Quantitative autonomic function test in differentiation of multiple system atrophy from idiopathic Parkinson disease / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

Background@#Differential diagnosis of idiopathic Parkinson disease (IPD) and multiple system atrophy-Parkinson type (MSA-P) is challenging since they share clinical features with parkinsonism and autonomic dysfunction. To distinguish MSA-P from IPD when the symptoms are relatively mild, we investigated the usefulness of the quantitative fractionalized autonomic indexes and evaluated the correlations of autonomic test indexes and functional status.@*Methods@#Thirty-six patients with parkinsonism (22 with IPD and 14 with MSA-P) in Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital from February 2014 to June 2015 were prospectively enrolled in the study. We compared fractionalized autonomic indexes and composite autonomic scoring scale between patients with IPD and MSA-P with Hoehn and Yahr (H&Y) score ≤3. Parasympathetic indexes included expiratory/inspiratory ratio during deep breathing, Valsalva ratio (VR), and regression slope of systolic blood pressure (BP) in early phase II (vagal baroreflex sensitivity) during Valsalva maneuver. Sympathetic adrenergic indexes were pressure recovery time (PRT) and adrenergic baroreflex sensitivity (BRSa) (BP decrement associated with phase 3 divided by the PRT), sympathetic index 1, sympathetic index 3, early phase II mean BP drop, and pulse pressure reduction rate. Additionally, we compared the unified multiple system atrophy rating scale (UMSARS) and H&Y scores and the autonomic indexes in all patients.@*Results@#PRT was significantly different between the IPD and MSA-P groups (P = 0.004) despite the similar BP drop during tilt. Cutoff value of PRT was 5.5 s (sensitivity, 71.4%; specificity, 72.7%). VR (r = -0.455, P = 0.009) and BRSa (r = -0.356, P = 0.036) demonstrated a significant correlation with UMSARS and H&Y scores.@*Conclusions@#Among the cardiovascular autonomic indexes, PRT can be a useful parameter in differentiating the early stage of MSAP from that of IPD. Moreover, VR, and BRSa may be the optimal indexes in determining functional symptom severity.

Quantitative autonomic function test in differentiation of multiple system atrophy from idiopathic Parkinson disease / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

BACKGROUND@#Differential diagnosis of idiopathic Parkinson disease (IPD) and multiple system atrophy-Parkinson type (MSA-P) is challenging since they share clinical features with parkinsonism and autonomic dysfunction. To distinguish MSA-P from IPD when the symptoms are relatively mild, we investigated the usefulness of the quantitative fractionalized autonomic indexes and evaluated the correlations of autonomic test indexes and functional status.@*METHODS@#Thirty-six patients with parkinsonism (22 with IPD and 14 with MSA-P) in Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital from February 2014 to June 2015 were prospectively enrolled in the study. We compared fractionalized autonomic indexes and composite autonomic scoring scale between patients with IPD and MSA-P with Hoehn and Yahr (H&Y) score ≤3. Parasympathetic indexes included expiratory/inspiratory ratio during deep breathing, Valsalva ratio (VR), and regression slope of systolic blood pressure (BP) in early phase II (vagal baroreflex sensitivity) during Valsalva maneuver. Sympathetic adrenergic indexes were pressure recovery time (PRT) and adrenergic baroreflex sensitivity (BRSa) (BP decrement associated with phase 3 divided by the PRT), sympathetic index 1, sympathetic index 3, early phase II mean BP drop, and pulse pressure reduction rate. Additionally, we compared the unified multiple system atrophy rating scale (UMSARS) and H&Y scores and the autonomic indexes in all patients.@*RESULTS@#PRT was significantly different between the IPD and MSA-P groups (P = 0.004) despite the similar BP drop during tilt. Cut-off value of PRT was 5.5 s (sensitivity, 71.4%; specificity, 72.7%). VR (r = -0.455, P = 0.009) and BRSa (r = -0.356, P = 0.036) demonstrated a significant correlation with UMSARS and H&Y scores.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Among the cardiovascular autonomic indexes, PRT can be a useful parameter in differentiating the early stage of MSA-P from that of IPD. Moreover, VR, and BRSa may be the optimal indexes in determining functional symptom severity.

Oculogyric Crisis Due to Metronidazole Toxic Encephalopathy

Oculogyric crisis is an acute dystonia involving ocular muscles characterized by sustained conjugate upward or lateral deviation of the eyes. Metronidazole is a commonly used antimicrobial agent in treatment of anaerobic infections. However, its long-term use can cause toxic encephalopathy particularly in patients with hepatic dysfunction. Here, we describe a case of oculogyric crisis as a presenting manifestation of metronidazole-induced encephalopathy.

Reversible Lesion in The splenium of The Corpus Callosum Induced by Topiramate in a Patient with Migraine

Reversible lesion in the splenium of the corpus callosum in patients with epilepsy is often associated with some antiepileptic drugs. However, topiramate has never been reported as a possible inducer of the focal lesion. We report a case of reversible splenial lesion of the corpus callosum presumed to be induced by low dose topiramate in a patient with chronic migraine.