TRANSCRANIAL DOPPLER CHARACTERISTICS IN PERSISTENT VEGETATIVE STATUS,LOCKED-IN SYNDROME AND BRAIN DEATH

Aim. Comparison of the trascranial Doppler (TCD) characteristics of cerebral circulation in persistent vegetative status (PVS), locked in syndrome and brain death patients. Methods. Using TCD ultrasound to detect the flow velocity and waveform patterns of middle cerebral artery (MCA) and basilar artery (BA) in patients with PVS, locked in syndrome and brain death. Results. The mean velocities of middle cerebral artery (Vmca) and basilar artery (Vba) were 30.0cm/s and 24.3cm/s in PVS patients respectively, which decreased 45.0% and 14.4% in comparing with normal value. For patients with locked in syndrome, Vmca and Vba were 49.7cm/s and 9.8cm/s, which decreased 5.0% and 61.7% than the normal value respectively. These results showed that the decrease of anterior circulation was predominant in PVS, and the decrease of posterior circulation was predominant in locked in syndrome. A unique diastolic reverse flow, short peak systolic wave or undetectable flow signal in middle cerebral artery were predominant in brain death patients, which was completely different from that of either PVS or locked in syndrome. Conclusion. TCD was a valuable tool in distinguishing PVS, locked in syndrome and brain death patients according to the differences in velocities and patterns of anterior and posterior cerebral arteries.

Spectrum of delayed post-hypoxic leukoencephalopathy syndrome:A systematic review

BACKGROUND Delayed post hypoxic leukoencephalopathy syndrome(DPHLS),also known as Grinker’s myelinopathy,is a rare but significant neurological condition that manifests days to weeks after a hypoxic event.Characterized by delayed onset of neurological and cognitive deficits,DPHLS presents substantial diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.AIM To consolidate current knowledge on pathophysiology,clinical features,diagnostic approaches,and management strategies for DPHLS,providing a comprehensive overview and highlighting gaps for future research.METHODS Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyzes guidelines,we systematically searched PubMed,ScienceDirect and Hinari databases using terms related to delayed post-hypoxic leukoencephalopathy.Inclusion criteria were original research articles,case reports,and case series involving human subjects with detailed clinical,neuroimaging,or pathological data on DPHLS.Data were extracted on study characteristics,participant demographics,clinical features,neuroimaging findings,pathological findings,treatment,and outcomes.The quality assessment was performed using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklist.RESULTS A total of 73 cases were reviewed.Common comorbidities included schizoaffective disorder,bipolar disorder,hypertension,and substance use disorder.The primary causes of hypoxia were benzodiazepine overdose,opioid overdose,polysubstance overdose,and carbon monoxide(CO)poisoning.Symptoms frequently include decreased level of consciousness,psychomotor agitation,cognitive decline,parkinsonism,and encephalopathy.Neuroimaging commonly revealed diffuse T2 hyperintensities in cerebral white matter,sometimes involving the basal ganglia and the globus pallidus.Magnetic resonance spectroscopy often showed decreased N-acetylaspartate,elevated choline,choline-to-creatinine ratio,and normal or elevated lactate.Treatment is often supportive,including amantadine,an antioxidant cocktail,and steroids.Hyperbaric oxygen therapy may be beneficial in those with CO poisoning.Parkinsonism was often treated with levodopa.Most of the patients had substantial recovery over the course of months and many cases had some residual neurocognitive deficits.CONCLUSION DPHLS remains a complex and multifaceted condition with various etiologies and clinical manifestations.Early recognition and appropriate management are crucial to improving patient outcomes.Future research should focus on standardizing diagnostic criteria,using advanced imaging techniques,and exploring therapeutic interventions to improve understanding and treatment of DPHLS.Conducting prospective cohort studies and developing biomarkers for early diagnosis and monitoring will be essential to advance patient care.

Relationship between brain—derived neurotrophic factor and cognitive function of obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome patients

Objective:To determine the relationship between the blood serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor（BDNF） level and cognitive function deterioration in patients with obstructive sleep apnea/ hypopnea syndrome（OSAHS）,and to explore the possible mechanism of cognitive impairment. Methods:Twenty-eight male OSAHS patients and 14 normal males（as controls） were enrolled in the study.Polysomnography and the Montreal cognitive assessment（MoCA） were conducted. The blood serum BDNF levels were measured using ELISA.Results:The OSAHS group had significantly decreased blood serum BDNF levels compared with the control group（t=-10.912, P=0.000）.The blood serum BDNF level of the subjects was significantly positively associated with the MoCA score（r=0.544,P=0.000）,significantly negatively associated with the apneahypopnea index（AHI） and shallow sleep（S1+S2）（AHI:r=-0.607,P=0.000;S1+S2:r =-0.768,P= 0.000）,and significantly positively associated with the lowest SaO2（LSO）,slow wave sleep（S3+S4）, and rapid eye movement sleep（REM）（LSO:r=0.566,P = 0.000;S3+S4:r=0.778,P=0.000;REM: r=0.575,P=0.000）.Conclusions:OSAHS patients have significantly decreased blood serum BDNF levels compared with the control.Nocturnal hypoxia as well as the deprivation of slow wave sleep and REM may lead to the decreased serum BDNF level of OSAHS patients.This decreased blood serum BDNF level may contribute to the cognitive impairment in OSAHS.

Increased expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor is correlated with visceral hypersensitivity in patients with diarrheapredominant irritable bowel syndrome

BACKGROUND Visceral hypersensitivity is considered to play a vital role in the pathogenesis of irritable bowel syndrome(IBS). Neurotrophins have drawn much attention in IBS recently. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF) was found to mediate visceral hypersensitivity via facilitating sensory nerve growth in pre-clinical studies. We hypothesized that BDNF might play a role in the pathogenesis of diarrhea-predominant IBS(IBS-D).AIM To investigate BDNF levels in IBS-D patients and its role in IBS-D pathophysiology.METHODS Thirty-one IBS-D patients meeting the Rome IV diagnostic criteria and 20 ageand sex-matched healthy controls were recruited. Clinical and psychological assessments were first conducted using standardized questionnaires. Visceral sensitivity to rectal distension was tested using a high-resolution manometry system. Colonoscopic examination was performed and four mucosal pinch biopsies were taken from the rectosigmoid junction. Mucosal BDNF expression and nerve fiber density were analyzed using immunohistochemistry. Mucosal BDNF mRNA levels were quantified by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Correlations between these parameters were examined.RESULTS The patients had a higher anxiety score [median(interquartile range), 6.0(2.0-10.0) vs 3.0(1.0-4.0), P = 0.003] and visceral sensitivity index score [54.0(44.0-61.0)vs 21.0(17.3-30.0), P < 0.001] than controls. The defecating sensation threshold[60.0(44.0-80.0) vs 80.0(61.0-100.0), P = 0.009], maximum tolerable threshold[103.0(90.0-128.0) vs 182.0(142.5-209.3), P < 0.001] and rectoanal inhibitory reflex threshold [30.0(20.0-30.0) vs 30.0(30.0-47.5), P = 0.032] were significantly lower in IBS-D patients. Intestinal mucosal BDNF protein [3.46 E-2(3.06 E-2-4.44 E-2) vs3.07 E-2(2.91 E-2-3.48 E-2), P = 0.031] and mRNA [1.57(1.31-2.61) vs 1.09(0.74-1.42), P = 0.001] expression and nerve fiber density [4.12 E-2(3.07 E-2-7.46 E-2) vs1.98 E-2(1.21 E-2-4.25 E-2), P = 0.002] were significantly elevated in the patients.Increased BDNF expression was positively correlated with abdominal pain and disease severity and negatively correlated with visceral sensitivity parameters.CONCLUSION Elevated mucosal BDNF may participate in the pathogenesis of IBS-D via facilitating mucosal nerve growth and increasing visceral sensitivity.

Neuroimaging the brain-gut axis in patients with irritable bowel syndrome

AIM:To summarize and synthesize current literature on neuroimaging the brain-gut axis in patients with irritable bowel syndrome(IBS).METHODS:A database search for relevant literature was conducted using Pub Med,Scopus and Embase in February 2015.Date filters were applied from the year2009 and onward,and studies were limited to those written in the English language and those performed upon human subjects.The initial search yielded 797articles,out of which 38 were pulled for full text review and 27 were included for study analysis.Investigations were reviewed to determine study design,methodology and results,and data points were placed in tabular format to facilitate analysis of study findings across disparate investigations.RESULTS:Analysis of study data resulted in the abstraction of four key themes:Neurohormonal differences,anatomic measurements of brain structure and connectivity,differences in functional responsiveness of the brain during rectal distention,and confounding/correlating patient factors.Studies in this review noted alterations of glutamate in the left hippocampus(HIPP),commonalities across IBS subjects in terms of brain oscillation patterns,cortical thickness/gray matter volume differences,and neuroanatomical regions withincreased activation in patients with IBS:Anterio cingulate cortex,mid cingulate cortex,amygdala anterior insula,posterior insula and prefrontal cortex.A striking finding among interventions was the substantia influence that patient variables(e.g.,sex,psychologica and disease related factors)had upon the identification of neuroanatomical differences in structure and con nectivity.CONCLUSION:The field of neuroimaging can provide insight into underlying physiological differences that distinguish patients with IBS from a healthy population.

Post-Concussion Syndrome after a Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: A Minefield for Clinical Practice

In this clinical practice review, the controversies and difficulties managing post concussion symptoms following mild traumatic brain injury are discussed. Based on considerable clinical experience in a designated Concussion Clinic, the authors (a neuropsychologist, a psychiatrist, and a neurologist) review relevant literature and issues for clinical practice, particularly with respect to understanding risk factors for and vulnerability to, development of chronic post-concussion symptoms. We contend it is not just the kind of head that matters but also the kind of complications, the kind of outcomes and the kind of management that can influence injury recovery. Given these complexities, a bio-psychosocial conceptualization of chronic post-concussion syndrome is appropriate. Though understanding is still elusive, management should not be biased by physiogenic or psychogenic aetiological theories for management needs to address patient reported outcomes regardless of underpinning aetiology.

Molecular signalling during cross talk between gut brain axis regulation and progression of irritable bowel syndrome:A comprehensive review

Irritable bowel syndrome(IBS)is a chronic functional disorder which alters gastrointestinal(GI)functions,thus leading to compromised health status.Pathophysiology of IBS is not fully understood,whereas abnormal gut brain axis(GBA)has been identified as a major etiological factor.Recent studies are suggestive for visceral hyper-sensitivity,altered gut motility and dysfunctional autonomous nervous system as the main clinical abnormalities in IBS patients.Bidirectional signalling interactions among these abnormalities are derived through various exogenous and endogenous factors,such as microbiota population and diversity,microbial metabolites,dietary uptake,and psychological abnormalities.Strategic efforts focused to study these interactions including probiotics,antibiotics and fecal transplantations in normal and germfree animals are clearly suggestive for the pivotal role of gut microbiota in IBS etiology.Additionally,neurotransmitters act as communication tools between enteric microbiota and brain functions,where serotonin(5-hydroxytryptamine)plays a key role in pathophysiology of IBS.It regulates GI motility,pain sense and inflammatory responses particular to mucosal and brain activity.In the absence of a better understanding of various interconnected crosstalks in GBA,more scientific efforts are required in the search of novel and targeted therapies for the management of IBS.In this review,we have summarized the gut microbial composition,interconnected signalling pathways and their regulators,available therapeutics,and the gaps needed to fill for a better management of IBS.

^(99m)Tc-ECD brain SPECT imaging in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndromes

In order to investigate the changes of regional cerebral blood flow(rCBF) in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndromes (AIDS), 99mTc-ECDbrain SPECT imaging was performed in 5 patients with AIDS and 16 sex and agematched normal controls, and the rCBF percentages compared to the cerebellum werecalculated using a semi-quantitative processing software. Hypoperfusions in the rightand left frontal, temporal, porietal lobe, basal ganglia and left thalamus were seen in1 patient with dementia. Hypoperfusions in the right and left frontal and temporallobe were seen in 4 asymptomatic patients. The rCBF in the right and left frontal.temporal, porietal lobe, basal ganglia and thalamus, front and pons were decreasedsignificantly in patients with AIDS than those of the control subjects (p ＜0.005). Itis concluded that there exists reduced cortico-subcortical rCBF in AIDS patients.

CONTRAST STUDY ON BA AND CT IN PATIENTS WITH POST-TRAUMATIC BRAIN SYNDROME

目的:探讨脑电地形图与脑 CT 在脑外伤后综合征患者诊断中的应用价值。方法:103 例脑外伤后综合征患者进行了脑电地形图和脑 CT 检查,并进行对比。结果:在脑外伤后综合征患者中,脑电地形图显示阳性改变,而脑 CT 为阴性。结论:脑电地形图在脑外伤后综合征患者的诊断中有重要应用价值。

Electroacupuncture at Tianshu (ST 25) for diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome using positron emission tomography Changes in visceral sensation center

Previous studies have demonstrated that electroacupuncture therapy is effective in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome. However, the precise mechanism of this therapy is unknown. The present study served to investigate the effects of electroacupuncture therapy on treatment of patients with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome （IBS）. We compared brain activation maps based on the changes of cerebral glucose metabolism obtained by 18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography scanning under three conditions： resting, rectal balloon distension and rectal balloon distension plus electroacupuncture. Under the resting condition, compared with healthy controls, IBS patients displayed an increasing regional cerebral metabolic rate of glucose over a wide range： bilateral superior temporal gyrus, right middle occipital gyrus, superior frontal gyrus and bilateral middle frontal gyrus. However, there was no significant activity in the visceral pain center. Compared with the resting condition, under the rectal balloon distension condition, patients with IBS had a greater regional cerebral metabolic rate of glucose in the prefrontal cortex, left anterior cingulate cortex, postcentral gyrus, precentral gyrus and temporal gyrus. Under the rectal balloon distension plus electroacupuncture condition, stimulation by electroacupuncture at Tianshu （ST 25） manifested a decreased regional cerebral metabolic rate of glucose in the left cingulate gyrus, right insula, right caudate nucleus, fusiform gyrus and hippocampal gyrus. Electroacupuncture therapy relieved abdominal pain, distension or discomfort by decreasing glucose metabolism in the brain.

Cerebral processing of auditory stimuli in patients with irritable bowel syndrome

AIM： To determine by brain functional magnetic resonance imaging （fMRI） whether cerebral processing of non-visceral stimuli is altered in irritable bowel syndrome （IBS） patients compared with healthy subjects. To circumvent spinal viscerosomatic convergence mechanisms, we used auditory stimulation, and to identify a possible influence of psychological factors the stimuli differed in their emotional quality. METHODS： In 8 IBS patients and 8 controls, fMRI measurements were performed using a block design of 4 auditory stimuli of different emotional quality （pleasant sounds of chimes, unpleasant peep （2000 Hz）, neutral words, and emotional words）. A gradient echo T2＊weighted sequence was used for the functional scans. Statistical maps were constructed using the general linear model. RESULTS： To emotional auditory stimuli, IBS patients relative to controls responded with stronger deactivations in a greater variety of emotional processing regions, while the response patterns, unlike in controls, did not differentiate between distressing or pleasant sounds. To neutral auditory stimuli, by contrast, only IBS patients responded with large significant activations. CONCLUSION： Altered cerebral response patterns to auditory stimuli in emotional stimulus-processing regions suggest that altered sensory processing in IBS may not be specific for visceral sensation, but might reflect generalized changes in emotional sensitivity and affectire reactivity, possibly associated with the psychological comorbidity often found in IBS patients.

Global research trends in the microbiome related to irritable bowel syndrome: A bibliometric and visualized study

BACKGROUND Irritable bowel syndrome(IBS) is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder. Dysregulation of the gut–brain axis plays a central role in the pathophysiology of IBS. It is increasingly clear that the microbiome plays a key role in the development and normal functioning of the gut–brain axis.AIM To facilitate the identification of specific areas of focus that may be of relevance to future research. This study represents a bibliometric analysis of the literature pertaining to the microbiome in IBS to understand the development of this field.METHODS The data used in our bibliometric analysis were retrieved from the Scopus database. The terms related to IBS and microbiome were searched in titles or abstracts within the period of 2000–2019. VOSviewer software was used for data visualization.RESULTS A total of 13055 documents related to IBS were retrieved at the global level. There were 1872 scientific publications focused on the microbiome in IBS. There was a strong positive correlation between publication productivity related to IBS in all fields and productivity related to the microbiome in IBS(r = 0.951, P < 0.001). The United States was the most prolific country with 449(24%) publications, followed by the United Kingdom(n = 176, 9.4%), China(n = 154, 8.2%), and Italy(n = 151, 8.1%). The h-index for all retrieved publications related to the microbiome in IBS was 138. The hot topics were stratified into four clusters:(1) The gut–brain axis related to IBS;(2) Clinical trials related to IBS and the microbiome;(3) Drugmediated manipulation of the gut microbiome;and(4) The role of the altered composition of intestinal microbiota in IBS prevention.CONCLUSION This is the first study to evaluate and quantify global research productivity pertaining to the microbiome in IBS. The number of publications regarding the gut microbiota in IBS has continuously grown since 2013. This finding suggests that the future outlook for interventions targeting the gut microbiota in IBS remains promising.

An effective initial polytherapy for children with West syndrome

Adrenocorticotropic hormone is recommended worldwide as an initial therapy for infantile spasms. However, infantile spasms in about 50% of children cannot be fully controlled by adrenocorticotropic hormone monotherapy, seizures recur in 33% of patients who initially respond to adrenocorticotropic hormone monotherapy, and side effects are relatively common during adrenocorticotropic hormone treatment. Topiramate, vitamin B6, and immunoglobulin are effective in some children with infantile spasms. In the present study, we hypothesized that combined therapy with adrenocorticotropic hormone, topiramate, vitamin B6, and immunoglobulin would effectively treat infantile spasms and have mild adverse effects. Thus, 51 children newly diagnosed with West syndrome including infantile spasms were enrolled and underwent polytherapy with the four drugs. Electroencephalographic hypsarrhythmia was significantly improved in a majority of patients, and these patients were seizure-free, had mild side effects, and low recurrence rates. The overall rates of effective treatment and loss of seizures were significantly higher in cryptogenic children compared with symptomatic children. The mean time to loss of seizures in cryptogenic children was significantly shorter than in symptomatic patients. These findings indicate that initial polytherapy with adrenocorticotropic hormone, topiramate, vitamin Be, and immunoglobulin effectively improves the prognosis of infantile spasms, and its effects were superior in cryptogenic children to symptomatic children.

Sex hormones in the modulation of irritable bowel syndrome

Compelling evidence indicates sex and gender differences in epidemiology, symptomatology, pathophysiology, and treatment outcome in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Based on the female predominance as well as the correlation between IBS symptoms and hormonal status, several models have been proposed to examine the role of sex hormones in gastrointestinal (GI) function including differences in GI symptoms expression in distinct phases of the menstrual cycle, in pre- and post-menopausal women, during pregnancy, hormonal treatment or after oophorectomy. Sex hormones may influence peripheral and central regulatory mechanisms of the brain-gut axis involved in the pathophysiology of IBS contributing to the alterations in visceral sensitivity, motility, intestinal barrier function, and immune activation of intestinal mucosa. Sex differences in stress response of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and autonomic nervous system, neuroimmune interactions triggered by stress, as well as estrogen interactions with serotonin and corticotropin-releasing factor signaling systems are being increasingly recognized. A concept of &#x0201c;microgenderome&#x0201d; related to the potential role of sex hormone modulation of the gut microbiota is also emerging. Significant differences between IBS female and male patients regarding symptomatology and comorbidity with other chronic pain syndromes and psychiatric disorders, together with differences in efficacy of serotonergic medications in IBS patients confirm the necessity for more sex-tailored therapeutic approach in this disorder.

Probiotics and irritable bowel syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome(IBS)is common gastrointestinal problems.It is characterized by abdominal pain or discomfort,and is associated with changes in stool frequency and/or consistency.The etiopathogenesis of IBS may be multifactorial,as is the pathophysiology,which is attributed to alterations in gastrointestinal motility,visceral hypersensitivity,intestinal microbiota,gut epithelium and immune function,dysfunction of the brain-gut axis or certain psychosocial factors.Current therapeutic strategies are often unsatisfactory.There is now increasing evidence linking alterations in the gastrointestinal microbiota and IBS.Probiotics are living organisms which,when ingested in certain numbers,exert health benefits beyond inherent basic nutrition.Probiotics have numerous positive effects in the gastrointestinal tract.Recently,many studies have suggested that probiotics are effective in the treatment of IBS.The mechanisms of probiotics in IBS are very complex.The purpose of this review is to summarize the evidence and mechanisms for the use of probiotics in the treatment of IBS.

Decompressive Craniectomy for Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES): Case Report

Background: Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is an uncommon clinical-neuroradiological syndrome with an unclear pathophysiology. Correlation between PRES and the use of immunosuppressant drugs have previously been described, as well as correlation between elevated blood pressure and PRES. Characteristic brain MRI manifestations include hyperintense lesions on T2 and FLAIR (fluid-attenuated inversion recovery) images. PRES is usually reversible within a short period of time after discontinuation of the presumably offending drug. Some cases of PRES might complicate with intracranial hemorrhage, refractory status epilepticus or expansive vasogenic brain edema (also regarded as “tumefactive” PRES). Methods: We present a case of a young man diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, following a laparotomy due to cecal volvulus. The patient received glucocorticoids and elevated blood pressure values were recorded. Brain imaging studies were performed due to generalized epileptic seizures, demonstrating neuroradiological findings consistent with PRES. Neurological and neuroradiological deterioration was noted, necessitating urgent neurosurgical intervention. A complete neurological and functional rehabilitation was achieved. Conclusion: The uncommon cases of complicated PRES should be taken under consideration whenever clinical deterioration is noted following the diagnosis of PRES. Early neuroradiological evaluation should be sought, together with aggressive medical and surgical treatment in cases of life threatening mass effect.

The Value and the Variability of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Antiphospholipid Syndrome

Objectives: The objectives of this article are twofold: To review the value and the variability of MR imaging (MRI) findings in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and to reveal the frequency of central nervous system (CNS) involvement. SLE is a complex multisystem autoimmune connective tissue disorder with a broad spectrum of clinical presentations. Materials and methods: We present three cases, two with neurological symptoms and one case with musculoskeletal symptoms. Patients were imaged in the MRI department of the University Hospital of Patras. All patients had a previous history of antiphospholipid syndrome and known SLE. Results: None of the pts had a normal brain MRI. Abnormal lesions were typically high on FLAIR and T2-weighted images. One patient showed myositis of the tibial muscles bilateral and although she did not reveal any neurological symptoms, because of the presence of APS, she underwent brain MRI to detect any cerebrovascular involvement. The brain MRI was abnormal and showed extensive lesions and porencephalia. In all cases the differential diagnosis of the brain MRI included vasculitis, focal ischemia, multiple sclerosis or other entities. Parenchymal volume loss-cerebral atrophy, incompatible with their age, was obvious in all patients. Conclusion: Magnetic resonance imaging is the gold standard for the investigation of central nervous system in patients suffering from lupus. Lupus patients who also develop antiphospholipid syndrome must be submitted to brain MRI because central nervous involvement is very common and serious, although symptoms may be silent as in our case.

Prevalence of Cerebral Atherosclerosis among Patients with Metabolic Syndrome: A Case Control Study on Egyptian Subjects

Background: The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a clustering of vascular risk factors that tend to increase the risk of occurrence of diabetes mellitus type 2 (DMT2), cardiovascular and cerebro-vascular ischemic events. The aim of the present study is to investigate the association of extra-cranial and intracranial arterial atherosclerosis as well as silent brain infarction (SBI) with MetS, thereby determining the potential cerebrovascular atherosclerotic risk of MetS in the Egyptian population. Methods: A case control study was conducted on 50 Egyptian subjects with MetS and 30 without with age range from 40 - 60 years old. All participants were free from cerebrovascular ischemic events [stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA)]. All participants underwent complete neurological examination, assessment of the diagnostic criteria for MetS, carotid and transcranial duplex ultrasonography (U/S) and brain MRI. Results: Preclinical carotid atherosclerosis (athero-sclerotic plaques with <50% stenosis) was associated with MetS (P value = 0.02) that persisted after adjustment for age and other confounders. There was no significant association between increased intima media thickness (IMT) and MetS. There was non-significant association between MetS and intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD) or the degree of intracranial stenosis (ICS). Conversely, there was a highly significant association between MetS and SBI even after adjustment for age and other confounders (P value = 0.001). Conclusion: Metabolic syndrome is an important factor associated with mild to moderate atherosclerosis (<50% stenosis) and silent brain infarcts among asymptomatic individuals. Interventions to reduce MetS are important for prevention of subclinical and clinical cerebral atherosclerotic disease.

Description of interhemispheric disconnection syndrome in a patient with Marchiafava-Bignami disease

Interhemispheric disconnection syndrome (IDS), described by Sperry, Gazzaniga and Bogen, is characterized by the presence of visual and tactile anomia, absence of interhemispheric transference of unilateral somatosensory stimulation of both hands, hemialexia and unilateral left-side apraxia. Subsequently, changes were also observed in the sensory interhemispheric transfer and in tests of crossed motor control. In Marchiafava-Bignami disease (MBD) there have been descriptions of partial IDS. The aim is to describe the dissociations in IDS that are presented in a patient with MBD, using a specialized assessment methodology. Patient and Method: A 54-year-old patient, righthanded, with 11 years of schooling, presented with antecedent chronic alcoholism. Neuropsychological tests were administered for general assessment along with specific tests of interhemispheric transference. Results: Borderline changes were found in visual memory, visual-constructive abilities and attention and executive functioning. In tasks of interhemispheric transference the patient showed changes in: the imitation of hand poses;inter-manual pressure point localization (tactile stimulation);reading aloud of words by visual hemifield;and movement control. Conclusion: Our patient showed a wide lesion of the Corpus Callosum (CC) with relative preservation of the splenium, accompanied by partial disconnection syndrome in the context of a global cognitive deterioration from his chronic alcoholism.

CEREBROCARDIAC SYNDROME ON PATIENTS OF OVER SEVENTY AGE AND EEG STUDY

Objectives: To observe cerebrocardiac syndrome on patients of the over seventy age and it's change of EEG. Methods: Brain CT and ECG were examined in 50 patients of the over seventy age with cerebrocardiac syndrome. Results: There were obvious changes in the brain CT and ECG. Conclusion:There were obvious changes of brain CT and ECG in cerebrocardiac syndrome of over seventy age patients.