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Journal of Neural Transmission (Vienna,... Oct 2021Differential diagnosis of parkinsonian syndromes is considered one of the most challenging in neurology. Quantitative MR planimetric measurements were reported to... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Differential diagnosis of parkinsonian syndromes is considered one of the most challenging in neurology. Quantitative MR planimetric measurements were reported to discriminate between progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and non-PSP-parkinsonism. Several studies have used midbrain to pons ratio (M/P) and the Magnetic Resonance Parkinsonism Index (MRPI) in distinguishing PSP patients from those with Parkinson's disease. The current meta-analysis aimed to compare the performance of these measures in discriminating PSP from multiple system atrophy (MSA). A systematic MEDLINE review identified 59 out of 2984 studies allowing a calculation of sensitivity and specificity using the MRPI or M/P. Meta-analyses of results were carried out using random effects modelling. To assess study quality and risk of bias, the QUADAS-2 tool was used. Eight studies were suitable for analysis. The meta-analysis showed a pooled sensitivity and specificity for the MRPI of PSP versus MSA of 79.2% (95% CI 72.7-84.4%) and 91.2% (95% CI 79.5-96.5%), and 84.1% (95% CI 77.2-89.2%) and 89.2% (95% CI 81.8-93.8%), respectively, for the M/P. The QUADAS-2 toolbox revealed a high risk of bias regarding the methodological quality of patient selection and index test, as all patients were seen in a specialized outpatient department without avoiding case control design and no predefined threshold was given regarding MRPI or M/P cut-offs. Planimetric brainstem measurements, in special the MRPI and M/P, yield high diagnostic accuracy for the discrimination of PSP from MSA. However, there is an urgent need for well-designed, prospective validation studies to ameliorate the concerns regarding the risk of bias.
Topics: Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Multiple System Atrophy; Parkinson Disease; Parkinsonian Disorders; Supranuclear Palsy, Progressive
PubMed: 34105000
DOI: 10.1007/s00702-021-02362-8 -
Pain Physician Jul 2016Offset analgesia (OA) is an increasingly described phenomenon to measure endogenous pain inhibition, in which a greater decrease in pain intensity is experienced than... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Offset analgesia (OA) is an increasingly described phenomenon to measure endogenous pain inhibition, in which a greater decrease in pain intensity is experienced than would be predicted by the decrease in painful stimulation. The temporal filtering in this OA phenomenon differs from the spatial filtering in the commonly described conditioned pain modulation (CPM). Yet, the knowledge on the efficacy of OA in chronic pain patients is scarce, compared to CPM efficacy.
OBJECTIVE
This systematic review has been conducted to provide an overview of the current knowledge regarding OA, and to compare it to CPM.
STUDY DESIGN
A systematic review of research studies that investigated the application or mechanisms of OA.
SETTING
The present study took place at Ghent University and the University of Antwerp.
METHODS
This systematic review follows the PRISMA guidelines. The electronic databases Pubmed and Web of Science were searched in January 2015. Full text clinical reports addressing OA were included. The checklists for randomized controlled trials, case-control studies, and cohort-studies provided by the Dutch Institute for Healthcare Improvement and the Dutch Cochrane Centre were used to assess methodological quality. The articles received a level of evidence A1, A2, B, C, or D, based on study design and risk of bias. These levels were used to determine the strength of conclusion (level 1 to 4).
RESULTS
Seventeen articles met the inclusion criteria. Sixteen studies used quantitative sensory testing to provoke OA; however, differences in protocols are present. OA can function as a non-opioid mediated assessment tool for endogenous pain inhibition, and activates brain regions such as periaqueductal gray (PAG), dorsolateral prefontral cortex, insula, medulla, pons and cerebellum, indicating strong brain derived pain modulation. The primary somatosensory cortex is, conversely, less activated during OA. OA is decreased in neuropathic patients. Nonetheless, evidence for the influence of individual factors on OA is limited. OA and CPM seem to rely on different mechanisms.
LIMITATIONS
Search strategy was taken wide, wherefore a large variety of research perspectives were included.
CONCLUSIONS
This systematic review displays OA as a temporal filtering mechanisms that is more brain-derived compared to the spatial assessment method CPM. There is strong evidence for reduced OA in neuropathic patients, however, evidence regarding OA in (sub)acute and central sensitization patients, and the influence of personal factors on OA is currently scarce and needs further investigation.
Topics: Analgesia; Central Nervous System Sensitization; Chronic Pain; Humans; Pain Management; Pain Measurement
PubMed: 27454261
DOI: No ID Found -
Neurosurgical Review Sep 2023Brainstem cavernous malformations (CMs) encompass up to 20% of all intracranial CMs and are considered more aggressive than cerebral CMs because of their high annual... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Brainstem cavernous malformations (CMs) encompass up to 20% of all intracranial CMs and are considered more aggressive than cerebral CMs because of their high annual bleeding rates. Microsurgical resection remains the primary treatment modality for CMs, but long-term functional outcomes and complications are heterogenous in the literature. The authors performed a systematic review on brainstem CMs in 4 databases: PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane library, and Google Scholar. We included studies that reported on the long-term functional outcomes and complications of brainstem CMs microsurgical resection. A meta-analysis was performed and reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. The search yielded 4781 results, of which 19 studies met our inclusion criteria. Microsurgery was performed on 940 patients (mean age 35 years, 46.9% females). Most of the brainstem CMs were located in the pons (n = 475). The pooled proportions of improved, stable, and worsened functional outcomes after microsurgical resection of brainstem CMs were 56.7% (95% CI 48.4-64.6), 28.6% (95% CI 22.4-35.7), and 12.6% (95% CI 9.6-16.2), respectively. CMs located in the medulla were significantly (p = 0.003) associated with a higher proportion of improved outcome compared with those in the pons and midbrain. Complete resection was achieved in 93.3% (95% CI 89.8-95.7). The immediate postoperative complication rate was 37.2% (95% CI 29.3-45.9), with new-onset cranial nerve deficit being the most common complication. The permanent morbidity rate was 17.3% (95% CI 10.5-27.1), with a low mortality rate of 1% from the compiled study population during a mean follow-up of 58 months. Our analysis indicates that microsurgical resection of brainstem CMs can result in favorable long-term functional outcomes with transient complications in the majority of patients. Complete microsurgical resection of the CM is associated with a lower incidence of CM hemorrhage and the morbidity related to it.
Topics: Female; Humans; Adult; Male; Microsurgery; Brain Stem; Postoperative Complications; Pons; Cranial Nerves
PubMed: 37726558
DOI: 10.1007/s10143-023-02152-8 -
Journal of Neurology Sep 2017Listeria monocytogenes is associated with rhombencephalitis. However, the exact mechanisms of brainstem invasion remains poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate clinical... (Review)
Review
Listeria monocytogenes is associated with rhombencephalitis. However, the exact mechanisms of brainstem invasion remains poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate clinical and radiological data suggesting that Listeria may invade the brainstem via the trigeminal nerve. Three females (41, 64 and 70 years) with culture proven L. monocytogenes bacteremia and rhombencephalitis were investigated in the period of 2014-16. T2-weighted and contrast-enhanced T1-weighted MRI revealed a cerebellopontine abscess in all three patients, including the involvement of the trigeminal nerve root. In two patients, MRI also revealed selective contrast enhancement of the sensory trigeminal tract in the pons and medulla oblongata. Prior to any other neurological symptoms, two patients complained of hypoesthesia and a tingling sensation in the ipsilateral half of the face, consistent with sensory trigeminal nerve dysfunction on that side. In addition, we identified another 120 cases of Listeria rhombencephalitis following a systematic review. Cranial nerves VII, V, IX, and X, respectively, medulla oblongata, cerebellum and pons, were the most frequently involved brain structures. The present clinical and radiological findings corroborate earlier data from animal experiments, indicating that L. monocytogenes may be capable of retrograde intra-axonal migration along the cranial nerves. We suggest that in a subset of patients with rhombencephalitis L. monocytogenes enters the cerebellopontine angle through the trigeminal nerve, invading the brainstem via the sensory trigeminal nuclei.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Encephalitis; Female; Humans; Listeria monocytogenes; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Meningitis, Listeria; Middle Aged; Rhombencephalon; Trigeminal Nerve
PubMed: 28730571
DOI: 10.1007/s00415-017-8572-2 -
Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Oct 2021Specific information to guide clinical practice is lacking for the effects of arthroscopic release on bone and joint deformities, as well as the additional benefits of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Specific information to guide clinical practice is lacking for the effects of arthroscopic release on bone and joint deformities, as well as the additional benefits of tendon transfer, in children with brachial plexus birth injury. The aims of this study were (1) to evaluate changes in shoulder mobility and bone and joint deformity, (2) to evaluate the effect of release with and without tendon transfer on the same outcomes, and (3) to evaluate the perioperative and long-term complications.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis. Four databases were searched using relevant inclusion and exclusion criteria from inception until May 2020. The quality of articles was evaluated using the Methodological Index for Non-randomized Studies (MINORS) scale. Data regarding patients, interventions, and clinical and radiologic outcomes were reported.
RESULTS
Thirteen articles were included: 6 of low quality and 7 of moderate quality separated into 17 studies (266 children). The mean follow-up duration was 32.4 months (standard deviation, 15.2 months). Arthroscopic release significantly improved the Mallet score (standardized mean difference [SMD], 3.1 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.5-4.7]; P < .001) and passive external rotation (SMD, 3.6 [95% CI, 2.3-4.9]; P = .02). The percentage of humeral head anterior (SMD, 1.3 [95% CI, 0.7-1.9]; P = .003) and glenoid retroversion (SMD, 1.4 [95% CI, 0.9-2]; P = .01) also improved. Descriptive analysis of the data suggested that concomitant tendon transfer further improved mobility. Recurrence of internal-rotation contracture was reported in 8 of 157 children.
DISCUSSION
This systematic review showed that arthroscopic release effectively improves both shoulder mobility and bone deformity, with few complications in young children with brachial plexus birth injury. As such, it seems reasonable to propose a stepwise approach starting with a release without transfer.
Topics: Birth Injuries; Brachial Plexus; Brachial Plexus Neuropathies; Child; Child, Preschool; Humans; Range of Motion, Articular; Shoulder; Shoulder Joint; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 33567353
DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2020.12.021 -
PloS One 2021Functional neuroimaging is a powerful and versatile tool to investigate central lower urinary tract (LUT) control. Despite the increasing body of literature there is a... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
PURPOSE
Functional neuroimaging is a powerful and versatile tool to investigate central lower urinary tract (LUT) control. Despite the increasing body of literature there is a lack of comprehensive overviews on LUT control. Thus, we aimed to execute a coordinate based meta-analysis of all PET and fMRI evidence on descending central LUT control, i.e. pelvic floor muscle contraction (PFMC) and micturition.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A systematic literature search of all relevant libraries was performed in August 2020. Coordinates of activity were extracted from eligible studies to perform an activation likelihood estimation (ALE) using a threshold of uncorrected p <0.001.
RESULTS
20 of 6858 identified studies, published between 1997 and 2020, were included. Twelve studies investigated PFMC (1xPET, 11xfMRI) and eight micturition (3xPET, 5xfMRI). The PFMC ALE analysis (n = 181, 133 foci) showed clusters in the primary motor cortex, supplementary motor cortex, cingulate gyrus, frontal gyrus, thalamus, supramarginal gyrus, and cerebellum. The micturition ALE analysis (n = 107, 98 foci) showed active clusters in the dorsal pons, including the pontine micturition center, the periaqueductal gray, cingulate gyrus, frontal gyrus, insula and ventral pons. Overlap of PFMC and micturition was found in the cingulate gyrus and thalamus.
CONCLUSIONS
For the first time the involved core brain areas of LUT motor control were determined using ALE. Furthermore, the involved brain areas for PFMC and micturition are partially distinct. Further neuroimaging studies are required to extend this ALE analysis and determine the differences between a healthy and a dysfunctional LUT. This requires standardization of protocols and task-execution.
Topics: Humans; Likelihood Functions; Pelvic Floor; Urinary Tract; Urinary Tract Physiological Phenomena; Urination
PubMed: 33534812
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0246042 -
Liver International : Official Journal... Jan 2024Successful immunosuppression withdrawal (ISW) is possible for a subfraction of liver transplant (LT) recipients but the factors that define the risk of ISW failure are... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND & AIMS
Successful immunosuppression withdrawal (ISW) is possible for a subfraction of liver transplant (LT) recipients but the factors that define the risk of ISW failure are largely unknown. One candidate prognostic factor for ISW success or operational tolerance (OT) is longer time between LT and ISW which we term "pre-withdrawal time". To clarify the impact of pre-withdrawal time span on subsequent ISW success or failure, we conducted a systematic review with meta-analysis.
METHODS
We systematically interrogated the literature for LT recipient ISW studies reporting pre-withdrawal time. Eligible articles from Embase, Medline, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were used for backward and forward citation searching. Pre-withdrawal time individual patient data (IPD) was requested from authors. Pooled mean differences and time-response curves were calculated using random-effects meta-analyses.
RESULTS
We included 17 studies with 691 patients, 15 of which (620 patients) with IPD. Study-level risk of bias was heterogeneous. Mean pre-withdrawal time was greater by 427 days [95% confidence interval (CI) 67-788] in OT compared to non-OT patients. This increase was potentiated to 799 days (95% CI 369-1229) or 1074 days (95% CI 685-1463) when restricting analysis to adult or European study participants. In time-response meta-analysis for adult or European ISW candidates, likelihood of OT increased by 7% (95% CI 4-10%) per year after LT (GRADE low- and moderate-certainty of evidence, respectively).
CONCLUSIONS
Our data support the impact of pre-withdrawal time in ISW decision-making for adult and European LT recipients.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION
CRD42021272995.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Liver Transplantation; Immunosuppression Therapy; Immune Tolerance
PubMed: 37905605
DOI: 10.1111/liv.15764 -
Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders Sep 2021the distinct MRI features of MOG-antibody disease (MOG-AD) and AQP4-NMOSD are still poorly defined. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
the distinct MRI features of MOG-antibody disease (MOG-AD) and AQP4-NMOSD are still poorly defined. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify specific patterns of MRI abnormalities able to discriminate between MOG-AD and AQP4-NMOSD.
METHODS
fourteen case-series (1028 patients) were included. Outcomes were MRI lesion patterns in optic nerve (ON), brain and spinal cord (SC) that were selected after a systematic literature review and analysed separately as the event rate for individual MRI lesions in MOG-AD (experimental group) and AQP4-NMOSD (control group) by using a random effect model.
RESULTS
MOG-AD showed a higher number of MRI lesions than AQP4-NMOSD patients in the retrobulbar ON (OR=5.67; 95%CI=2.11-15.24; p=0.0006) with ON head swelling (OR=8.20; 95%CI=4.13-16.28; p<0.00001), corpus callosum (OR=2.30; 95%CI=1.11-4.76; p=0.02), pons (OR=2.87; 95%CI=1.45-5.67; p=0.002), and lumbar/conus SC (OR=3.47; 95%CI=1.66-7.24; p=0.0009). Conversely, lesions in the canalicular (OR=0.42; 95%CI=0.18-0.98; p=0.05) and intracranial ON (OR=0.30; 95%CI=0.11=0.84; p=0.02), area postrema (OR=0.12; 95%CI=0.02-0.61; p=0.01), medulla (OR=0.40; 95%CI=0.20-0.78; p=0.007), and cervical SC (OR=0.29; 95%CI=0.09-0.92; p=0.04) were prominent in patients with AQP4-NMOSD. Participants' age was found to be a source of heterogeneity across studies.
CONCLUSION
our study provides further evidence that MOG-AD and AQP4-NMOSD have distinct MRI features that may help clinicians for an early differential diagnosis.
Topics: Aquaporin 4; Autoantibodies; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Myelin-Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein; Neuromyelitis Optica
PubMed: 34246019
DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2021.103118 -
AJNR. American Journal of Neuroradiology May 2021Radial artery access for cerebral angiography is traditionally performed in the wrist. Distal transradial access in the anatomic snuffbox is an alternative with several... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Radial artery access for cerebral angiography is traditionally performed in the wrist. Distal transradial access in the anatomic snuffbox is an alternative with several advantages.
PURPOSE
Our aim was to review the safety and efficacy of distal transradial access for diagnostic cerebral angiography and neurointerventions.
DATA SOURCES
We performed a comprehensive search of the literature using PubMed, Scopus, and EMBASE.
STUDY SELECTION
The study included all case series of at least 10 patients describing outcomes associated with distal transradial access for diagnostic cerebral angiography or a neurointervention.
DATA ANALYSIS
Random-effects models were used to obtain pooled rates of procedural success and complications.
DATA SYNTHESIS
A total of 7 studies comprising 348 (75.8%) diagnostic cerebral angiograms and 111 (24.2%) interventions met the inclusion criteria. The pooled success rate was 95% (95% CI, 91%-98%; I = 74.33). The pooled minor complication rate was 2% (95% CI, 1%-4%; I = 0. No major complications were reported. For diagnostic procedures, the combined mean fluoroscopy time was 13.53 [SD, 8.82] minutes and the mean contrast dose was 74.9 [SD, 35.6] mL.
LIMITATIONS
A small number of studies met the inclusion criteria, all of them were retrospective, and none compared outcomes with proximal transradial or femoral access.
CONCLUSIONS
Early experience with distal transradial access suggests that it is a safe and effective alternative to proximal radial and femoral access for performing diagnostic cerebral angiography and interventions. Additional studies are needed to establish its efficacy and compare it with other access sites.
Topics: Cerebral Angiography; Humans; Neuroendoscopy; Radial Artery; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 33707276
DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.A7074 -
Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular... May 2021Body lateropulsion (BLP) is seen in neurological lesions involving the pathways responsible for body position and verticality. We report a case of isolated body...
INTRODUCTION
Body lateropulsion (BLP) is seen in neurological lesions involving the pathways responsible for body position and verticality. We report a case of isolated body lateropulsion (iBLP) as the presentation of lateral medullary infarction and conducted a systematic literature review.
METHODS
MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched up to December 3, 2020.
INCLUSION CRITERIA
age ≥ 18, presence of BLP, confirmed stroke on imaging.
EXCLUSION CRITERIA
age < 18, qualitative reviews, studies with inadequate patient data. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM® SPSS® Statistics 20.
RESULTS
A 64-year-old man presented with acute-onset iBLP. Brain MRI demonstrated acute infarction in the right caudolateral medulla. His symptoms progressed with ipsilateral Horner syndrome over the next 24 hours and contralateral hemisensory loss 10 days later. Repeat MRI showed an increase in infarct size. BLP resolved partially at discharge. Systematic review: 418 abstracts were screened; 59 studies were selected reporting 103 patients. Thirty-three patients had iBLP (32%). BLP was ipsilateral to stroke in 70 (68%) and contralateral in 32 (32%). The most common stroke locations were medulla (n = 63, 59%), pons (n = 16, 15%), and cerebellum (n = 16, 15%). Four strokes were cortical, 3 frontal and 1 temporoparietal (3%). The most common etiology was large-artery atherosclerosis (LAA) in 20 patients (32%), followed by small-vessel occlusion in 12 (19%). Seventeen (27%) had large-vessel occlusion (LVO), 12 involving the vertebral artery. Sixty (98%) had some degree of resolution of BLP; complete in 41 (70%). Median time-to-resolution was 14 days (IQR 10-21). There was no relationship between time-to-resolution and age, sex, side of BLP or side of stroke.
CONCLUSION
BLP was commonly seen with medullary infarction and was the isolated finding in one-third. LAA and LVO were the most common etiologies. Recovery of BLP was early and complete in most cases.
Topics: Brain Stem Infarctions; Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Horner Syndrome; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Postural Balance; Sensation Disorders
PubMed: 33652344
DOI: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2021.105680