Circulating levels of neurofilament light chain as a biomarker of infarct and white matter hyperintensity volumes after ischemic stroke.

Serum neurofilament light chain protein (sNfL) shows promise as a biomarker for infarct size in acute ischemic stroke and for monitoring cerebral small vessel disease (cSVD). However, distinguishing the cSVD contribution after stroke may not be possible due to post-stroke sNfL increase. Additionally, it remains unclear if etiologic subtype differences exist. We measured infarct and white matter hyperintensity (WMH) volumes using MRI at the index stroke in ischemic stroke patients (n = 316, mean age 53 years, 65% males) and at 7-year follow-up (n = 187). Serum NfL concentration was measured in the acute phase (n = 235), at 3-months (n = 288), and 7-years (n = 190) post stroke. In multivariable regression, acute and 3-month sNfL concentrations were associated with infarct volume and time since stroke, but not with stroke etiology or infarct location. Seven years post-stroke, sNfL was associated with WMHs and age, but not with stroke etiology. Nonlinear regression estimated that sNfL peaks around 1 month, and declines by 50% at 3 months, and 99% at 9 months. We conclude that sNfL can indicate infarct volume and time since brain injury in the acute and subacute phases after stroke. Due to the significant post-stroke sNfL increase, several months are needed for reliable assessment of cSVD activity.

Clinical experience of volumetric-modulated flattening filter free stereotactic body radiation therapy of lesions in the lung with deep inspiration breath-hold.

This clinical study aimed to evaluate lung cancer patients' ability to perform deep inspiration breath-hold (DIBH) during CT simulation and throughout the treatment course of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT). In addition, target sizes, organ at risk (OAR) sizes, and doses to the respective volumes in filter-free volumetric-modulated arc therapy plans performed under free-breathing (FB) and DIBH conditions were evaluated. Twenty-one patients with peripheral lesions were included, of which 13 were eligible for SBRT. All patients underwent training for breath-hold during CT, and if they complied with the requirements, two CT scans were obtained: CT scan in DIBH and a four-dimensional CT scan in FB. The treatment plans in FB and DIBH were generated, and the dose parameters and volume sizes were compared. The endpoints for evaluation were patient compliance, target dose coverage, and doses to the OARs. This clinical study showed high patient DIBH compliance during both CT simulation and treatment for patients with lung cancer. A significant reduction in target volumes was achieved with SBRT in DIBH, in addition to significantly decreased doses to the heart, chest wall, and lungs. DIBH in SBRT of lung lesions is feasible, and a routine to manage intra-fractional deviation should be established upon implementation.

Early rise in brain damage markers and high ICOS expression in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells during checkpoint inhibitor-induced encephalomyelitis.

We report a case of rapid eradication of melanoma brain metastases and simultaneous near-fatal encephalomyelitis following double immune checkpoint blockade. Brain damage marker S-100B and C reactive protein increased before symptoms or signs of encephalomyelitis and peaked when the patient fell into a coma. At that point, additional brain damage markers and peripheral T cell phenotype was analyzed. The analyses were repeated four times during the patient's recovery. Axonal damage marker neurofilament light polypeptide (NFL) and astrocytic damage marker glial fibrillar acidic protein (GFAP) were very high in blood and cerebrospinal fluid and gradually normalized after immunosuppression and intensive care. The costimulatory receptor inducible T cell costimulatory receptor (ICOS) was expressed on a high proportion of CD4+ and CD8+T cells as encephalomyelitis symptoms peaked and then gradually decreased in parallel with clinical improvement. Both single and double immune checkpoint inhibitor-treated melanoma patients with other serious immune-related adverse events (irAE) (n=9) also expressed ICOS on a significantly higher proportion of CD4+ and CD8+T cells compared with controls without irAE (n=12). In conclusion, our results suggest a potential role for ICOS on CD4+ and CD8+T cells in mediating encephalomyelitis and other serious irAE. In addition, brain damage markers in blood could facilitate early diagnosis of encephalitis.

Free breathing VMAT versus deep inspiration breath-hold 3D conformal radiation therapy for early stage left-sided breast cancer.

The purpose of the in silico study was to compare free breathing volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) to standard deep inspiration breath-hold (DIBH) three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3DCRT) and determine whether the former is a viable option for elderly patients with left-sided early stage breast cancer. Data from 22 patients with early-stage left breast carcinoma requiring breast-only radiation therapy were used for this planning study. The robustness of VMAT plans when using the free breathing method was compared to that of standard 3DCRT plans using the DIBH method. The endpoints for evaluation were the target dose coverage as well as doses to the organs-at-risk. The free breathing VMAT plans produced a significantly higher mean dose to the heart and right breast than the DIBH-3DCRT plans. Free breathing VMAT plans resulted in significantly better target coverage than did 3DCRT using DIBH. The external volume that received more than 40 Gy was significantly smaller in the VMAT plans. Free breathing VMAT is a viable alternative to DIBH 3DCRT in elderly patients with a limited life expectancy and in subjects who are unable to perform DIBH. The choice of treatment should be individualized, and all relevant risks ought to be considered.

Neonatal transitional support with intact umbilical cord in assisted vaginal deliveries: a quality-improvement cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Deferring cord clamping has proven benefits for both term and preterm infants, and recent studies have demonstrated better cardio-respiratory stability if clamping is based on the infant's physiology, and whether the infant has breathed. Nevertheless, current guidelines for neonatal resuscitation still recommend early cord clamping (ECC) for compromised babies, unless equipment and competent personnel to resuscitate the baby are available at the mother's bedside. The objective of this quality improvement cohort study was to evaluate whether implementing a new delivery room protocol involving mobile resuscitation equipment (LifeStart™) reduced the prevalence of ECC in assisted vaginal deliveries. METHODS: Data on cord clamping and transitional care were collected 8 months before and 8 months after implementing the new protocol. The Model for Improvement was applied to identify drivers and obstacles to practice change. Statistical Process Control analysis was used to demonstrate signals of improvement, and whether these changes were sustainable. Multivariate logistic regression was used to evaluate the impact of the new protocol on the primary outcome, adjusted for possible confounders. RESULTS: Overall prevalence of ECC dropped from 13 to 1% (P < 0.01), with a 98% relative risk reduction for infants needing transitional support on a resuscitation table (adjusted OR 0.02, P < 0.001). Mean cord clamping time increased by 43% (p < 0.001). Although fewer infants were placed directly on mothers' chest (n = 43 [42%] vs n = 69 [75.0%], P < 0.001), there were no significant differences in needs for immediate transitional care or transfers to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. A pattern of improvement was seen already before the intervention, especially after mandatory educational sessions and cross-professional simulation training. CONCLUSIONS: A new delivery-room protocol involving mobile resuscitation equipment successfully eliminated early cord clamping in assisted vaginal deliveries of term and near-term infants. A systematic approach, like the Model for Improvement, seemed crucial for both achieving and sustaining the desired results. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was approved as a service evaluation as defined by the Regional Committee for Medical and Health Research Ethics ( 2018/1755/REK midt ).

Rectal volume variations and estimated rectal dose during 8 weeks of image-guided radical 3D conformal external beam radiotherapy for prostate cancer.

•Modern IGRT has given new insight regarding organ motion in radiotherapy.•Rectal volume variation may increase the risk of biochemical and local failure.•Rectal volume decreased significantly during eight weeks of radiotherapy.•The percentage of irradiated rectal volume did not change statistically significant.•Our study shows that IGRT ensures a close to stable dose to the rectum.

Dose to penile bulb is not associated with erectile dysfunction 18 months post radiotherapy: A secondary analysis of a randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: Erectile dysfunction is a common side effect of prostate cancer (PC) therapy. In this randomized study (The RIC-study) we used patient reported outcomes to evaluate sexual function 18 months after combined endocrine therapy and radical radiotherapy (RT) given with either wide or tight planning target volume (PTV) margins. We also analyzed the impact of radiation dose to penile bulb on sexual function. METHODS: The RIC-study included 257 men with intermediate and high-risk PC. All patients received 6 months of total androgen blockage started 3 months prior to randomization. In high-risk patients, an oral anti-androgen (Bicalutamide) was administered for an additional 2.5 years. Patients were randomized to receive 78 Gy in 39 fractions guided either by weekly offline orthogonal portal imaging or by daily online cone beam computed tomography image-guided RT. Sexual function was evaluated at 18 months after start of RT using the Questionnaire Umeå Fransson Widmark 1994. Ability to have an erection was assessed on an 11-point scale numerical rating scale (0 = no and 10 = very much) as the primary outcome. In addition, the association between penile bulb (PB) radiation dose and erectile function was analyzed. FINDINGS: Of 250 evaluable patients, 228 (mean age 71.8 years) returned the questionnaires. The patients reported a high degree of sexual related problems with mean scores to the primary outcome question (221 respondents) of 7.44 and 7.39 in the 2D weekly IGRT-arm and 3D daily IGRT-arm (p = 0.93) respectively. For four additional questions (scale 0-10) regarding sexual function resulted in mean scores >6.5 with no difference between study arms. The mean dose to PB was substantially larger in the 2D weekly IGRT-arm vs the 3D daily IGRT-arm (mean 59.8 Gy vs mean 35.1 Gy).We found no effect of mean PB-dose on the primary outcome adjusted for study-site, risk-group and age. When adjusting for serum-testosterone level at 18 months in addition, the effect of mean PB-dose remained insignificant. INTERPRETATION: IGRT protocol or PB dose had no effect on ED 18 months after RT in this study population. The low potency rates can partly be explained by the prolonged use of anti-androgen in high risk patients. Longer follow-up is needed to confirm the results from the RIC-study.

Long-term progression of white matter hyperintensities in ischemic stroke.

OBJECTIVES: Studies on long-term progression of white matter hyperintensities (WMH) after ischemic stroke are scarce. Here, we sought to investigate this progression and its predictors in a cohort presenting with ischemic stroke before 70 years of age. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Participants in the Sahlgrenska Academy Study on Ischemic Stroke who underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain at index stroke were examined by MRI again after 7 years (n = 188, mean age 53 years at index stroke, 35% females). WMH at index stroke and progression were assessed according to Fazekas' grades and the WMH change scale. Stroke subtype was classified according to TOAST. RESULTS: Marked WMH at index stroke were present in 20% of the participants and were significantly associated with age, hypertension, and subtype. Progression of WMH after 7 years was observed in 63% and 35% of the participants for subcortical and periventricular locations, respectively. Significant independent predictors of progression were age and marked WMH at baseline for both locations, whereas no significant associations were detected for vascular risk factors or subtype in multivariable analyses. In participants with no or only mild WMH at baseline, 20% showed marked WMH at follow-up. Age and hypertension, but not subtype, were independently associated with this acquisition of marked WMH. CONCLUSIONS: Age and marked WMH at index stroke, but not stroke subtype, predicted long-term WMH progression after ischemic stroke before 70 years of age, whereas age and hypertension predicted acquisition of marked WMH in those with no or only mild WMH at baseline.

Robustness of VMAT and 3DCRT plans toward setup errors in radiation therapy of locally advanced left-sided breast cancer with DIBH.

PURPOSE: The aim of our study was to evaluate and compare the robustness of treatment plans produced using the volumetric modulated arc-therapy (VMAT) and the standard three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3DCRT) techniques by estimating perturbed doses induced by localization offsets for deep inspiration breath-hold (DIBH) in locally advanced breast cancer radiation therapy. METHODS: Twenty patients with left breast carcinoma requiring radiation therapy were analysed in this planning study. Robust VMAT plans regarding minimum CTV doses and standard 3DCRT plans were produced, and perturbed doses were calculated in accordance with localization values from the weekly offline imaging protocol. Offsets from 5 weeks were summed to a perturbed overall treatment plan. Dose criteria for evaluation were coverage and homogeneity of the target, as well as doses to organs at risk. RESULTS: VMAT plans resulted in significantly better target coverage compared to 3DCRT, as well as lowered doses to heart and left anterior descending artery, while the perturbed doses were less variable for VMAT than 3DCRT plans. Homogeneity was significantly improved in VMAT plans. The statistical analysis taking all organs into account found that VMAT plans were more robust than 3DCRT to localization offsets (p = .001). The overall mean setup-deviation for the DIBH-patients was less than 2 mm in all directions. CONCLUSIONS: VMAT plans were more robust on average than conventional 3DCRT plans for DIBH when localization errors were taken into consideration. The combination of robust VMAT planning and DIBH generally improves the homogeneity and target doses.

Radiotherapy for prostate cancer - Does daily image guidance with tighter margins improve patient reported outcomes compared to weekly orthogonal verified irradiation? Results from a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Novel cancer drugs are subject to strict scientific evaluation of safety and efficacy and usually undergo a cost effectiveness analysis before approval for use in clinical practice. For new techniques in radiotherapy (RT) such as image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT), this is often not the case. We performed a randomized controlled trial to compare daily cone beam computer tomography (CBCT) IGRT with reduced planning target volume (PTV) margins vs weekly orthogonal portal imaging with conventional PTV margins. The primary aim of the study was to investigate the effect of two different image guidance techniques on patient reported outcome (PRO) using early side effects as proxy outcome of late rectal side effects in patients receiving curative RT for prostate cancer. METHODS: This open label, phase 3 trial conducted at two RT centers in Norway enrolled men aged 18 years or older with previously untreated histologically proven intermediate or high-risk adenocarcinoma of the prostate. Patients eligible for radical RT received it after 3 months of total androgen blockage and were randomly assigned to 78 Gy in 39 fractions guided either by weekly offline orthogonal portal imaging (15 mm margins to PTV) or by daily online CBCT IGRT (7 mm margins to PTV). Based on previous results indicating that acute rectal side effects are a valid proxy outcome for late rectal side effects, the primary outcome was acute rectal toxicity at end of RT as evaluated by rectal bother scale (five of the items from PRO's QUFW94). The RIC-trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01550237. FINDINGS: Between October 2012 and June 2015, 257 patients were randomly assigned to weekly offline portal imaging (n = 129) or daily online CBCT IGRT (n = 128). Out of 250 evaluable patients, 96% completed PROs at baseline and 97% at end of RT. Baseline analyses demonstrated balance between groups for baseline characteristics as well as for PROs. In general, patients reported a small degree of side effects at end of RT, and there was no difference between groups for primary outcome (rectal bother scale of QUFW94 1.871 vs 1.884, p = 0.804). In addition, there were no significant differences between groups for any other gastrointestinal or urinary symptom as reported by QUFW94. Health related quality of life analyses (EORTC QLQ 30) demonstrated no differences between groups. INTERPRETATION: In radical RT for prostate cancer, daily CBCT IGRT with reduced PTV margins demonstrated no advantage with respect to patient reported side effects at end of RT as compared to weekly orthogonal offline portal imaging with standard PTV margins.

Monitoring deep inspiration breath hold for left-sided localized breast cancer radiotherapy with an in-house developed laser distance meter system.

Deep inspiration breath hold (DIBH) in left-sided breast cancer radiotherapy is a technique to reduce cardiac and pulmonary doses while maintaining target coverage. This study aims at evaluating an in-house developed DIBH system. Free-breathing (FB) and DIBH plans were generated for 22 left-sided localized breast cancer patients who had radiation therapy (RT) after breast-conserving surgery. All patients were treated utilizing an in-house laser distance measuring system. 50 Gy was prescribed, and parameters of interest were target coverage, left anterior descending coronary artery, (LAD) and heart doses. Portal images were acquired and the reproducibility and stability of DIBH treatment were compared to FB. The comparing result shows there is a significant reduction in all LAD and heart dose statistics for DIBH compared to FB plans without compromising the target coverage. The maximum LAD dose was reduced from 43.7 Gy to 29.0 Gy and the volume of the heart receiving >25 Gy was reduced from 3.3% to 1.0% using the in-house system, both statistically significant. The in-house system gave a reproducible and stable DIBH treatment where the systematic error ∑, and random error σ, were less than 2.2 mm in all directions, but were not significantly better than at FB. The system was well tolerated and all patients completed their treatment sessions with DIBH.

Intrafractional baseline drift during free breathing breast cancer radiation therapy.

BACKGROUND: Intrafraction motion in breast cancer radiation therapy (BCRT) has not yet been thoroughly described in the literature. It has been observed that baseline drift occurs as part of the intrafraction motion. This study aims to measure baseline drift and its incidence in free-breathing BCRT patients using an in-house developed laser system for tracking the position of the sternum. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Baseline drift was monitored in 20 right-sided breast cancer patients receiving free breathing 3D-conformal RT by using an in-house developed laser system which measures one-dimensional distance in the AP direction. A total of 357 patient respiratory traces from treatment sessions were logged and analysed. Baseline drift was compared to patient positioning error measured from in-field portal imaging. RESULTS: The mean overall baseline drift at end of treatment sessions was -1.3 mm for the patient population. Relatively small baseline drift was observed during the first fraction; however it was clearly detected already at the second fraction. Over 90% of the baseline drift occurs during the first 3 min of each treatment session. The baseline drift rate for the population was -0.5 ± 0.2 mm/min in the posterior direction the first minute after localization. Only 4% of the treatment sessions had a 5 mm or larger baseline drift at 5 min, all towards the posterior direction. Mean baseline drift in the posterior direction in free breathing BCRT was observed in 18 of 20 patients over all treatment sessions. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that there is a substantial baseline drift in free breathing BCRT patients. No clear baseline drift was observed during the first treatment session; however, baseline drift was markedly present at the rest of the sessions. Intrafraction motion due to baseline drift should be accounted for in margin calculations.

Development of a deep inspiration breath-hold system for radiotherapy utilizing a laser distance measurer.

Deep inspiration breath-hold (DIBH) is a technique for treating left-sided breast cancer (LSBC). In modern radiotherapy, one of the main aims is to exclude the heart from the beam aperture with an individualized beam design for LSBC. A deep inhalation will raise the chest wall while the volume of the lungs increase, this will again push the heart away from the breast to be treated. There are a few commercial DIBH systems, both invasive and noninvasive. We present an alternative noninvasive DIBH system based upon an industrial laser distance measurer. This system can be installed in a treatment room at a low cost; it is very easy to use and requires limited amount of training for the personnel and the patient. The system is capable of measuring the position of the chest wall with high frequency and precision in real time. The patient views its breathing curve through video glasses, and gets instructions during the treatment session. The system is well tolerated by test subjects due to its noninvasiveness.

Mortality and risk of dementia in normal-pressure hydrocephalus: A population study.

INTRODUCTION: We examined mortality, dementia, and progression of hydrocephalic symptoms among untreated individuals with idiopathic normal-pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) in a population-based sample. METHODS: A total of 1235 persons were examined between 1986 and 2012. Shunted individuals were excluded. We examined 53 persons with hydrocephalic ventricular enlargement (probable iNPH: n = 24, asymptomatic or possible iNPH: n = 29). Comparisons were made with individuals without hydrocephalic ventricular enlargement. RESULTS: The 5-year mortality was 87.5% among those with probable iNPH. The hazard ratio (HR) for death was 3.8 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.5-6.0) for probable iNPH. Those with possible iNPH and asymptomatic hydrocephalic ventricular enlargement had increased risk of developing dementia, HR 2.8 (95% CI: 1.5-5.2). Only two individuals with hydrocephalic ventricular enlargement remained asymptomatic. DISCUSSION: In the present sample, persons with clinical and imaging signs of iNPH had excess mortality and an increased risk of dementia. The data also suggest that radiological signs of iNPH might be more important than previously supposed.

Prevalence and symptoms of intracranial arachnoid cysts: a population-based study.

To investigate the prevalence of intracranial arachnoid cysts in a large population-based sample. We also aimed to assess the association between arachnoid cysts and cognitive impairment, depression, epilepsy, headache, dizziness, previous head trauma, hip fractures, and mortality. A population-based cohort and nested case-control study. The sample comprised representative populations (n = 1235) aged ≥ 70 years. All participants underwent baseline neuropsychiatric examinations, including computed tomography (CT) of the brain, between 1986 and 2000. All CT scans were examined for arachnoid cysts. Headache, dizziness, history of head trauma, dementia, depression, epilepsy, and hip fracture were assessed using data from clinical examinations, interviews and the Swedish hospital discharge register. Cognition was assessed using the Mini-Mental Status Examination, and depressive symptoms using the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale. Date of death was obtained from the National Swedish Death Registry. The prevalence of arachnoid cysts was 2.3 % (n = 29), with no significant difference between men and women. Probands with and without cysts had the same frequency of headache, dizziness, previous head trauma, cognitive impairment, and depressive symptoms. Furthermore, there were no differences regarding the prevalence of dementia, depression, epilepsy, or previous hip fracture. Arachnoid cysts were not associated with increased mortality. Arachnoid cysts are common incidental finding, with the same rate in men and women, and are probably asymptomatic. The lack of relation with symptoms like headache, dizziness and cognitive impairment suggest caution in ascribing symptoms to incidentally discovered arachnoid cysts and a restrictive attitude to treatment.

Vascular factors in suspected normal pressure hydrocephalus: A population-based study.

OBJECTIVE: We examined clinical and imaging findings of suspected idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) in relation to vascular risk factors and white matter lesions (WMLs), using a nested case-control design in a representative, population-based sample. METHODS: From a population-based sample, 1,235 persons aged 70 years or older were examined with CT of the brain between 1986 and 2000. We identified 55 persons with hydrocephalic ventricular enlargement, i.e., radiologic findings consistent with iNPH. Among these, 26 had clinical signs that fulfilled international guideline criteria for probable iNPH. These cases were labeled suspected iNPH. Each case was matched to 5 controls from the same sample, based on age, sex, and study cohort. Data on risk factors were obtained from clinical examinations and the Swedish Hospital Discharge Register. History of hypertension, diabetes mellitus (DM), smoking, overweight, history of coronary artery disease, stroke/TIA, and WMLs on CT were examined. Risk factors associated with iNPH with a p value <0.1 in χ2 tests were included in conditional logistic regression models. RESULTS: In the regression analyses, suspected iNPH was related to moderate to severe WMLs (odds ratio [OR] 5.2; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.5-17.6), while hydrocephalic ventricular enlargement was related to hypertension (OR 2.7; 95% CI: 1.1-6.8), moderate to severe WMLs (OR 6.5; 95% CI: 2.1-20.3), and DM (OR 4.3; 95% CI: 1.1-16.3). CONCLUSIONS: Hypertension, WMLs, and DM were related to clinical and imaging features of iNPH, suggesting that vascular mechanisms are involved in the pathophysiology. These findings might have implications for understanding disease mechanisms in iNPH and possibly prevention.

Prevalence of idiopathic normal-pressure hydrocephalus.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of idiopathic normal-pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) in elderly persons in a large population-based sample using radiologic and clinical examinations. METHODS: We examined representative elderly populations aged 70 years and older that had undergone neuropsychiatric evaluations and CT of the brain between 1986 and 2000 (n = 1,238). Gait was evaluated by clinical examination and history of walking difficulty. Cognitive function was evaluated with the Mini-Mental State Examination and urinary incontinence by self-report. iNPH was diagnosed in concordance with the American-European iNPH guidelines. Exclusion criteria were history of meningitis, severe head trauma, and subarachnoid hemorrhage. RESULTS: The prevalence of probable iNPH was 0.2% in those aged 70-79 years (n = 2) and 5.9% (n = 24) in those aged 80 years and older, with no difference between men and women. Only 2 of these persons had been treated for iNPH. Hydrocephalic ventricular enlargement, i.e., a CT image consistent with NPH, was found in 56 persons (4.5%). An Evans Index >0.3 was found in 256 (20.7%) and occluded sulci at the high convexity in 67 persons (5.4%). All of these findings were more common in the older age groups. CONCLUSIONS: Many elderly possess clinical and imaging features of iNPH, especially those older than 80 years. The number of persons with iNPH is probably much higher than the number of persons currently treated.

Depression in Myotonic Dystrophy type 1: clinical and neuronal correlates.

BACKGROUND: This study was designed to investigate the prevalence and correlates of depression in Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1). METHODS: Thirty-one patients with DM1 and 47 subjects in a clinical contrast group, consisting of other neuromuscular disorders, including Spinal muscular atrophy, Limb girdle muscle atrophy and Facioscapulohumeral dystrophy, completed Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). We aimed to establish whether different factors associated with DM1 correlated with ratings in the BDI. RESULTS: Signs of a clinical depression were prevalent in 32% of the patients with DM1, which was comparable with ratings in the clinical contrast group. The depressive condition was mild to moderate in both groups. In DM1, a longer duration of clinical symptoms was associated with lower scores on the BDI and higher educational levels were correlated with higher scores on depression. We also found a negative association with brain white matter lesions. CONCLUSIONS: Findings indicate significantly more DM1 patients than normative collectives showing signs of a clinical depression. The depressive condition is however mild to moderate and data indicate that the need for intervention is at hand preferentially early during the disease process.

Aspects on decompressive craniectomy in patients with traumatic head injuries.

In patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI), intracranial hypertension secondary to cerebral edema is a major problem. A last-tier treatment in these cases is decompressive craniectomy. The aim of the present retrospective investigation was to (1) study the long-time outcome in patients with traumatic head injuries with intracranial hypertension treated with decompressive craniectomy; (2) examine the effects on intracranial pressure (ICP) by the craniectomy; and (3) investigate the possible relationship between the size of the removed bone-flap and the effects on ICP. Among the about 150 patients with severe TBI treated at our neurointensive care unit during 1997-2002, 19 patients were treated with decompressive craniectomy. All patients were young (mean 22 +/- 11 years, range 7-46 years), and 68% were male. The mean ICP was reduced from 29.2 +/- 3.5 before to 11.1 +/- 6.0 mm Hg immediately after the craniectomy; at 24 h after the craniectomy, the mean ICP was 13.9 +/- 9.7 mm Hg. Paired-samples t-test revealed a statistically significant decrease, both when comparing the preoperative values to the values immediately postoperative as well as to the values after 24 h (p < 0.01). A significant correlation between the size of the craniectomy and the decrease in ICP was found using Pearson regression analysis. The outcome of all patients could be assessed. The survival rate was 89%. Two patients died (both day 4 after the trauma); 68% of the patients had a favorable outcome (Glasgow Outcome Scale [GOS] score of 4 or 5); 16% were severely disabled (GOS score of 3); and one patient (5%) was left in a vegetative state.

White matter disease in magnetic resonance imaging predicts cerebral complications after coronary artery bypass grafting.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to assess neurologic and neuropsychologic complications in 104 patients randomized to coronary artery bypass grafting or spinal cord stimulation. An additional objective of the study was to assess whether preoperative white matter disease might predict cerebral complications, as previous studies have shown that there is a relationship between white matter disease and neuropsychologic decline after coronary artery bypass grafting. METHODS: The patients were subjected to neurologic examination before and six months after intervention. The patients underwent a cerebral magnetic resonance imaging before intervention and the presence of white matter disease was related to development of cerebral complications. RESULTS: More patients in the bypass group than in the spinal cord stimulation group developed focal cerebral ischemia (p < 0.05) and astheno-emotional disorder (p < 0.001). More patients with white matter disease undergoing bypass were affected by focal cerebral ischemia (p < 0.01) and astheno-emotional disorder (p < 0.001) after the intervention compared to patients with white matter disease undergoing spinal cord stimulation. In patients with no white matter disease there were no differences between the bypass group and spinal cord stimulation group with regard to cerebral complications. CONCLUSIONS: Patients undergoing bypass had more neurologic and neuropsychologic complications than patients undergoing spinal cord stimulation. Furthermore, patients with white matter disease were affected by cerebral complications in a higher extent after bypass than after spinal cord stimulation. Thus, preoperative assessment of white matter disease before undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting might predict the patient's risk of developing cerebral injury.