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1.
Eur Heart J Cardiovasc Imaging ; 23(3): 381-391, 2022 Feb 22.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33206942

ABSTRACT

AIMS: Anticoagulation is not justified unless atrial fibrillation (AF) is detected in cryptogenic stroke (CS) patients. We sought to explore whether left atrial (LA) remodelling is associated with embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS). METHODS AND RESULTS: In this prospective study, we evaluated consecutively 186 patients in sinus rhythm who presented with an acute ischaemic stroke (embolic and non-embolic) and sex- and age-matched controls. We performed continuous electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring to capture paroxysmal AF episodes as recommended by the guidelines. After 12 months of follow-up, continuous ECG monitoring was repeated in patients with undetected AF episodes. We quantified LA reservoir and contraction strain (LASr and LASct) by speckle-tracking, LA volumes by 3D echocardiography. Out of 186 patients, 149 were enrolled after comprehensive investigation for the source of ischaemic stroke and divided into other cause (OC) (n = 52) and CS (n = 97) groups. CS patients were also subdivided into AF (n = 39) and ESUS (n = 58) groups. Among CS patients, LA strain predicted AF independently from CHARGE-AF score and LA volume indices. ESUS group, despite no captured AF, had significantly worse LA metrics than OC and control groups. AF group had the worst LA metrics. Moreover, LASr predicted both CS (embolic stroke with and without AF) and ESUS (embolic stroke with no detected AF) independently from LAVImax and CHA2DS2-VASc score. LASr >26% yielded 86% sensitivity, 92% specificity, 92% positive, and 86% negative predictive values for the identification of ESUS (areas under curve: 0.915, P < 0.0001, 95% confidence interval: 0.86-0.97). CONCLUSION: Echocardiographic quantification of LA remodelling has great potential for secondary prevention from ESUS.


Subject(s)
Atrial Fibrillation , Brain Ischemia , Embolic Stroke , Stroke , Atrial Fibrillation/complications , Atrial Fibrillation/diagnostic imaging , Humans , Prospective Studies , Risk Factors , Secondary Prevention , Stroke/diagnostic imaging , Stroke/etiology , Stroke/prevention & control
2.
Agri ; 33(4): 268-271, 2021 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34671951

ABSTRACT

Duloxetine is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor that is widely used in chronic pain treatment in various diseases. Hyperprolactinemia and galactorrhea are rare side effects of this medication. Here, we reported a 34-year-old female with multiple sclerosis who used duloxetine for pain management and mood disorder and experienced galactorrhea.


Subject(s)
Galactorrhea , Hyperprolactinemia , Neuralgia , Adult , Duloxetine Hydrochloride/adverse effects , Female , Galactorrhea/chemically induced , Humans , Hyperprolactinemia/chemically induced , Hyperprolactinemia/drug therapy
3.
Exp Clin Transplant ; 18(7): 814-822, 2020 12.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29790456

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: In this study, we presented neuroradiologic findings and diagnoses of neurologic complications in a series of heart transplant recipients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted at Baskent University Hospital. We searched the hospital and radiology databases and identified 109 heart transplant recipients. Thirty-one of these recipients had neuroradiologic evaluations secondary to presentation of neurologic symptoms after heart transplant, with 18 patients evaluated with computed tomography and 22 patients evaluated with magnetic resonance imaging (overlap of imaging-defined groups occurred in 9 recipients). Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging studies were retrieved from the Picture Archiving and Communication System, with each type of imaging retrospectively evaluated on consensus by 2 radiologists. RESULTS: Radiopathologic findings related to symptoms were detected in 12 of the 31 study patients. The most common abnormality was posterior reversible leukoencephalopathy syndrome (5 patients, 4.6%). The other abnormalities were ischemic stroke (3 patients, 2.8%), hemorrhagic stroke (1 patient, 0.9%), intracranial abscess (2 patients, 1.8%), and intracranial dissemination of sinusoidal fungal infection and related hemorrhagic infarct (1 patient, 0.9%). The other 19 heart transplant recipients who underwent computed tomography and/or magnetic resonance imaging for neurologic complaints showed no neuroradiologic findings related to neurologic symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Posterior reversible leukoencephalopathy syndrome and ischemic stroke were the most common neurologic complications in our heart transplant recipients. The other complications were hemorrhagic stroke, intracranial abscess, and intracranial dissemination of sinusoidal fungal infection. Neurologic complications are common in heart transplant recipients and should be identified promptly for early treatment. For the recognition of these complications, computed tomography should be performed for initial evaluation to rule out edema or hemorrhage. However, in the presence of serious neurologic symptoms that cannot be explained by computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging should be indicated.


Subject(s)
Central Nervous System Diseases/diagnostic imaging , Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Heart Transplantation/adverse effects , Neuroimaging , Tomography, X-Ray Computed , Adolescent , Adult , Brain Abscess/diagnostic imaging , Brain Abscess/etiology , Central Nervous System Diseases/etiology , Central Nervous System Fungal Infections/diagnostic imaging , Central Nervous System Fungal Infections/etiology , Child , Databases, Factual , Female , Hemorrhagic Stroke/diagnostic imaging , Hemorrhagic Stroke/etiology , Humans , Ischemic Stroke/diagnostic imaging , Ischemic Stroke/etiology , Male , Middle Aged , Posterior Leukoencephalopathy Syndrome/diagnostic imaging , Posterior Leukoencephalopathy Syndrome/etiology , Predictive Value of Tests , Retrospective Studies , Treatment Outcome , Turkey , Young Adult
4.
Neurol Sci ; 40(4): 703-711, 2019 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30645751

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Migraine is a common neurovascular disease associated with vascular risks, especially in young adult females, but the mechanism underlying these associations remains unknown. This study evaluated the relationships between plasma endothelial dysfunction biomarkers and carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) in young adult females with migraine. METHODS: This case-control study included 148 female patients (age range: 18-50 years). Migraine was diagnosed according to the International Headache Society-IIIb criteria. Endothelial dysfunction biomarkers, such as von Willebrand factor (vWF), C-reactive protein (CRP), homocysteine, total nitrate/nitrite concentration, and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), were evaluated in plasma. Carotid IMT was measured by a radiologist with sonography. RESULTS: The CRP, TBARS, vWF, and IMT levels were increased in the migraine compared with the control group (p < 0.001, p = 0.02, p < 0.001, and p < 0.001, respectively). After adjusting for confounders, multiple linear regression analysis revealed that systolic arterial blood pressure, CRP, vWF, TBARS, and right and left internal carotid artery (ICA) IMT were independently positively correlated with migraine (p < 0.01, p = 0.004, p = 0.023, p = 0.024, p = 0.032, and p = 0.048, respectively). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that right ICA IMT was independently associated with ergotamine and triptan and left ICA IMT was independently associated with ergotamine (p = 0.013, p = 0.026, and p = 0.017, respectively). In addition, significant correlations were found between LDL lipoprotein and carotid IMT in the migraine group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Carotid IMT enhancement and elevated TBARS, vWF, and CRP levels in migraine subjects during a migraine attack could be regarded as consequences of migraine attack pathophysiology. The independent associations between triptan and ergotamine consumption and enhanced carotid IMT suggest that repeated use of these vasoconstrictive antimigraine agents may have additional effects on carotid IMT.


Subject(s)
Atherosclerosis/blood , Atherosclerosis/diagnostic imaging , C-Reactive Protein/metabolism , Carotid Intima-Media Thickness , Endothelium, Vascular , Migraine Disorders/blood , Migraine Disorders/diagnostic imaging , Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances/metabolism , von Willebrand Factor/metabolism , Adolescent , Adult , Case-Control Studies , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Humans , Middle Aged , Young Adult
5.
Ideggyogy Sz ; 71(1-02): 49-56, 2018 Jan 30.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29465900

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Platelets have a crucial role on vascular disease which are involved in pathogenesis of ischemic stroke. Platelet size is measured as mean platelet volume (MPV) and is a marker of platelet activity. Platelets contain more dense granules as the size increases and produce more serotonin and tromboglobulin (b-TG) than small platelets. In this study, the alteration of MPV values were investigated in patients with acute stroke, who had MPV values before stroke, during acute ischemic stroke and 7 days after the stroke. The relationship between this alteration and risk factors, etiology and localization of ischemic stroke were also investigated. METHODS: Sixty-seven patients with clinically and radiologically established diagnoses of ischemic stroke were enrolled into the study and stroke etiology was classified by modified Trial of Org 10 172 in Acute Stroke Treatment (TOAST) classification and, modified Bamford classification was used for localization and stroke risk factors were also evaluated. The platelet counts and MPV values from patient files in patients who had values before stroke (at examination for another diseases), within 24 hours of symptom onset and after 7 further days were analysed. RESULTS: MPV values increased after stroke (10.59±2.26) compared with acute stroke values (9.84±1.64) and the values before stroke (9.59±1.72) (p<0.0001); this alteration of MPV values occured 7 days after stroke (p<0.016). There was a positive correlation between age and MPV values during acute stroke (r=0.270; p<0.05). Patients with atrial fibrillation had higher alteration in the time of MPV compared with patients without atrial fibrillation (p>0.006). We assessed for gender, men (n=38) had a higher alteration in the time of MPV compared with women (n=29) (p=0.013). CONCLUSION: Although there was no alteration of platelet counts, MPV values were increased 7 days after stroke in patients with acute ischemic stroke.


Subject(s)
Brain Ischemia/complications , Mean Platelet Volume , Stroke/complications , Female , Humans , Male , Platelet Count , Prognosis
6.
Cephalalgia ; 38(2): 332-339, 2018 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28952336

ABSTRACT

Aim To compare the relationship between white matter hyperintensities (WMH) on brain magnetic resonance imaging and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), choroid, and ganglion cell layer (GCL) thicknesses in migraine patients and healthy subjects. We also assessed the role of cerebral hypoperfusion in the formation of these WMH lesions. Methods We enrolled 35 migraine patients without WMH, 37 migraine patients with WMH, and 37 healthy control subjects examined in the Neurology outpatient clinic of our tertiary center from May to December 2015. RFNL, choroid, and GCL thicknesses were measured by optic coherence tomography. Results There were no differences in the RFNL, choroid, or GCL thicknesses between migraine patients with and without WMH ( p > 0.05). Choroid layer thicknesses were significantly lower in migraine patients compared to control subjects ( p < 0.05), while there were no differences in RFNL and GCL thicknesses ( p > 0.05). Conclusions The 'only cerebral hypoperfusion' theory was insufficient to explain the pathophysiology of WMH lesions in migraine patients. In addition, the thinning of the choroid thicknesses in migraine patients suggests a potential causative role for cerebral hypoperfusion and decreased perfusion pressure of the choroid layer.


Subject(s)
Choroid/diagnostic imaging , Migraine Disorders/diagnostic imaging , Retinal Ganglion Cells/pathology , White Matter/diagnostic imaging , Adult , Choroid/physiopathology , Female , Humans , Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods , Male , Middle Aged , Migraine Disorders/physiopathology , Nerve Fibers/pathology , Nerve Fibers/physiology , Retina/diagnostic imaging , Retina/physiopathology , Retinal Ganglion Cells/physiology , Retinal Neurons/pathology , Retinal Neurons/physiology , Tomography, Optical Coherence/methods , White Matter/physiopathology
7.
Sleep Breath ; 21(3): 703-711, 2017 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28271327

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: We determined whether hypoxia parameters are associated with C-reactive protein (CRP), mean platelet volume (MPV), white matter hyperintensity (WMH), and the severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and also evaluated whether hypoxia parameters, CRP, MPV, and WMH differ in patients with similar apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) scores. METHODS: A total of 297 patients, who were evaluated using polysomnography, were assessed retrospectively. The measured hypoxia parameters included total sleep time with oxygen saturation <90% (ST90), percentage of cumulative time with oxygen saturation <90% (CT90), and lowest oxygen saturation (min SaO2). The patients were divided into subgroups according to their CT90 values, and patients with different AHI severities were divided into subgroups according to their ST90 and min SaO2 levels. RESULTS: Hypoxia parameters are associated with CRP, MPV, WMH, and the severity of OSA (P < 0.05). The hypoxia parameters differed in all subgroup analyses of similar AHI groups (P < 0.001), and CRP differed only in severe OSA (P < 0.008, P < 0.001). In subgroup analyses of similar AHI groups, MPV and WMH were not significantly different (P > 0.05). Above the hypoxia threshold (CT90 ≥ 10%) of CRP, MPV increased significantly and the presence of WMH increased twofold. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that increased hypoxia severity may mediate increased inflammation and activation of platelets and contribute to the pathogenesis of WMH in patients with OSA. In addition, patients with severe OSA may show significant variability in inflammation and vascular risk. Further prospective data are needed.


Subject(s)
Hypoxia/metabolism , Inflammation/metabolism , Sleep Apnea, Obstructive/metabolism , Sleep Apnea, Obstructive/physiopathology , Adult , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Retrospective Studies , Sleep , Time Factors
8.
Exp Clin Transplant ; 2017 Mar 28.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28350288

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Neurologic complications are common after kidney and liver transplant. Neurologic complications affect mortality and morbidity in transplant recipients, and neuropathic pain is an important symptom affecting a patient's quality of life. The aim of the present study was to provide readers with our experience regarding causes and treatment of neuropathic pain in patients undergoing kidney and liver transplant at our transplantation center. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The medical data of 553 kidney transplant recipients and 258 liver transplant recipients who received transplant procedures at the Baskent University Transplantation Center between 2008 and May 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. Fifty-one patients who were examined by an expert neurologist and diagnosed with neuropathic pain on the basis of clinical, neurologic examination, and laboratory findings were included for analyses. RESULTS: Among 811 transplant recipients, 51 patients (6.2%) were diagnosed with neuropathic pain. Of these, 22 were female and 38 were male patients, and 42 were kidney transplant recipients and 9 were liver transplant recipients. Causes of neuropathic pain included uremia, diabetes mellitus, ischemic peripheral arterial disease, inflammatory neuropathy, vasculitis, discopathy, postherpetic neuralgia, carpal tunnel syndrome, and multiple myeloma. Patients with symptoms too mild to affect daily life activities were treated conservatively. Plasmapheresis, gabapentin, pregabalin, alpha-lipoic acid, and duloxetine were administered as treatment modalities and medications. CONCLUSIONS: Neuropathic pain was lower in our transplant recipients than in the general population. Treatment medications were effective for transplant recipients at lower doses for the management of neuropathic pain impairing quality of life than doses for the general population.

9.
Neurosciences (Riyadh) ; 21(4): 319-325, 2016 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27744460

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To review our results of carotid artery stenting (CAS) and carotid endarterectomy (CEA). METHODS: We evaluated the medical records of patients undergoing carotid artery revascularization procedure, between 2001 and 2013 in Baskent University Hospital, Ankara, Turkey. Carotid artery stenting or CEA procedures were performed in patients with asymptomatic carotid stenosis (>/=70%) or symptomatic stenosis (>/=50%). Demographic data, procedural details, and clinical outcomes were recorded. Primary outcome measures were in 30-day stroke/transient ischemic attacks (TIA)/amaurosis fugax or death. Secondary outcome measures were nerve injury, bleeding complications, length of stay in hospital, stroke, restenosis (ICA patency), and all-cause death during long-term follow-up. RESULTS: One hundred ninety-four CEA and 115 CAS procedures were performed for symptomatic and/or asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis. There is no significant differences 30-day mortality and neurologic morbidity between CAS (13%) and CEA procedures (7.7%). Length of stay in hospital were significantly longer in CEA group (p=0.001). In the post-procedural follow up, only in symptomatic patients, restenosis rate was higher in the CEA group (p=.045). The other endpoints did not differ significantly. CONCLUSION: Endovascular stent treatment of carotid artery atherosclerotic disease is an alternative for vascular surgery, especially for patients that are high risk for standard CEA. The increasing experience, development of cerebral protection systems and new treatment protocols increases CAS feasibility.


Subject(s)
Carotid Stenosis/surgery , Endarterectomy, Carotid/methods , Endovascular Procedures/methods , Stents , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Female , Humans , Length of Stay , Male , Middle Aged , Mortality , Recurrence , Retrospective Studies , Severity of Illness Index , Treatment Outcome , Turkey
10.
Exp Clin Transplant ; 2016 06 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27309851

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Cardiac transplant is the best available therapy for patients with end-stage heart failure. Neurologic complications occur at a rate of 30% to 70% in patients undergoing cardiac transplant, and they affect mortality and morbidity of these patients. Risk factors for neurologic complications include immunosuppressive medication toxicity, infections, brain lesions, and metabolic disorders. The aim of our study was to determine the incidence of neurologic complications in adult patients undergoing cardiac transplant. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated the medical records of 70 patients who underwent cardiac transplant between 2004 and April 2016. We recorded the demographic data, neurologic symptoms, neurologic examination findings, laboratory test results, brain imaging study results, and treatments received of the patients. RESULTS: Of the 70 patients enrolled, 55 were male and 15 were female patients. The age range was 18 to 63 years, and the mean age was 42.4 years. Twelve patients had encephalopathy, 4 had neuropathic pain, 3 had tremor, 2 had ischemic cerebrovascular accident, 7 had posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome, and 1 had drop foot. Encephalopathy usually developed secondary to other neurologic disorders. The incidence of neurologic complications in adult patients undergoing cardiac transplant was 30%. CONCLUSIONS: Neurologic complications are common after cardiac transplant. We observed an incidence of 30% for neurologic complications in our clinic, with encephalopathy being the most common complication. Encephalopathy most commonly developed secondary to posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome.

11.
Blood Coagul Fibrinolysis ; 27(2): 169-75, 2016 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26809135

ABSTRACT

Aspirin resistance occurs in 5-45% of high-risk patients, with various mechanisms proposed for its development. This study aimed to determine the relationships among aspirin resistance, aspirin dosage, type of aspirin and glycoprotein IIIa P1A1/A2 polymorphism in patients with vascular risk factors. Two hundred and eight (75 symptomatic, 133 asymptomatic) patients with vascular risk factors who were using aspirin for primary or secondary prevention were prospectively included. The symptomatic group was further classified into two groups according to aspirin use at the time of stroke. Aspirin resistance was measured by the PFA-100 system (collagen/epinephrine cartridge) and glycoprotein IIIa P1A1/A2 polymorphism was determined by PCR. The overall prevalence of aspirin resistance was 32.2%. The mean age of patients with aspirin resistance was significantly higher than that in those who did not have resistance (P = 0.009). The prevalence of aspirin resistance was similar for the symptomatic and asymptomatic under aspirin therapy groups. The resistance rate was found to be highest with 100 mg enteric-coated preparation use (39.3%). Increasing the aspirin dosage and/or shifting to uncoated preparations caused a change in aspirin sensitivity of 36-60%. Repeated measurements showed development of aspirin resistance in 14% of patients who were sensitive to aspirin in previous measurements. Glycoprotein IIIaP1A1/A2 polymorphism, aspirin resistance and development of atherothrombotic stroke were not significantly related. The effect of aspirin can change by time, dosage and type of preparation used. There are no relationships among glycoprotein IIIa P1A1/A2 polymorphism, aspirin resistance and development of atherothrombotic stroke.


Subject(s)
Aspirin/therapeutic use , Drug Resistance , Integrin beta3/genetics , Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors/therapeutic use , Stroke/prevention & control , Thrombosis/prevention & control , Age Factors , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Asymptomatic Diseases , Blood Platelets/drug effects , Blood Platelets/metabolism , Blood Platelets/pathology , Female , Gene Expression , Humans , Integrin beta3/metabolism , Male , Middle Aged , Platelet Aggregation/drug effects , Polymorphism, Genetic , Secondary Prevention , Severity of Illness Index , Stroke/complications , Stroke/genetics , Stroke/pathology , Thrombosis/complications , Thrombosis/genetics , Thrombosis/pathology
12.
Eur Neurol ; 74(1-2): 60-1, 2015.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26183888

ABSTRACT

A 69-year-old woman presented with sudden onset of diplopia. In neurologic examination left medial rectus palsy without abduction nystagmus was detected. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed acute ischemic lesion in mesencephalon on diffusion-weighted images. Sponteneous resolution was observed after 1 month. Medial rectus palsy is a rare presention of acute ischemic stroke and early neuroimaging is important to establish such lesions.


Subject(s)
Cerebral Infarction/complications , Cerebral Infarction/pathology , Mesencephalon/pathology , Paralysis/etiology , Aged , Diplopia/etiology , Female , Humans , Neuroimaging , Nystagmus, Pathologic/etiology , Stroke/complications , Stroke/pathology
13.
Exp Clin Transplant ; 13 Suppl 1: 327-30, 2015 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25894184

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Neurologic complications occur frequently after liver transplants. Up to 43% of patients experience severe postsurgical neurologic complications. These complications are significantly associated with longer hospital stay, morbidity, and mortality. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the type and incidence of neurologic complications after liver transplants in adult patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated the medical records of 176 adult patients who had undergone liver transplants between 1995 and 2013. We recorded the demographic data, type of neurologic complications, type, and level of immunosuppressive treatment, and cause of liver failure. RESULTS: Our study sample consisted of 48 deceased-donor liver transplants and 128 living-donor transplants (n = 176). Fifty-three of the patients (30.1%) were female. The age range of the total sample was 18 to 66 years (mean age, 43.1 ± 13.7 y). As immunosuppressive treatment, most patients received tacrolimus alone (52%) or tacrolimus combined with mycophenolate mofetil (33%). Neurologic complications occurred in 74 of the patients (42%). The most common neurologic complications were diffuse encephalopathy (22.2%) and seizure (14.2%). Other neurologic complications were posterior reversible encephalopathy (1.7%), peripheral neuropathy (1.7%), cerebrovascular disease (1.1%), and central nervous system infection (1.1%). Age, cause of liver failure, and type of transplant were not associated with occurrence of neurologic complications. CONCLUSIONS: There was a high incidence of neurologic complications after liver transplants. Diffuse encephalopathy and seizure were common complications. Physicians should be aware of the high risk of neurologic complications after liver transplants. Factors such as immunosuppressive toxicity and metabolic imbalance that predispose patients to neurologic complications after liver transplants should be evaluated immediately, and treatment of postoperative neurologic complications should be initiated as early as possible.


Subject(s)
Central Nervous System Diseases/epidemiology , Liver Transplantation/adverse effects , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Brain Diseases/epidemiology , Central Nervous System Diseases/diagnosis , Female , Humans , Immunosuppressive Agents/adverse effects , Incidence , Male , Middle Aged , Retrospective Studies , Risk Factors , Seizures/epidemiology , Treatment Outcome , Turkey/epidemiology , Young Adult
14.
Neurol Sci ; 36(7): 1141-6, 2015 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25575807

ABSTRACT

The goal of the present study is to investigate the relationship between the degree of cognitive impairment and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness which is measured by the optical coherence tomography (OCT). Thirty-five patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD), 35 patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and 35 healthy volunteers, between the ages of 60-87, who were examined in the neurology outpatient clinic among 2012-2013 were prospectively involved in our study. Mini mental state examination (MMSE) test, montreal cognitive assessment (MOCA), and also neuropsychological test batteries were used for the neurocognitive evaluation. RNFL thickness was measured by the OCT technique and the differences among groups were studied. The relationship between RNFL thickness and MMSE scores with demographic characteristics was investigated. RNFL thickness was significantly lower in AD and MCI groups compared with the control group (p < 0.01). No significant differences of RNFL were found between the MCI and the AD groups (p > 0.05). Significant correlation was found between MMSE scores and the RNFL values (p < 0.05). Significant thinning in RNFL along with age was detected (p < 0.05). In our study, it is thought that retinal nerve fiber degeneration and central nervous system degeneration may be concurrent according to the thinning of RNFL measured by OCT in AD and MCI groups. RNFL measurement may also be useful for early diagnosis and evaluation of the disease progression. Further studies are needed to optimize the utility of this method as an ocular biomarker in AD.


Subject(s)
Alzheimer Disease/pathology , Cognition Disorders/pathology , Nerve Fibers/pathology , Retina/pathology , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Analysis of Variance , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Neuropsychological Tests , Prospective Studies , Psychiatric Status Rating Scales , Statistics as Topic , Tomography, Optical Coherence
17.
J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol ; 27(2): 103-9, 2014 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24578463

ABSTRACT

Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) is a new cognitive tool developed for screening mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The authors examined validity of MoCA and discriminating power of subtests in a Turkish population comprising of 474 participants (246 healthy controls, 114 subjects with MCI and 114 subjects with dementia). The ANCOVAs showed that age and education had a main effect on MoCA scores. Cut scores were computed according to different education levels. The overall cut-off values for MCI and dementia were found to be lower compared to western studies. MoCA was found to have good internal consistency. The subtests most useful in discriminating MCI from healthy controls were recall, visuospatial and language, while in discriminating dementia from MCI were visuospatial, orientation and attention subtests. The results demonstrated that MoCA is a valid and reliable instrument in screening MCI, and compared with the MMSE, MoCA was proved to have superior sensitivity and specificity in detecting MCI.


Subject(s)
Alzheimer Disease/diagnosis , Alzheimer Disease/ethnology , Cognitive Dysfunction/diagnosis , Dementia/diagnosis , Mental Status and Dementia Tests/standards , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Alzheimer Disease/psychology , Cognitive Dysfunction/psychology , Dementia/ethnology , Dementia/psychology , Female , Humans , Language , Male , Mental Recall , Mental Status Schedule , Middle Aged , Neuropsychological Tests , Psychometrics , Reproducibility of Results , Sensitivity and Specificity , Turkey
18.
Am J Cardiol ; 112(10): 1540-4, 2013 Nov 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23972351

ABSTRACT

Migraine is a common neurovascular disorder characterized by attacks of severe headache, autonomic and neurologic symptoms. Migraine can affect many systems in the body, yet its effects on cardiovascular system are unclear. We hypothesized that migraine and coronary microvascular angina may be manifestations of a common systemic microvascular dysfunction and clinically associated. Forty patients with migraine and 35 healthy volunteers were included into the study. Using transthoracic Doppler echocardiography, coronary flow was visualized in the middle or distal part of the left anterior descending artery. Coronary diastolic peak flow velocities were measured with pulse wave Doppler at baseline and after dipyridamole infusion (0.56 mg/kg/4 min). Coronary flow reserve of <2 was considered normal. In addition, thorough 2-dimensional and Doppler echocardiographic examinations were also performed. Fifty-two women and 23 men were included. Coronary flow reserve was significantly lesser in the migraine group than in the control group (1.99 ± 0.3 vs 2.90 ± 0.5, p <0.05). In addition, mitral annular velocities were lower and the ratio of early mitral inflow velocity to early mitral annular velocity (E/E' lateral and E/E' septal) was higher in migraineurs than in the control group (p <0.05 for all), indicating diastolic function abnormalities in the migraine group. In conclusion, these findings suggest that there is an association between coronary microvascular dysfunction and migraine independently of the metabolic state of the patients. A common pathophysiologic pathway of impaired endothelial vasodilatation, vasomotor dysfunction, and increased systemic inflammatory factors may play a role in these 2 clinical conditions and could be the underlying cause of subclinical systolic and diastolic left ventricular dysfunction in migraineurs.


Subject(s)
Blood Flow Velocity/physiology , Coronary Circulation/physiology , Coronary Vessels/physiopathology , Microvascular Angina/etiology , Migraine Disorders/physiopathology , Ventricular Dysfunction, Left/complications , Adolescent , Adult , Coronary Vessels/diagnostic imaging , Echocardiography , Echocardiography, Doppler , Endothelium, Vascular/physiopathology , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Male , Microvascular Angina/diagnostic imaging , Microvascular Angina/physiopathology , Middle Aged , Migraine Disorders/diagnostic imaging , Migraine Disorders/etiology , Mitral Valve/diagnostic imaging , Mitral Valve/physiopathology , Retrospective Studies , Vasodilation , Ventricular Dysfunction, Left/diagnostic imaging , Ventricular Dysfunction, Left/physiopathology , Young Adult
19.
Turk Neurosurg ; 19(4): 338-44, 2009 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-19847752

ABSTRACT

AIM: Primary intraventricular hemorrhage (PIVH), bleeding in the ventricular system without a recognizable parenchymal component, is a rare neurological disorder. The purpose of this study was to identify clinical features, risk factors, etiology and outcome of patients with PIVH. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical data, complementary examinations, outcome and computed tomography (CT) IVH score of 24 patients in our hospital from 2004 to 2008. We identified 24 patients with the inclusion criteria of non-traumatic PIVH. Their mean age was 60.6+/-17.4 years (range 38-79). Fourteen patients were male and 10 were female. RESULTS: The major symptoms included headache (n=24), loss of consciousness (n=6), confusion and disorientation (n=14), nausea/vomiting (n=10). Angiography revealed vascular malformations in five patients (21%). Other possible causative factors were hypertension in 12 patients (50%) and clotting disorder in one. The aetiology remained unknown in six patients. Most PIVH patients had associated hydrocephalus (58%) and 37% of the patients required ventricular drainage. In-hospital mortality was high (41%) and a FOUR score

Subject(s)
Cerebral Hemorrhage , Cerebral Ventricles , Cerebral Ventriculography , Adult , Aged , Cerebral Hemorrhage/diagnostic imaging , Cerebral Hemorrhage/etiology , Cerebral Hemorrhage/mortality , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Hospital Mortality , Humans , Hydrocephalus/diagnostic imaging , Hydrocephalus/etiology , Hydrocephalus/mortality , Hypertension/complications , Hypertension/mortality , Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformations/complications , Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformations/mortality , Male , Middle Aged , Proportional Hazards Models , Retrospective Studies , Risk Factors
20.
Int J Neurosci ; 119(3): 366-72, 2009.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-19116843

ABSTRACT

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is an acute inflammatory polyneuropathy which follows a precipitating event in approximately two thirds of cases. Although its pathogenesis is unclear, it is likely to be a consequence of an immune-mediated process. In the literature there are three case reports of GBS following subarachnoid hemorrhage, subdural hematoma, and facial bone fracture after head trauma.The unique feature of our case with GBS after subdural hematoma is the presence of cerebellar symptoms. We believe that GBS results from an aberrant immune response following trauma that somehow mistakenly attacks the nerve tissue of its host, and we discuss the effects of the trauma of head injury on cellular and humoral immunities and the absence of antiganglioside antibody (anti-GD1b IgG, which is accused of ataxia and cerebellar symptoms) in this case report.


Subject(s)
Cerebellar Ataxia/immunology , Guillain-Barre Syndrome/etiology , Head Injuries, Closed/complications , Hematoma, Subdural, Acute/complications , Aged , Autoantibodies/analysis , Autoantibodies/blood , Biomarkers , Brain/pathology , Brain/physiopathology , Cerebellar Ataxia/pathology , Cerebellar Ataxia/physiopathology , Cerebellum/immunology , Cerebellum/pathology , Cerebellum/physiopathology , Disease Progression , Female , Gangliosides/immunology , Guillain-Barre Syndrome/pathology , Guillain-Barre Syndrome/physiopathology , Head Injuries, Closed/pathology , Hematoma, Subdural, Acute/pathology , Humans , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Nerve Fibers, Myelinated/immunology , Nerve Fibers, Myelinated/pathology , Plasmapheresis , Subdural Space/pathology , Subdural Space/physiopathology , Treatment Outcome
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