CT evaluation of the CSF spaces of healthy persons

Radiologically defined acute hydrocephalus in aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage

BACKGROUND

Ventriculomegaly is common in aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (aSAH). An imaging measure to predict the need for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion may be useful. The bicaudate index (BCI) has been previously applied to aSAH. Our aim was to derive and test a threshold BCI above which CSF diversion may be required.

METHODS

Review of prospective registry. The derivation group (2009-2015) included WFNS grade 1-2 aSAH patients who deteriorated clinically, had a repeat CT brain and underwent CSF diversion. BCI was measured on post-deterioration CTs and the lower limit of the 95% confidence interval (95%CI) was the hydrocephalus threshold. In a separate test group (2016), in WFNS ≥ 2 patients, we compared BCI on diagnostic CTs with CSF diversion within 24 hours.

RESULTS

The derivation group (n = 62) received an external ventricular (n = 57, 92%) or lumbar drain (n = 5, 8%). Mean post-deterioration BCI was 0.19 (95%CI 0.17-0.22) for age ≤49 years, 0.22 (95%CI 0.20-0.23) for age 50-64 years and 0.24 (95%CI 0.22-0.27) for age ≥65 years. Hydrocephalus thresholds were therefore 0.17, 0.20 and 0.22, respectively. In the test group (n = 105), there was no significant difference in BCI on the diagnostic CT between good and poor grade patients aged ≤49 years (p = 0.31) and ≥65 years (p = 0.96). 30/66 WFNS ≥ 2 patients underwent CSF diversion, although only 15/30 (50%) exceeded BCI thresholds for hydrocephalus.

CONCLUSION

A significant proportion of aSAH patients may undergo CSF diversion without objective evidence of hydrocephalus. Our threshold values require further testing but may provide an objective measure to aid clinical decision making in aSAH.

Brain blood flow pulse analysis may help to recognize individuals who suffer from hydrocephalus

BACKGROUND

Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) is often associated with altered cerebral blood flow. Recent research with the use of the ultrasonic method suggests specific changes in the shape of cardiac-related cerebral arterial blood volume (CaBV) pulses in NPH patients. Our study aims to provide a quantitative analysis of the shape of CaBV pulses, estimated based on transcranial Doppler ultrasonography (TCD) in NPH patients and healthy individuals.

METHODS

The CaBV pulses were estimated using TCD cerebral blood flow velocity signals recorded from probable NPH adults and age-matched healthy individuals at rest. The shape of the CaBV pulses was compared to a triangular shape with 27 similarity parameters calculated for every reliable CaBV pulse and compared between patients and volunteers. The diagnostic accuracy of the most prominent parameter for NPH classification was evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC).

RESULTS

The similarity parameters were calculated for 31 probable NPH patients (age: 59 years (IQR: 47, 67 years), 14 females) and 23 healthy volunteers (age: 54 years (IQR: 43, 61 years), 18 females). Eighteen of 27 parameters were different between healthy individuals and NPH patients (p < 0.05). The most prominent differences were found for the ascending slope of the CaBV pulse with the AUC equal to 0.87 (95% confidence interval: 0.77, 0.97, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggest that in NPH, the ascending slope of the CaBV pulse had a slower rise, was more like a straight line, and generally was less convex than in volunteers. Prospective research is required to verify the clinical utility of these findings.

Cortical atrophy in chronic subdural hematoma from ultra-structures to physical properties

Several theories have tried to elucidate the mechanisms behind the pathophysiology of chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH). However, this process is complex and remains mostly unknown. In this study we performed a retrospective randomised analysis comparing the cortical atrophy of 190 patients with unilateral CSDH, with 190 healthy controls. To evaluate the extent of cortical atrophy, CT scan images were utilised to develop an index that is the ratio of the maximum diameter sum of 3 cisterns divided by the maximum diameter of the skull at the temporal lobe level. Also, we reported, for the first time, the ultrastructural analyses of the CSDH using a combination of immunohistochemistry methods and transmission electron microscopy techniques. Internal validation was performed to confirm the assessment of the different degrees of cortical atrophy. Relative Cortical Atrophy Index (RCA index) refers to the sum of the maximum diameter of three cisterns (insular cistern, longitudinal cerebral fissure and cerebral sulci greatest) with the temporal bones' greatest internal distance. This index, strongly related to age in healthy controls, is positively correlated to the preoperative and post-operative maximum diameter of hematoma and the midline shift in CSDH patients. On the contrary, it negatively correlates to the Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS). The Area Under the Receiver Operating Characteristics (AUROC) showed that RCA index effectively differentiated cases from controls. Immunohistochemistry analysis showed that the newly formed CD-31 positive microvessels are higher in number than the CD34-positive microvessels in the CSDH inner membrane than in the outer membrane. Ultrastructural observations highlight the presence of a chronic inflammatory state mainly in the CSDH inner membrane. Integrating these results, we have obtained an etiopathogenetic model of CSDH. Cortical atrophy appears to be the triggering factor activating the cascade of transendothelial cellular filtration, inflammation, membrane formation and neovascularisation leading to the CSDH formation.

Chronic hypoperfusion due to intracranial large artery stenosis is not associated with cerebral β-amyloid deposition and brain atrophy

Background:

Insufficient cerebral perfusion is suggested to play a role in the development of Alzheimer disease (AD). However, there is a lack of direct evidence indicating whether hypoperfusion causes or aggravates AD pathology. We investigated the effect of chronic cerebral hypoperfusion on AD-related pathology in humans.

Methods:

We enrolled a group of cognitively normal patients (median age: 64 years) with unilateral chronic cerebral hypoperfusion. Regions of interest with the most pronounced hypoperfusion changes were chosen in the hypoperfused region and were then mirrored in the contralateral hemisphere to create a control region with normal perfusion. ¹¹C-Pittsburgh compound-positron emission tomography standard uptake ratios and brain atrophy indices were calculated from the computed tomography images of each patient.

Results:

The median age of the 10 participants, consisting of 4 males and 6 females, was 64 years (47–76 years). We found that there were no differences in standard uptake ratios of the cortex (volume of interest [VOI]: P = 0.721, region of interest [ROI]: P = 0.241) and grey/white ratio (VOI: P = 0.333, ROI: P = 0.445) and brain atrophy indices (Bicaudate, Bifrontal, Evans, Cella, Cella media, and Ventricular index, P > 0.05) between the hypoperfused regions and contralateral normally perfused regions in patients with unilateral chronic cerebral hypoperfusion.

Conclusion:

Our findings suggest that chronic hypoperfusion due to large vessel stenosis may not directly induce cerebral β-amyloid deposition and neurodegeneration in humans.

Brain CT can predict low lean mass in the elderly with cognitive impairment: a community-dwelling study

Background

The coexistence of sarcopenia and dementia in aging populations is not uncommon, and they may share common risk factors and pathophysiological pathways. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between brain atrophy and low lean mass in the elderly with impaired cognitive function.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 168 elderly patients who visited the multi-disciplinary dementia outpatient clinic at Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital for memory issues, between 2017 and 2019. The body composition was assessed by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) and CT based skeletal muscle index including L3 skeletal muscle index (L3SMI) and masseter muscle mass index (MSMI). The brain atrophy assessment was measured by CT based visual rating scale. Possible predictors of low lean mass in the elderly with cognitive impairement were identified by binary logistic regression. ROC curves were generated from binary logistic regression.

Results

Among the 81 participants, 43 (53%) remained at a normal appendicular skeletal muscle index (ASMI), whereas 38 (47%) showed low ASMI. Compared with the normal ASMI group, subjects with low ASMI exhibited significantly lower BMI, L3SMI, and MSMI (all p < 0.05), and showed significant brain atrophy as assessed by visual rating scale (p < 0.001). The accuracy of predictive models for low ASMI in the elderly with cognitive impairment were 0.875, (Area under curve (AUC) = 0.926, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.844–0.972) in model 1 (combination of BMI, GCA and L3SMI) and 0.885, (Area under curve (AUC) = 0.931, [CI] 0.857–0.979) in model 2 (combination of BMI, GCA and MSMI).

Conclusions

Global cortical atrophy and body mass index combined with either L3 skeletal muscle index or masseter skeletal muscle index can predict low lean mass in the elderly with cognitive impairment.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12877-021-02626-8.

Analysis of relative changes in pulse shapes of intracranial pressure and cerebral blood flow velocity

Objective.Analysis of relative changes in the shapes of pulse waveforms of intracranial pressure (ICP) and transcranial Doppler cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFV) may provide information on intracranial compliance. We tested this hypothesis, introducing an index named the ratio of pulse slopes (RPS) that is based on inclinations of the ascending parts of the ICP and CBFV pulse waveforms. It has hypothetically a simple interpretation: a value of 1 indicates good compliance and a value less than 1, reduced compliance. Here, we investigated the usefulness of RPS for assessment of intracranial compliance.Approach.ICP and CBFV signals recorded simultaneously in 30 normal-pressure hydrocephalus patients during infusion tests were retrospectively analysed. CBFV was measured in the middle cerebral artery. Changes in RPS during the test were compared with changes in the height ratio of the first and second peak of the ICP pulse (P1/P2) and the shape of the ICP pulse was classified from normal (1) to pathological (4). Values are medians (lower, upper quartiles).Main results.There was a significant correlation between baseline RPS and intracranial elasticity (R = -0.55,p = 0.0018). During the infusion tests, both RPS and P1/P2 decreased with rising ICP [RPS, 0.80 (0.56, 0.92) versus 0.63 (0.44, 0.80),p = 0.00015; P1/P2, 0.58 (0.50, 0.91) versus 0.52 (0.36, 0.71),p = 0.00009] while the ICP pulses became more pathological in shape [class: 3 (2, 3) versus 3 (3, 4),p = 0.04]. The magnitude of the decrease in RPS during infusion was inversely correlated with baseline P1/P2 (R = -0.40,p < 0.03).Significance.During infusion, the slopes of the ascending parts of ICP and CBFV pulses become increasingly divergent with a shift in opposite directions. RPS seems to be a promising methodological tool for monitoring intracranial compliance with no additional volumetric manipulation required.

Transcranial sonographic assessment of the third ventricle in neuro-ICU patients to detect hydrocephalus: a diagnostic reliability pilot study

Background

Transcranial sonography is a point-of-care tool recommended in intensive care units (ICU) to monitor brain injured patients. Objectives of the study was to assess feasibility and reliability of the third ventricle (V3) diameter measurement using transcranial sonography (TCS) compared to brain computed-tomography (CT), the gold standard measurement, and to measure the TCS learning curve. Design: prospective study, in a 16-bed neurological ICU in an academic hospital. Every consecutive brain injured adult patient, who required a brain CT and TCS monitoring were included. The V3 diameter was blindly measured by TCS and CT. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Bland–Altman plot were used to assess the reliability and agreement between TCS and CT V3 measurements. Diagnosis performance of the V3 diameter using TCS to detect hydrocephalus was measured. Absolute difference between V3 measurement by residents and experts was measured consecutively to assess the learning curve.

Results

Among the 100 patients included in the study, V3 diameter could be assessed in 87 patients (87%) from at least one side of the skull. Both temporal windows were available in 70 patients (70%). The ICC between V3 diameter measured by TCS and CT was 0.90 [95% CI 0.84–0.93] on the right side, and 0.92 [0.88–0.95] on the left side. In Bland–Altman analysis, mean difference, standard deviation, 95% limits of agreement were 0.36, 1.52, − 2.7 to 3.3 mm, respectively, on the right side; 0.25, 1.47, − 2.7 to 3.1 mm, respectively, on the left side. Among the 35 patients with hydrocephalus, V3 diameters could be measured by TCS in 31 patients (89%) from at least one side. Hydrocephalus was, respectively, excluded, confirmed, or inconclusive using TCS in 35 (40%), 25 (29%) and 27 (31%) of the 87 assessable patients. After 5 measurements, every resident reached a satisfactory measurement compared to the expert operator.

Conclusion

TCS allows rapid, simple and reliable V3 diameter measurement compared with the gold standard in neuro-ICU patients. Aside from sparing irradiating procedures and transfers to the radiology department, it may especially increase close patient monitoring to detect clinically occult hydrocephalus earlier. Further studies are needed to measure the potential clinical benefit of this method.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT02830269.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13613-021-00857-x.

The role of acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase activity in the development of delirium in acute stroke

•

Delirium is frequent in acute stroke.

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We tested if AchE or BChE activity could be related to the presence and intensity of delirium.

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Delirious patients had higher levels of BChE activity at discharge.

•

BChE activity may be secondary to delirium related inflammatory processes.

Aim

Our study aimed to test whether plasma acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase enzyme activity were related to the presence and intensity of delirium in acute stroke patients.

Methods

We carried out a matched (age and gender) case-control study, in a sample of consecutive patients with an acute infarct or intracerebral haemorrhage (≤7 days). We assessed delirium using the DSM-5 criteria and the Delirium Rating Scale, and we measured plasma acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase enzyme activity after the patient's admission in the stroke unit and before hospital discharge. Mantel-Haenszel's chi-square was used to test bivariate associations between cases (delirious patients) and controls (non-delirious patients).

Results

At admission in the stroke unit, cases and controls did not present significant differences in plasma acetylcholinesterase or butyrylcholinesterase activity. At hospital discharge (18 cases and 21 controls) patients who have had delirium at admission had higher levels of butyrylcholinesterase activity. Butyrylcholinesterase activity may secondarily increase due to the inflammatory process associated with neuronal dysfunction in delirium patients.

Evaluation of the Evan's and Bicaudate Index for Rural Population in Central India using Computed Tomography

Introduction:

Evans index (EI) and Bicaudate index (BCI) are practical markers of ventricular volume and are helpful radiological markers in the diagnosis of normal pressure hydrocephalus. Worldwide, variation exists in normative studies for both these indices. Most of the studies conducted for EI and BCI are based on the Western population data. No study has been performed on the rural population of Central India. The purpose of this study is to develop normative data on EI and BCI that can be extrapolated for future reference.

Materials and Methods:

This was a retrospective study conducted from December 2018 to May 2019 in MGIMS Hospital, Sevagram, Maharashtra, India, which is a rural hospital in Central India. All patients with either a head injury or neurological complaints although with normal computed tomography (CT) brain were included in the study. Patients with diagnosed neurological disorder, clinical features suggesting hydrocephalus, or intracranial pathology on CT brain were excluded from the study. Five hundred and eleven patients were selected for this study, and EI and BCI was calculated for them.

Results:

The mean value of EI and BCI in our study was 0.2707 and 0.1121, respectively. Both indices showed a statistically significant difference between males and females. The value of both indices increased with age.

Conclusion:

Although our study is in agreement with the cutoff value of EI to diagnose dilated lateral ventricles as 0.3 for age <70 years, cutoff value of EI for the older population should be reconsidered to 0.34.

Computed Tomography Assessment of Brain Atrophy in Centenarians

The aim of our study was to compare the degree of brain atrophy in centenarians and in seniors 70–99 years old. The study group consisted of 23 patients aged 100–106 years. The control group consisted of 90 patients, 30 in each age subgroup 90–99, 80–89, 70–79. In all the patients, the brain atrophy linear parameters were measured on computed tomography scans, in relation to both “subcortical atrophy”, evaluated as progressive widening of the ventricular system, and “cortical atrophy”, defined as widening of subarachnoid space. Secondary indices based on the parameters were calculated. Correlations between the above parameters/indices and age were tested. Significantly different values between the centenarians and the control group were found in the brain atrophy parameters: A, B, C, E, FI, ICR, ICL, SW, CFW, F/A ‘frontal horn index’, A/G ‘Evans index’, D/A ‘ventricular index’, H/E ‘cella media Schiersmann index’, A+B ‘Huckman number’. Correlations between parameter/index and age were found for: A, B, C, FI, ICR, ICL, SW, F/A ‘frontal horn index’, A/G ‘Evans index’, D/A ‘ventricular index’, H/E ‘cella media Schiersmann index’, A+B ‘Huckman number’. Brain atrophy associated with aging is a continuously advancing process, affecting centenarians even more than people before the “magic” threshold of 100 years.

CT Showing Early Ventricular Dilatation after Subarachnoidal Hemorrhage

We performed a retrospective analysis of 398 patients with subarachnoidal hemorrhage (SAH) confirmed by CT. On the first CT examination the temporal horns were enlarged in 84%, the frontal horns in 32%, and the third ventricle in 21% of the patients. The amount of blood in the basal cisterns was highly correlated to dilatation of the temporal horns. The temporal horns were enlarged even when small amounts of blood were found in the cisterns. The frontal and temporal horns were dilated only when moderate or large amounts of blood were present in the cisterns. In 24 patients no blood was seen in the basal cisterns on CT performed within 5 days of the hemorrhage; none of the 3 patients with aneurysms showed normal temporal horns while 18 without demonstrable aneurysms had normal, and 3 had moderately dilated, temporal horns. Because the temporal horns cannot usually be seen at CT of healthy individuals, dilatation could be a useful sign in the diagnosis of SAH.

[Long-term prognosis of idiopathic chronic adult hydrocephalus: I. The University Hospital Marqués de Valdecilla diagnostic and therapeutic protocol]

INTRODUCTION

Despite the existence of published guidelines for more than a decade, there is still a substantial variation in the management of idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus due to its diagnostic and therapeutic complexity.

DEVELOPMENT

The diagnostic and therapeutic protocol for the management of idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus in use at the Department of Neurosurgery of the University Hospital Marqués de Valdecilla is presented. The diagnostic process includes neuropsychological testing, phase contrast cine MRI, urodynamic evaluation, continuous intracranial pressure monitoring, cerebrospinal fluid hydrodynamics by means of lumbar infusion testing, and intra-abdominal pressure measurement. A patient is considered a surgical candidate if any of the following criteria is met: mean intracranial pressure >15mmHg, or B-waves present in >10% of overnight recording; pressure-volume index <15ml, or resistance to cerebrospinal fluid outflow (R_OUT) >4.5mmHg/ml/min in bolus infusion test; R_OUT >12mmHg/ml/min, intracranial pressure >22mmHg, or high amplitude B-waves in the steady-state of the continuous rate infusion test; or a clinical response to high-volume cerebrospinal fluid withdrawal.

CONCLUSIONS

The implementation of a diagnostic and therapeutic protocol for idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus management could improve various aspects of patient care. It could reduce variability in clinical practice, optimise the use of health resources, and help in identifying scientific uncertainty areas, in order to direct research efforts in a more appropriate way.

Practical one-dimensional measurements of age-related brain atrophy are validated by 3-dimensional values and clinical outcomes: a retrospective study

Background

Age-related brain atrophy has been represented by simple 1-dimensional (1-D) measurements on computed tomography (CT) for several decades and, more recently, with 3-dimensional (3-D) analysis, using brain volume (BV) and cerebrospinal fluid volume (CSFV). We aimed to show that simple 1-D measurements would be associated with 3-D values of age-related atrophy and that they would be related to post-traumatic intracranial hemorrhage (ICH).

Methods

Patients ≥60 years with head trauma were classified with central atrophy (lateral ventricular body width >30 mm) and/or cortical atrophy (sulcus width ≥2.5 mm). Composite atrophy was the presence of central or cortical atrophy. BV and CSFV were computed using a Siemens Syngo workstation (VE60A).

Results

Of 177 patients, traits were age 78.3 ± 10, ICH 32.2 %, central atrophy 39.5 %, cortical atrophy 31.1 %, composite atrophy 49.2 %, BV 1,156 ± 198 mL, and CSFV 102.5 ± 63 mL. CSFV was greater with central atrophy (134.4 mL), than without (81.7 mL, p < 0.001). BV was lower with cortical atrophy (1,034 mL), than without (1,211 mL; p < 0.001). BV was lower with composite atrophy (1,103 mL), than without (1,208 mL; p < 0.001). CSFV was greater with composite atrophy (129.1 mL), than without (76.8 mL, p < 0.001). CSFV÷BV was greater with composite atrophy (12.3 %), than without (6.7 %, p < 0.001). Age was greater with composite atrophy (80.4 years), than without (76.3, p = 0.006). Age had an inverse correlation with BV (p < 0.001) and a direct correlation with CSFV (p = 0.0002) and CSFV÷BV (p < 0.001). ICH was greater with composite atrophy (49.4 %), than without (15.6 %; p < 0.001; odds ratio = 5.3). BV was lower with ICH (1,089 mL), than without (1,188 mL; p = 0.002). CSFV÷BV was greater with ICH (11.1 %), than without (8.7 %, p = 0.02). ICH was independently associated with central atrophy (p = 0.001) and cortical atrophy (p = 0.003).

Conclusions

Simple 1-D measurements of age-related brain atrophy are associated with 3-D values. Clinical validity of these methods is also supported by their association with post-injury ICH. Intracranial 3-D software is not available on many CT scanners and can be cumbersome, when available. Simple 1-D measurements, using the study methodology, are a practical method to objectify the presence of age-related brain atrophy.

Brain ventricular dimensions and relationship to outcome in adult patients with bacterial meningitis

Background

Experimental studies suggest that changes in brain ventricle size are key events in bacterial meningitis. This study investigated the relationship between ventricle size, clinical condition and risk of poor outcome in patients with bacterial meningitis.

Methods

Adult patients diagnosed with bacterial meningitis admitted to two departments of infectious diseases from 2003 through 2010 were identified. Clinical and biochemical data as well as cerebral computed tomographic images were collected. The size of the brain ventricles were presented as a Ventricle to Brain Ratio (VBR). Normal range of VBR was defined from an age matched control group. A multivariate analysis was performed to identify predictors of 30-day mortality.

Results

One hundred and seven patients were included. Eighty-one patients had a CT scan at the time of diagnosis. VBR was identified as an independent risk factor of 30-day mortality, Mortality Rate Ratio: 6.03 (95 % confidence interval: 1.61-22.64, p = 0.008) for highest versus lowest tertile. A VBR deviating more than 2 standard deviations from the normal range was associated with increased mortality.

Conclusions

Brain ventricles are commonly subject to marked changes in size as a consequence of meningitis. Increased brain ventricle size in the acute phase of bacterial meningitis was associated with increased mortality.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12879-015-1097-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

The accuracy of linear indices of ventricular volume in pediatric hydrocephalus: technical note

Assessment of ventricular size is essential in clinical management of hydrocephalus and other neurological disorders. At present, ventricular size is assessed using indices derived from the dimensions of the ventricles rather than the actual volumes. In a population of 22 children with congenital hydrocephalus and 22 controls, the authors evaluated the relationship between ventricular volume and linear indices in common use, such as the frontooccipital horn ratio, Evans' index, and the bicaudate index. Ventricular volume was measured on high-resolution anatomical MR images. The frontooccipital horn ratio was found to have a stronger correlation with both absolute and relative ventricular volume than other indices. Further analysis of the brain volumes found that congenital hydrocephalus produced a negligible decrease in the volume of the brain parenchyma.

Antioxidant vitamins and brain dysfunction in alcoholics

AIMS

Alcohol induces cytokine secretion by Kupffer cells, which may exert also deleterious effects on distant organs, mediated in part by cytokine-derived increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). It is therefore important to assess antioxidant levels. The objective of this study is to analyse the relation of antioxidant vitamins with brain atrophy and cognitive dysfunction.

METHODS

In 77 alcoholic patients admitted for withdrawal syndrome, subjected to brain computed tomography (CT), and 19 controls, we determined antioxidant vitamin levels and analysed their relationships with data of brain atrophy and dysfunction. Searching for causes of altered vitamin levels, we also assessed liver function, nutritional status, eating habits, alcohol intake, proinflammatory cytokine (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8) levels and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels.

RESULTS

Both retinol (vitamin A) and tocopherol (vitamin E) levels were decreased in alcoholics, the former in relation with liver failure, and the latter in relation with triglyceride levels and fat mass. Both were related to data of brain atrophy and cerebellar shrinkage (to which also IL-6 was significantly related).

CONCLUSION

Among alcoholics, liver function impairment leads to altered serum vitamin A levels, which are related to brain alterations. Vitamin E levels are also decreased, but although in relation with liver function impairment, its decrease seems to be more dependent on nutritional status and irregular eating habits. Both vitamins are lower in patients with cerebellar atrophy and other features related to brain atrophy.

CT evaluation of lateral ventricular dilatation after subarachnoid hemorrhage: baseline bicaudate index values [correction of balues]

OBJECTIVES

To define baseline bicaudate index (BCI) values in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH).

METHODS

We reviewed the clinical and radiological information on consecutive adult patients admitted with acute SAH to our hospital between 1 January 2002 and 1 January 2008. Patients without diagnosis of acute hydrocephalus were entered into this study. Age-stratified BCI values were calculated.

RESULTS

Our study cohort comprised 108 patients (66 women, 61%). The clinical status at presentation was excellent with a median score of 1 on the World Federation of Neurological Surgeons Scale. Cisternal blood burden was mild to moderate with a median Hijdra score of 17 (out of 30). The upper limits of normal (ninety-fifth percentile) for BCI were 0·12 at age 45 years and under, 0·14 at 55 years, 0·16 at 65 years, and 0·17 thereafter.

CONCLUSION

Albeit not perfect, the BCI is a commonly used linear measure of the lateral ventricular size. We present baseline BCI values in a cohort of patients with acute SAH. A diagnosis of hydrocephalus can be made when the BCI value exceeds the upper limit of normal for age.

Conversion from mild cognitive impairment to dementia: influence of folic acid and vitamin B12 use in the VITA cohort

OBJECTIVE

Increased serum homocysteine and low folate levels are associated with a higher rate of conversion to dementia. This study examined the influence of vitamin B12/folic acid intake on the conversion from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to dementia.

PARTICIPANTS

A community dwelling cohort of older adults (N=81) from the Vienna Transdanube aging study with MCI.

DESIGN

Prospective study with a retrospective evaluation of vitamin intake.

MEASUREMENTS

Laboratory measurements, brain magnetic resonance imaging, and cognitive functioning were assessed at baseline and at five-year follow-up.

RESULTS

The self-reported combined use of folic acid and vitamin B12 for more than one year was associated with a lower conversion rate to dementia. Serum levels of homocysteine and vitamin B12 as measured at baseline or at five years were not associated with conversion. Higher folate levels at baseline in females predicted a lower conversion rate to dementia. The assessment of brain morphological parameters by magnetic resonance imaging revealed higher serum folate at baseline, predicting lower medial temporal lobe atrophy and higher levels of homocysteine at baseline, predicting moderate/severe global brain atrophy at five years. Users of vitamin B12 or folate, independent of time and pattern of use, had lower grades of periventricular hyperintensities and lower grades of deep white matter lesions as compared to non-users.

CONCLUSIONS

These results from a middle European study support observations on the protective ability of folate in MCI patients with respect to conversion to dementia; they also point to a participation of homocysteine metabolism on processes associated with brain atrophy.

Evans' index revisited: the need for an alternative in normal pressure hydrocephalus

BACKGROUND

The international guidelines for the diagnosis of normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) define ventricular enlargement as Evans' index greater than 0.3.

OBJECTIVE

To establish whether there is a correlation between Evans' index and ventricular volume (VV) in NPH and whether choosing different planes for the measurements could produce significantly different results.

METHODS

Pre-shunt insertion, thin-section CT scans of the brains of 10 patients with shunt-responsive NPH were reviewed retrospectively, measuring Evans' index, frontal horn index, VV, and total intracranial volume (ICV). The ventricular/intracranial volume index (VV/ICV) was calculated. Correlation between each of the linear indices and VV and VV/ICV was done.

RESULTS

Significant differences were found in the index values calculated at different planes. The frontal horn index at a plane 16 mm parallel to the anterior commissure-posterior commissure (AC-PC) plane showed best correlation with VV and VV/ICV (r: 0.658 and 0.587, respectively). Evans' index, also obtained at a plane 16 mm parallel to the AC-PC plane, showed best correlation with VV and VV/ICV (r: 0.619 and 0.498, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Evans' index value can vary significantly in a patient with NPH, depending on the level of the brain CT scan image at which the frontal horns and maximal inner skull diameters are measured. Evans' index is not an ideal method for estimating the VV in NPH patients. Volumetric measurements represent the logical accurate estimate of true ventricular size as well as the size of the other intracranial compartments.

A phase-contrast MRI study of acute and chronic hydrodynamic alterations after hydrocephalus induced by subarachnoid hemorrhage

OBJECTIVE

To determine acute intracranial hydrodynamic changes after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) via phase-contrast MRI (PC-MRI) analysis of the CSF stroke volume in the aqueduct (SVaq) and the foramen magnum (SVfm).

METHODS

A prospective PC-MRI study was performed on 34 SAH patients in the acute and late phase. Data on CSF flow and hemorrhage site were analyzed according to acute or chronic hydrocephalus (HC).

RESULTS

In the acute phase, CSF analysis was performed for 31 patients, 12 of whom presented HC. All 12 had an abnormal SVaq; those with communicating HC (n = 7) had an elevated SV and those with noncommunicating HC (n = 5) had a nil SV. None of the patients with a normal SVaq (n = 11) developed acute HC. Intraventricular bleeding led to more cases of acute HC (P = .005), which was communicating in 58% of cases. In the chronic phase, CSF analysis was performed for 27 patients, 7 of whom presented HC. None of these 7 patients displayed a depressed SVaq.

CONCLUSION

SAH led to changes in cerebrospinal fluid hydrodynamics in the majority of patients. Acute HC was communicating in most cases, even when there was intraventricular bleeding. In the late phase, all chronic HC were communicating and did not display aqueductal stenosis.

Treatment of subarachnoid hemorrhage with human albumin: ALISAH study. Rationale and design

The primary objective of this prospective dose-finding pilot study is to demonstrate the tolerability and safety of four dosages of 25% human albumin in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). For each dosage group, the study will enroll 20 patients who meet the eligibility criteria. The enrolled patients will undergo follow-up for 90 days post-treatment. The primary tolerability hypothesis is that intravenous 25% human albumin can be given without precipitating treatment related serious adverse events beyond expectations. The study will determine the maximum tolerated dosage of 25% human albumin therapy based on the rate of treatment related serious adverse events during treatment: severe or life-threatening heart failure. The secondary objectives are to obtain preliminary estimates of the albumin treatment effect using the incidence of neurological deterioration within 15 days after symptom onset. In addition, the incidence of rebleeding, hydrocephalus, seizures, delayed cerebral ischemia and the incidence of vasospasm (both symptomatic and by transcranial Doppler ultrasound criteria) within 15 days after symptom onset will be evaluated. Furthermore, the serum osmolality and serum albumin concentrations, serum magnesium concentration, blood pressure and heart rate within 15 days of symptom onset will also be observed. The Glasgow Outcome Scale, Barthel Index, modified Rankin Scale, NIH Stroke Scale, and Stroke Impact Scale will be performed 3 months after the onset of symptoms to assess residual neurological deficits.

Hydrocephalus after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

Hydrocephalus is a common and potentially devastating complication of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Its incidence is approximately 20% to 30%, and its onset can be acute, within 48 hours after SAH, or rarely chronic, occurring in a delayed fashion weeks and even months after the hemorrhage. Early recognition of its signs and symptoms and accurate interpretation of computed tomography (CT) studies are important for the management of patients with SAH. Clinically, a poor neurologic grade has the highest correlation with an increased incidence of hydrocephalus. Radiographically, the bicaudate index on CT studies has emerged as the best marker of this condition. Although further studies are needed to understand the complex pathophysiology of this condition, hydrocephalus after SAH can be treated effectively using current technology.

Serum levels of S100B and NSE proteins in Alzheimer's disease patients

Background

Alzheimer's disease is the most common dementia in the elderly, and the potential of peripheral biochemical markers as complementary tools in the neuropsychiatric evaluation of these patients has claimed further attention.

Methods

We evaluated serum levels of S100B and neuron-specific enolase (NSE) in 54 mild, moderate and severe Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients and in 66 community-dwelling elderly. AD patients met the probable NINCDS-ADRDA criteria. Severity of dementia was ascertained by the Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) scale, cognitive function by the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), and neuroimage findings with magnetic resonance imaging. Serum was obtained from all individuals and frozen at -70°C until analysis.

Results

By comparing both groups, serum S100B levels were lower in AD group, while serum NSE levels were the same both groups. In AD patients, S100B levels were positively correlated with CDR scores (rho = 0.269; p = 0.049) and negatively correlated with MMSE scores (rho = -0.33; P = 0.048). NSE levels decreased in AD patients with higher levels of brain atrophy.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that serum levels of S100B may be a marker for brain functional condition and serum NSE levels may be a marker for morphological status in AD.

Impact of early surgery after aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the effect of early aneurysm surgery (<72 h) on outcome in patients with subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We studied two consecutive series of patients with aneurysmal SAH [postponed surgery (PS) cohort, n = 118, 1989-1992: surgery was planned on day 12 and early surgery (ES) cohort, n = 85, 1996-1998: ES was performed only in patients with Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) >13]. We used multivariable logistic regression analysis to assess outcome at 3 months.

RESULTS

Favourable outcome (Glasgow Outcome Scale 4 or 5) was similar in both cohorts. Cerebral ischemia occurred significantly more often in the ES cohort. The occurrence of rebleeds was similar in both cohorts. External cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage was performed more often in the ES cohort (51% vs 19%). Patients with cisternal sum score (CSS) of subarachnoid blood <15 on admission [adjusted odds ratio (OR) for favourable outcome: 6.4, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.0-39.8] and patients with both CSS <15 and GCS > 12 on admission benefited from the strategy including ES (OR 10.5, 95% CI 1.1-99.4).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results support the widely adopted practice of ES in good-grade SAH patients.

[Acute CSF changes in the mesencephalon aqueduct after subarachnoid hemorrhage as measured by PC-MRI]

PURPOSE

Determining acute intracranial hydrodynamic changes after subarachnoid hemorrhage through an analysis of the CSF stroke volume (SV) as measured by phase-contrast MRI (PC-MRI) in the mesencephalon aqueduct.

METHOD

A prospective study was performed in 33 patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage. A PC-MRI imaging study was performed n the acute phase (< 48 hours). CSF flow was measured in the aqueduct. The appearance of acute hydrocephalus (HCA) was then compared with data on CSF flow, and the location of the intraventricular and perimesencephalic bleeding.

RESULTS

CSF analysis was performed on 27 patients, 11 of whom presented with an acute HCA. All 11 patients had an abnormal SV in the aqueduct: patients with a communicating HCA had an increased SV (n=8); and patients with a noncommunicating HCA had a nil SV (n=3). Patients with a normal SV in the aqueduct did not develop an acute HCA. Intraventricular bleeding significantly led to HCA (P=0.02), which was of the communicating type in 70% of cases.

CONCLUSION

Subarachnoid hemorrhage leads to intracranial CSF hydrodynamic modifications in the aqueduct in the majority of patients. CSF flow can help us to understand the mechanism of the appearance of acute HCA. Indeed, hydrocephalus occurred - of the communicating type in most cases - even in the presence of intraventricular bleeding.

VENTRICULOPERITONEAL SHUNTING AFTER ANEURYSMAL SUBARACHNOID HEMORRHAGE

OBJECTIVE

The goals of this study were to investigate the risk factors, indications, complications, and outcome for patients with ventriculoperitoneal shunts (VPSs) after subarachnoid hemorrhage and to define a subgroup eligible for future prospective studies designed to clarify indications for placement of a VPS.

METHODS

Clinical characteristics of 236 prospectively evaluated patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage and 6 months of follow-up were analyzed. Hydrocephalus was estimated by the relative bicaudate index (RBCI) measured on computed tomographic scans at the time of shunting. Patients were divided into three groups by ventricle size: Group 1 included 121 patients with small ventricles (RBCI &lt;1.0), Group 2 included 88 patients with borderline ventricle size (RBCI 1.0–1.4), and Group 3 included 27 patients with markedly enlarged ventricles (RBCI &gt;1.4).

RESULTS

Initially, 86 patients (36%) underwent ventriculoperitoneal shunting: 19 in Group 1 (16%), 43 in Group 2 (49%), and 24 in Group 3 (90%). Indications for placement of a VPS, risk factors, and outcome differed markedly by group. Four patients (3% of those not initially shunted) developed delayed hydrocephalus requiring a VPS, including one in Group 2 (2%). The 6-month shunt complication rate was 13%. Evaluation of patients in Group 2 indicated that functional status was an important factor in selecting candidates for shunting, and that patients receiving shunts and shunt-free patients demonstrated improvement in functional status during follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Although we currently use a proactive shunting paradigm for posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus, this report demonstrates that a conservative approach to patients with borderline ventricle size (i.e., RBCI of 1.0–1.4) and normal intracranial pressure should be evaluated in a prospective randomized trial.

THE IMPACT OF MICROSURGICAL FENESTRATION OF THE LAMINA TERMINALIS ON SHUNT-DEPENDENT HYDROCEPHALUS AND VASOSPASM AFTER ANEURYSMAL SUBARACHNOID HEMORRHAGE

OBJECTIVE

Chronic hydrocephalus requiring shunt placement and cerebral vasospasm are common complications after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. Recent publications have investigated the possibility that microsurgical fenestration of the lamina terminalis during aneurysm surgery may reduce the incidence of shunt-dependent hydrocephalus and cerebral vasospasm. We reviewed a single-surgeon series to compare postsurgical outcomes of patients who underwent fenestration of the lamina terminalis against those who did not.

METHODS

This study is a retrospective review of the medical records of 369 consecutive patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage admitted to Columbia University Medical Center between January 2000 and July 2006. All patients underwent craniotomy and clipping of at least one ruptured cerebral aneurysm by a single neurosurgeon (ESC). The incidences of shunt-dependent hydrocephalus, conversion from acute hydrocephalus on admission to chronic hydrocephalus, and clinical cerebral vasospasm were compared in patients who underwent fenestration of the lamina terminalis with those who did not. The patient cohort was thus divided into three subgroups: 1) patients whose operative records clearly indicated that they underwent fenestration of the lamina terminalis, 2) patients whose operative records clearly indicated that they did not undergo fenestration of the lamina terminalis, and 3) patients whose operative records did not indicate one way or another whether they received fenestration of the lamina terminalis. We performed two separate analyses by comparing the postsurgical outcomes in those patients who were fenestrated versus those who were definitively not fenestrated and comparing the postsurgical outcomes in those patients who were fenestrated versus those who were not plus those whose records did not document fenestration. To further control for any cohort differences, we performed a comparison between patients who were fenestrated and those who were not after matching 1:1 for presenting radiographic and clinical characteristics predictive of hydrocephalus and vasospasm. Outcomes were compared using logistic regression and multivariable analysis.

RESULTS

In the first model, fenestrated patients had a shunt rate, conversion rate, and rate of clinical vasospasm of 25, 50, and 23%, respectively, versus 20, 27, and 27% in nonfenestrated patients, respectively (P = 0.28, 0.21, and 0.32, respectively). In the second model, the nonfenestrated patients plus nondocumented patients had a shunt rate, conversion rate, and rate of clinical vasospasm of 16, 40, and 20%, respectively (P = 0.19, 0.33, and 0.60, respectively). In the matched cohort, fenestrated patients had a shunt rate, conversion rate, and rate of clinical vasospasm of 29, 67, and 20%, respectively, versus 20, 25, and 25% in nonfenestrated patients, respectively (P = 0.30, 0.24, and 0.20, respectively).

CONCLUSION

In contrast to other retrospective multisurgeon series, our retrospective single-surgeon series suggests that microsurgical fenestration of the lamina terminalis may not reduce the incidence of shunt-dependent hydrocephalus or cerebral vasospasm after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. A prospective multicenter trial is needed to definitively address the use of this maneuver.

Vault reduction cranioplasty for extreme hydrocephalic macrocephaly

Due to early diagnosis and treatment of hydrocephalus, neurosurgeons rarely are called upon to treat patients with extreme hydrocephalic macrocephaly. Macrocephaly can limit mobility and hygiene. The critical evaluation and surgical correction of the morphological problem of macrocephaly secondary to hydrocephalus is complex. Various techniques such as quadrantal, picket fence, crossbar, and modified rr techniques have been used to reduce the size of the cranial vault to decrease cranial volume while achieving good cosmesis. Limitations of vault reduction cranioplasty include the inability to alter the anteroposterior and lateral diameters of the skull base, the inability to shorten the superior sagittal sinus, and the need to avoid infolding of the brain due to the risk of venous infarcts. Reduction cranioplasty is indicated in the occasional patient whose large head size represents a mechanical or cosmetic problem of sufficient magnitude to seriously interfere with motor development and functioning, with resultant development of pressure sores and difficulties with nursing care. Reduction cranioplasty should be avoided in patients under the age of 3 years.

Continuous intraventricular pressure monitoring for diagnosis of normal-pressure hydrocephalus

OBJECTIVES

Normal-pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) syndrome is treatable by implantation of a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt. However, diagnosis of NPH by clinical and radiological findings alone is unreliable, and co-existing structural dementia can contribute to low success rates after shunt implantation. The aim of our study was to investigate whether long-term results after shunt implantation in NPH improve when surgical candidates are selected by continuous intraventricular pressure monitoring (CIPM).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Ninety-two consecutive patients who were admitted with suspected NPH received CIPM for 48 h including an intraventricular steady-state infusion test to determine the resistance outflow. With positive CIPM, shunt implantation was performed and the patients were prospectively followed up for 1 to 10 years (median 6.5 years).

RESULTS

CIPM was negative in 37 patients. Fifty-five patients had a positive CIPM and received CSF shunt. 96.1% of them improved from gait disturbance, 77.1% from cognitive impairment and 75.7% from urinary dysfunction. Clinical improvement remained during long-term follow-up in all but 3 patients who showed a decline at 4, 5 and 7 years, respectively. CIPM-related complications (ventriculitis) occurred in only one patient.

CONCLUSION

CIPM is a safe and valuable tool to establish a reliable diagnosis of NPH and to identify promising surgical candidates.

Plasma amyloid beta protein 42 in non-demented persons aged 75 years: effects of concomitant medication and medial temporal lobe atrophy

Plasma amyloid beta (Abeta42) levels increase with age and are elevated in some patients during the early stages of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Although plasma Abeta42 is not useful for diagnosis of AD, it might be a biological risk factor. In the elderly population a considerable variety of concomitant medication is used for the treatment of various disorders. How this co-medication might influence Abeta42 levels is still to be investigated. Through the Vienna Transdanube Aging study (VITA), the authors measured cross-sectional Abeta42 plasma levels during the initial examination of 526 individuals aged 75 years without dementia. The medication considered included: treatment with calcium channel blockers, digitalis, anticoagulants, antihistamines, ergotamine, histamine H(2) receptor antagonists, bronchodilators, pentoxyfilline, neuroleptics, insulin, oral antidiabetics, l-dopa, benzodiazepines, oestrogen, Gingko biloba, vitamins, piracetam, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and statins. Of the study population aged 75 years, 90% were users of some of the above-mentioned medication. Depending on their medial temporal lobe atrophy (MTA), users of insulin showed significantly increased levels of Abeta42, while users of gingko biloba for at least 2 years of drug intake had significantly decreased Abeta42 plasma levels, independent of their MTA. Users of NSAIDs showed a non-significant trend to reduced Abeta42 plasma levels, while users of biguanides showed an increase in Abeta42 plasma levels. In the multiple regression analysis considering possible interactions between various medications statin users showed a significant decrease of Abeta42; insulin users had again significantly higher and long-term gingko biloba users lower plasma Abeta42 levels. Persons with a low degree of MTA had significantly increased Abeta42 plasma levels. Considering the increase of Abeta42 plasma levels as a risk factor for AD, any changes induced by medication by long-term use in the peripheral and possibly also in the central compartment, could be of clinical relevance.

Delirium in Acute Subarachnoid Haemorrhage

BACKGROUND

Delirium may be a presenting feature in acute subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH). The aim of this study was to investigate the risk factors for delirium in acute SAH and to analyse the relation between delirium and location and amount of haematic densities and hydrocephalus.

METHODS

We assessed delirium in a sample of 68 consecutive patients with acute (< or =4 days) SAH (33 aneurysmal, 33 non-aneurysmal, including 9 with perimesencephalic haemorrhage), before aneurysmal treatment, using DSM-IV-R criteria and the Delirium Rating Scale (DRS). DRS scores were related to: (1) the total amount of haematic densities at 10 basal cisterns/fissures and in the 4 ventricles, using a validated rating scale, (2) the haematic densities in the prepontine cistern and the convexity of the brain and (3) hydrocephalus, using the bicaudate index, obtained from a review of admission CT scans.

RESULTS

Eleven acute SAH patients presented with delirium. Older age (U = 316.5, p = 0.04), alertness disturbance (chi(2) = 5.1, p = 0.02, OR = 7.6, 95% CI = 1.5-37.3), aphasia (U = 61.5, p = 0.007) and a Hunt and Hess score >2 (U = 362.5, p = 0.02) were associated with delirium. Higher amounts of intraventricular haematic densities (chi(2) = 4.43, p = 0.04, U = 158, p = 0.001) and hydrocephalus (U = 215, p = 0.009) were also associated with higher DRS scores. Two delirious patients had basofrontal haematomas.

CONCLUSIONS

Delirium was detected in 16% of acute SAH patients. Intraventricular bleeding, hydrocephalus and basofrontal haematomas contribute to the pathogenesis of delirium, through damage to anatomical networks subserving sustained attention, declarative memory and the expression of emotional behaviour.

Avaliação da doença de Parkinson pela ressonância magnética

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a doença de Parkinson pela ressonância magnética. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: De outubro de 1999 a outubro de 2002, foram estudados 42 pacientes com parkinsonismo, por meio de um aparelho de ressonância magnética de 1,5 T. Os pacientes foram divididos em dois grupos: grupo com doença de Parkinson (n = 26) e grupo com síndrome parkinsoniana atípica (n = 16), sendo os resultados comparados com um grupo controle (n = 18). Foram avaliadas as seguintes variáveis: espessura da pars compacta do mesencéfalo, grau de hipointensidade de sinal no putâmen, grau de atrofia cerebral, lesões no mesencéfalo, lesões na substância branca e a presença de lesão na borda póstero-lateral do putâmen. A análise estatística dos dados foi realizada, com a utilização do programa SPSS. RESULTADOS: A média de idade foi de 58,2 anos nos grupos com doença de Parkinson e controle, e 60,5 anos no grupo com síndrome parkinsoniana atípica. Os pacientes com doença de Parkinson e síndrome parkinsoniana atípica apresentaram redução da espessura da pars compacta e maior grau de hipointensidade de sinal no putâmen. O grau de atrofia cerebral foi maior nos pacientes com síndrome parkinsoniana atípica. As lesões no mesencéfalo e na substância branca foram semelhantes entre os grupos. O sinal hiperintenso na borda póstero-lateral do putâmen foi um achado pouco freqüente na população estudada, mas sugestivo de atrofia de múltiplos sistemas. CONCLUSÃO: Desta forma, a ressonância magnética detectou alterações morfológicas cerebrais que podem auxiliar no diagnóstico por imagem das síndromes parkinsonianas.

Comparison of rapid and gradual weaning from external ventricular drainage in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: a prospective randomized trial

OBJECT

The goal of this study was to compare rapid and gradual weaning from external ventricular drainage in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) in a prospective, randomized trial.

METHODS

Between December 2001 and December 2002, 81 patients with aneurysmal SAH in whom external ventricular drains (EVDs) had been placed were enrolled in the study: 41 patients were randomized to the rapidly weaned group and 40 were randomized to the gradually weaned group. The two groups were well matched with respect to age, sex, posterior aneurysm location, Fisher grade, Hunt and Hess grade, intraventricular hemorrhage on admission, and hydrocephalus on admission. Rapid weaning was defined as weaning that occurred within 24 hours with immediate closure of the EVD, whereas gradual weaning took place over a 96-hour period with daily, sequential height elevations of the EVD system followed by drain closure for 24 hours. All patients in whom EVD weaning failed underwent shunt placement. Rates of shunt implantation, days in the intensive care unit (ICU), and overall duration of hospitalization were compared. There was no significant difference in rates of shunt implantation between the rapidly weaned (63.4%) and gradually weaned (62.5%) groups. Nevertheless, patients in the gradually weaned group spent a mean of 2.8 more days in the ICU (p = 0.0002) and 2.4 more days in the hospital (p = 0.0314) than patients in the rapidly weaned group.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with rapid weaning, gradual, multistep EVD weaning provided no advantage to patients with aneurysmal SAH in preventing the need for long-term shunt placement and prolonged ICU and hospital stays.

Cardiac arrest: long-term cognitive and imaging analysis

BACKGROUND

Neurological and cognitive sequelae resulting from cardiac arrest (CA), despite their potential personal and social impact, are usually not considered as major outcome measures in long-term analysis of survivors. The aim of this study is to analyze the contribution of neuropsychological testing and cerebral imaging to the development of a long-term classification of neurological impairment.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 19 patients admitted over a 3 years period in an eight-bed intensive care unit of a tertiary care hospital with a diagnosis of CA were alive and attended a 6-month follow-up consultation. Eleven of these patients agreed to participate in this study carried out between 1 and 3 years after CA. Patients were classified using the Cerebral Performance Categories (CPC), neurological examination, detailed cognitive testing and computerized tomography (CT) scan with qualitative and quantitative imaging analysis.

RESULTS

Six of the 11 patients had good cerebral performance. Verbal and visuo-spatial short-term memory scores were associated with CPC. All patients with at least moderate cerebral disability had abnormal verbal memory test results compared with only one survivor with CPC 1; visuo-spatial short-term memory was abnormal in four moderately affected survivors and normal in those with CPC 1. The bicaudate ratio evaluated in the CT scan was correlated with the verbal memory score while the III ventricle diameter correlated with the executive functions score, suggesting involvement of different brain areas in these functions.

CONCLUSIONS

Neuropsychological and CT scan measurements are proxy measures of long-term impairment of CA survivors, providing a dichotomized global evaluation of CA survivors in close agreement with CPC.

Ventricular volume change in childhood

OBJECT

The aim of this study was to construct a model of age-related changes in ventricular volume in a group of normal children ages 1 month to 15 years, which could be used for comparative studies of cerebrospinal fluid circulation disorders and cerebral atrophy developmental syndromes.

METHODS

A magnetic resonance imaging-based segmentation technique was used to measure ventricular volumes in normal children; each volume was then plotted against the child's age. In addition, intracranial volumes were measured and the ratio of ventricular to intracranial volume was calculated and plotted against age. The study group included 71 normal children, 39 boys and 32 girls, whose ages ranged from 1 month to 15.3 years (mean 84.9 months, median 79 months). The mean ventricular volume was 21.3 cm3 for the whole group, 22.7 cm3 in boys and 19.6 cm3 in girls (p = 0.062, according to t-tests). The mean ventricular volume at 12 months for the whole group was 17 cm3 (20 cm3 in boys and 15 cm3 in girls), representing 65% of the volume achieved by 15 years of age (87% in boys and 53% in girls). The volume increased by a factor of 1.53, to 26 cm3 (23 cm3 in males and 28 cm3 in females, increase factors of 1.15 and 1.86, respectively) at 15 years of age. The change in ventricular volume with age is not linear, but follows a segmental pattern. These age periods were defined as: 0 to 3, 4 to 6, 7 to 10, and 11 to 16 years. A statistical difference based on sex was only demonstrated in the first 6 years of life. The mean ventricular volume for the first 6-year period was 22.4 cm3 in boys and 15.7 cm3 in girls, and the difference was significant for the two sexes (linear regression analysis for age and sex, significant according to analysis of variance regression at 0.007, p = 0.108 for age, p = 0.012 for sex). Thereafter, there was no significant difference in ventricular volume between boys and girls with further growth. The ratio of ventricular volume to intracranial volume was 0.0175 for the whole group, 0.017 in boys and 0.018 in girls (p = 0.272, according to t-tests). At 12 months of age the ratio was 0.019; it stabilized to 0.015 at 8 years of age, and increased to 0.018 at 15 years of age. No statistical difference based on sex was demonstrated with growth.

CONCLUSIONS

The ventricular volume in normal children increases with age by a factor of 1.5; the increase is in a nonlinear segmental pattern. Boys have significantly higher ventricular volumes only in the first 6 years of life. The ventricular/intracranial volume ratio remains stable throughout childhood.

Fourth ventricle computed tomography indexes: standardisation and characteristics in neurocysticercosis

OBJECTIVES

to propose standardisation of fourth ventricle dimensions and to study its characteristics in neurocysticercosis.

METHOD

a control group (CG) constituted by 114 individuals with normal CT, and 80 patients with neurocysticercosis composed the group with neurocysticercosis (GN). Measures of the inner cranial diameter (Cr), fronto-polar distance between both lateral ventricles (FP), antero-posterior (AP) and latero-lateral (LL) fourth ventricle width based the standardisation of six indexes.

RESULTS

AP/Cr, AP/LL and AP/FP were the more discriminative indexes, presenting in CG the mean values of 0.063, 0.267 and 0.582, respectively. The indexes in GN had values statistically higher than in CG. From GN, 51 patients had increased indexes values above 2 standard deviation of the CG mean. AP/Ll was >/= 1 in 95% of patients with ventricular shunting and in 88% with depression. It also occurred in 73% patients with satisfactory follow-up and in everybody who died.

CONCLUSION

AP/Cr, AP/LL and AP/FP may represent fourth ventricle dimensions.

Cerebral hemodynamic impairment after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage as evaluated using transcranial doppler ultrasonography: relationship to delayed cerebral ischemia and clinical outcome

OBJECT

In this study the authors evaluated the relative role of cerebral hemodynamic impairment (HDI) in the pathogenesis of delayed cerebral ischemia and poor clinical outcome after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH).

METHODS

Cerebral hemodynamics were assessed daily with transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasonography in 55 consecutive patients with verified SAH. Hemodynamic impairment was defined as blood flow velocity (BFV) values consistent with vasospasm in conjunction with impaired autoregulatory vasodilation as evaluated using the transient hyperemic response tests in the middle cerebral arteries. A total of 1344 TCD examinations were performed, in which the evaluation of HDI was feasible during 80.9% and HDI was registered during 12% of the examinations. It was found that HDI occurred in 60% of patients and was frequently recorded in conjunction with severe vasospasm (p < 0.05) and a rapid increase of BFV values (p < 0.05). Detection of HDI was closely associated with the development of delayed ischemic brain damage after SAH (p < 0.05). Furthermore, because delayed ischemia was never observed in cases in which vasospasm had not led to the development of HDI, its occurrence increased significantly the likelihood of subsequent cerebral ischemia among the patients with vasospasm (p < 0.05). Detection of HDI was independently related to unfavorable clinical outcome according to Glasgow Outcome Scale at 6 months after SAH (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The results showed that HDI is common after SAH and can be evaluated with TCD ultrasonography in routine clinical practice. Detection of HDI could be useful for identifying patients at high or low risk for delayed ischemic complications and unfavorable clinical outcome after SAH.

Health-related quality of life after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: impacts of bleeding severity, computerized tomography findings, surgery, vasospasm, and neurological grade

OBJECT

Based on the results of earlier studies it is agreed that the significance of aneurysm location and surgery for neuropsychological impairments after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is secondary to the effects of the bleeding itself. Therefore, the present study was performed to evaluate whether bleeding, acute clinical course, and surgery have persistent effects on health-related quality of life (QOL) after SAH.

METHODS

A series of 116 patients was examined for 4 to 5 years (mean 52.2 months) after aneurysmal SAH by means of a QOL questionnaire. Eighty-six patients (74.1%) had undergone surgery early (< or = 72 hours post-SAH). There were 77 women (66.4%) and 39 men (33.6%) in the study group, and the mean age of the patients was 50.3+/-13.3 years (range 30-69 years). Patients who had undergone surgery for a left-sided middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysm complained of significantly more impairments in social contact, communication, and cognition than those treated for a right-sided MCA aneurysm. No other effects of aneurysm location (including the anterior communicating artery) emerged. Multiple aneurysms, intraoperative aneurysm rupture, and partial resection of the gyrus rectus had no adverse effects on later daily life. Only temporary clipping was associated with increased complaints in some QOL areas. Disturbances of the circulation of cerebrospinal fluid and the presence of intraventricular hemorrhage led to more impairments in daily life. Specific effects of the anatomical pattern of the bleeding could be identified, but no adverse effects of vasospasm were found. Multivariate analyses revealed, in particular, that patient age and admission neurological status (Hunt and Hess grade) are substantial predictors of the psychosocial sequelae of SAH.

CONCLUSIONS

In contrast to the mild effects of aneurysm surgery, patient's age, initial neurological state on admission, and the bleeding pattern substantially influence late QOL after SAH.

Normal pressure hydrocephalus in diabetic patients with recurrent episodes of hypoglycemic coma

The pathophysiology of brain damage induced by severe hypoglycemia is still unknown. We experienced a case with type 1 diabetes and recurrent severe hypoglycemic coma who showed a central brain atrophy and an abnormal cerebrospinal fluid flow, suggesting normal pressure hydrocephalus. Following this case, the CSF flow was studied using 111In-DTPA cisternography in six consecutive diabetic patients admitted for repeated episodes of hypoglycemic coma. All the patients showed the central brain atrophy on computed tomography and four of them (67%) had the ventricular reflux, with delayed clearance of 111In-DTPA. Two patients with abnormal CSF flow showed cognitive dysfunction by WAIS or WAIS-R. In contrast, none of five randomly selected diabetic patients, without hypoglycemic coma showed abnormal CSF flow. Our results suggest the presence of normal pressure hydrocephalus in diabetic patients with recurrent hypoglycemic coma. It may associate with the cognitive dysfunction.

Central nervous system involvement in gyrate atrophy of the choroid and retina with hyperornithinaemia

In gyrate atrophy of the choroid and retina with hyperornithinaemia (GA), a genetically determined deficiency of ornithine delta-aminotransferase activity leads to high ornithine concentrations in body fluids. GA is characterized by centripetally progressing retinal and choroidal destruction and selective atrophy with tubular aggregates in type II skeletal muscle fibres. These findings have been suggested to be mediated by hyperornithinaemia-induced deficiency of high-energy creatine phosphate. As abnormal brain magnetic resonance images and electroencephalograms are found in another disorder of creatine metabolism, guanidinoacetate methyltransferase deficiency, we investigated the central nervous system involvement in GA, which seems to be associated with a milder degree of phosphocreatine deficiency. We compared 23 untreated GA patients with age-matched healthy controls, and with 9 patients who had received creatine or creatine precursor supplementation daily for several years. The mean age of the patients (32 +/- 18 years) was similar to that of the controls (36 +/- 22 years). The MRI or EEG findings of the patients on creatine supplementation did not differ from those of the untreated group. Brain MRI revealed degenerative lesions in the white matter in 50% of the GA patients, and 70% of the patients had premature atrophic changes, with a striking increase in the number of Virchow's spaces. Of the patients whose EEG was recorded, 58% had abnormal slow background activity, focal lesions or high-amplitude beta rhythm (> 50 microV). The EEG findings were not associated with the MRI changes or with the age or the sex of the patients. Early degenerative and atrophic brain changes and abnormal EEG are thus features of GA, in addition to the well-characterized eye and muscle manifestations.

Prophylactic cranial irradiation in locally advanced non-small-cell lung cancer after multimodality treatment: long-term follow-up and investigations of late neuropsychologic effects

PURPOSE

Relapse pattern and late toxicities in long-term survivors were analyzed after the introduction of prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) into a phase II trial on trimodality treatment of locally advanced (LAD) non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Seventy-five patients with stage IIIA(N2)/IIIB NSCLC were treated with induction chemotherapy, preoperative radiochemotherapy, and surgery. PCI was routinely offered during the second period of study accrual. Patients were given a total radiation dose of 30 Gy (2 Gy per daily fraction) over a 3-week period starting 1 day after the last chemotherapy cycle.

RESULTS

Introduction of PCI reduced the rate of brain metastases as first site of relapse from 30% to 8% at 4 years (P =.005) and that of overall brain relapse from 54% to 13% (P <.0001). The effect of PCI was also observed in the good-prognosis subgroup of 47 patients who had a partial response or complete response to induction chemotherapy, with a reduction of brain relapse as first failure from 23% to 0% at 4 years (P =.01). Neuropsychologic testing revealed impairments in attention and visual memory in long-term survivors who received PCI as well as in those who did not receive PCI. T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging revealed white matter abnormalities of higher grades in patients who received PCI than in those who did not.

CONCLUSION

PCI at a moderate dose reduced brain metastases in LAD-NSCLC to a clinically significant extent, comparable to that in limited-disease small-cell lung cancer. Late toxicity to normal brain was acceptable. This study supports the use of PCI within intense protocols for LAD-NSCLC, particularly in patients with favorable prognostic factors.

Excessive daytime sleepiness in myotonic dystrophy

The aim of the present study was to assess whether or not there is any correlation between magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) abnormalities and excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) in a consecutive series of patients with myotonic dystrophy (MD). The influences of nocturnal breathing abnormalities and sleep morphology on EDS were also evaluated. Ten MD patients were studied by means of an all-night polysomnographic recording, the multiple sleep latency test (MSLT) and MRI. Diagnosis of MD was established on the basis of the clinical and electrophysiological evidence of myotonia as well as of the characteristic genetic pattern. No patient had respiratory failure. Polysomnography and MSLT were also evaluated in ten healthy age-matched controls under the same environmental conditions. The mean MSLT value was significantly lower in patients than in controls. Five of the ten patients were found to have pathological EDS. The quantitative sleep variables and the nocturnal apnoeas in these five patients were not significantly different from those of the patients without EDS. As two patients did not undergo MRI because of claustrophobia, the MRI data were considered in eight patients. Corpus callosum (CC) atrophy was detected in four patients, whereas three patients showed hyperintense areas in the white matter. No correlation was found between EDS and MRI indexes of subcortical atrophy as well as volume of the hyperintense areas. By contrast, a correlation was found between the MSLT value and the reduction in the anterior area of the CC. Our data suggest that CC atrophy might occur in MD patients, and that the size of the CC anterior area might be associated with EDS.

Relationship between brain atrophy estimated by a longitudinal computed tomography study and blood pressure control in patients with essential hypertension

To evaluate the relationship between blood pressure control and the progression of brain atrophy in the elderly, patients with essential hypertension and brain atrophy were longitudinally evaluated using computerized tomography (CT). The study evaluated 48 patients with essential hypertension aged 46-78 years, and 30 sex- and age-matched normotensive control subjects. The extent of brain atrophy as determined by caudate head index (CHI), the inverse cella media index (iCMI), and Evans' ratio (ER) was estimated twice at an interval of 5-9 years (mean, 6.9 years). The mean annual increases in CHI (deltaCHI), iCMI (delta iCMI), and ER (deltaER) were evaluated. Mean blood volume in the common carotid artery (BF) and the decrease in BF per year (deltaBF) were also determined. The deltaCHI, delta iCMI, and deltaER increased with age in the hypertensive subjects as well as the control group across all age groups evaluated. The deltaCHI, delta iCMI, and deltaER were significantly greater in the patients with essential hypertension in their 50 s as compared with the controls. In patients with essential hypertension aged 65 years or older, the deltaCHI, delta iCMI, and deltaER were significantly lower in the group in whom the blood pressure was controlled within the range of borderline hypertension than the groups in which it was controlled in the range of normal or mild hypertension. In the younger patients under the age of 65 with essential hypertension, blood pressure control did not affect the deltaCHI, delta iCMI, and deltaER. The deltaCHI, delta iCMI, and deltaER were significantly correlated with deltaBF in both groups. These findings indicate that control of systolic blood pressure within the range of borderline hypertension may delay the progression of brain atrophy in elderly patients with essential hypertension.