Isolated ZIC4 antibodies in paraneoplastic cerebellar syndrome with an underlying ovarian tumor.

Objective: To describe a patient with paraneoplastic cerebellar syndrome and the uncommon association of isolated ZIC4 antibodies and ovarian cancer.

Design: Case report and review of the literature.

Setting: Hospitalized care, follow-up in private practice.

Power-based versus conventional transcranial color-coded duplex sonography in the assessment of the vertebrobasilar-posterior system.

Background: Power Doppler (PD) is a new ultrasonic technique that allows improved visualization of vascular structures. The aim of our study was to compare the ability of power-based transcranial color-coded duplex sonography (p-TCCS) to conventional transcranial color-coded duplex sonography (TCCS) and contrast-enhanced transcranial color-coded duplex sonography (CE-TCCS) in the visualization of the vertebrobasilar system.

Methods: In 41 patients without cerebrovascular diseases, we evaluated and compared identification rates of major vessels of the vertebrobasilar system and branches using both ultrasound (US) techniques.

Recanalization of acute symptomatic occlusions of the internal carotid artery.

Background: Little is known about the natural course of internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion and its possible recanalization. The present study was designed to evaluate recanalization rates of extracranial ICA occlusions in acute stroke patients by means of color-coded duplex sonography (CCDS).

Methods: 305 patients with acute ischemia in the territory of the middle cerebral artery were included in this study.

Distribution of artificially-produced microembolic signals into the cerebral circulation.

According to clinical observations, cardiogenic embolism occurs more often in the anterior than in the posterior cerebral circulation. An ultrasound (US) contrast agent was used to artificially produce microembolic signals (MES) to imitate the intracranial distribution of systemic emboli. Systemic microemboli were simulated by IV administered US agent (Levovist(R) 300 mg/mL as bolus).

Ultrasonic assessment of physiological echo-contrast agent distribution in brain parenchyma with transient response second harmonic imaging.

Objectives: The present study was designed to provide normal data of transient response second harmonic imaging (TRSHI) examinations of cerebral echo contrast enhancement using different modes of electrocardiogram (ECG) gating and echo-contrast agent doses.

Materials And Methods: Fifty-five patients were examined in an axial diencephalic plane of section using the transtemporal acoustic bone window. TRSHI examinations (ECG gating: systolic, frame-rate once every 2 cardiac cycles = "basical instrument setting") could be performed in 50 individuals with adequate insonation conditions after application of 4 g of a galactose-based microbubbles suspension in a concentration of 400 mg/ml.