Validation of the finding of hypertrophy of the clava in infantile neuroaxonal dystrophy/PLA2G6 by biometric analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Infantile neuroaxonal dystrophy (INAD), an autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disorder due to PLA2G6 mutation, is classified both as a PLA2G6-associated neurodegeneration (PLAN) disorder and as one of the neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation (NBIA) disorders. Age of onset and clinical presentation in INAD is variable. Typically described imaging features of cerebellar atrophy, cerebellar cortex bright FLAIR signal, and globus pallidus iron deposition are variable or late findings. We characterize clinical and neuroimaging phenotypes in nine children with confirmed PLA2G6 mutations and show a useful imaging feature, clava hypertrophy, which may aid in earlier identification of patients. Measurements of the clava confirm actual enlargement, rather than apparent enlargement due to volume loss of the other brain stem structures. METHODS: A retrospective clinical and MRI review was performed. Brain stem measurements were performed and compared with age-matched controls. RESULTS: We identified nine patients, all with novel PLA2G6 gene mutations. MRI, available in eight, showed clava hypertrophy, regardless of age or the absence of other more typically described neuroimaging findings. Brain autopsy in our cohort confirmed prominent spheroid bodies in the clava nuclei. CONCLUSION: Clava hypertrophy is an important early imaging feature which may aid in indentification of children who would benefit from specific testing for PLA2G6 mutations.

Tract-Based Spatial Statistics in Preterm-Born Neonates Predicts Cognitive and Motor Outcomes at 18 Months.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Adverse neurodevelopmental outcome is common in children born preterm. Early sensitive predictors of neurodevelopmental outcome such as MR imaging are needed. Tract-based spatial statistics, a diffusion MR imaging analysis method, performed at term-equivalent age (40 weeks) is a promising predictor of neurodevelopmental outcomes in children born very preterm. We sought to determine the association of tract-based spatial statistics findings before term-equivalent age with neurodevelopmental outcome at 18-months corrected age. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Of 180 neonates (born at 24-32-weeks' gestation) enrolled, 153 had DTI acquired early at 32 weeks' postmenstrual age and 105 had DTI acquired later at 39.6 weeks' postmenstrual age. Voxelwise statistics were calculated by performing tract-based spatial statistics on DTI that was aligned to age-appropriate templates. At 18-month corrected age, 166 neonates underwent neurodevelopmental assessment by using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development, 3rd ed, and the Peabody Developmental Motor Scales, 2nd ed. RESULTS: Tract-based spatial statistics analysis applied to early-acquired scans (postmenstrual age of 30-33 weeks) indicated a limited significant positive association between motor skills and axial diffusivity and radial diffusivity values in the corpus callosum, internal and external/extreme capsules, and midbrain (P < .05, corrected). In contrast, for term scans (postmenstrual age of 37-41 weeks), tract-based spatial statistics analysis showed a significant relationship between both motor and cognitive scores with fractional anisotropy in the corpus callosum and corticospinal tracts (P < .05, corrected). Tract-based spatial statistics in a limited subset of neonates (n = 22) scanned at <30 weeks did not significantly predict neurodevelopmental outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The strength of the association between fractional anisotropy values and neurodevelopmental outcome scores increased from early-to-late-acquired scans in preterm-born neonates, consistent with brain dysmaturation in this population.

Development of a standardized MRI scoring tool for CNS demyelination in children.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The degree to which MR imaging is useful in the diagnosis of MS is predicated on standardized and reliable evaluation of MR imaging parameters. We aimed to devise items for an MR imaging scoring tool that would have high inter-rater agreement and would be straightforward to apply. MATERIALS AND METHODS: On the basis of a literature search and consensus of an expert panel, we identified 48 parameters that describe acute CNS demyelination, predict MS diagnosis, or characterize demyelinating disorder mimics. MR images of children with clinically confirmed MS, monophasic ADEM, and angiography-negative biopsy-positive small-vessel primary angiitis of the CNS were scored by 2 neuroradiologists independently, using the preliminary 48-parameter tool. Parameters with Cohen κ ≥ 0.6 and deemed important in predicting diagnosis were retained. Parameters not visualized on routine clinical imaging or not important in differentiating MS, ADEM, and SV-cPACNS were discarded. RESULTS: Of 65 eligible patients, 55 children were enrolled (16 with monophasic ADEM, 27 with MS, 12 with SV-cPACNS); 10 were excluded (6 had hard-copy films, 4 did not meet MR imaging quality requirements). Of the 48 parameters, 16 were retained in the final scoring tool. The remaining 28 parameters were discarded: 4 had κ < 0.6 and were not deemed useful in predicting diagnosis; 9 were not visible on routinely acquired clinical images; and 15 had inter-rater agreement ≥0.6 but were not useful in differentiating monophasic ADEM, MS, and SV-cPACNS. CONCLUSIONS: We propose a 16-parameter MR imaging scoring tool that is straightforward to apply in the clinical setting and demonstrates high inter-rater agreement.

Cyclophosphamide therapy in pediatric multiple sclerosis.

OBJECTIVE: To review our multicenter experience with cyclophosphamide in the treatment of children with multiple sclerosis (MS). METHODS: Retrospective chart review of children with MS treated with cyclophosphamide. Demographic, clinical, treatment, and MRI parameters were collected. RESULTS: We identified 17 children with MS treated with cyclophosphamide. All but one had worsening of Expanded Disability Status Scale scores or multiple relapses prior to treatment initiation. Children were treated with one of three regimens: 1) induction therapy alone; 2) induction therapy with pulse maintenance therapy; or 3) pulse maintenance therapy alone. Treatment resulted in a reduction in relapse rate and stabilization of disability scores assessed 1 year after treatment initiation in the majority of patients. Longer follow-up was available for most cases. Cyclophosphamide was well tolerated in most patients. However, side effects included vomiting, transient alopecia, osteoporosis, and amenorrhea. One patient developed bladder carcinoma that was successfully treated. CONCLUSIONS: Cyclophosphamide is an option for the treatment of children with aggressive multiple sclerosis refractory to first-line therapies. Recommendations regarding patient selection, treatment administration, and monitoring are discussed.

Role of MRI in the differentiation of ADEM from MS in children.

BACKGROUND: Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is typically a monophasic demyelinating disorder. However, a clinical presentation consistent with ADEM can also be the first manifestation of multiple sclerosis (MS), particularly in children. Quantitative analyses of MRI images from children with monophasic ADEM have yet to be compared with those from children with MS, and MRI criteria capable of distinguishing ADEM from MS at onset have yet to be derived. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of MRI scans obtained at first attack from 28 children subsequently diagnosed with MS and 20 children with ADEM was performed. T2/fluid-attenuated inversion recovery hyperintense lesions were quantified and categorized according to location, description, and size. T1-weighted images before and after administration of gadolinium were evaluated for the presence of black holes and for gadolinium enhancement. Mean lesion counts and qualitative features were compared between groups and analyzed to create a proposed diagnostic model. RESULTS: Total lesion number did not differentiate ADEM from MS, but periventricular lesions were more frequent in children with MS. Combined quantitative and qualitative analyses led to the following criteria to distinguish MS from ADEM: any two of 1) absence of a diffuse bilateral lesion pattern, 2) presence of black holes, and 3) presence of two or more periventricular lesions. Using these criteria, MS patients at first attack could be distinguished from monophasic ADEM patients with an 81% sensitivity and a 95% specificity. CONCLUSIONS: MRI diagnostic criteria are proposed that may be useful in differentiating children experiencing the first attack of multiple sclerosis from those with monophasic acute disseminated encephalomyelitis.

MRI in the diagnosis of pediatric multiple sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: MRI diagnostic criteria have not yet been adopted for pediatric multiple sclerosis (MS). MRI plays a pivotal role in supporting the diagnosis of MS in adults. We sought to quantitatively define the MRI features of pediatric MS, to determine features that distinguish MS from nondemyelinating relapsing childhood neurologic disorders, and to propose MRI criteria for lesion dissemination in space in children with MS. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of MRI scans from 38 children with clinically definite MS and 45 children with nondemyelinating diseases with relapsing neurologic deficits (migraine, systemic lupus erythematosus) was performed. For each scan, T2/FLAIR hyperintense lesions were quantified and categorized according to location and size. Mean lesion counts in specific locations were compared between groups to derive diagnostic criteria. Validation of the proposed criteria was performed using MRI scans from a second independent MS cohort (n = 21). RESULTS: MRI lesion location and size categories differed between children with MS and nondemyelinating controls with a medium to large effect size for most variables. The presence of at least two of the following-five or more lesions, two or more periventricular lesions, or one brainstem lesion-distinguished MS from other nondemyelinating disease controls with 85% sensitivity and 98% specificity. CONCLUSIONS: We propose modifications to the currently established McDonald MRI criteria for lesion dissemination in space that will enhance the diagnostic accuracy of these criteria for multiple sclerosis in children.

A case of Horner syndrome with intermittent mydriasis in a patient with hypoplasia of the internal carotid artery.

We report a rare case of hypoplasia of the right internal carotid artery (ICA) with ipsilateral congenital Horner syndrome. The etiology and pathogenesis of hypoplasia of the ICA is not well understood. Multiple types of collateral flow have been reported to develop to maintain blood supply to the ipsilateral cerebral hemisphere. Although collateral flow may allow these patients to remain asymptomatic, we postulate that the enlarged posterior communicating artery (PcomA) in our patient caused mass effect on the cisternal segment of cranial nerve III causing intermittent mydriasis apart from Horner syndrome.

Normal hematologic values and prevalence of anemia in children living on selected Pacific atolls.

The hematologic status of infants and children living on the small islands of the Pacific basin has been poorly documented. This report determines the normal ranges for hemoglobin (Hb) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) for children residing on four of the small atolls of the Republic of the Marshall Islands in the archipelago of Micronesia. The difficulty in establishing normal hematologic values in pediatric populations is discussed and a methodology suggested that does not exclude any Hb value above the mean in determining the normal range for Hb. The study population was comprised of 563 Marshallese children representing approximately 3.4% of all children less than 16 years of age living in the Marshall Islands. The local prevalence of anemia and iron deficiency was also established.

Fibrinogen Irvine: a qualitatively abnormal fibrinogen associated with the predisposition to recurrent visceral and peripheral venous thrombosis.

A slow clotting dysfibrinogen with delayed anodal immunoelectrophoretic mobility and impaired fibrinopeptide A release has been identified in a patient with recurrent portal vein and deep venous thrombosis. Affected family members tested in the initial screening were asymptomatic. The proband's father died of pulmonary embolism at age 44 years and had mesenteric thrombosis at necropsy. The association of a plasma protein abnormality with visceral thrombosis is unusual and has never been observed previously with a dysfibrinogen. The qualitative abnormality is transmitted as an autosomal codominant and is tentatively designated, fibrinogen Irvine.

A practical heparin reduction algorithm: execution and operational characteristics.

A limited pilot study has been made of a newly devised heparin reduction algorithm (HRA). This formulation is a derivative of the alternative surveillance plan known as the activated partial thromboplastin time after heparin removal (aPTT/HR) scheme. Unlike the traditional plan, the HRA is the first approach to provide information about the individual and collective pharmacological effects of heparin and coumarins when the drugs are administered simultaneously. In this feasibility study the HRA was used without incident in six patients every 24 h to calculate the trend of the evolving anticoagulant effect of coumarin. The computations provided by a laboratory based data management group permitted the clinician to titrate precisely the withdrawal of heparin in response to the daily fluctuations in coumarin effect. In this way, the activated partial thromboplastin time could always be maintained within the desired therapeutic interval. Three divergent patient experiences are presented to demonstrate the operational characteristics and responsiveness of the new HRA plan.

Heritable alpha 2-macroglobulin deficiency in a patient with arterial thrombosis: alpha 2-macroglobulin deficiency Irvine.

A heritable deficiency in α(2)-macroglobulin (α(2)M) was identified in a 61-year-old man with arterial thrombosis. Plasma α(2)M levels among the patient's symptom-free relatives consistently ranged from 43 to 55 percent of laboratory mean-normal values. The new α(2)M variant displayed retarded anodal immunoelectrophoretic mobility when studied in plasma and serum. The affected members of this lineage showed no evidence of acquired or inherited thrombotic or consumptive derangements involving other plasma proteins. The significance of a possible causal association between α(2)M deficiency and the predisposition to arterial thrombosis is considered. The uncomplicated use of streptokinase and urokinase to treat the reference patient's arterial thrombosis is described. Recommendations are made for the adoption of a descriptive nomenclature. The new familial deficiency is tentatively designated α(2) (+)-macroglobulin deficiency Irvine.

Trials of commercial reagents in anion-exchange coagulation procedures: ortho diagnostics.

The suitability of Ortho Diagnostics one-stage prothrombin time (PT) reagent (Ortho Brain Thromboplastin) and activated partial thromboplastin (aPTT) reagent (Activated Thrombofax) has been evaluated for use in conjunction with the anion-exchange heparin removal maneuver. The PT/HR and aPTT/HR are tests used to follow the anticoagulant influence of coumarins when heparin also is being administered. After establishing a coumarin therapeutic range for Activated Thrombofax, a parallel trial was conducted with Ortho Brain Thromboplastin on coumarin-treated patient plasmas. Determinations also were made after heparin (0.2 mu/mL) was added and then removed by ECTEOLA microchromatography columns. Ortho Brain Thromboplastin was found to induce a shortening bias associated with a spurious improvement in the precision of tests run on anion-exchange treated plasmas that potentially could result in coumarin overdosage. The systematic error did not appear to result either from protracted incubation or the activation of prekallikrein, high molecular weight kininogen, Factor XI or XII. This reagent was found to perform appropriately with plasma not exposed to ECTEOLA. Activated Thrombofax gave reliable and reproducible results before and after heparin removal. This aPTT reagent could be used in the aPTT/HR anticoagulant surveillance scheme.

Inherited protein C deficiency and coumarin-responsive chronic relapsing purpura fulminans in a newborn infant.

A coumarin-responsive chronic relapsing purpura fulminans syndrome is described in a protein-C-deficient newborn infant. Episodes of acute disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) and cutaneous gangrene, which first appeared at age 11 h, were effectively controlled for 28 months with transfusions of fresh-frozen plasma. Cryoprecipitate and cryoprecipitate-poor plasma induced remissions as long as those induced by fresh-frozen plasma (less than or equal to 72 h). Coumarins sustained a cryoprecipitate-induced remission for 19 days: they were then electively discontinued and 17 h later the patient had an acute exacerbation of DIC with haemorrhaging. Family studies showed protein C levels of 31-40% in the subject's symptom-free mother and full and half brothers. DIC, the coumarin effect, and the inherited protein C abnormality appear to have contributed to the extremely low plasma levels (less than or equal to 6%) of protein C in the patient. This experience suggests that protein C deficiency may greatly compromise the ability of newborn infants to control consumptive disorders.

A structured approach to the management of purpura fulminans.

A 5-year-old boy with purpura fulminans (PF) was successfully managed with a protocol in which fresh frozen plasma (FFP) was administered, followed by a trial of certain therapeutic agents. This approach was based upon combined experience both with the reference patient and with a subject with a chronic form of PF. FFP controlled the acute disseminated intravascular coagulation in both instances and permitted venous antithrombotic drugs to be evaluated in safety. The PF syndrome in the index case was found to be heparin responsive, while the atypical case was coumarin responsive (heparin resistant). Initial administration of FFP was recommended rather than heparin in order to minimize the risk of hemorrhage while maintaining the likelihood of a swift response. When FFP is effective, a sequential trial should be undertaken with agents from the following categories: (1) venous antithrombotic, (2) antiplatelet, (3) antifibrinolytic, and (4) antiproteolytic. This process permits therapies to be thoroughly tested and used as investigative probes into the mechanisms of a particular case of PF. Should FFP prove ineffective, the list can serve as a guide for the investigation of various fastacting agents in the acute phases of disseminated intravascular coagulation. PF treatments are ranked in accordance with the number of positive outcomes in the literature.