Testing an Adapted Auditory Verbal Learning Test Paradigm for fMRI to Lateralize Verbal Memory in Patients with Epilepsy.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: fMRI is a noninvasive tool for predicting postsurgical deficits in candidates with pharmacoresistant temporal lobe epilepsy. We aimed to test an adapted paradigm of the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test to evaluate differences in memory laterality indexes between patients and healthy controls and its association with neuropsychological scores. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a prospective study of 50 patients with temporal lobe epilepsy and 22 healthy controls. Participants underwent a block design language and memory fMRI. Laterality indexes and the hippocampal anterior-posterior index were calculated. Language and memory lateralization was organized into typical and atypical on the basis of laterality indexes. A neuropsychological assessment was performed with a median time from fMRI of 8 months and was compared with fMRI performance. RESULTS: We studied 40 patients with left temporal lobe epilepsy and 10 with right temporal lobe epilepsy. Typical language occurred in 65.3% of patients and 90.9% of healthy controls (P = .04). The memory fMRI laterality index was obtained in all healthy controls and 92% of patients. The verbal memory laterality index was bilateral (24.3%) more frequently than the language laterality index (7.69%) in patients with left temporal lobe epilepsy. Atypical verbal memory was greater in patients with left temporal lobe epilepsy (56.8%) than in healthy controls (36.4%), and the proportion of bilateral laterality indexes (53.3%) was larger than right laterality indexes (46.7%). Atypical verbal memory might be associated with higher cognitive scores in patients. No relevant differences were seen in the hippocampal anterior-posterior index according to memory impairment. CONCLUSIONS: The adapted Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test paradigm fMRI might support verbal memory lateralization. Temporal lobe epilepsy laterality influences hippocampal memory laterality indexes. Left temporal lobe epilepsy has shown a higher proportion of atypical verbal memory compared with language, potentially to memory functional reorganization.

Detección del foco epileptógeno mediante dos nuevos métodos de procesamiento de imágenes SPECT y PET cerebral: PET-Analysis y PISCOM / Detection of epileptogenic focus with two new methods of processing of SPECT and PET cerebral images: PET-Analysis and PISCOM

La neuroimagen funcional de la PET con 18F-FDG y la SPECT de perfusión son exploraciones cada vez más imprescindibles para la localización prequirúrgica del foco epileptógeno. Presentamos el caso de un paciente varón de 18 años con crisis epilépticas refractarias a tratamiento antiepiléptico. La RM mostró displasia en córtex insular posterior derecho. El SISCOM detectó un aumento focal de captación en cíngulo frontoparietal izquierdo y en la PET-FDG se visualizaba una distribución normal del radiotrazador. Se realizó resección insular posterior derecha, cuyo resultado anatomopatológico fue ganglioglioma grado I de la clasificación de la OMS. El paciente mostró una evolución posquirúrgica favorable, encontrándose libre de crisis desde hace 5 años (Engel I). Un análisis retrospectivo de este caso con 2 nuevos métodos de procesamiento de imágenes: PET-Analysis y PISCOM, permitió localizar correctamente el foco epileptógeno en córtex insular posterior derecho

Functional neuroimaging with positron emission tomography with 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (PET-18F-FDG) and perfusion single photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) are increasingly more essential for presurgically locating the epileptogenic focus. We present the case of an 18-year-old male with epileptic seizures refractory to antiepileptic treatment. Magnetic resonance (MR) showed dysplasia in the posterior right insular cortex. Subtraction of ictal SPECT co-registered to MR (SICOM) detected a focal increase of uptake in the left fronto-parietal cingulate and PET-FDG showed normal distribution of the radiotracer. The posterior right insula was resected with histopathological results of grade I ganglioglioma according to the World Health Organization classification. The patient made favourable post-surgical progress, and remains seizure-free after 5 years (Engel I). Retrospective analysis of this case with two new image processing methods (PET analysis and PET interictal subtracted ictal SPECT coregistered with MR [PISCOM]) correctly localized the epileptogenic focus in the posterior right insular cortex

Detection of epileptogenic focus with two new methods of processing of SPECT and PET cerebral images: PET-Analysis and PISCOM. / Detección del foco epileptógeno mediante dos nuevos métodos de procesamiento de imágenes SPECT y PET cerebral: PET-Analysis y PISCOM.

Functional neuroimaging with positron emission tomography with 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (PET-18F-FDG) and perfusion single photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) are increasingly more essential for presurgically locating the epileptogenic focus. We present the case of an 18-year-old male with epileptic seizures refractory to antiepileptic treatment. Magnetic resonance (MR) showed dysplasia in the posterior right insular cortex. Subtraction of ictal SPECT co-registered to MR (SICOM) detected a focal increase of uptake in the left fronto-parietal cingulate and PET-FDG showed normal distribution of the radiotracer. The posterior right insula was resected with histopathological results of grade I ganglioglioma according to the World Health Organization classification. The patient made favourable post-surgical progress, and remains seizure-free after 5 years (Engel I). Retrospective analysis of this case with two new image processing methods (PET analysis and PET interictal subtracted ictal SPECT coregistered with MR [PISCOM]) correctly localized the epileptogenic focus in the posterior right insular cortex.

Nuevos tiempos para la neuroimagen de Medicina Nuclear en España: ¿de dónde partimos? / A new era for Nuclear Medicine neuroimaging in Spain: Where do we start from in Spain?

Objetivo. conocer la situación de los estudios de neuroimagen de Medicina Nuclear que se realizaron en España en el año 2013 y primer trimestre del 2014, con el fin de definir las actividades del grupo de trabajo de Neuroimagen de la Sociedad Española de Medicina Nuclear e Imagen Molecular (SEMNIM). Material y métodos. Se diseñó un cuestionario de 14 preguntas dividido en 3 partes: características de los servicios (equipamiento y profesionales involucrados), tipo de exploraciones e indicaciones clínicas y métodos de evaluación. El cuestionario se remitió a los 166 servicios de Medicina Nuclear que figuraban en la secretaría de la Sociedad Española de Medicina Nuclear e Imagen Molecular. Resultados. Respondieron a la encuesta un total de 54 centros distribuidos entre todas las comunidades autónomas. La mayoría de los centros realizaron entre 300 y 800 exploraciones de neuroimagen al año, representando más de 25 exploraciones al mes. La media de equipos por servicio era de 3, teniendo la mitad de ellos equipos PET/TC y SPECT/TC. Las exploraciones realizadas con más frecuencia son la SPECT cerebral con 123I-FP-CIT, seguida de la SPECT cerebral de perfusión y de la PET con 18F-FDG, siendo las indicaciones clínicas más frecuentes los estudios de deterioro cognitivo seguidos por los de trastornos del movimiento. Para la evaluación de las pruebas la mayoría de los centros utilizaron únicamente la valoración visual, en la valoración cuantitativa la cuantificación por regiones de interés fue la más utilizada. Conclusiones. Los resultados reflejan cuál fue la actividad clínica del año 2013 y primer trimestre del 2014, siendo las indicaciones principales los estudios de deterioro cognitivo y trastorno del movimiento. La variabilidad en la evaluación de los estudios PET y la colaboración con los especialistas clínicos que demandan las exploraciones de neuroimagen de Medicina Nuclear son algunos de los retos que debemos afrontar en los próximos años (AU)

Objective. To determine the status of neuroimaging studies of Nuclear Medicine in Spain during 2013 and first quarter of 2014, in order to define the activities of the neuroimaging group of the Spanish Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SEMNIM). Material and methods. A questionnaire of 14 questions was designed, divided into 3 parts: characteristics of the departments (equipment and professionals involved); type of scans and clinical indications; and evaluation methods. The questionnaire was sent to 166 Nuclear Medicine departments. Results. A total of 54 departments distributed among all regions completed the questionnaire. Most departments performed between 300 and 800 neuroimaging examinations per year, representing more than 25 scans per month. The average pieces of equipment were three; half of the departments had a PET/CT scanner and SPECT/CT equipment. Scans performed more frequently were brain SPECT with 123I-FP-CIT, followed by brain perfusion SPECT and PET with 18F-FDG. The most frequent clinical indications were cognitive impairment followed by movement disorders. For evaluation of the images most sites used only visual assessment, and for the quantitative assessment the most used was quantification by region of interest. Conclusions. These results reflect the clinical activity of 2013 and first quarter of 2014. The main indications of the studies were cognitive impairment and movement disorders. Variability in the evaluation of the studies is among the challenges that will be faced in the coming years (AU)

A new era for Nuclear Medicine neuroimaging in Spain: Where do we start from in Spain? / Nuevos tiempos para la neuroimagen de Medicina Nuclear en España: ¿de dónde partimos?

OBJECTIVE: To determine the status of neuroimaging studies of Nuclear Medicine in Spain during 2013 and first quarter of 2014, in order to define the activities of the neuroimaging group of the Spanish Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SEMNIM). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A questionnaire of 14 questions was designed, divided into 3 parts: characteristics of the departments (equipment and professionals involved); type of scans and clinical indications; and evaluation methods. The questionnaire was sent to 166 Nuclear Medicine departments. RESULTS: A total of 54 departments distributed among all regions completed the questionnaire. Most departments performed between 300 and 800 neuroimaging examinations per year, representing more than 25 scans per month. The average pieces of equipment were three; half of the departments had a PET/CT scanner and SPECT/CT equipment. Scans performed more frequently were brain SPECT with 123I-FP-CIT, followed by brain perfusion SPECT and PET with 18F-FDG. The most frequent clinical indications were cognitive impairment followed by movement disorders. For evaluation of the images most sites used only visual assessment, and for the quantitative assessment the most used was quantification by region of interest. CONCLUSIONS: These results reflect the clinical activity of 2013 and first quarter of 2014. The main indications of the studies were cognitive impairment and movement disorders. Variability in the evaluation of the studies is among the challenges that will be faced in the coming years.

Accuracy of arterial spin labeling magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) perfusion in detecting the epileptogenic zone in patients with drug-resistant neocortical epilepsy: comparison with electrophysiological data, structural MRI, SISCOM and FDG-PET.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Locating the epileptogenic zone (EZ) in patients with neocortical epilepsy presents major challenges. Our aim was to assess the accuracy of arterial spin labeling (ASL), an emerging non-invasive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) perfusion technique, to locate the EZ in patients with drug-resistant neocortical epilepsy. METHODS: Twenty-five consecutive patients with neocortical epilepsy referred to our epilepsy unit for pre-surgical evaluation underwent a standardized assessment including video-electroencephalography (EEG) monitoring, structural MRI, subtraction ictal single-photon emission computed tomography co-registered to MRI (SISCOM) and fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) studies. An ASL sequence was included in the MRI studies. Areas of hypoperfusion or hyperperfusion on ASL were classified into 15 anatomic-functional cortical regions; these regional cerebral blood flow maps were compared with the EZ determined by the other tests and the strength of concordance was assessed with the kappa coefficient. RESULTS: Of the 25 patients [16 (64%) women; mean age 32.4 (±13.8) years], 18 (72%) had lesions on structural MRI. ASL abnormalities were seen in 15 (60%) patients (nine hypoperfusion, six hyperperfusion). ASL had a very good concordance with FDG-PET (k = 0.84), a good concordance with structural MRI (k = 0.76), a moderate concordance with video-EEG monitoring (k = 0.53) and a fair concordance with SISCOM (k = 0.28). CONCLUSION: Arterial spin labeling might help to confirm the location and extent of the EZ in the pre-surgical workup of patients with drug-resistant neocortical epilepsy.

PET/MRI and PET/MRI/SISCOM coregistration in the presurgical evaluation of refractory focal epilepsy.

We aimed to investigate the usefulness of coregistration of positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings (PET/MRI) and of coregistration of PET/MRI with subtraction ictal single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) coregistered to MRI (SISCOM) (PET/MRI/SISCOM) in localizing the potential epileptogenic zone in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy. We prospectively included 35 consecutive patients with refractory focal epilepsy whose presurgical evaluation included a PET study. Separately acquired PET and structural MRI images were coregistered for each patient. When possible, ictal SPECT and SISCOM were obtained and coregistered with PET/MRI. The potential location of the epileptogenic zone determined by neuroimaging was compared with the seizure onset zone determined by long-term video-EEG monitoring and with invasive EEG studies in patients who were implanted. Structural MRI showed no lesions in 15 patients. In these patients, PET/MRI coregistration showed a hypometabolic area in 12 (80%) patients that was concordant with seizure onset zone on EEG in 9. In 7 patients without MRI lesions, PET/MRI detected a hypometabolism that was undetected on PET alone. SISCOM, obtained in 25 patients, showed an area of hyperperfusion concordant with the seizure onset zone on EEG in 7 (58%) of the 12 of these patients who had normal MRI findings. SISCOM hyperperfusion was less extensive than PET hypometabolism. A total of 19 patients underwent surgery; 11 of these underwent invasive-EEG monitoring and the seizure onset zone was concordant with PET/MRI in all cases. PET/MRI/SISCOM coregistration, performed in 4 of these patients, was concordant in 3 (75%). After epilepsy surgery, 13 (68%) patients are seizure-free after a mean follow-up of 4.5 years. PET/MRI and PET/MRI/SISCOM coregistration are useful for determining the potential epileptogenic zone and thus for planning invasive EEG studies and surgery more precisely, especially in patients without lesions on MRI.

PET y SPECT en la epilepsia / PET and SPECT in epilepsy

La epilepsia es uno de los trastornos neurológicos crónicos más frecuentes, afectando al 1-2% de la población. Los pacientes con crisis parciales complejas resistentes al tratamiento farmacológico pueden beneficiarse de un tratamiento quirúrgico que consiste en la extirpación de la zona epileptógena. Clásicamente la localización de la zona epilpetógena se realiza con vídeo-EEG y resonancia magnética (RM). Recientemente las exploraciones de neuroimagen funcional de medicina nuclear, la tomografía por emisión de positrones (PET) y la tomografía por emisión de fotón único (SPECT) han demostrado utilidad en la localización de la zona epileptógena antes de la cirugía. La SPECT ictal con trazadores de perfusión cerebral demuestra un aumento del flujo sanguíneo en la zona de inicio ictal, mientras que la PET con 18FDG muestra una disminución del metabolismo de la glucosa en la zona de déficit funcional interictal. En esta revisión se describen los principios básicos y las particularidades metodológicas de la SPECT y la PET en la epilepsia. Se detalla el mecanismo de inyección de la SPECT ictal, los diferentes patrones de perfusión en función del momento de inyección ictal, postictal o interictal y se revisan las diferentes sensibilidades diagnósticas de cada uno de estos SPECT. Se describen diferentes métodos de análisis de las imágenes con sistemas de substracción y fusión con la RM. Del mismo modo, se describe la metodología de inyección, cuantificación y evaluación de las imágenes de la PET en la epilepsia. Finalmente se detallan las principales indicaciones clínicas de la SPECT y de la PET en la epilepsia temporal y extratemporal (AU)

Epilepsy is one of the most frequent chronic neurological disorders, affecting 1-2% of the population. Patients with complex partial drug resistant episodes may benefit from a surgical treatment consisting in the excision of the epileptogenic area. Localization of the epileptogenic area was classically performed with video-EEG and magnetic resonance (MR). Recently, functional neuroimaging studies of Nuclear Medicine, positron emission tomography (PET) and single photon emission tomography (SPECT) have demonstrated their utility in the localization of the epileptogenic area prior to surgery. Ictal SPECT with brain perfusion tracers show an increase in blood flow in the initial ictal focus, while PET with 18FDG demonstrates a decrease of glucose metabolism in the interictal functional deficit zone. In this review, the basic principles and methodological characteristics of the SPECT and PET in epilepsy are described. The ictal SPECT injection mechanism, different patterns of perfusion based on the time of ictal, postictal or interictal injection are detailed and the different diagnostic sensitivities of each one of these SPECT are reviewed. Different methods of analysis of the images with substraction and fusion systems with the MR are described. Similarly, the injection methodology, quantification and evaluation of the images of the PET in epilepsy are described. Finally, the main clinical indications of SPECT and PET in temporal and extratemporal epilepsy are detailed (AU)

[PET and SPECT in epilepsy]. / PET y SPECT en la epilepsia.

Epilepsy is one of the most frequent chronic neurological disorders, affecting 1-2% of the population. Patients with complex partial drug resistant episodes may benefit from a surgical treatment consisting in the excision of the epileptogenic area. Localization of the epileptogenic area was classically performed with video-EEG and magnetic resonance (MR). Recently, functional neuroimaging studies of Nuclear Medicine, positron emission tomography (PET) and single photon emission tomography (SPECT) have demonstrated their utility in the localization of the epileptogenic area prior to surgery. Ictal SPECT with brain perfusion tracers show an increase in blood flow in the initial ictal focus, while PET with (18)FDG demonstrates a decrease of glucose metabolism in the interictal functional deficit zone. In this review, the basic principles and methodological characteristics of the SPECT and PET in epilepsy are described. The ictal SPECT injection mechanism, different patterns of perfusion based on the time of ictal, postictal or interictal injection are detailed and the different diagnostic sensitivities of each one of these SPECT are reviewed. Different methods of analysis of the images with substraction and fusion systems with the MR are described. Similarly, the injection methodology, quantification and evaluation of the images of the PET in epilepsy are described. Finally, the main clinical indications of SPECT and PET in temporal and extratemporal epilepsy are detailed.

18F-FDG PET/TC con imagen hepática en dos tiempos en la sospecha de recidiva del cáncer colorrectal / Dual-time point images of the liver with 18F-FDG PET/CT in suspected recurrence from colorectal cancer

Objetivo. Analizar el potencial de la PET/TC usando imagen tardía del hígado en pacientes con sospecha de recidiva de cáncer colorrectal. Material y métodos. Se han incluido prospectivamente 71 pacientes (22 mujeres, 49 hombres) con edad de 65±11 años y sospecha clínica, analítica o radiológica de recurrencia. Se realizó PET/TC después de la inyección de 4,07MBq/kg de 18F-FDG con imagen de cuerpo entero a los 60min (imagen estándar) y hepática a las 2h (imagen tardía). Se efectuó análisis visual y cuantitativo mediante SUV de los hallazgos de la PET/TC. Se obtuvo confirmación de las lesiones por estudio histopatológico y/o seguimiento mínimo de 6 meses. Resultados. Se diagnosticaron metástasis hepáticas en 37/71 pacientes (79 metástasis). Un total de 38/71 pacientes mostraban enfermedad extra-hepática en forma de recidiva local (10), adenopatías abdominopélvicas (3) o mediastínicas (3), metástasis óseas (1) o pulmonares (16) y carcinomatosis (10). Se calculó la sensibilidad y especificidad para el diagnóstico de metástasis hepáticas en base a cada paciente para la imagen estándar (81 y 91%) y la imagen tardía (95 y 97%). El número de metástasis hepáticas diagnosticadas fue mayor con la imagen tardía (66/79) que con la imagen estándar (57/79). La sensibilidad y especificidad de la PET/TC en lesiones extra-hepáticas fue de 84 y 70%, contribuyendo al diagnóstico no sospechado de 5 tumores sincrónicos. Conclusiones. La PET/TC es recomendable para descartar enfermedad extra-hepática en sospecha de recidiva de cáncer colorrectal. La realización de imagen tardía mejora la sensibilidad de la PET/TC en el diagnóstico de metástasis hepáticas(AU)

Aim. To analyze the potential improvement of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET/CT using additional delayed images of the liver in operated colorectal cancer. Material and Methods. The study prospectively included 71 patients (22 women, 49 men) with mean age of 65±11 years with clinical, analytic or radiological suspicion of current disease. A whole body PET/CT scan was performed at 60min. (standard images) and after 2 hr (delayed images) post-injection of 4.07 MBq/Kg of 18F-FDG. Visual and quantitative SUV analysis of PET/CT findings was done. All findings were confirmed by histopathology and/or at least 6 months follow-up. Results. Thirty-seven out of 71 patients were diagnosed of liver metastases (79 metastases). In 38/71 cases there was extra-hepatic disease in the form of local recurrence (10), abdominopelvic (3) or mediastinal (3) lymph nodes, bone (1) or lung metastases (16) and carcinomatosis (10). Sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of liver metastases in a patient-by-patient basis in standard (81% and 91%) and in delayed images (95% y 97%) was calculated. The number of lesions detected in delayed images was significantly higher (66/79) than in standard images (57/79). Sensitivity and specificity for PET/CT in the diagnosis of extra-hepatic disease was 84% and 70%, contributing to the detection of synchronous tumors in 5 patients. Conclusions. PET/CT may be useful in the diagnosis of extra-hepatic disease in suspected recurrence of colorectal cancer. Delayed images on PET/CT may increase the sensitivity to identify liver metastases(AU)

[Dual-time point images of the liver with (18)F-FDG PET/CT in suspected recurrence from colorectal cancer]. / (18)F-FDG PET/TC con imagen hepática en dos tiempos en la sospecha de recidiva del cáncer colorrectal

AIM: To analyze the potential improvement of (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET/CT using additional delayed images of the liver in operated colorectal cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study prospectively included 71 patients (22 women, 49 men) with mean age of 65 ± 11 years with clinical, analytic or radiological suspicion of current disease. A whole body PET/CT scan was performed at 60 min. (standard images) and after 2 hr (delayed images) post-injection of 4.07 MBq/Kg of (18)F-FDG. Visual and quantitative SUV analysis of PET/CT findings was done. All findings were confirmed by histopathology and/or at least 6 months follow-up. RESULTS: Thirty-seven out of 71 patients were diagnosed of liver metastases (79 metastases). In 38/71 cases there was extra-hepatic disease in the form of local recurrence (10), abdominopelvic (3) or mediastinal (3) lymph nodes, bone (1) or lung metastases (16) and carcinomatosis (10). Sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of liver metastases in a patient-by-patient basis in standard (81% and 91%) and in delayed images (95% y 97%) was calculated. The number of lesions detected in delayed images was significantly higher (66/79) than in standard images (57/79). Sensitivity and specificity for PET/CT in the diagnosis of extra-hepatic disease was 84% and 70%, contributing to the detection of synchronous tumors in 5 patients. CONCLUSIONS: PET/CT may be useful in the diagnosis of extra-hepatic disease in suspected recurrence of colorectal cancer. Delayed images on PET/CT may increase the sensitivity to identify liver metastases.

Comparison of four prognostic scores in peripheral T-cell lymphoma.

BACKGROUND: To compare the usefulness of four prognostic scores in patients with peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) from a single institution. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred twenty-one patients (77 male/36 female, median age 53 years) with PTCL [anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (ALCL) 21, PTCL not otherwise specified 56 and other 44)]. Complete response (CR) rate and 5-year overall survival (OS) were 41% and 31%, respectively. International Prognostic Index (IPI), Prognostic Index for T-cell lymphoma (PIT), International peripheral T-cell lymphoma Project score (IPTCLP) and modified Prognostic Index for T-cell lymphoma (mPIT) were calculated as in the original references. mPIT was only assembled to 41 patients in whom Ki-67 immunostaining was available. ALCL patients were analyzed separately. RESULTS: Concordance among IPI, PIT and IPTCLP was 52% for low-risk group, 27% for low/intermediate-risk group, 20% for high/intermediate-risk group and 14% for high-risk group. IPI, PIT and IPTCLP predicted CR, with IPI being the best score in logistic regression. Neither Ki-67 immunostaining nor mPIT predicted CR. Five-year OS (low-risk versus intermediate- or high-risk categories) according to IPI, PIT, IPTCLP and mPIT were 52% versus 45%, 75% versus 49%, 58% versus 20% and 39% versus 0%, respectively. IPTCLP was the best score for OS in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: All the scores demonstrated their usefulness to assess the outcome of patients with PTCL, with IPTCLP being the most significant to predict OS.

Trombosis arterial del injerto renal diagnosticada con renograma 99mTc-MAG3 en un paciente con poliquistosis / Arterial thrombosis of the renal graft diagnosed with 99mTc-MAG3 renogram in a female

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La hemisferectomía funcional también es eficaz en pacientes adultoscon epilepsia catastrófica / Successful functional hemispherectomy in adult patients with refractory epilepsy

Introducción. La hemisferectomía es una técnica quirúrgica empleada para tratar epilepsias farmaco resistentes en el contexto de síndromes hemisféricos difusos. La mayoría de las series de pacientes hemisferectomizados incluyen preferentemente pacientes en edad pediátrica. Métodos. Presentamos nuestra serie de cuatro pacientes adultos sometidos a hemisferectomía funcional para el tratamiento de su epilepsia refractaria tras realizarse una evaluación prequirúrgica completa. En tres pacientes la epilepsia era secundaria a un infarto dela arteria cerebral media y en uno a una encefalitis de Rasmussen. Resultados. Tras la cirugía tres pacientes permanecieron libres de crisis a lo largo del período de seguimiento (13-26 meses) y en el cuarto se consiguió una reducción >75% en su frecuencia de crisis. En todos los pacientes hubo una mejoría en su calidad de vida. Las complicaciones precoces tras la cirugía fueron una crisis tónico clónica aislada en un paciente y un estatus epiléptico precoz probablemente secundario a fiebre y meropenem que dismunuye el umbral convulsivo. El único déficit neurológico permanente que se produjo fue una hemianopsia en un paciente. Conclusión. La hemisferectomía funcional debe considerarse una opción quirúrgica en pacientes con epilepsia refractaria secundaria a lesiones hemisféricas extensas y que estén afectos previamente de hemiparesias graves (AU)

Introduction. Functional hemispherectomy is a surgical technique used to treat refractory epilepsies in the setting of extensive unilateral hemispheric lesions. Most series of hemispherectomies include mainly pediatric patients. Methods. We report our series of four adult patients that have undergone functional hemispherectomy for their refractory epilepsy. Each one had a complete presurgical evaluation including video EEG, neuropsychological testing and anatomical and functional neuroimaging. In three of them, the epilepsy was secondary to a middle cerebral artery infarction. One patient had Rasmussen encephalitis. Results. After surgery, three patents have become completely seizure free (follow up 13-26 months). The fourth patient has had more than 75% reduction in seizure frequency. All of them have had significant improvement in their quality of life. Early complications included an isolated tonic-clonic generalized seizure(one patient), and status epilepticus in another patients related to infection and use of meropenem. Only one patient has presented hemianopia as a permanent neurological deficit after surgery. Conclusions. Functional hemispherectomy is a good surgical option in the setting of large unilateral hemispheric lesions causing hemiparesis and intractable seizures, even in adult patients (AU)

[Successful functional hemispherectomy in adult patients with refractory epilepsy]. / La hemisferectomía funcional también es eficaz en pacientes adultos con epilepsia catastrófica.

INTRODUCTION: Functional hemispherectomy is a surgical technique used to treat refractory epilepsies in the setting of extensive unilateral hemispheric lesions. Most series of hemispherectomies include mainly pediatric patients. METHODS: We report our series of four adult patients that have undergone functional hemispherectomy for their refractory epilepsy. Each one had a complete presurgical evaluation including video EEG, neuropsychological testing and anatomical and functional neuroimaging. In three of them, the epilepsy was secondary to a middle cerebral artery infarction. One patient had Rasmussen encephalitis. RESULTS: After surgery, three patents have become completely seizure free (follow up 13-26 months). The fourth patient has had more than 75% reduction in seizure frequency. All of them have had significant improvement in their quality of life. Early complications included an isolated tonic-clonic generalized seizure (one patient), and status epilepticus in another patients related to infection and use of meropenem. Only one patient has presented hemianopia as a permanent neurological deficit after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Functional hemispherectomy is a good surgical option in the setting of large unilateral hemispheric lesions causing hemiparesis and intractable seizures, even in adult patients.

[Potential use of bone marrow scintigraphy in suspected prosthetic hip infection evaluated with 99mTc-HMPAO-leukocytes]. / Valor de la gammagrafía de médula macrofágica en el diagnóstico de infección de prótesis total de cadera estudiada con leucocitos Tc-HMPAO.

AIM: To evaluate the usefulness of (99m)Tc-Sulphur colloid when combined with leukocyte scintigraphy in suspected prosthetic hip infection, comparing the results with information from (99m)Tc-HMPAO-leukocyte scintigraphy alone. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy patients (42 women, 28 men; mean age 68 +/- 13 years) with painful hip prostheses and suspicion of infection were evaluated prospectively. All patients had bone scintigraphy, (99m)Tc-HMPAO-labelled white blood cell scintigraphy and (99m)Tc-Sulphur colloid bone marrow scintigraphy. ESR and CRP levels were measured in all patients. The final diagnosis was made with microbiological findings or by clinical follow up of at least 12 months. RESULTS: Infections were diagnosed in 12 of the 70 patients (3 coagulase-negative Staphylococcus, 2 Staphylococcus aureus, 2 Staphylococcus epidermidis, 2 enterococcus and 3 polymicrobial agents). ESR and CRP values were higher in patients with infection than in patients without infection (51.8 +/- 29.4 vs. 25.4 +/- 16.4 and 2.8 +/- 2.2 vs. 1.1 +/- 1.3, respectively; p < 0.05). Bone scintigraphy did not show a characteristic pattern to differentiate infection from aseptic loosening. The pool phase of the bone scintigraphy was positive in only 3/12 patients with infection (25 %). Sensitivity and specificity of the leukocyte scintigraphy was 83 % and 57 %, respectively. When the results of the bone marrow scintigraphy were added, these values increased to 92 % and 98 %, respectively. CONCLUSION: Performing bone marrow scintigraphy significantly improves results when compared with leukocyte scintigraphy alone in the diagnosis of infected hip prostheses. Bone scintigraphy did not help to differentiate aseptic loosening from infection in this series.

Valor de la gammagrafía de médula macrofágica en el diagnóstico de infección de prótesis total de cadera estudiada con leucocitos 99mTc-HMPAO / Potential use of bone marrow scintigraphy in suspected prosthetic hip infection evaluated with 99mTc-HMPAO-leukocytes

Objetivo. Analizar la utilidad de la gammagrafía de médula macrofágica en el diagnóstico diferencial de infección de prótesis total de cadera dolorosa valorada con gammagrafía con leucocitos marcados. Material y métodos. Se han estudiado prospectivamente 70 pacientes (42 mujeres, 28 hombres) con una edad de 68 ± 13 años con prótesis total de cadera y dolor local. Se determinó la velocidad de sedimentación globular (VSG) y proteína C reactiva (PCR) y se realizó gammagrafía ósea con leucocitos marcados con 99mTc-HMPAO y de médula macrofágica con 99mTc-sulfuro coloidal a todos los pacientes. El diagnóstico definitivo se realizó mediante estudio microbiológico o seguimiento clínico mínimo de 12 meses. Resultados. Se diagnosticó infección en 12 de los 70 casos (3 estafilococo coagulasa negativo, 2 Staphylococcus aureus, 2 Staphylococcus epidermidis, 2 Enterococcus y 3 polimicrobianas). La VSG y la PCR en el grupo de pacientes con infección resultó significativamente mayor que en el grupo de no infectados (51,8 ± 29,4 frente a 25,4 ± 16,4 y 2,8 ± 2,2 frente a 1,1 ± 1,3 respectivamente; p < 0,05). La gammagrafía ósea no mostró un patrón de captación que permitiese diferenciar entre infección y aflojamiento aséptico. La fase vascular de la gammagrafía ósea fue positiva en 3 de 12 pacientes infectados. La gammagrafía con leucocitos marcados aislada mostró una sensibilidad y especificidad de 83 y 57 %, respectivamente. La gammagrafía de médula macrofágica incrementó estos resultados a cifras de 92 y 98 %, respectivamente. Conclusiones. La práctica adicional de una gammagrafía de médula macrofágica mejora significativamente los resultados de la gammagrafía con leucocitos marcados en el diagnóstico de infección de prótesis total de cadera. La gammagrafía ósea no permite diferenciar entre aflojamiento aséptico e infección protésica en esta serie de pacientes

Aim. To evaluate the usefulness of 99mTc-Sulphurcolloid when combined with leukocyte scintigraphy in suspected prosthetic hip infection, comparing the results with information from 99mTc-HMPAO-leukocyte scintigraphy alone. Materials and methods. Seventy patients (42 women, 28 men; mean age 68 ± 13 years) with painful hip prostheses and suspicion of infection were evaluated prospectively. All patients had bone scintigraphy, 99mTc-HMPAO-labelled white blood cell scintigraphy and 99mTc-Sulphur colloid bone marrowscintigraphy. ESR and CRP levels were measured in all patients. The final diagnosis was made with microbiological findings or by clinical follow up of at least 12 months. Results. Infections were diagnosed in 12 of the 70 patients (3 coagulase-negative Staphylococcus, 2 Staphylococcus aureus, 2 Staphylococcus epidermidis, 2 enterococcus and3 polymicrobial agents). ESR and CRP values were higherin patients with infection than in patients without infection (51.8 ± 29.4 vs. 25.4 ± 16.4 and 2.8 ± 2.2 vs. 1.1 ± 1.3, respectively; p < 0.05). Bone scintigraphy did not show a characteristic pattern to differentiate infection from aseptic loosening. The pool phase of the bone scintigraphy was positive in only 3/12 patients with infection (25 %). Sensitivity and specificityof the leukocyte scintigraphy was 83 % and 57 %, respectively. When the results of the bone marrow scintigraphy were added, these values increased to 92 % and 98 %, respectively. Conclusion. Performing bone marrow scintigraphy significantly improves results when compared with leukocyte scintigraphy alone in the diagnosis of infected hip prostheses. Bonescintigraphy did not help to differentiate aseptic loosening from infection in this series

Localising imaging in secondary hyperparathyroidism.

Preoperative imaging has proved its use successful in the localization of solitary parathyroid adenomas in patients with suspected primary hyperparathyroidism. However, due to multiglandular disease at presentation patients with renal hyperparathyroidism need to be analyzed separately, making the usefulness of imaging techniques controversial. Recently, improved methods of functional imaging like parathyroid scan with 99mTc-sestamibi or positron emission tomography, especially when combined with computed tomography, can provide additional quantitative and qualitative information that has yet to be assessed. Nuclear medicine procedures could prove useful not only in preoperative diagnosis, but also in the selection of medical or surgical therapeutic alternatives in secondary hyperparathyroidism patients. There is evidence that 99mTc-sestamibi uptake in parathyroid hyperplasia or adenoma is related to biochemical markers of parathyroid function. We are only beginning to identify the factors involved in radiotracer uptake by parathyroid cells and how it can be modulated to obtain more accurate results. This review analyzes the current use of non-invasive imaging modalities in patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism, taking into account the latest trends in the field combining anatomic and functional modalities and the relevant factors linked to radiotracer uptake in abnormal hyperfunctioning parathyroid glands.

Parry Romberg syndrome and linear scleroderma in coup de sabre mimicking Rasmussen encephalitis.

We present one patient with Parry Romberg syndrome and another with linear scleroderma in coup de sabre, with focal neurologic deficits and intractable seizures arising from the hemisphere ipsilateral to the cutaneous lesion. Brain MRI showed progressive hemispheric atrophy. Pathology after functional hemispherectomy showed chronic inflammatory features suggestive of Rasmussen encephalitis.