Abnormal Resting-State Functional Connectivity in Progressive Supranuclear Palsy and Corticobasal Syndrome.

Background: Pathological and MRI-based evidence suggests that multiple brain structures are likely to be involved in functional disconnection between brain areas. Few studies have investigated resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) in progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and corticobasal syndrome (CBS). In this study, we investigated within- and between-network rsFC abnormalities in these two conditions.

Functional disconnection of thalamic and cerebellar dentate nucleus networks in progressive supranuclear palsy and corticobasal syndrome.

Aim: To assess functional rearrangement following neurodegeneration in the thalamus and dentate nucleus in patients with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and corticobasal syndrome (CBS).

Methods: We recruited 19 patients with PSP, 11 with CBS and 14 healthy subjects. All the subjects underwent resting-state (rs) fMRI using a 3T system.

MRI gray and white matter measures in progressive supranuclear palsy and corticobasal syndrome.

We evaluated MRI measures of gray and white matter damages in 19 patients with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), 11 with corticobasal syndrome (CBS), and 14 healthy subjects (HS) to differentiate patients with PSP from those with CBS. We calculated surface-based maps of the cortical volume, cortical thickness, surface area, and voxel level maps of sub-cortical volume, and diffusion tensor imaging parameters using automated scripts implemented in FreeSurfer and FSL toolboxes. No significant differences in cortical volume loss were observed between PSP and CBS.

Neuroimaging correlates of blinking abnormalities in patients with progressive supranuclear palsy.

Objective: We aimed to identify the possible relationship between blinking abnormalities and neuroimaging changes in patients with progressive supranuclear palsy.

Methods: We studied 18 patients with progressive supranuclear palsy and 13 healthy subjects. Voluntary and spontaneous blinking were recorded using kinematic techniques.

Gray and white matter structural changes in corticobasal syndrome.

We investigated gray matter and white matter (WM) changes in corticobasal syndrome (CBS). T1-weighted and diffusion tensor images (3T-magnet) were obtained in 11 patients and 11 healthy subjects (HS). Magnetic resonance imaging data were analyzed using FreeSurfer and Tracts Constrained by Underlying Anatomy to evaluate cortical thickness (CTh), surface area, and subcortical volumes as well as diffusion tensor image parameters along the major WM tracts.

Cerebral Peduncle Angle: An Objective Criterion for Assessing Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Richardson Syndrome.

Objective: Several criteria for time-consuming volumetric measurements of progressive supranuclear palsy Richardson syndrome subtype (PSP-RS) have been proposed. These often require image reconstruction in different planes for proper assessment. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the cerebral peduncle angle as a simple and reproducible measure of midbrain atrophy in patients with PSP-RS.

Functional and Structural Brain Plasticity Enhanced by Motor and Cognitive Rehabilitation in Multiple Sclerosis.

Rehabilitation is recognized to be important in ameliorating motor and cognitive functions, reducing disease burden, and improving quality of life in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). In this systematic review, we summarize the existing evidences that motor and cognitive rehabilitation may enhance functional and structural brain plasticity in patients with MS, as assessed by means of the most advanced neuroimaging techniques, including diffusion tensor imaging and task-related and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In most cases, the rehabilitation program was based on computer-assisted/video game exercises performed in either an outpatient or home setting.

Neuroimaging evidence of gray and white matter damage and clinical correlates in progressive supranuclear palsy.

To evaluate gray matter (GM) and white matter (WM) abnormalities and their clinical correlates in patients with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). Sixteen PSP patients and sixteen age-matched healthy subjects underwent a clinical evaluation and multimodal magnetic resonance imaging, including three-dimensional T1-weighted imaging and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Volumetric and DTI analyses were computed using SPM and FSL tools.

Association between anemia and multiple sclerosis.

Background/aims: The relationship between multiple sclerosis (MS) and anemia has not been clarified sufficiently. In this retrospective, cross-sectional, case-control study we evaluated in MS patients: (1) prevalence of anemia relative to sex- and age-matched controls; (2) relationships between patients' demographic, clinical and drug-related characteristics and anemia; (3) effect of anemia on the risk of developing MS.

Methods: 187 consecutive MS patients (51 males, mean age (±SD) 44.

Impaired Functional Connectivity Unmasked by Simple Repetitive Motor Task in Early Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis.

Background: Resting brain activity can be modulated by motor tasks to adapt to function. In multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, altered resting-state functional connectivity (RS-FC) has been reported and associated with impaired function and disability; little is known on how RS-FC is modulated by a simple repetitive motor task.

Objective: To assess changes in RS-FC in early relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) patients associated with repetitive thumb flexions (RTFs).

A longitudinal fMRI study on motor activity in patients with multiple sclerosis.

Using functional MRI (fMRI), patients with multiple sclerosis showed a greater extent of motor activation than controls. Although functional changes are often interpreted as adaptive and as a contributing factor in limiting the clinical deficit, no longitudinal studies have yet been performed for multiple sclerosis. Sixteen patients with multiple sclerosis, two patients with possible multiple sclerosis and nine age-matched controls underwent two fMRI studies with a time interval of 15-26 months.

The relationship between inflammation and atrophy in clinically isolated syndromes suggestive of multiple sclerosis: a monthly MRI study after triple-dose gadolinium-DTPA.

Objective: To examine the relationship between inflammation and brain atrophy in patients with a clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) suggestive of multiple sclerosis (MS).

Methods: Monthly triple-dose gadolinium (Gd/DTPA)-enhanced MRI scans over 6 months were obtained in 62 consecutive CIS patients with an abnormal baseline MRI scan. Subsequently MRI was performed at months 12 and 18.

Henoch-Schönlein syndrome and cerebellar hemorrhage: report of an adolescent case and literature review.

Background: Henoch-Schönlein syndrome (HSS) is a systemic necrotizing vasculitis predominantly affecting children. Symptoms are usually self-limited and only rarely do they involve the central nervous system. Only five published reports describe cases of radiologically proven intracranial hemorrhages complicating HSS.

Intraspinous postlaminectomy pseudomeningocele.

Pseudomeningoceles are uncommon complications of lumbar surgery. They are encapsulated cerebrospinal fluid collections developing extradurally as a consequence of incidental dural tears. They are typically located in the paraspinal compartment and occasionally reach the subcutaneous space.

Contribution of corticospinal tract damage to cortical motor reorganization after a single clinical attack of multiple sclerosis.

The objectives of this study were to assess whether cortical motor reorganization in the early phase of multiple sclerosis (MS) is correlated with the clinical presentation and with specific damage to the corticospinal tract. Twenty patients with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) and serial MR findings indicative of MS were selected. In 10 patients the CIS was hemiparesis (group H), and in 10 patients the CIS was optic neuritis (group ON).

A longitudinal study of MR diffusion changes in normal appearing white matter of patients with early multiple sclerosis.

Background And Purpose: The stage at which normal appearing white matter (NAWM) abnormalities first appear in multiple sclerosis (MS) is not clear. The aim of our study was to monitor water diffusion changes over time in NAWM of patients with early MS.

Methods: Out of a consecutive series of patients enrolled in a MR study on clinically isolated syndrome (CIS), we selected 19 subjects who had completed a one year follow-up.