Evaluation of Magnetic Resonance Findings of Circumventricular Organs in Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension Patients.

BACKGROUND: Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is the increased pressure with normal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) composition, not due to a secondary cause. However, the need for lumbar puncture, an invasive method in diagnosis, leads to research on noninvasive diagnostic methods. This study aims to examine the role of the size of the pituitary gland and the previously unevaluated pineal gland in radiological diagnosis in patients with IIH. MATERIALS AND METHODS:  The study retrospectively included 57 patients aged 18-80 years, who were followed up in our clinic with the diagnosis of IIH, and 52 control patients without central nervous system disease and cranial MR pathology. CSF pressure measurement values, CSF biochemistry, and cytology examinations were recorded as a result of lumbar puncture performed in the lateral decubitus position of all patients. In addition, the pineal gland and pituitary dimensions were measured by a neuroradiologist on cranial MR imaging of both groups. RESULTS: Pituitary gland height, anteroposterior (AP), and transverse dimensions were found to be significantly lower in the IIH patient group than in the control group (p<0.05). There were a significant reduction in pineal gland AP and height measurements in the IIH patient group compared to the control group. Still, we found no significant difference between the two groups in transverse measurements (p>0.05). CONCLUSION:  Our findings suggest that measurement of pituitary and pineal gland sizes in neuroimaging may be a guide as a noninvasive method in diagnosing and treating IIH.

Isolated abducens nerve palsy: Comparison of microvascular and other causes.

OBJECTIVE: Abducens nerve paralysis is the most common ocular motor neuropathy. In this article, we aimed to compare the causes of isolated abducens nerve palsy in terms of demographic, clinical features, and prognosis. METHODS: Thirty-six isolated abducens nerve palsy patients were prospectively enrolled in the study. The demographic, clinical features, and prognosis compared in two etiological groups as microvascular and other causes. RESULTS: The most common etiology was microvascular, which was seen in 16/36 (44.4%) patients. Mean clinical recovery time was 2.5±1.3 months (range, 10 days-6 months). When etiological groups were compared as microvascular and other causes, the mean age of the microvascular group was significantly higher (62.8±13.3 vs. 44.5±16.4, p=0.001). Diabetes mellitus was seen significantly higher in the microvascular group than other causes group (p=0.001), but no significant difference was observed in terms of other atherosclerotic risk factors (p>0.05). The fasting blood glucose and hemoglobin A1c value were significantly higher in the microvascular group (p=0.02 and p=0.02, respectively). There was no significant difference in terms of clinical improvement and clinical recovery times between groups (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: There is no difference between microvascular group and other causes in terms of clinical outcome, while the mean age and presence of diabetes were higher in the microvascular group. The presence of diabetes should be questioned in cases with isolated abducens nerve palsy.

miR-181a-5p is a potential candidate epigenetic biomarker in multiple sclerosis.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system (CNS) characterized by demyelination and axonal degeneration. Abnormal expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) plays an important role in MS pathology. In this cohort study, differential expression of the four miRNAs (hsa-miR-155-5p, hsa-miR-9-5p, hsa-miR-181a-5p, and hsa-miR-125b-5p) was investigated in 69 individuals, including 39 MS patients (relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), n = 27; secondary progressive MS (SPMS), n = 12) and 30 healthy controls. In silico analyses revealed possible genes and pathways specific to miRNAs. Peripheral blood miRNA expressions were detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). hsa-miR-181a-5p was downregulated and associated with increased MS risk (P = 0.012). The other three miRNAs were upregulated and not associated with MS (P < 0.05). The area under the curve (AUC) is 0.779. In silico analyses showed that hsa-miR-181a-5p may participate in MS pathology by targeting MAP2K1, CREB1, ATXN1, and ATXN3 genes in inflammation and neurodegeneration pathways. The circulatory hsa-miR-181a-5p can regulate target genes, reversing the mechanisms involved in MS pathologies such as protein uptake and processing, cell proliferation and survival, inflammation, and neurodegeneration. Thus, this miRNA could be used as an epigenomic-guided diagnostic tool and for therapeutic purpose.

Autonomic dysfunction in patients with COVID­19.

PURPOSE: Autonomic dysfunction in patients with viral infections has been described before. In this study, we aimed to evaluate autonomic functions in patients with the coronavirus infectious disease 2019 (COVID-19). METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, we compared 112 patients who had recovered from COVID-19 and 106 healthy controls. Symptoms of autonomic dysfunction were assessed with the SCOPA-AUT scale. RESULTS: Pupillomotor, urinary and sudomotor subscores of SCOPA-AUT scale were significantly higher in the COVID-19 patient group (p = 0.03, p = 0,006, p = 0.0001, respectively). There were no significant difference in terms of gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, sexual subscores and total SCOPA-AUT scores between the patient and control groups. The presence of fatigue symptom in the acute phase of COVID-19 increased the total SCOPA-AUT score by 2.2 points (p = 0.04) whereas the presence of smell loss (OR = 5.82, p = 0.01) and dyspnea (OR = 5.8, p = 0.03) were significant risk factors for pupillomotor dysfunction. The urinary, cardiovascular, sexual subscores and the total score of SCOPA-AUT scale were positively correlated with the age of the patient group. CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that many patients might have prolonged symptoms of autonomic dysfunction after the acute phase of COVID-19 that might worsen the clinical recovery.

The assessment of cognitive functions in patients with isolated cerebellar infarctions: A follow-up study.

The role of the cerebellum on cognitive functions have been well-defined; however, the information related to the progress in time process is limited. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the cognitive function of patients with isolated cerebellar infarction in both the acute stage and the follow-up period. Twenty-three patients with isolated cerebellar infarction and 22 healthy control were examined through an extensive neuropsychological assessment battery. The patients were evaluated in the acute stage and at least six months after the stroke in the follow-up period. There were no significant differences between the patients and the controls regarding age (52.2 ± 7.0 and 54.9 ± 6.6, p = 0.184) and gender (Female/Male: 6/17 and 7/15, p = 0.672). There was no statistically significant difference between patients with right cerebellar infarction and left cerebellar infarction in terms of cognitive functions. Verbal fluency, attention, and verbal and non-verbal episodic memory scores were significantly lower in patient group in the acute stage when compared to the control group. When the follow-up evaluation was compared to acute stage, it was revealed that patients had recovered in all areas; however, less improvement was seen in word reading time. Our results support that lesions of the cerebellum affect cognitive functions in the acute stage. However, the improvement was demonstrated in all cognitive functions in the follow-up period.

Cervical vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials in patients with essential tremor.

Although different neuroanatomical structures and pathways are emphasized as possible explanations for essential tremor (ET), there is still an ongoing debate. This study aimed to assess the role of brainstem and reflex pathways with cervical vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials (VEMP) in patients with ET. This prospective study included 34 patients with ET and 25 healthy controls. Cervical VEMP was performed in both groups and latencies, inter-peak latency intervals, peak-to-peak amplitudes and asymmetry ratios were recorded. There was statistically no significant difference between the groups in terms of age (38.9 ± 14.9 years vs. 38.9 ± 14.9 years, p = 0.673) and gender (female to male ratio: 14/11 vs. 20/14, p = 0.828). Right N1 latency and right N1-P1 interval were significantly longer in the patient group (p < 0.05). There was a significant positive correlation between the duration of disease and the right N1-P1 interval (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the patient and control groups in terms of bilateral P1 latency, left N1 latency, left N1-P1 interval, and bilateral N1 and P1 amplitudes (p˃0.05). Cervical VEMP may reveal the involvement of brainstem and associated reflex pathways in ET.

Restless Legs Syndrome in Multiple Sclerosis.

INTRODUCTION: The co-existence of Restless Legs Syndrome/Willis-Ekbom Disease (RLS/WED/WED) and multiple sclerosis (MS) is a common condition. For this reason, we aimed to evaluate the effects of RLS/WED and its relationship with MS. METHODS: We evaluated the clinical features of 102 patients diagnosed with MS who were in follow-up between 2010 and 2015 in outpatient clinic. All the patients were evaluated for RLS/WED according to the revised International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group (IRLSSG) diagnostic criteria. The Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), Beck Depression Inventory, Beck Anxiety Inventory and Fatigue Severity Scale scores of all the patients were recorded. The IRLSSG 2003 severity scale was used to determine the degree of RLS/WED. RESULTS: RLS/WED was detected in 30.4% (n=31) of the patients (MS-RLS/WED+), but not in 69.6% (n=71) (MS-RLS/WED-). The mean EDSS score of the MS-RLS/WED+ patients were 3.2±2.1 while the MS-RLS/WED-patients were 2.0±1.6. The incidences of depression, moderate or severe anxiety, fatigue and intestinal and bladder dysfunction in the MS-RLS/WED+ patients were significantly higher. Regarding to RLS/WED complaints, 32.2% were mild, 35.4% were moderate, 19.3% were severe and 12.9% were very severe. When the MS subgroups were evaluated the highest RLS/WED severity score was found in the secondary progressive MS group. In the patients with pyramidal symptoms and intestinal and bladder dysfunction, the mean RLS/WED severity was significantly higher. The mean RLS/WED severity score was also significantly higher in those with depression and anxiety. The RLS/WED severity was significantly correlated with the number of pyramidal attacks and the EDSS score. CONCLUSION: Restless legs syndrome is a cause of depression, anxiety and fatigue and has negative effects on MS patients. Therefore, after the diagnosis of MS, the RLS/WED symptoms and signs should be determined, as soon as possible, in addition to the other MS symptoms. The treatment of this condition should be started early.

Endocan: A Novel Predictor of Endothelial Dysfunction in Silent Brain Infarction.

Silent brain infarction (SBI) has been considered as a subclinical risk factor for symptomatic possible future stroke. We investigated the association between serum inflammatory markers and SBI. Patients (n = 54) diagnosed with SBI as the study group and 52 individuals as the control group were included in this study. Silent brain infarction is defined as a hyperintense lesion that was ≥3 mm in 1 dimension on fluid-attenuated inversion recovery T2-weighted magnetic resonance image, if the patient had normal neurological examination or had an abnormality that was not consistent with the brain lesion locations, after being evaluated by a neurologist. Serum endocan levels (P = .036) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP; P = .022) were significantly higher in patients with SBI than the controls. Pentraxin 3, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, white blood count, lymphocyte, monocyte, neutrophil, low-density lipoprotein, and triglyceride levels were not significantly different when comparing the groups with and without SBI. There was a significant correlation (r = -0.196; P = .16) between hsCRP and endocan levels in the SBI group. Endocan, a novel biomarker of endothelial pathology, was significantly increased in patients with SBI and may be useful to predict the future risk of stroke.

Is Decorin a Promising New Agent for Facial Nerve Regeneration? An Experimental Study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of systemic administration of decorin (DC) on facial nerve (FN) regeneration. METHODS: A total of 32 female albino Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups: control (C) group: no bilateral FN neurorrhaphy (B-FNN), no DC application, sham-operated group: B-FNN without DC application, DC group: DC application without B-FNN, and B-FNN + DC group: B-FNN and DC application. Nerve conduction studies were performed before and after skin incisions at 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th weeks in all groups. The amplitude and latency of compound muscle action potentials were recorded. FN samples were obtained and were investigated under light microscopy and immunohistochemical staining. The nerve and axon diameter, number of axons, H score, Schwann cell proliferation, and myelin and axonal degeneration were recorded quantitatively. RESULTS: In the sham group, the 3rd and 5th postoperative week, amplitude values were significantly lower than those of the B-FNN + DC group (p < 0.05). Nerve diameters were found to be significantly larger in the sham, DC, and B-FNN + DC groups than in the C group (p < 0.05). The number of axons, the axon diameter, and the H scores were found to be significantly higher in the B-FNN + DC group than in the sham group (p < 0.05). The Schwann cell proliferation, myelin degeneration, and axonal degeneration scores were significantly lower in the B-FNN + DC group than in the sham group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Electrophysiological and histopathological evaluation revealed the potential benefits provided by DC. This agent may increase FN regeneration.

Evaluation of temporomandibular joint disorder in headache patients.

OBJECTIVE: The present study is aimed at determining the percentage of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) in patients admitted to the neurology outpatient clinic with a headache complaint and to evaluate the association of TMD with the presence of bruxism and headache traits. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 349 headache patients were included in the study. The headache type, characteristics of the headache (incidence, duration, and severity of attacks), and the scores of the migraine disability scale (MIDAS) and Allodynia Symptom Scale (ASC-12T) were examined considering the presence of sleep bruxism. The International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD-3 Beta) criteria were used for diagnosing headaches. The presence of TMD was evaluated by using the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD). All patients diagnosed with TMD and/or bruxism were evaluated by a dentist. RESULTS: A total of 349 patients, 259 females and 90 males, were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 36 years. Primary and secondary headaches were diagnosed in 317 (90.80%) and 32 (9.20%) patients, respectively. In the primary headache group, there were 227 migraines (182 females, 45 males), 74 tension-type headaches (TTH) (48 females, 26 males), and 15 trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias (TACs) (7 females, 8 males) patients. The remaining patients were diagnosed with other types of diagnoses. The rate of patients with chronic headache was 86.50%. TMD was detected in 89 (25.50%) of the patients while sleep bruxism was present in 80 (23.30%) patients. TMD was detected in 68 (30.0%) migraine patients and 13 (17.60%) TTH patients. The rate of TMD was statistically significantly higher in migraine patients compared to the TTH patients (p=0.037). CONCLUSION: Our cross-sectional outpatient-based study determined the incidence of TMD in headache patients as 25%. Among the primary headaches, the incidence of TMD was higher in migraine patients compared to the other diagnoses. Considering these data, the presence of TMD is a clinical condition that should be considered in the pathophysiology of headache, primarily migraine, and especially in cases of non-response to treatment.

The simple and fast swallowing function assessment in acute stroke patients.

OBJECTIVE: The dysphagia associated pulmonary aspiration is one of the important reasons for mortality and morbidity in stroke. In this study, we evaluated the early swallowing functions of the acute ischemic stroke patients, and tried to choose the right way to start feeding with simple tests. METHODS: Seventy-three inpatients with acute stroke were included in this study. Age, gender, type of stroke, NIHSS and RANKIN scores, risk of aspiration and feeding route were recorded for all the subjects. Dysphagia was evaluated with the bedside clinical evaluation of swallowing function score (BDS) tests. These BDS tests are the assessment of dysphagia with neurological examination score (DSNE) and the bedside water drinking test (BWT) and the Swallowing score (SS) ratio (combining BWT and DSNE scores). All tests to evaluate swallowing were planned to be carried out 24 hours after the last known time of the patient's healthy and 48 hours after hospitalized. The tests were performed in awake patients who were able to manage to cooperate at the scheduled time. In addition, stroke patients were evaluated quantitatively using the Gugging Swallowing Screen (GUSS) test for dysphagia and compared with BDS tests. All patients were evaluated for aspiration pneumonia seven days after admission. If the patients had drowsiness or were unable to cooperate, they were not included in this study. RESULTS: Seventy-three (26F/47M) patients were included in this study if they were conscious and the Glasgow coma scale was above 10 points. When only BDS tests were performed, we decided that 74% (n=54) of the patients could be fed by the oral route, 13.7% of the patients could be fed only by NG route (n=10) and the patients who had the worst BWT and DSNE scores preferred to be feed with PEG route (11% of all the patients, n=8). In 41.1% of the patient (n=30) established the risk of aspiration on referral clinic and 23.3% of the patients (n=17) developed aspiration pneumonia in the clinical follow-up. When 30.1% (22) of the patients had dysphagia with GUSS test, 23.3% (n=17) of the patients were dysphagic with DSNE and 30.1% of the patients (n=22) were dysphagic with BWT and 22% (n=16) of the patients were moderate-severe, 11% (n=8) of the patients were mild dysphagic with the SS ratio. CONCLUSION: These BDS tests concluded are fast and reliable methods for evaluating the dysphagia and risk of aspiration pneumonia without laborious and very few clinically applicable methods, such as endoscopic or video fluoroscopy, in patients who are hospitalized with stroke.

Wernicke's Encephalopathy: Similar and Different Aspects of the Three Cases.

Wernicke encephalopathy is a neurological disorder, clasically characterized by altered consciousness, ophtalmoparesis, and ataxia results from tiamin deficiency. It is frequently associated with chronic alcohol abuse; however, many conditions which lead to thiamine deficiency such as gastric surgery, hyperemesis, parenteral nutrition, malnutrition may also be the cause. WE is a life-threatening condition that requires early diagnosis and rapid initiation of intravenous thiamin therapy. In patients, findings of characteristic examinations may not always be seen; therefore, imaging methods are of great importance. In this article, we aimed to emphasize the similar and different aspects of three WE cases with typical and atypical imaging findings.

Novel electrocardiography parameter for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in acute ischaemic stroke patients: P wave peak time.

INTRODUCTION: In this study, we aimed to investigate the usefulness of P wave peak time (PWPT), a novel ECG parameter, in patients who were diagnosed with acute ischaemic stroke (IS) and had paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) on Holter monitoring. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, we included 90 consecutive patients with acute IS who were admitted to our hospital between January 2017 and July 2019. PWPT was described as the time from the beginning of the P wave to its peak, and it was measured from leads DII and VI. The PAF diagnosis was confirmed if it was detected on the ECG during palpitation or in rhythm during the Holter recordings. RESULTS: In this study, 34 (37.7%) patients with acute IS were diagnosed with PAF. In multivariate analyses, the independent predictors of PAF were age, PWPT in lead VI and PWPT in lead DII (OR: 1.34, 95% CI 1.15 to 1.56; p<0.001). A receiver operating curve analysis demonstrated that area under the curve values for PWPT in lead DII for PAF were 0.88 (95% CI 0.81 to 0.95, p<0.001). The cut-off value for PWPT in lead DII in predicting PAF was 68.5 ms with a sensitivity of 82.4% and a specificity of 75.0%. CONCLUSION: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate a significant relationship between PWPT in lead DII and PAF among patients with acute IS.

An uncommon neurological manifestation of chronic lymphocytic leukemia: Longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis.

We describe a 50-year-old male patient who was admitted to the emergency department with complaints of fever and fatigue that had suddenly started two weeks ago. In the laboratory evaluation, a white blood cell count of 131.000/mm3 was detected. The patient was hospitalized and developed fecal incontinence on the first day of hospitalization. Detailed neurological examination revealed the patient had tetraparesis. Long segment high signal intensity was observed on spinal MRI. Flow cytometry examination of the CSF and biopsy findings of the bone marrow were compatible with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL). The patient's MRI appearances resolved after treatment. The tetraparesis resolved partially. There was no motor deficit in upper extremities and the patient was able to walk without aid or rest for 100 m. Clinical manifestation of central nervous system (CNS) involvement in CLL is heterogeneous and therefore may be difficult to pinpoint. We have described an uncommon occurrence of CNS involvement in CLL.

Autonomic dysfunction in restless legs syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: Autonomic dysfunction in patients with RLS has been described in some domains; however, detailed studies on this subject are limited and report conflicting results. In this study, we aimed to evaluate autonomic functions electrophysiologically and clinically in patients with restless legs syndrome (RLS). METHODS: Fifty-two adult patients with RLS and 40 healthy controls were enrolled in this prospective study. Electrophysiological tests of sympathetic skin response (SSR) and RR interval variability (RRIV) analysis were performed, and the SCOPA-AUT questionnaire was applied to evaluate autonomic functions. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in terms of SSR results between patients and controls (p > 0.05). However, there were significant differences between the patient and control groups in terms of RRIV analyses at rest, deep breathing, and valsalva, and also valsalva ratio (p = 0.037, p = 0.049, p = 0.017, p = 0.020). The mean SCOPA-AUT total score was higher in the RLS group compared with the control group (20.7 ± 10 vs 14.2 ± 8; p = 0.003). Significant differences were found regarding gastrointestinal, urinary, and cardiovascular domains (p = 0.01, p = 0.007, p = 0.049); on the other hand, pupillomotor, thermoregulatory, and sexual function did not significantly differ (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Autonomic functions should be questioned in detail as well as motor and sensory symptoms of RLS, and care should be taken especially on cardiac dysfunction.

The effect of FOXO gene family variants and global DNA metylation on RRMS disease.

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic disease that usually occurs with exacerbations and remissions in young adults, affects the central nervous system white matter in multiple localization, and is thought to be the result of complex interactions of genetic and environmental factors, the most common form is relapsing-remitting MS. Forkhead transcription factors O class (FOXO) are responsible for the regulation of various cellular processes including cell cycle, apoptosis, DNA repair, cellular resistance and metabolism. DNA methylation is such an epigenetic change and has been shown to be associated with almost any biological process. The aim of our study to show the relation between the genetic variants of FOXO3a (rs2253310 rs4966936) and FOXO1 (rs3900833, rs4581585) and global DNA methylation in RRMS. We analyzed DNA obtained from 79 RRMS patients and 104 healthy individuals by PCR-RFLP method for the detection of genetic variants. For the determination of global DNA methylation, results were obtained using ELISA method. The data were evaluated statistically. As a result of our analysis; global DNA methylation is higher in RRMS patients compared to control individuals and it can be effective on the disease. In addition, it has been determined that variants of FOXO3a (rs2253310, rs4966936) and FOXO1 (rs3900833), which have been genotyped, may be effective in disease pathogenesis. These results suggest that DNAmethylation and FOXO gene variants may be effective in neuronal loss in RRMS.

Wernicke's Encephalopathy Accompanying Acute Axonal Polyneuropathy: A Case Report.

Wernicke encephalopathy (WE) is a neuropsychiatric syndrome caused by thiamine deficiency. In addition to the classical symptoms (oculomotor disorder, confusion, and ataxia), acute polyneuropathy is reported to accompany the clinical condition occasionally. In this case report, we intended to present and attract attention to this rare and significant clinical table which starts with application for WE clinical condition, and is accompanied by acute axonal polyneuropathy in the follow-up stage.

Novel SNARE Complex Polymorphisms Associated with Multiple Sclerosis: Signs of Synaptopathy in Multiple Sclerosis

Background: It is well known that axonal degeneration plays a role in disability in patients with multiple sclerosis, and synaptopathy has recently become an important issue. Aims: To investigate the possible roles of selected synaptic and presynaptic membrane protein genetic polymorphisms (VAMP2, SNAP-25, synaptotagmin, and syntaxin 1A) in patients with multiple sclerosis. Study Design: Case-control study. Methods: A total of 123 patients with multiple sclerosis and 192 healthy controls were included. The functional polymorphisms of specific SNARE complex proteins (VAMP2, synaptotagmin XI, syntaxin 1A, and SNAP-25) were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction. Results: Significant differences were detected in the genotype and allele distribution of 26-bp Ins/Del polymorphisms of VAMP2 between patients with multiple sclerosis and control subjects; Del/Del genotype and Del allele of VAMP2 were more frequent in patients with multiple sclerosis (p=0.011 and p=0.004, respectively). Similarly, Ddel polymorphism of SNAP-25 gene C/C genotype (p=0.059), syntaxin 1A T/C and C/C genotypes (p=0.005), and synaptotagmin XI gene C allele (p=0.001) were observed more frequently in patients with multiple sclerosis. CC, syntaxin rs1569061 1A gene for 33-bp promoter region TC haplotypes, and synaptotagmin XI gene were found to be associated with an increased risk for multiple sclerosis (p=0.012). Similarly, GC haplotype for rs3746544 of SNAP-25 gene and rs1051312 of SNAP-25 gene were associated with an increased risk for multiple sclerosis (p=0.022). Conclusion: Genetic polymorphisms of SNARE complex proteins, which have critical roles in synaptic structure and communication, may play a role in the development of multiple sclerosis.

A rare condition mimicking stroke: Diabetic uremic encephalopathy.

Uremic encephalopathy (UE) is a metabolic disorder associated with acute or chronic renal failure. It is characterized by the acute or subacute onset of reversible neurological symptoms and specific imaging findings. It is uncommon for uremic encephalopathy to be associated with acute bilateral lesions of the basal ganglia in diabetic uremic patients, and this can be seen most often in Asian patients. Here, we report a patient with diabetic uremic encephalopathy and bilateral basal ganglia lesions who developed acute onset dysarthria. The clinical and magnetic resonance brain imaging findings resolved after hemodialysis treatment.