Clinical characteristics of patients with Parkinson's disease with reduced 123I-metaiodobenzylguanidine uptake in the major salivary glands and heart.

BACKGROUND: Parkinson's disease (PD) shows cardiac sympathetic denervation (SD) in 123I-metaiodobezylguanidine (MIBG) scintigraphy. Recently, SD in the major salivary glands (MSG-SD) was introduced as a possible radiological feature of PD. OBJECTIVE: To identify the clinical characteristics of patients with PD with reduced MSG and cardiac MIBG uptake (dual-SD) compared with those with reduced MSG or cardiac MIBG uptake only (single-SD). METHODS: We recruited 90 patients with PD and 30 controls and evaluated their non-motor (e.g., hyposmia, autonomic dysfunction) and motor (e.g., Movement Disorder Society-Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale) features. We also assessed MIBG uptake in the MSG and heart using a quantitative semi-automatic method, and compared MIBG uptakes between PD and controls. We set cut-off values for optimal sensitivity and specificity, and compared the clinical characteristics of patients with PD between dual- and single-SD groups. RESULTS: MSG and cardiac MIBG uptakes were significantly reduced in PD. Sixty-one patients had dual-SD, 25 had single-SD, and four had non-SD. In patients with PD with normal cardiac SD, 76.5% (13/17) of whom showed abnormalities only in MSG-SD. When clinical characteristics were compared between the dual-SD and single-/non-SD groups, patients in the dual-SD group were older and had more severe hyposmia and autonomic dysfunction, except motor features. Multiple logistic regression analysis identified age as an important confounder. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with PD with dual-SD have more severe non-motor features than other patients. Autonomic dysfunction might progress independently from dopaminergic degeneration. Furthermore, our findings indicate that aging is a crucial factor in PD progression.

Association between middle cerebral artery morphology and branch atheromatous disease.

INTRODUCTION: Branch atheromatous disease (BAD) is a type of cerebral infarction caused by stenosis or occlusion at the entrance of the penetrating branch due to the presence of plaque. Despite its clinical significance, it is not clear how these plaques are formed. Focal geometrical characteristics are expected to be as important as vascular risk factors in the development of atherosclerosis. This study aimed to analyze the association between middle cerebral artery (MCA) geometric features and the onset of BAD. Shear stress results from the blood flow exerting force on the inner wall of the vessels and places with low wall shear stress may be prone to atherosclerosis. At the curvature of blood vessels, the shear stress is weak on the inside of the curve and plaque is likely to form. When this is applied to the MCA M1 segment, downward type M1 is likely to form plaques on the superior side. Because the lenticulostriate artery usually branches off from the superior side of the MCA M1 segment, in downward type M1, a plaque is likely to be formed at the entrance of the penetrating branch, and for that reason, BAD is likely to onset. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed hospitalized stroke patients with BAD and investigated the morphology of their MCA using magnetic resonance imaging. The M1 segment was classified as straight or curved. Additionally, we compared the difference between the symptomatic and the asymptomatic side. Data regarding patients' medical history were also collected. RESULTS: A total of 56 patients with lenticulostriate artery infarctions and BAD were analyzed. On the symptomatic side, downward type M1 accounted for the largest proportion at 44%, whereas on the asymptomatic side, it was the lowest, at 16%. CONCLUSION: A downward type MCA may be associated with the onset of BAD and the morphological characteristics might affect the site of plaque formation. J. Med. Invest. 70 : 411-414, August, 2023.

Reduced 123I-MIBG uptake in the parotid and submandibular glands in patients with Parkinson's disease identified using a quantitative semi-automatic method.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze 123I-metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) uptake in the parotid and submandibular glands in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) in comparison with controls, and to compare MIBG uptake between those glands and the myocardium. Furthermore, we aimed to identify the relationships between clinical features and MIBG uptake. METHODS: We recruited 77 patients with PD and 21 age-matched controls. We assessed MIBG scintigraphy in the major salivary glands and myocardium. We calculated the MIBG uptake ratio in the parotid glands/mediastinum (P/M), submandibular glands/mediastinum (S/M), and heart/mediastinum (H/M) using a quantitative semi-automatic method. We investigated the correlations between MIBG uptake and clinical features. RESULTS: The P/M and H/M ratios in the early and delayed phases were significantly reduced in PD patients compared to controls, while the delayed phase S/M ratio was reduced in PD patients compared to controls. The P/M ratio correlated with the S/M ratio, while neither the P/M nor S/M ratio correlated with the H/M ratio. Between PD patients and controls, sensitivity and specificity were 54.8% and 59.1% for the delayed phase P/M ratio, while sensitivity and specificity were 59.5% and 61.0% for the delayed phase S/M ratio, respectively. Furthermore, sensitivity and specificity for the delayed phase H/M ratio were 85.7% and 79.2, respectively. CONCLUSION: MIBG uptake in the parotid and submandibular glands was reduced in patients with PD. Furthermore, sympathetic denervation in the major salivary glands and myocardium might progress independently. Our findings suggest a new aspect of the pathological distribution of PD.

Effects of Long-term Hybrid Assistive Limb Use on Gait in Patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.

Objective To assess the long-term effects of hybrid assistive limb (HAL) treatment on gait in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Methods Three courses of treatment with HAL were administered to three women with ALS. Each course had a four- to five-week duration, during which the treatment was performed nine times, with a rest period of at least two months between each course. Gait ability (2-minutes-walk and 10-m-walk tests), ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised, and respiratory function tests were performed before and after each treatment course. Patients Patients diagnosed with ALS, according to the updated Awaji criteria, by board-certified neurologists in the Department of Neurology and Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Toho University Omori Faculty of Medicine between January and December 2019 were recruited. Results The average time from the start to the end of the 3 courses was 319.7±33.7 days. A multiple regression analysis was performed for the 2-minutes-walk and 10-m-walk tests, using the baseline value, each participant's ID, and time point as covariates. Changes after each course were considered outcomes. Following the 3 treatment courses, the 2-minutes walk distance improved by 16.61 m (95% confidence interval, -9.33-42.54) compared with the baseline value, but this improvement was not statistically significant (p=0.21). However, cadence significantly improved by 1.30 steps (95% confidence interval, 0.17-2.42; p=0.02). Conclusion Long-term, repetitive HAL treatments may help patients with ALS maintain their gait.

Robot-assisted training using hybrid assistive limb ameliorates gait ability in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

OBJECTIVE: The Hybrid Assistive Limb (HAL; CYBERDYNE, Inc., Japan) is a wearable robot device that provides effective gait assistance according to voluntary intention by detecting weak bioelectrical signals of neuromuscular activity on the surface of the skin. We used HAL for patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) to determine whether HAL training had an effect on their gait ability. METHODS: We conducted a single-center, single-arm, observational study. Patients with ALS underwent HAL training once per day (20-40 min per session) for 9-10 days for at least 4 weeks. Gait ability was evaluated using the 2-minute walk test, the 10-meter walk test without the assistance of HAL, and activities of daily living (ADL) using the Barthel Index and Functional Independence Measures before and after a full course of HAL training. RESULTS: There were no dropouts or adverse events during the observation period. Gait function improved after HAL training. The 2-minute walk test revealed a mean gait distance of 73.87 m (36.65) at baseline and 89.9m (36.70) after HAL training (p = 0.004). The 10-meter walk test showed significantly improved cadence, although gait speed, step length on the 10-m walk, or ADL measurements did not change significantly. CONCLUSIONS: Although HAL is not a curative treatment for ALS, our data suggest that HAL may be effective in ameliorating and preserving gait ability in patients with ALS.

Preventive Treatment with Lomerizine Increases Cerebral Blood Flows during the Interictal Phase of Migraine.

BACKGROUND: Changes in regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) were reported in migraineurs. However, little is known how preventive medications of migraine can influence rCBF. Lomerizine, a calcium channel blocker, has been used for migraine prophylaxis in Japan. We examined rCBF after lomerizine treatment. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Migraine was diagnosed according to the criteria of the International Classification of Headache Disorders, Third Edition beta. Migraine subtype was classified into migraine with aura (MA) and migraine without aura (MO). Lomerizine (10 mg/day, per oral) was administered for 3 months. Headache Impact Test-6 (HIT-6) and blood pressure (BP) were compared at baseline and end point. Brain single photon emission computed tomography using 99mTc-ethyl cysteinate dimer was performed at the interictal period. Brain SPECT data were analyzed according to revised version of 3-dimensional stereotaxic region of interest template. Clinic-radiological variables were analyzed by paired Student's t test. RESULTS: Ten migraineurs (4 men and 6 women) participated in the present study. Mean age was 54.1 (standard deviation [SD] 10.1) years. Mean duration of migraine was 25.3 (SD 9.8) years. Migraine subtype showed 4 MA and 6 MO patients. Mean score of HIT-6 was 66.3 (SD 11.7). Lomerizine treatment decreased HIT-6 scores significantly (P < .01). BP did not differ significantly after lomerizine treatment. Lomerizine treatment increased rCBF 20% approximately in the frontal, the parietal, the temporal, and the occipital region. CONCLUSIONS: The present study indicated a significant increase in interictal rCBF after lomerizine treatment in migraineurs. The upregulation of rCBF could contribute to the antimigraine mechanism of lomerizine.

Treatment with telmisartan, a long-acting angiotensin II receptor blocker, prevents migraine attacks in Japanese non-responders to lomerizine.

Lomerizine, calcium channel blocker, is the most used medication for migraine prophylaxis in Japan. The effectiveness of this drug is reported as 50-75%. Telmisartan is angiotensin II receptor blockers which plasma half-life is 24 h. We examined whether telmisartan has preventative benefits in lomerizine non-responsive migraineurs. Lomerizine non-responders received telmisartan (20 mg/day) for 3 months after the investigation period of 3 months. Blood pressure, frequency of headache days/month, headache severity, and doses of triptans and analgesics were analyzed by Wilcoxon signed rank test. Thirty-three migraineurs (25 women and 8 men) participated in this study. Seven patients had migraine with aura and 26 patients had migraine without aura. Mean age (SD) was 46.6 (10.3) years. Mean duration (SD) of migraine was 20.4 (12.5) years. Headache severity exhibited mild degree in 5 patients, moderate degree in 9 patients and severe degree in 19 patients. Mean frequency (SD) of headache days was 10.9 (8.5) days/month. Mean usage (SD) of triptans was 4.8 (5.1) tablets/month and that of analgesics was 15.2 (22.2) tablets/month. Five patients (15%) had hypertension. Telmisartan administration had benefits in 30 patients (90%). This medication significantly decreased frequency of headache days (P < 0.01) and headache severity (P < 0.01). Doses of triptans were reduced at one-third (P < 0.05) and those of analgesia at one-fifth after telmisartan treatment (P < 0.01). After telmisartan, mean (SD) of systolic blood pressure was significantly decreased (P < 0.05). The present study supported that telmisartan treatment had preventive effects in 90% of lomerizine non-responders. Telmisartan non-responders (10%) exhibited chronic migraine and long migraine duration.

Clinical Profile and Changes of Serum Lipid Levels in Epileptic Patients after Cerebral Infarction.

BACKGROUND: Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) may increase development of dyslipidemia and cerebrovascular disease (CVD). We examined the clinical profile and changes of serum lipid levels after AED monotherapy in patients with poststroke epilepsy (PSE) after cerebral infarction (CI). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Medical records were reviewed in consecutive 2144 CI patients. Monotherapy of valproate, carbamazepine (CBZ), phenytoin (PHT), zonisamide, levetiracetam, or lamotrigine was performed in PSE patients. Serum lipid levels were measured before and at 3 months after AED treatment. RESULTS: The prevalence of PSE was 7.0% in CI patients. The TOAST etiology disclosed large-artery atherosclerosis in 68 patients (45%), cardioembolism in 63 patients (42%), and undetermined cause in 19 patients (13%). CVD risk profile showed obesity of 18 patients (12%), current smoker of 30 patients (20%), hypertension of 75 patients (50%), diabetes mellitus of 32 patients (21%), dyslipidemia of 15 patients (10%), and atrial fibrillation of 63 patients (42%). CBZ or PHT administration increased serum total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) levels significantly compared to baseline and AED-untreated controls. Those levels were not increased significantly in other AED and control groups. Serum high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and triglyceride levels did not differ statistically in all groups. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of post-CI epilepsy was 7.0%. The pathogenesis contributed to atherothrombosis and cardioembolism. CBZ or PHT administration increased serum TC and LDL-C significantly. Thus, we should pay more attention to serum lipid levels in patients receiving cytochrome P450 (CYP)-induced AEDs, and might considerer switching to non-CYP-induced AEDs in patients with unfavorable serum lipid changes.

Prevalence and clinicoradiological analyses of patients with Alzheimer disease coexisting multiple microbleeds.

BACKGROUND: Pathologic findings of cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) and Alzheimer disease (AD) coexist frequently. Both diseases are associated with ß-amyloid deposition and dementia. We aimed to evaluate frequency and clinicoradiological profile of AD patients with multiple microbleeds (MBs). METHODS: We reviewed clinical records and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in patients with probable AD diagnosed by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV), and National Institute of Neurological and Communicative Disorders and Stroke and Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Association (NINCDS-ADRDA) criteria from 2009 to 2012. Brain MRI was performed at 1.5-T superconducting system, including T2*-weighted gradient-echo imaging. MBs were defined as rounded, hypointense foci less than or equal to 10 mm in size in the brain parenchyma. MBs topography was divided into the lobar (L) and the deep/infratentorial (D/I) region. Multiple MBs were defined as the number greater than or equal to 8 in the L and the D/I territory, respectively. White matter hyperintensities (WMHs) were assessed using the age-related white matter changes scale. Clinicoradiological findings were examined for 1 year. Prevalence and clinicoradiological profiles were studied in patients with multiple L or D/I MBs. RESULTS: Five hundred fifty patients (238 men and 312 women) participated in the present study. Mean age (standard deviation) was 78.4 (7.7) years, 78.3 (8.1) years in men and 78.6 (7.5) years in women. A total of 132 patients (55 men and 78 women) had at least 1 MB. Prevalence of MB ≥ 1 was 24%, 23 in men and 25 in women. The ratio of L and D/I MBs were 1.1, .6 in men and 1.8 in women. Multiple MBs were detected in 93 patients (17%), 38 (16%) men and 55 (17%) in women. L distribution was found in 49 patients (9%), 15 men (6%) and 34 women (11%), and D/I distribution in 44 patients (8%), 23 men (10%) and 21 women (7%). Multiple L MBs was associated with faster progression of dementia, cerebral hemorrhage, and increased number of MBs. Multiple D/I MBs were linked to hypertension and WMH scores. CONCLUSIONS: The present study indicated that the prevalence of multiple MBs was 17% in Japanese AD patients. The clinicoradiological profile suggested severe degree of CAA in patients with multiple L MBs (9%) and hypertension and aged changes in patients with multiple D/I MBs (8%). T2*-weighted imaging is a useful tool for evaluating degree of CAA and hypertensive vascular changes. We should pay more attention to management and care in AD patients with multiple MBs.