Blood pressure, executive function, and network connectivity in middle-aged adults at risk of dementia in late life.

Midlife blood pressure is associated with structural brain changes, cognitive decline, and dementia in late life. However, the relationship between early adulthood blood pressure exposure, brain structure and function, and cognitive performance in midlife is not known. A better understanding of these relationships in the preclinical stage may advance our mechanistic understanding of vascular contributions to late-life cognitive decline and dementia and may provide early therapeutic targets. To identify resting-state functional connectivity of executive control networks (ECNs), a group independent components analysis was performed of functional MRI scans of 600 individuals from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults longitudinal cohort study, with cumulative systolic blood pressure (cSBP) measured at nine visits over the preceding 30 y. Dual regression analysis investigated performance-related connectivity of ECNs in 578 individuals (mean age 55.5 ± 3.6 y, 323 female, 243 Black) with data from the Stroop color-word task of executive function. Greater connectivity of a left ECN to the bilateral anterior gyrus rectus, right posterior orbitofrontal cortex, and nucleus accumbens was associated with better executive control performance on the Stroop. Mediation analyses showed that while the relationship between cSBP and Stroop performance was mediated by white matter hyperintensities (WMH), resting-state connectivity of the ECN mediated the relationship between WMH and executive function. Increased connectivity of the left ECN to regions involved in reward processing appears to compensate for the deleterious effects of WMH on executive function in individuals across the burden of cumulative systolic blood pressure exposure in midlife.

Multimodal Presurgical Evaluation of Medically Refractory Focal Epilepsy in Adults: An Update for Radiologists.

Surgery is a potentially curative treatment option for patients with medically refractory focal epilepsy. Advanced neuroimaging modalities often improve surgical outcomes by contributing key information during the highly individualized surgical planning process and intraoperative localization. Hence, neuroradiologists play an integral role in the multidisciplinary management team. In this review, we initially present the conceptual background and practical framework of the presurgical evaluation process, including a description of the surgical treatment approaches used for medically refractory focal epilepsy in adults. This background is followed by an overview of the advanced modalities commonly used during the presurgical workup at level IV epilepsy centers, including diffusion imaging techniques, blood oxygenation level-dependent functional MRI (fMRI), PET, SPECT, and subtraction ictal SPECT, and by introductions to 7-T MRI and electrophysiologic techniques including electroencephalography and magnetoencephalography. We also provide illustrative case examples of multimodal neuroimaging including PET/MRI, PET/MRI-diffusion-tensor imaging (DTI), subtraction ictal SPECT, and image-guided stereotactic planning with fMRI-DTI.

Cumulative Blood Pressure Exposure During Young Adulthood and Mobility and Cognitive Function in Midlife.

BACKGROUND: High blood pressure (BP) is a known risk factor for mobility and cognitive impairment in older adults. This study tested the association of cumulative BP exposure from young adulthood to midlife with gait and cognitive function in midlife. Furthermore, we tested whether these associations were modified by cerebral white matter hyperintensity (WMH) burden. METHODS: We included 191 participants from the CARDIA study (Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults), a community-based cohort of young individuals followed over 30 years. Cumulative BP was calculated as the area under the curve (mm Hg×years) from baseline up to year 30 examination. Gait and cognition were assessed at the year 30 examination. Cerebral WMH was available at year 30 in a subset of participants (n=144) who underwent magnetic resonance imaging. Multiple linear regression models were used to assess the association of cumulative BP exposure with gait and cognition. To test effect modification by WMH burden, participants were stratified at the median of WMH and tested for interaction. RESULTS: Higher cumulative systolic and diastolic BPs were associated with slower walking speed (both P=0.010), smaller step length (P=0.011 and 0.005, respectively), and higher gait variability (P=0.018 and 0.001, respectively). Higher cumulative systolic BP was associated with lower cognitive performance in the executive (P=0.021), memory (P=0.015), and global domains (P=0.010), and higher cumulative diastolic BP was associated with lower cognitive performance in the memory domain (P=0.012). All associations were independent of socio-demographics and vascular risk factors (body mass index, smoking, diabetes mellitus and total cholesterol). The association between cumulative BP and gait was moderated by WMH burden (interaction P<0.05). However, the relation between cumulative BP and cognitive function was not different based on the WMH burden (interaction P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Exposure to higher BP levels from young to midlife is associated with worse gait and cognitive performance in midlife. Furthermore, WMH moderates the association of cumulative BP exposure with gait, but not with cognitive function in midlife. The mechanisms underpinning the impact of BP exposure on brain structure and function must be investigated in longitudinal studies using a life course approach.

Neurocognitive, Quality of Life, and Behavioral Outcomes for Patients With Covert Stroke After Cardiac Surgery: Exploratory Analysis of Data From a Prospectively Randomized Trial.

BACKGROUND: Asymptomatic brain ischemic injury detected with diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI) is reported in more than one-half of patients after cardiac surgery. There are conflicting findings on whether DWI-detected covert stroke is associated with neurocognitive dysfunction after surgery, and it is unclear whether such ischemic injury affects quality of life or behavioral outcomes. The purpose of this study was to perform exploratory analysis on whether covert stroke after cardiac surgery is associated with delayed neurocognitive recovery 1 month after surgery, impaired quality of life, anxiety, or depression. METHODS: Analysis of data collected in a prospectively randomized study in patients undergoing cardiac surgery testing whether basing mean arterial pressure (MAP) targets during cardiopulmonary bypass to be above the lower limit of cerebral autoregulation versus usual practices reduces the frequency of adverse neurological outcomes. A neuropsychological testing battery was administered before surgery and then 1 month later. Patients underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) between postoperative days 3 and 5. The primary outcome was DWI-detected ischemic lesion; the primary end point was change from baseline in domain-specific neurocognitive Z scores 1 month after surgery. Secondary outcomes included a composite indicator of delayed neurocognitive recovery, quality of life measures, state and trait anxiety, and Beck Depression Inventory scores. RESULTS: Of the 164 patients with postoperative MRI data, clinical stroke occurred in 10 patients. Of the remaining 154 patients, 85 (55.2%) had a covert stroke. There were no statistically significant differences for patients with or without covert stroke in the change from baseline in Z scores in any of the cognitive domains tested adjusted for sex, baseline cognitive score, and randomization treatment arm. The frequency of delayed neurocognitive recovery (no covert stroke, 15.1%; covert stroke, 17.6%; P = .392), self-reported quality of life measurements, anxiety rating, or depression scores were not different between those with or without DWI ischemic injury. CONCLUSIONS: More than one-half of patients undergoing cardiac surgery demonstrated covert stroke. In this exploratory analysis, covert stroke was not found to be significantly associated with neurocognitive dysfunction 1 month after surgery; evidence of impaired quality of life, anxiety, or depression, albeit a type II error, cannot be excluded.

Cerebral Small Vessel, But Not Large Vessel Disease, Is Associated With Impaired Cerebral Autoregulation During Cardiopulmonary Bypass: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Impaired cerebral blood flow (CBF) autoregulation during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is associated with stroke and other adverse outcomes. Large and small arterial stenosis is prevalent in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. We hypothesize that large and/or small vessel cerebral arterial disease is associated with impaired cerebral autoregulation during CPB. METHODS: A retrospective cohort analysis of data from 346 patients undergoing cardiac surgery with CPB enrolled in an ongoing prospectively randomized clinical trial of autoregulation monitoring were evaluated. The study protocol included preoperative transcranial Doppler (TCD) evaluation of major cerebral artery flow velocity by a trained vascular technician and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) between postoperative days 3 and 5. Brain MRI images were evaluated for chronic white matter hyperintensities (WMHI) by a vascular neurologist blinded to autoregulation data. "Large vessel" cerebral vascular disease was defined by the presence of characteristic TCD changes associated with stenosis of the major cerebral arteries. "Small vessel" cerebral vascular disease was defined based on accepted scoring methods of WMHI. All patients had continuous TCD-based autoregulation monitoring during surgery. RESULTS: Impaired autoregulation occurred in 32.4% (112/346) of patients. Preoperative TCD demonstrated moderate-severe large vessel stenosis in 67 (25.2%) of 266 patients with complete data. In adjusted analysis, female sex (odds ratio [OR], 0.46; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.25-0.86; P = .014) and higher average temperature during CPB (OR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.02-1.475; P = .029), but not moderate-severe large cerebral arterial stenosis (P = .406), were associated with impaired autoregulation during CPB. Of the 119 patients with available brain MRI data, 42 (35.3%) demonstrated WMHI. The presence of small vessel cerebral vascular disease was associated with impaired CBF autoregulation (OR, 3.25; 95% CI, 1.21-8.71; P = .019) after adjustment for age, history of peripheral vascular disease, preoperative hemoglobin level, and preoperative treatment with calcium channel blocking drugs. CONCLUSIONS: These data confirm that impaired CBF autoregulation is prevalent during CPB predisposing affected patients to brain hypoperfusion or hyperperfusion with low or high blood pressure, respectively. Small vessel, but not large vessel, cerebral vascular disease, male sex, and higher average body temperature during CPB appear to be associated with impaired autoregulation.

Diffusion abnormalities of the corpus callosum in patients receiving bevacizumab for malignant brain tumors: suspected treatment toxicity.

Bevacizumab has been reported to cause diffusion restriction in the tumor bed of patients with malignant gliomas. This study evaluated prolonged diffusion restriction, in the corpus callosum (CC), of patients with malignant brain tumors treated with bevacizumab. We retrospectively reviewed our database of patients treated with bevacizumab for malignant brain tumors looking for those with restricted diffusion in the CC. CC ADC ratio measurements were obtained prior to and following treatment. Correlation was made with biopsy (n = 3) and MR perfusion (n = 7) and PET (n = 4). The temporal evolution of these changes relative to therapy was examined with mixed effects regression analysis. Nine patients (eight malignant gliomas, one malignant meningioma) out of 146 patients were found to have developed areas of diffusion restriction in the CC. These areas tended to enlarge and coalesce over serial MRIs and persisted for up to 22 months. Hypoperfusion was demonstrated in MR perfusion in 7/7. PET was hypometabolic in all 4. Biopsy of the CC showed no tumor in 3/3. ADC ratio measurements indicated a significant overall effect of time (F(16,60) = 11.2; p < 0.0001), consistent with persistent diffusion restriction over the measured time periods. Bevacizumab causes prolonged diffusion restriction in the CC. The negative MR perfusion, FDG PET and histopathology suggest this is a toxicity of bevacizumab and not active tumor. Awareness of these changes can assist in patient care.

Subarachnoid extension of primary intracerebral hemorrhage is associated with fevers.

BACKGROUND: Extension of hemorrhage into the subarachnoid space in primary intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) has recently been associated with poor outcomes, although the mechanisms underlying that association are uncertain. The objectives of this study are to confirm the association between fever and poor outcomes after ICH, and to determine whether subarachnoid hemorrhage extension (SAHE) is associated with fevers. METHODS: Patients with primary ICH were enrolled into a prospective registry between December 2006 and July 2012. SAHE was identified on imaging by blinded expert reviewers. Patient temperature was recorded hourly, and we defined febrile as any recorded temperature >38 °C within the first 14 days. Regression models were developed to test whether fever was associated with poor outcome and whether the occurrence of SAHE was a predictor of fever. RESULTS: Of the 235 patients studied, 39.7 % had SAHE and 58 % had fever. Fever was associated with higher modified Rankin scores at 3 months (odds ratio, OR 1.8 [1.04-3.12], p = 0.04) after adjustment for ICH score. SAHE was a predictor of fevers (OR 1.82 [95 % confidence interval 1.02-3.24], p = 0.04) after adjustment for ICH score, and remained significant after adjustment for other confounders like pneumonia identified in the univariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Our data confirm the deleterious effect of fever on the outcome of patients with ICH and show that SAHE is an independent predictor of fever after ICH. SAHE may provoke dysfunctional thermoregulation similar to what is observed after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage, creating mechanistic pathway between SAHE and poor functional outcomes.

Magnetic resonance imaging versus computed tomography for identification and quantification of intraventricular hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND: Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) may be difficult to detect especially when in small amounts and may affect outcomes. The objective of this study was to compare the sensitivity of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) vs computed tomography (CT) for the identification and quantification of IVH. METHODS: Patients with primary intracerebral hemorrhage were enrolled into a prospective registry between December 2006 and June 2013. Diagnostic and surveillance neuroimaging studies were analyzed for the presence of IVH and quantified by Graeb score. In subjects who developed IVH and underwent both MRI and CT, each MRI was paired with the CT scan done at the closest time point, and Graeb scores were compared with the Wilcoxon signed rank test for related samples. RESULTS: There were 289 subjects in the cohort with IVH found in 171. Sixty-eight pairs of MRI and CT were available for comparison. CT failed to detect IVH in 3% of cases, whereas MRI was 100% sensitive. MRI and CT yielded equal Graeb scores in 72% of the pairs, and MRI Graeb score was higher in 24% (P = .007). CONCLUSIONS: MRI identifies small volumes of IVH in cases not detected by CT and yields higher estimates of intraventricular blood volume. These data indicate that consideration of technical differences is needed when comparing images from the 2 modalities in the evaluation for IVH.

Subarachnoid extension of hemorrhage is associated with early seizures in primary intracerebral hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND: Seizures are common in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage, potentially by inciting cortical irritability. Seizures are also commonly seen after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), although the mechanisms and risk factors within that population are not well understood. The objective of this study is to evaluate whether subarachnoid hemorrhage extension (SAHE) is associated with early seizures in patients with primary ICH. METHODS: Patients with primary ICH were enrolled into a prospective registry between December 2006 and July 2012. Patients were managed per a structured protocol. SAHE was identified on imaging by expert reviewers blinded to outcomes. Electroencephalograms were routinely obtained in patients with unexplained, poor level of arousal. Seizure was determined by clinically observed convulsions or traditional electroencephalographic criteria. Early seizures were defined as occurring within 3 days of hemorrhage. A binary logistic regression model was developed to test whether the occurrence of SAHE was independently associated with seizures. RESULTS: A total of 234 patients were studied. Of these, 93 (40%) had SAHE and 9 (4%) had early seizures. SAHE was associated with early seizures (P = .03). No additional variables were identified by regression modeling to mediate the association between SAHE and early seizures (odds ratio 5.62 [95% confidence interval 1.14-27.7], P = .034). CONCLUSIONS: SAHE is associated with early seizures in patients with primary ICH. Further study is needed to confirm these findings and determine whether modifications to routine care based on the presence of SAHE would be of benefit.

Patient Engagement in Neuroradiology: A Narrative Review and Case Studies.

The field of patient engagement in radiology is evolving and offers ample opportunities for neuroradiologists to become involved. The patient journey can serve as a model that inspires patient engagement initiatives. The patient journey in radiology may be viewed in 5 stages: 1) awareness that an imaging test is needed, 2) considering having a specific imaging test, 3) access to imaging, 4) imaging service delivery, and 5) ongoing care. Here, we describe patient engagement opportunities based on literature review and paired with case studies by practicing neuroradiologists.

Subarachnoid extension of primary intracerebral hemorrhage is associated with poor outcomes.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Extension of hemorrhage into the subarachnoid space is observed in primary intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), yet the phenomenon has undergone limited study and is of unknown significance. The objective of this study is to evaluate the incidence, characteristics, and clinical consequences of subarachnoid hemorrhage extension (SAHE) in ICH on functional outcomes. METHODS: Patients with primary ICH were enrolled into a prospective registry between December 2006 and June 2012. Patients were managed and serial neuroimaging was obtained per a structured protocol. Presence of any subarachnoid blood on imaging was identified as SAHE by expert reviewers blinded to outcomes. Regression models were developed to test whether the occurrence of SAHE was an independent predictor of functional outcomes as measured with the modified Rankin Scale. RESULTS: Of 234 patients with ICH, 93 (39.7%) had SAHE. Interrater agreement for SAHE was excellent (kappa=0.991). SAHE was associated with lobar hemorrhage location (65% of SAHE vs 19% of non-SAHE cases; P<0.001) and larger hematoma volumes (median 23.8 vs 6.7; P<0.001). Fever (69.9% vs 51.1%; P=0.005) and seizures (8.6% vs 2.8%; P=0.07) were more common in patients with SAHE. SAHE was a predictor of death by day 14 (odds ratio, 4.45; 95% confidence interval, 1.88-10.53; P=0.001) and of higher (worse) modified Rankin Scale scores at 28 days (odds ratio, 1.76 per mRS point; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-3.05; P=0.012) after adjustment for ICH score. CONCLUSIONS: SAHE is associated with worse modified Rankin Scale independent of traditional ICH severity measures. Underlying mechanisms and potential treatments of SAHE require further study.

Complicated necrotizing otitis externa.

Necrotizing (malignant) otitis externa (NOE) is a rare and invasive infection originating in the external acoustic meatus seen most commonly in diabetes and other immunocompromised states. After a protracted course, disease can smolder and extend into the mastoid, skull base, dural sinuses, and intracranially. We present a case of NOE complicated by mastoiditis, dural sinus thrombosis, and Bezold's abscess in an uncontrolled diabetic presenting with a prolonged course of facial nerve palsy. We stress the importance of maintaining a high index of clinical suspicion for NOE in diabetic patients and offering timely, aggressive treatment to mitigate its complications.

Blood pressure reduction, decreased diffusion on MRI, and outcomes after intracerebral hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Decreased diffusion (DD) consistent with acute ischemia may be detected on MRI after acute intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), but its risk factors and impact on functional outcomes are not well-defined. We tested the hypotheses that DD after ICH is related to acute blood pressure (BP) reduction and lower hemoglobin and presages worse functional outcomes. METHODS: Patients who underwent MRI were prospectively evaluated for DD by certified neuroradiologists blinded to outcomes. Hemoglobin and BP data were obtained via electronic queries. Outcomes were obtained at 14 days and 3 months with the modified Rankin Scale, a functional scale scored from 0 (no symptoms) to 6 (dead). We used logistic regression for dependence or death (modified Rankin Scale score 4-6). RESULTS: DD distinct from the hematoma was found on MRI in 39 of 95 patients (41%). DD was associated with greater BP reductions from baseline and a higher risk of dependence or death at 3 months (odds ratio, 4.8; 95% confidence interval, 1.7-13.9; P=0.004) after correction for ICH score (1.8 per point; 95% confidence interval, 1.2-3.1; P=0.01). Lower hemoglobin was associated with worse ICH score, larger hematoma volume, and worse outcomes, but not DD. CONCLUSIONS: DD is common after ICH, associated with greater acute BP reductions, and associated with disability and death at 3 months in multivariate analysis. The potential benefits of acute BP reduction to reduce hematoma growth may be limited by DD. The prevention and treatment of cerebral ischemia manifested as DD are potential methods to improve outcomes.

A Case of Covid-19 Respiratory Illness with Subsequent Seizure and Hemiparesis.

BACKGROUND: Neurological manifestations and complications are common in viral infections, and they are significant sources for clinical deterioration and poor clinical outcomes. Case report: The current report presents a 38year-old man with Covid-19 respiratory illness who subsequently developed neurological complications and clinical worsening leading to death. This patient sought medical attention after five days of progressive cough, fever, and dyspnea. On arrival in the emergency room, he was found to have hypoxic respiratory failure resulting in intubation and intensive care unit (ICU) admission. Chest CT scan was characteristic for Covid-19 infection, and PCR test on tracheal samples confirmed the diagnosis. On day nine of admission, he developed generalized tonic colonic seizure associated with deterioration of mental status and hemiparesis. Repeated brain CT scans showed subcortical hypoattenuation with associated sulcal effacement in the left occipital and posterior parietal lobes concerning for ischemic changes. The patient passed away on day 17 despite supportive measures. CONCLUSION: This observation and recent evidence on Covid-19 CNS involvement highlight the need for further studies on early recognition of neurological complications in Covid-19 patients.

Cumulative Blood Pressure Exposure, Basal Ganglia, and Thalamic Morphology in Midlife.

High blood pressure (BP) negatively affects brain structure and function. Hypertension is associated with white matter hyperintensities, cognitive and mobility impairment in late-life. However, the impact of BP exposure from young adulthood on brain structure and function in mid-life is unclear. Identifying early brain structural changes associated with BP exposure, before clinical onset of cognitive dysfunction and mobility impairment, is essential for understanding mechanisms and developing interventions. We examined the effect of cumulative BP exposure from young adulthood on brain structure in a substudy of 144 (61 female) individuals from the CARDIA (Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults) study. At year 30 (Y30, ninth visit), participants (56±4 years old) completed brain magnetic resonance imaging and gait measures (pace, rhythm, and postural control). Cumulative systolic and diastolic BP (cumulative systolic blood pressure, cDBP) over 9 visits were calculated, multiplying mean values between 2 consecutive visits by years between visits. Surface-based analysis of basal ganglia and thalamus was achieved using FreeSurfer-initiated Large Deformation Diffeomorphic Metric Mapping. Morphometric changes were regressed onto cumulative BP to localize regions of shape variation. Y30 white matter hyperintensity volumes were small and positively correlated with cumulative BP but not gait. Negative morphometric associations with cumulative systolic blood pressure were seen in the caudate, putamen, nucleus accumbens, pallidum, and thalamus. A concave right medial putamen shape mediated the relationship between cumulative systolic blood pressure and stride width. Basal ganglia and thalamic morphometric changes, rather than volumes, may be earlier manifestation of gray matter structural signatures of BP exposure that impact midlife gait.

An introduction to the Fourier transform: relationship to MRI.

OBJECTIVE: The Fourier transform, a fundamental mathematic tool widely used in signal analysis, is ubiquitous in radiology and integral to modern MR image formation. Understanding MRI techniques requires a basic understanding of what the Fourier transform accomplishes. MR image encoding, filling of k-space, and a wide spectrum of artifacts are all rooted in the Fourier transform. CONCLUSION: This article illustrates these basic Fourier principles and their relationship to MRI.

Vertebral augmentation complicated by perioperative addisonian crisis.

BACKGROUND: We describe a case of perioperative Addisonian crisis induced by vertebral augmentation. While several complications of vertebral augmentation have been reported previously, related to the technical procedure, to our knowledge, perioperative Addisonian crisis from vertebral augmentation has not been reported in the literature. OBJECTIVE: To report an Addisonian crisis perioperative to vertebral augmentation. DESIGN: Case report. METHOD: Retrospective case review. RESULTS: The patient had a history of adrenal insufficiency treated previously with steroids. He developed an L3 vertebral compression fracture, failed conservative therapy and was eventually referred for vertebral augmentation. Immediately after starting the procedure, the patient developed profound hypotension unresponsive to intravenous fluids and vasopressors, consistent with Addisonian crisis. After intravenous steroids had resolved the Addisonian crisis, he underwent vertebral augmentation without further complication. CONCLUSION: Addisonian crisis may be triggered by vertebral augmentation. Practitioners need to recognize immediately this potentially lethal disorder in patients with known or suspected adrenal insufficiency and treat with intravenous hydrocortisone.

An investigation of diffusion imaging techniques in the evaluation of spinocerebellar ataxia and multisystem atrophy.

Multisystem system atrophy and spinocerebellar ataxia are rare neurodegenerative ataxias that can be difficult to diagnose, with important prognostic and treatment implications. The purpose of this study is to evaluate various methods of diffusion imaging and tractography in their effectiveness at differentiating these diseases from control subjects. Our secondary aim is determining whether diffusion abnormalities correspond with clinical disease severity. Diffusion imaging and tractography were performed on five patients and seven age-matched controls. Fractional anisotropy, generalized fractional anisotropy, and apparent diffusion coefficient values and corticospinal tract volumes were measured within various diffusion and probabilistic tractography models, including standard diffusion tensor and Q-ball tractography. Standard diffusion based fractional anisotropy and apparent diffusion coefficient values were significantly altered in patients versus controls in the middle cerebellar peduncles and central pons. Tractography based fractional anisotropy and generalized fractional anisotropy values were significantly lower in patients versus controls when corticospinal tracts were drawn in a craniocaudal direction (bilaterally using Q-ball imaging, only on the right using diffusion tensor imaging). The right corticospinal tract volume was significantly smaller in patients versus controls when created using Q-ball imaging in a caudocranial direction. There was no correlation between diffusion alteration and clinical symptomatology. In conclusion, various diffusion-based techniques can be effective in differentiating ataxic patients from control subjects, although the selection of diffusion algorithm and tract growth technique and direction is non-trivial.

Placebo-Controlled Trial of Familiar Auditory Sensory Training for Acute Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: A Preliminary Report.

BACKGROUND: Sensory stimulation is often provided to persons incurring severe traumatic brain injury (TBI), but therapeutic effects are unclear. OBJECTIVE: This preliminary study investigated neurobehavioral and neurophysiological effects related to sensory stimulation on global neurobehavioral functioning, arousal, and awareness. METHODS: A double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial where 15 participants in states of disordered consciousness (DOC), an average of 70 days after TBI, were provided either the Familiar Auditory Sensory Training (FAST) or Placebo of silence. Global neurobehavioral functioning was measured with the Disorders of Consciousness Scale (DOCS). Arousal and awareness were measured with the Coma-Near-Coma (CNC) scale. Neurophysiological effect was measured using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). RESULTS: FAST (n = 8) and Placebo (n = 7) groups each showed neurobehavioral improvement. Mean DOCS change (FAST = 13.5, SD = 8.2; Placebo = 18.9, SD = 15.6) was not different, but FAST patients had significantly (P = .049; 95% confidence interval [CI] = -1.51, -.005) more CNC gains (FAST = 1.01, SD = 0.60; Placebo = 0.25, SD = 0.70). Mixed-effects models confirm CNC findings (P = .002). Treatment effect, based on CNC, is large (d = 1.88, 95% CI = 0.77, 3.00). Number needed to treat is 2. FAST patients had more fMRI activation in language regions and whole brain (P values <.05) resembling healthy controls' activation. CONCLUSIONS: For persons with DOC 29 to 170 days after TBI, FAST resulted in CNC gains and increased neural responsivity to vocal stimuli in language regions. Clinicians should consider providing the FAST to support patient engagement in neurorehabilitation.