Asuman Orhan Varoglu

The effect of interferon beta 1B on bone mineral density in multiple sclerosis patients

OBJECTIVE Osteoporosis is a secondary problem in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. There have been only a few reports about the effect of interferon beta (IFNB) 1b on bone mineral density (BMD). We aimed to determine bone mass in patients using IFNB 1b. METHODS We enrolled 17 patients taking IFNB 1b (group I), 15 patients not taking IFNB (group II). We measured the BMD and T scores values and the patients were distinguished as normal, osteopenia and osteoporosis. RESULTS In the lumbar spine, there was no difference between groups I and II (p=0.3). In the left femur, no significant difference was detected between groups I and II (p=1). There was an inverse correlation between the BMD at the both regions and the Expanded Disability Status Scale score (r= -0.39, p=0.03; r=-0.52, p=0.002, respectively). CONCLUSION IFNB 1b may be used safely in MS patients, even in those undergoing pulse steroid therapies, because IFNB 1b has no effect on BMD.

PROGNOSTIC VALUES OF LESION VOLUME AND BIOCHEMICAL MARKERS IN ISCHEMIC AND HEMORRHAGIC STROKE: A STEREOLOGICAL AND CLINICAL STUDY

Purpose: Our aim was to evaluate the relationship between lesion volume, serum level of biochemical markers, and clinical situation in ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. Methods: MRI was obtained on 33 ischemic and 28 hemorrhagic strokes. The Cavalieri method was used to measure the volume. To evaluate neurological situation of the patients, we used the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and Rankin Disability Scores at the first, third, seventh, and thirtieth days. We measured the level of leptin, high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), insulin, cortisol, fibrinogen, protein C, protein S, von Willebrand factor, D-dimer, Antitrombin III, and Factor VIII (F VIII) at the same time intervals. Results: In ischemic events, cortisol level at third and seventh days, and fibrinogen level at the first day were correlated with lesion volumes (r = 0.5, p = .02; r = 0.4, p = .02; r = 0.5, p = .005, respectively). In hemorrhagic events, only fibrinogen level was correlated with lesion volumes at third day (r = 0.6, p = .04). No significant differences were found among all these biochemical parameters, neurological situation (p > .05), and lesion volumes at all times. Conclusion: In the prediction of stroke prognosis, lesion volume and all of the evaluated biochemical parameters are not deterministic factors.

Na VPA-induced acute ischemic stroke in an epileptic patient with methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene polymorphism

A 23-year-old man using Na-Valproic acid (VPA) was admitted to our clinic due to convulsion. The neurological examination revealed right hemiparesis. From the exitus notes, we learned that his two siblings had died from status epilepticus. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), MRI spectroscopy, and diffusion-weighted investigations (DWI) showed acute-subacute ischemic stroke in the left temporo-parieto-occipital region. The patient had an ischemic stroke. Heterozygote methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) 677C/T polymorphism was determined on genetic examination. The homocysteine (Hcy) level was 18.2 mmol/l (5-15 mmol/l). So VPA treatment was stopped and oxcarbazepine treatment was started. MTHFR 677C/T polymorphism is associated with the risk of vascular diseases due to hyperhomocysteinemia. Heterozygote (MTHFR) 677C/T polymorphism has not been reported to be associated with epilepsy. In patients with heterozygote (MTHFR) 677C/T polymorphism and under long-term use of certain drugs the determination of Hcy plasma levels may be useful to prevent the development of atherothrombotic disease.

Evaluation of patients with multiple sclerosis using a combination of morphometrical features and clinical scores

Our aim was to measure cerebellum volume (CV), sclerotic plaque numbers (PN), and plaque surface area (SA) in the parietal lobe, and to investigate the relationship between CV and PN or SA in the parietal lobe, and the clinical status of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). MRIs were performed in 14 patients with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), 13 patients with secondary progressive MS (SPMS), and 26 healthy control participants. The Cavalieri method was used to measure CV and SA. The cerebellum volume was significantly reduced in MS patients compared to controls (p < 0.01). In all patients, CV was negatively correlated with the duration of the disease, relapse number, and Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores (p < 0.01). CV was related to mean PN in both the right and left parietal lobes (p < 0.01) and mean SA (p < 0.05) in RRMS patients; CV was also correlated with mean PN (p < 0.01) and mean SA (p < 0.05) in SPMS patients. The progression index (Pi) values were 2.03 +/- 0.4 in RRMS patients and 0.83 +/- 0.2 in SPMS patients (p = 0.023, t = 2.612) (where Pi = EDSS/time from onset in years). We propose that atrophy begins both in the supratentorial and infratentorial areas simultaneously in the RR stage, and that the Cavalieri method can be used to predict SPMS among patients with RRMS.

Using the blink reflex as measured by electromyogram to assess cranial nerve involvement in people affected by leprosy

Damage to the peripheral nervous system is particularly frequent in leprosy patients. Trigeminal and facial nerves are among the most commonly affected. The aim of our study was to evaluate the efficacy of the blink reflex as a method for diagnosis of cranial nerve involvement in people affected by leprosy. We studied 37 affected people (mean age: 38 yrs, 20 female and 17 male) and 35 age-matched healthy subjects (mean age: 34 yrs, 20 female and 15 male). Blink reflexes were obtained after unilateral electrical stimulation of the supraorbital nerve for quantitative analysis of 3 responses, early ipsilateral phasic component (R1), late ipsilateral tonic component (R2i), and late contralateral tonic component (R2c). Nerve conduction parameters were studied in all subjects. The latencies of both the ipsilateral early phasic component (R1) and bilateral late tonic components (R2i and R2c) in people affected by leprosy were significantly prolonged compared with the controls. Out of 37 people affected by leprosy, 22 (59%) showed abnormalities R1 latency, 28 (75%) R2i latency and 31 (83%) R2c latency. No correlation was observed between prolonged latencies and duration of the disease. We conclude that blink reflex testing, which can be easily and rapidly performed in an EMG laboratory using standard equipment, can provide useful and objective information for the diagnosis of cranial nerve lesions and for the determination of the degree thereof.

Prothrombin G20210A Mutation, Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism, and Generalized Vitiligo-Related Ischemic Stroke in a Young Adult

ABSTRACT Purpose: Cerebral infarction is a rare neurological situation in young adults, usually caused by genetic factors. We report here a case of multiple cerebral infarctions with prothrombin G20210A mutation, hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, and generalized vitiligo as a first case report. Case Report: A 17-year-old female adolescent was admitted to our clinic due to a change in mental status. The patients neurological examination revealed loss of consciousness and the presence of tetraparesia. Generalized vitiligo was also detected. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and diffusion-weighted investigations (DWIs) showed acute ischemic stroke in the bilateral cerebellum, pons and left occipital regions. Heterozygote prothrombin G20210A mutation was found upon genetic examination. She had never had a menstrual cycle. Laboratory data revealed that the level of luteinizing hormone (LH) was 0.5 mIU/mL (1.1–11.6) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) was 1.7 mIU/mL (2.8–11.3). Therefore, she was diagnosed with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. The causes of ischemic stroke are heterozygote prothrombin G20210A mutation, generalized vitiligo, and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. After treatment, the patients neurological deficit partially improved and she was discharged. Conclusion: In order to identify the etiology of ischemic stroke, we suggest physicians take into account heterozygote prothrombin G20210A mutation and endocrine abnormalities, especially hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and generalized vitiligo.

Zuclopenthixol-induced neuroleptic malignant syndrome presenting as fever of unknown origin, hyperglycaemia and acute myocardial infarction in a 60-year-old man

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a rare clinical condition and potentially life-threatening complication of antipsychotic medications. We report a patient with an atypical presentation of NMS. A 60-year-old man with schizophrenia was admitted to our hospital with disturbed consciousness, fever and marked extrapyramidal rigidity both in the upper and lower extremities. He had been given i.m. zuclopenthixol 200 mg/month but had not taken the last dose. Laboratory investigations showed that creatinine phosphokinase 428 IU/l (normal up to 130), lactate dehydrogenase 772 IU/l (normal up to 450), blood glucose 256 mg/dl (65–110). Urine analyses revealed ketonuria. White blood cell (WBC) count was 6100 cells/mm3. Therefore, the patient was diagnosed as having NMS and antipsychotic medications were stopped. Adequate hydration was provided and bromocryptine 5 mg was started three times a day. Despite treatment, the patient died due to acute myocardial infarction after 3 days of hospitalization.

The long-term prognosis of epilepsy patients with medically treated over a period of eight years in Turkey

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of demographic and clinical characteristics on temporal changes in seizure control and frequency in medically treated epilepsy patients to guide treatment modalities. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the association between clinical and demographic characteristics and seizure frequency in 1329 epilepsy patients who were followed up at an outpatient clinic for one to eight years, 2008-2015.. Results: Younger age at first seizure (p = 0.0465) and a long disease duration (p = 0.0406) had a negative effect on seizure control in all the epilepsy patients. Febrile convulsions (FCs) (p > 0.0001), perinatal risk (PNR) (p > 0.0002), a family history of epilepsy (FHE) (p > 0.0016), antiepileptic drug (AED) use (p > 0.001), mental retardation (MR) (p > 0.001), and psychiatric disorders (p > 0.0478) were prognostic indictors of temporal changes in seizure frequency. The presence of PNR (p = 0.0416), age at onset of epilepsy (p = 0.034), central nervous system infection (CNSI) (p = 0.04), and AEDs number (p = 0.0282) were prognostic indicators of not remaining seizure free for one year. In those with partial epilepsy, a trauma history (p = 0.05), a longer epilepsy duration (p = 0.0057), and FHE (p = 0.0466) increased the frequency of seizures, whereas cerebrovascular event (CVE) history decreased the seizure frequency (p = 0.0413). In addition, FHE (p = 0.0438) and psychotic disorders (p = 0.0416) increased generalized seizures frequency. Conclusion: In all the epilepsy patients, a younger age at onset and longer duration of epilepsy were associated with a poor prognosis. The presence of PNR, age at onset of epilepsy, CNSI, and AEDs numbers were prognostic indicators of not remaining seizure free for one year. Increasing AEDs number was not effective in controlling seizures in partial epilepsy, but it was effective in controlling seizures in generalized epilepsy.

Osteonecrosis in the both femoral heads in a patient with Neuro-Behcet’s Disease

Neuro-Behçet’s disease (NBD) is a rare clinical entity that frequently presents neuro-psychiatric symptoms, and mesodiencephalic and pontobulbar lesions. There is only one published report about osteonecrosis in NBD. We report a patient whose first presentation was neurological NBD with presenting bilateral femoral heads osteonecrosis. A 36-year-old male was hospitalized with gait disorder, diplopia and speech disorder. The past medical history of the patient was unremarkable. The MR image showed mesencephalic lesion with oedemaas a hyperintense area. The present case was diagnosed as NBD and treated with methylprednisolone (1g /day) only for five days. One year after, bilateral hip pain developed. MR image of both hips showed well-demarcated areas of osteonecrosis in the bilateral femoral heads. The patient was operated by an orthopedic surgeon. Because early diagnosis and immediate treatment of osteonecrosis is very important, the physician must bear in mind that osteonecrosis might result from impaired microvascular involvement in even NBD.

Bilateral caudate nucleus infarction resulting from left ventricular diastolic dysfunction

Bilateral caudate infarct is a very rare neurological situation, usually caused by small-artery disease resulting from a cardiac embolism. The most prominent clinical features of caudate vascular lesions are behavioral and cognitive abnormalities. We report here a case of bilateral infarction of the caudate nucleus and right parietal lobe with loss of consciousness and left hemiparesia resulting from left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD). A 50-year-old woman was admitted to our clinic with symptoms of mental status change. One day ago before appearing at our clinic, the patient was hospitalized because of food intoxication and diarrhea. Her neurological examination revealed that orientation-cooperation was impaired, and motor weakness was found in the left extremities, predominantly in the upper limb. The lesions detected by CT and MRI were located on the bilateral caudate nucleus and right parietal lobe. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed LVDD. Therefore, the patient was diagnosed as having had an ischemic stroke. Three days after the treatment, all neurological deficits had improved and the patient was discharged. Attending physicians should be alert to the presence of permanent or intermittent complications of LVDD in patients with ischemic cerebral events, especially in patients with the bilateral caudate nucleus infarcts.