Journal of neuroimaging : official journal of the American Society of Neuroimaging
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Erythropoietin (EPO) has received growing attention because of its neuroregenerative properties. Preclinical and clinical evidence supports its therapeutic potential in brain conditions like stroke, multiple sclerosis, and schizophrenia. Also, in Friedreich ataxia, clinical improvement after EPO therapy was shown. The aim of this study was to assess possible therapy-associated brain white matter changes in these patients. ⋯ To the best of our knowledge, this is the first DTI study to investigate the effects of EPO in a neurodegenerative disease. Anatomically, the diffusivity changes appear disease unspecific, and their biological underpinnings deserve further study.
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Transcranial Doppler (TCD) is an invaluable tool allowing real-time monitoring of physiologic blood flow velocity changes. We present a case where TCD monitoring for vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage identified blood flow velocity changes consistent with sudden increased intracranial pressure (ICP) due to a malfunctioning extraventricular drain. ⋯ Serial TCD monitoring allowed identification of an imminently fatal complication in time to allow a life saving intervention. TCD is a portable, inexpensive, real-time tool providing important physiologic data regarding blood flow velocities and intracranial pressure that is crucial to the care of critically ill patients.
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Beta-ketothiolase (BKT) deficiency is a rare autosomal recessive metabolic disorder, which causes episodic severe metabolic acidosis. Average onset of disease is from 6 to 24 months. ⋯ We report a case of a 5-year-old girl with BKT deficiency with isolated focal T2 hyperintensities involving the globi pallidi, which demonstrated restricted diffusion. To our knowledge, these imaging findings have not been previously reported in the setting of BKT deficiency.
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Patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) are at risk of developing Alzheimer's disease (AD). It is therefore important to identify biomarkers of conversion to AD. This study examined whether the integrity of white matter can predict this conversion. ⋯ Those aMCI subjects with lower than normal FA values in the CF were more likely to convert to AD. The connectivity of the hippocampus and cingulate bundles may be affected in the early stage of AD. Impairment of white matter and fiber bundles was more severe at the AD stage than the aMCI stage.