A very rare cause of leukoencephalopathy: Lymphomatosis cerebri.

Leukoencephalopathy is a common finding on Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), particularly in the elderly. A differential diagnosis may represent a very bet for clinicians when clear elements for diagnosis are lacking. Diffuse infiltrative "non mass like" leukoencephalopathy on MRI may represent the presentation of a very rare aggressive condition known as lymphomatosis cerebri (LC). The lack of orienting data, such as contrast enhancement on MRI or specific findings on examination of Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) or blood tests, may even far more complicate such a difficult diagnosis and orientate toward a less aggressive but time-losing mimic. A 69-old man initially presented to the Emergency Department (ED) complaining the recent appearance of unsteady walking, limitation of down and upgaze palsy, and hypophonia. Brain MRI revealed the presence of multiple, confluent hyperintense lesions on T2/Flair Attenuated Imaging Recovery (FLAIR) sequences involving either the withe matter of the semi-oval centres, juxtacortical structures, basal ganglia, or bilateral dentate nuclei. DWI sequences showed a wide restriction signal in the same brain regions but without any sign of contrast enhancement. Initial 18F-labeled fluoro-2-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG PET) and CSF studies were not relevant. Brain MRI revealed a high choline-signal, abnormal Choline/ N-Acetyl-Aspartate (NAA), and Choline/Creatine (Cr) ratios, as well as reduced NAA levels. Finally, a brain biopsy revealed the presence of diffuse large B-cell lymphomatosis cerebri. The diagnosis of lymphomatosis cerebri remains elusive. The valorisation of brain imaging may induce clinicians to suspect such a difficult diagnosis and go through the diagnostic algorithm.

Bringing door-to-needle times within the European benchmarks results in better stroke patients outcomes in a spoke hospital from the Apulian Region.

INTRODUCTION: Door-to-needle time (DNT) is a key factor in acute stroke treatment success. We retrospectively analysed the effects of a new protocol aimed at reducing treatment delays in our single-centre observational series over a 1-year period (from October 1st 2021 to September 30th 2022). METHODS: The time frame was divided into two semesters as a new protocol was started at the beginning of the second semester to ensure a rapid evaluation, imaging, and intravenous thrombolysis in all stroke patients attending our spoke-hospital serving 200,000 inhabitants. Logistics and outcome measures were obtained for each patient and compared before and after implementation of the new protocol. RESULTS: A total of 215 patients with ischemic stroke attended our hospital within a 1-year period (109 in the first semester, 96 in the second semester). Seventeen percent and 21% of all patients underwent acute stroke thrombolysis in the first and second semesters, respectively. DNTs were strongly reduced in the second semester (from 90 to 55 min), bringing this value below the Italian and European benchmarks. This resulted in better short-term outcomes (an average of 20%) as measured by both Δ NIHSS scores at 24 h and at discharge with respect to baseline.

Motor Phenomena Associated With Leucine-Rich Glioma-Inactivated (LGI1) Emi-Encephalitis.

LGI1 encephalitis is a rare immune-mediated brain disorder. Its typical features include faciobrachial dystonic seizures (FBDS), startle reactions, chorea, myoclonus, atypical parkinsonism, cogni-tive impairment, and personality changes. We report the case of a 57-year-old woman presenting with distinct patterns of involuntary movements, including faciobrachial dystonic spasms, dyskinetic movements, and chorea. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and tests on blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) demonstrated encephalitis involving the right temporal lobe and caudate nucleus and associated with LGI1-antibody. LGI1 encephalitis may present with simultaneous distinct patterns of movement disorders depending on the cortical and subcortical structures involved in the disease.

Lemierre's syndrome complicated by cerebral venous sinus thrombosis: A life threatening and rare disease successfully treated with empiric antimicrobial therapy and conservative approach.

Lemierre's syndrome (LS) is a "forgotten" condition characterized by septic thrombophlebitis of the jugular vein that follows an otolaryngological infection. Fusobacterium necrophorum is the aetiological agent responsible for the syndrome in adolescents and young adults whereas in older people even common bacteria are involved. Complications arise from spreading of septic emboli distally, i.e. to the brain, lungs, bones and internal organs everywhere in the body. We report a middle-aged woman who presented with headache and bilateral sixth cranial nerve palsy following a sphenoidal sinusitis and left mastoiditis. Imaging revealed thrombotic involvement of the left internal jugular vein as well as of several cerebral venous sinuses thrombosis (CVT). Currently, precise management protocols of LS with CVT complication do not exist although a combination of macrolides and second or third-generation cephalosporins, as well as anti-coagulants represent the mainstream of therapeutics. Surgical drainage is associated to remove septic foci but is burdened by severe complications and side effects. Complete recovery was achieved following pharmacological treatment in our patient. This report adds further evidence that LS complicated by CVT may be effectively treated adopting a conservative approach thus avoiding surgical drainage and severe complications.

Functional Rabbit Syndrome: A Case Report.

Rabbit Syndrome is a rare involuntary movement occurring in 1.5-4.4% of patients receiving antipsychotics and characterized by rapid, regular movements (4-6 Hz) of the oral and masticatory musculature resembling the chewing motions of a rabbit. Herein we describe a middle-aged woman who presented with a rabbit syndrome characterized by several clues of psychogenicity such as sudden onset, distractibility, variability and complete "miracolous" remission.