matter volumes in the anterior cingulate gyrus, of TS patients compared to those in healthy controls. Most of these identified regions are associated with cortico-striato-thalamo-cortical circuits. Further studies with larger sample sizes are needed to confirm these changes in grey matter volumes in TS patients.

EXPRESS: Neural correlates of cricopharyngeal dysfunction after supratentorial stroke: A voxel-based lesion-symptom mapping with propensity score matched case-control

Background: Post-stroke cricopharyngeal dysfunction (CPD) has been reported to occur in 50% of brainstem strokes; however, CPD also occurs commonly in patients with supratentorial stroke. The hemispheric neuroanatomical location of this dysfunction has not been clearly identified. Aims: We aimed to analyze the relationship between CPD and supratentorial lesion location in post-stroke patients through this retrospective case-control voxel-based lesion-symptom mapping study. Methods: CPD was diagnosed when the residue after swallowing (PSR) accounted for more than 25% of volume of pyriform sinus. Medical records and the video fluoroscopic swallowing studies of first-ever stroke patients who were admitted to our hospital during acute to subacute phase from 2009 to 2019 were reviewed. After propensity score matching to reduce the likelihood of selection bias, 50 patients per group were included in the CPD and control groups. We used a P-threshold of 0.01 corrected for multiple comparisons with permutation thresholding (5,000 permutations). Dichotomized diagnosis of CPD and the magnitude of PSR were used as dependent variables. Results: Analysis using the Liebermeister statistics indicated that lesions of the right lentiform nucleus were associated with the development of CPD. After adjustment for age and total lesion volume, which are known effectors for the development of dysphagia, statistically significant correlations were found between PSR and lesions of the right lentiform nucleus and anterior corona radiata beneath the right middle frontal gyrus. Conclusion: Thus, our study demonstrated for the first time that damages to the right lentiform nucleus, especially globus pallidus externa, and anterior corona radiata beneath the right middle frontal gyrus are associated with the development and severity of CPD.

Lacunar Stroke Lesion Extent and Location and White Matter Hyperintensities Evolution 1 Year Post-lacunar Stroke

Lacunar strokes are a common type of ischemic stroke. They are associated with long-term disability, but the factors affecting the dynamic of the infarcted lesion and the brain imaging features associated with them, reflective of small vessel disease (SVD) severity, are still largely unknown. We investigated whether the distribution, volume and 1-year evolution of white matter hyperintensities (WMH), one of these SVD features, relate to the extent and location of these infarcts, accounting for vascular risk factors. We used imaging and clinical data from all patients [n = 118, mean age 64.9 (SD 11.75) years old] who presented to a regional hospital with a lacunar stroke syndrome within the years 2010 and 2013 and consented to participate in a study of stroke mechanisms. All patients had a brain MRI scan at presentation, and 88 had another scan 12 months after. Acute lesions (i.e., recent small subcortical infarcts, RSSI) were identified in 79 patients and lacunes in 77. Number of lacunes was associated with baseline WMH volume (B = 0.370, SE = 0.0939, P = 0.000174). RSSI volume was not associated with baseline WMH volume (B = 3.250, SE = 2.117, P = 0.129), but predicted WMH volume change (B = 2.944, SE = 0.913, P = 0.00184). RSSI location was associated with the spatial distribution of WMH and the pattern of 1-year WMH evolution. Patients with the RSSI in the centrum semiovale (n = 33) had significantly higher baseline volumes of WMH, recent and old infarcts, than patients with the RSSI located elsewhere [median 33.69, IQR (14.37 50.87) ml, 0.001 ≤ P ≤ 0.044]. But patients with the RSSI in the internal/external capsule/lentiform nucleus experienced higher increase of WMH volume after a year [n = 21, median (IQR) from 18 (11.70 31.54) ml to 27.41 (15.84 40.45) ml]. Voxel-wise analyses of WMH distribution in patients grouped per RSSI location revealed group differences increased in the presence of vascular risk factors, especially hypertension and recent or current smoking habit. In our sample of patients presenting to the clinic with lacunar strokes, lacunar strokes extent influenced WMH volume fate; and RSSI location and WMH spatial distribution and dynamics were intertwined, with differential patterns emerging in the presence of vascular risk factors. These results, if confirmed in wider samples, open potential avenues in stroke rehabilitation to be explored further.