The RAGE pathway in inflammatory myopathies and limb girdle muscular dystrophy

Oxidative stress and nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) activation are linked to the pathogenesis of many metabolic, degenerative, and chronic inflammatory diseases. Activation of the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) by its specific ligand N(epsilon)-carboxymethyllysine (CML) results in the activation of NF-kappaB and the production of proinflammatory cytokines. To determine whether engagement of RAGE contributes to the pathogenesis of inflammatory myopathies, we performed immunohistochemical studies on the presence of CML-modified proteins, RAGE and activated NF-kappaB in muscle biopsies of patients with polymyositis (PM, n=10), dermatomyositis (DM, n=10), limb girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD, n=10) and in 10 controls with normal muscle biopsy results. In inflammatory myopathies CML, RAGE and NF-kappaB were detected in mononuclear cells and in regenerating muscle fibers. CML, NF-kappaB and, to a lesser extent, RAGE were also found in degenerating muscle fibers, but colocalization of CML, RAGE and NF-kappaB was only seen in infiltrating mononuclear cells and regenerating muscle fibers. Immunofluorescence double labeling demonstrated an expression of CML, RAGE and NF-kappaB in CD4-, CD8-, CD22- and CD68-positive mononuclear cells. Western blot analysis showed an increased immunoreactivity for CML-modified proteins in PM and DM. In LGMD, CML, RAGE and NF-kappaB were found in regenerating muscle fibers and less frequently in degenerating muscle fibers, and with lower staining intensities than in inflammatory myopathies. Our data suggests that the CML-RAGE-NF-kappaB pathway is an evident proinflammatory pathomechanism in mononuclear effector cells in PM and DM. RAGE-mediated NF-kappaB activation may be involved in muscle fiber regeneration in inflammatory myopathies and LGMD.

Short TE single-voxel 1H-MR spectroscopy of hippocampal structures in healthy adults at 1.5 Tesla--how reproducible are the results?

The purpose of our study was to evaluate inter- and intra-subject variability and scan-rescan reproducibility of single-voxel 1H-MR spectroscopy (1H-MRS) in hippocampal structures at 1.5 T field strength. Thirty healthy adults were studied bilaterally by optimized, standardized short echo time single-voxel 1H-MRS (PRESS, TE=30 ms, TR=3000 ms, oblique voxel orientation, voxel size 2 cm3). Spectral analysis and absolute metabolite quantitation of N-acetylaspartate+N-acetylaspartyl-glutamate (tNAA), choline (Cho), creatine (Cr), total glutamate plus glutamine (Glu+Gln) and myo-inositol (Ins) were carried out by LCModel. Inter- and intra-individual reproducibility of these metabolite values were investigated by calculation of mean, standard deviation, coefficient of variation (CV), and by analysis of variance for repeated measurements. The smallest CV in intersubject variability was obtained for tNAA, followed by Cr, Cho, Ins and Glu+Gln. The results of the analysis of variance for repeated measures in inter-subject variability showed a marginal effect of scan repetition for Cr (p=0.063) and Glu+Gln (p=0.082); the rescan of both metabolites showed slightly higher concentrations. No statistical significant effect of scan repetition was seen for tNAA (p=0.913), Cho (p=0.857), and Ins (p=0.826). Rescan led to the same results and gave proof of good reproducibility. Scan-rescan testing in one subject showed comparable results: tNAA (CV=4.8%), followed by Cr, Ins, Glu+Gln and Cho (all CV above 10%).

[Morbidity of dilatation and evacuation in the second trimester: an analysis]

OBJECTIVE

To compare the rates of complications of dilatation and evacuation (D&E) in the second trimester of pregnancy.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective analysis of early complications after D&E in the second trimester (group A: 1988-1994) in comparison with D&E in the first trimester (group B: 1997) and with the induction of abortion by extra-amniotic application of prostaglandins in the second trimester of pregnancy (literature).

RESULTS

The overall complication rate of D&E was statistically significantly higher in the second than in the first trimester (p < 0.0001). The most frequent complication in both groups was a blood loss > 500 ml (p < 0.009). As with blood loss, there was a statistically significant increase in the incidence of postoperative bleeding (p < 0.001) and fever > 38 degrees C (p = 0.042) with rising gestational age, too. We registered similar rates for incomplete abortion, infection, cervical injury, uterine perforation and thrombosis.

CONCLUSION

Second-trimester pregnancy termination with D&E is associated with higher morbidity rates than in the first trimester. Overall, the rates of complications of D&E in our study were acceptable and comparable with the results of previous studies. Compared with the induction of abortion by extra-amniotic prostaglandins, D&E shows lower morbidity rates. In particular, the advantages of D&E are in the early second trimester.

A new approach in anti-epileptic drug evaluation

Presurgical trials with video-electroencephalogram (EEG) monitoring for a couple of days provide the possibility to objectively and quantitatively analyze seizure activity during different drug treatments. Patients are provided with the optimal medical care and safety precautions when hospitalized. Hereby a method used in the antiepileptic drug (AED) trials called therapeutic intensive seizure analysis (TISA) has been recently introduced, by which AED efficacy on seizure activity can be objectively quantified by using continuous video-EEG monitoring. This could be used not only as a supplement to the traditional evaluation of AEDs' efficacy by treatment failure designs in large groups, but also can provide early individual information on the changes of seizure activity of each patient during the therapy. Data from TISA studies suggest that secondarily generalized tonic-clonic seizures (SGTCs) mostly occur in patients with a SGTC history after withdrawal of AED. The first 3 days of titration of a newly introduced AED was important for efficacy assessment; with a low risk of SGTCs. By using the TISA method an early recognition of first effects of a new AED on seizure activity and neuropsychological changes is possible, which can be correlated to serum concentration levels in a small sample size. The essentials of the proposed modification to the conventional presurgical trial are: (1) a complete withdrawal of AEDs should be avoided, if possible and (2) a titration phase limited to 3 days is suggested, using a condensed evaluation setting including the TISA method, serum concentration and neuropsychological monitoring. In addition long-term effects can be evaluated by repeated video-EEG monitoring.

Subclinical Late Cardiomyopathy After Doxorubicin Therapy for Lymphoma in Adults

Purpose

To assess the cardiac status of the long-term survivors and to estimate the incidence and the features of subclinical cardiotoxicity induced after conventional treatment with doxorubicin for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma or Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Patients and Methods

We analyzed a group of patients who previously received doxorubicin-based chemotherapy for lymphoma. Echocardiograms were performed at least 5 years after therapy with anthracyclines. Clinical cardiomyopathy was defined by the presence of clinical signs of congestive heart failure (CHF). Subclinical cardiomyopathy was defined by decrease of left ventricular fractional shortening (FS) without clinical signs of CHF. Cumulative dose of doxorubicin, male sex, older age, relapse, radiotherapy (mediastinal or total-body irradiation), autologous stem-cell transplantation, high-dose cyclophosphamide, and cardiovascular risk factors (hypertension, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, familial history of cardiac disease, being overweight, and smoking history) were evaluated as potential risk factors for the development of cardiac dysfunction.

Results

Of 141 assessable patients (median age, 54 years; median cumulative dose of doxorubicin, 300 mg/m2), only one developed CHF. Criteria of subclinical cardiomyopathy were found in 39 patients. In multivariate analysis, factors that contributed to decreased FS were male sex (P < .01), older age (P < .01), higher cumulative dose of doxorubicin or association with another anthracycline (P = .04), radiotherapy (P = .04), and being overweight (P = .04).

Conclusion

Cardiac abnormalities can occur in patients treated with doxorubicin for lymphoma in the absence of CHF, even in patients who received moderate anthracycline doses. Male sex, older age, higher dose of doxorubicin, radiotherapy, and being overweight were risk factors for the development of cardiomyopathy.

1H-MR spectroscopy: a promising method in distinguishing subgroups in temporal lobe epilepsy?

Proton MR spectroscopy offers an additional noninvasive method of supporting focus lateralization in patients with intractable temporal lobe epilepsy. In this study involving 57 patients, the ability of multivoxel 1H-MRS to differentiate between mesial and lateral TLE was investigated in addition to its ability to lateralize the epileptogenic focus. Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) was classified into mesiobasal or lateral temporal lobe epilepsy according to the results of preoperative diagnostics including neurological and neuropsychological examinations, video-EEG monitoring and high resolution MRI. 1H-MR-spectroscopy (1H-MRS) showed that pathological changes in the mesial temporal lobes indicate a predominance in different parts of the ipsilateral temporal lobe (hippocampal and parahippocampal areas) correlating to the clinically defined groups. In addition, mesiobasal TLE tends to have higher concomitant contralateral abnormalities. Our results reveal that 1H-MRS is able to distinguish between mesiobasal and lateral pathologies in patients with TLE and represents a useful tool for noninvasive TLE classification.

Fractionated stereotactically guided radiotherapy of pharmacoresistant temporal lobe epilepsy

PURPOSE

This prospective study evaluated the efficacy of fractionated stereotactically guided radiotherapy (SRT) as a treatment of pharmacoresistant temporal lobe epilepsy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Inclusion criteria were patients aged between 17 and 65 years with unilateral temporal focus, without sufficient epilepsy control by antiepileptic drugs or neurosurgery. Two groups of 6 patients each were treated with 21 Gy (7 times 3 Gy) and 30 Gy (15 times 2 Gy). Study end points were change in seizure frequency, intensity, seizure length and neuropsychological parameters.

RESULTS

All patients experienced a marked reduction in seizure frequency. The mean reduction of seizures was 37% (range 9-77%, i.e. seizures reduced from a monthly mean number of 11.75 to 7.52) at 18 months following radiation treatment and 46% (23-94%, i.e. 0.2-23 seizures per month) during the whole follow-up time. Seizure length was reduced in 5 out of 11 patients and intensity of seizures in 7 out of 11 patients.

CONCLUSION

Radiotherapy was identified as a safe and effective treatment for pharmacoresistant epilepsy since a good reduction of seizure frequency during longer follow-up was observed. SRT means an appropriate alternative for patients with contraindication against neurosurgery or insufficient seizure reduction after neurosurgery.

Progressive cognitive decline in epilepsy: an indication of ongoing plasticity

In addition to the identification of epileptic syndromes associated with cognitive decline, the influence of suppression of secondarily generalized seizures on IQ is reviewed. Our own data concerning cognitive function in temporal lobe epilepsy show a decrease of IQ and verbal memory with long duration of epilepsy and frequent tonic-clonic seizures, but not with simple or complex partial seizures. The use of a 'nucleus shell structure model' may be helpful to visualize the dynamic changes ('running up') in seizure structures in the long-term course of epilepsies. In addition to the localization and extent of structural changes, functional monitoring of cognition and pathology of MR spectroscopy is now available for long-term studies in progressive epileptic disorders. Concepts for memory storage and consolidation and mechanisms of plasticity concerning epileptic activity as well as modification of long-term potentiation for plasticity with regard to memory functions are also discussed.

Sex differences and lateral asymmetry in heart rate modulation in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy

This study was designed to study the influence of gender and lateral hemispheric asymmetry on heart rate modulation during temporal lobe seizures. Heart rate was recorded during complex partial seizures in 10 female and 11 male patients (12 with a right temporal lobe focus, nine with a left focus), with simultaneous video monitoring and bilateral subdural electrode placement. Heart rate changes were analysed during the seizure, at a time when the epileptic activity was restricted to one hemisphere. In this analysed interval, the heart rate of patients with a right temporal lobe focus showed a significant increase, from 73.5 to 91.0 beats/min (F = 10.7, df = 2.3/27, p < 0.001), while the heart rate of patients with a left sided focus only increased slightly, from 77.0 to 82.5 beats/min (NS). An effect of sex was demonstrated, in that the influence of focus laterality could only be shown in male patients (F = 14.24, df = 2.58/27, p < 0.001). These results confirm the right hemispheric lateralisation of sympathetic cardiac control in male patients.

Autonomic auras: left hemispheric predominance of epileptic generators of cold shivers and goose bumps?

PURPOSE

Autonomic seizures in temporal lobe epilepsies associated with "cold shivers and goose bumps" as a principal ictal sign or aura have only rarely been studied.

METHODS

Sixteen patients with autonomic auras [cold shivers or cold sweats (n=11), goose bumps (n=4), one patient showed both ictal signs] were analyzed.

RESULTS

Lesions were detected in 12 patients. The etiology was heterogeneous [cryptogenic, arteriovenous (AV)-malformation cyst, trauma, hippocampal sclerosis]. Eight patients underwent epilepsy surgery. The localization and lateralization of the focal epileptic activity in the temporal lobes was determined either by magnetic resonance imaging lesions, EEG, ictal signs, or single-photon emission computed tomography imaging.

CONCLUSIONS

The patients with temporal lobe epilepsies associated with "cold shivers and/or goose bumps" showed a left hemispheric predominance of the focal abnormality in the temporal lobe.

Therapeutic intensive seizure analysis (TISA) in presurgical evaluation of Losigamone

OBJECTIVE

The new method TISA was used to evaluate Losigamone efficacy.

METHODS

Sixteen patients with pharmacoresistant partial seizures undergoing presurgical evaluation were randomized in this double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group Losigamone monotherapy study under continuous video-EEG monitoring. Duration (in s, of each seizure and each ictal sign), intensity (grade zero to three), N/24h (number of seizures and ictal signs per 24 h), D/24h (seconds per 24 h covered by seizures and ictal signs) and seizure free intervals were recorded.

RESULTS

A total of 246 seizures were intensively analyzed. The duration and intensity of all seizures improved more in the active treatment group than in the placebo group. There was a statistically significant superiority in the duration of the seizure free interval in the Losigamone group. Ictal signs such as oro-alimentary automatisms and fumbling were improved during Losigamone treatment.

CONCLUSION

Losigamone has a preferred inhibitory effect on propagated epileptic activity. TISA is a sensitive method for evaluation of the selective effects of AEDs.

Topiramate on ictal seizure semiology: a quantitative, randomized, low and medium dose-controlled study

OBJECTIVE

Intensive and quantitative evaluation of the severity and frequency of seizures and ictal signs during topiramate (TPM) treatment.

METHODS

Twenty patients with refractory partial seizures undergoing presurgical evaluation were randomized into a low dosage (100 mg daily) and a parallel medium dosage (200 mg daily) group of TPM add-on medication. Study phases included a 3-day baseline video-EEG phase, a 10-day TPM titration phase without video-EEG and a 3-day TPM dose maintenance phase with video-EEG. During the baseline and the dose maintenance phase seizures were recorded using video-EEG monitoring and the following parameters were measured: duration (lasting seconds of each seizure and ictal sign), intensity (on a 0-3 scale), N/24 h (numbers of attacks per 24 h), D/24 h (duration per 24 h) of both seizures and defined ictal signs.

RESULTS

A total of 399 seizures during the baseline phase and the dose maintenance phase were intensively analyzed. Intergroup comparison suggested that duration, N/24 h and D/24 h of all seizures decreased more in the medium dosage group computing the reduction from baseline to the dose maintenance phase (P<0.05). There were statistically more significant reductions in the duration, intensity and N/24 h of ictal signs like hypermotoric movements, fumbling and vocalization in the medium dosage group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Topiramate has an early dose-dependent effect on ictal seizures.

SHORT COMMUNICATION

The present study intensively analyzed the duration, intensity, N/24 h and D/24 h of ictal seizure manifestations. The quantitative data suggested that topiramate had an early effect on ictal phenomena like ictal hypermotoric movements, fumbling and vocalization (P<0.05); effects were more prominent in the medium dosage group (200 mg daily) than the low dosage group (100 mg daily).

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis adapt differently to repetitive painful stimuli compared to healthy controls

The aim of the study was to investigate whether there are changes of the nociceptive system in patients with chronic inflammatory joint pain. A pain model was used which is based on the recording of cortical chemo-somatosensory event-related potentials (CSSERP) after nociceptive stimulation of the nasal mucosa with gaseous carbon dioxide (CO(2)). Twenty-five patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) were compared to healthy controls matched for age and gender. Responses to both different intensities of painful stimuli and constant intensities of series of 4 stimuli were analysed. When testing increasing CO(2) concentrations ratings and CSSERP amplitudes increased for both patients and controls. However, when repetitive stimulation was performed with an interval of 2s CSSERP amplitudes N1 were significantly greater in RA patients. It is hypothesized that chronic inflammatory joint pain changes nociceptive processing in terms of generalized changes of the nociceptive system which may amplify chronic pain.

Ictal fear in temporal lobe epilepsy: surgical outcome and focal hippocampal changes revealed by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy imaging

BACKGROUND

Ictal fear (IF) is most frequently associated with epileptic discharges from mesial temporal areas.

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether patients with IF were more likely to become seizure free after anteromesial temporal lobe resection compared with those without IF and whether they show more anteriorly pronounced metabolic changes assessed by means of multivoxel magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) along the hippocampal axis.

METHODS

Surgical outcome was assessed in 33 consecutive patients with temporal lobe epilepsy after a mean follow-up of 25 months (range, 12-38 months). Proton multivoxel MRS of the hippocampal formation was applied to detect regional differences along the axis of the hippocampus in patients with and without IF. Magnetic resonance tomography showed typical features of hippocampal sclerosis in all patients.

RESULTS

Twelve (36%) of the 33 patients reported fear at the beginning of their habitual seizures. Eleven of these patients were seizure free postoperatively. In contrast, only 11 of 21 patients without IF had a favorable outcome. Results of MRS revealed significantly higher pathologic N-acetylaspartate-choline ratios in the anterior portion of the hippocampal formation in patients with than in those without IF, indicating focal metabolic and/or morphologic changes in the head of the hippocampus.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate the importance of diagnosing auras with IF to provide a more detailed prognosis of the surgical outcome. In addition, our data emphasize that multivoxel MRS is a valuable tool in the presurgical evaluation, as it may reveal different topographical patterns of hippocampal sclerosis.

Qualitative and quantitative olfactometric evaluation of different concentrations of ethanol peppermint oil solutions

Selection of an adequate placebo is a major problem in clinical trials of Euminz(R) (10% peppermint oil/ethanol) which is used topically for the treatment of tension-type headache. This randomized, controlled, double-blind, cross-over study was performed to investigate whether there are qualitative differences between 10%, 1%, 0.5%, 0.1%, and 0% peppermint oil. Forty-one healthy subjects participated (age range 21-28 years); they rated both intensity, and hedonic tone of the stimuli. Verbal descriptions were combined to multiple response sets (MRS). In addition, the trigeminal impact of odorants was determined. Intensity ratings and MRS "menthol like" and "alcohol/solvent" changed with stimulus concentration. However, intensity had no significant effect on hedonics, trigeminal impact, or the number of descriptive items used. When MRS "menthol like" and "alcohol/solvent" were analysed after being weighted with intensity ratings, changes in relation to stimulus concentration were lost. Thus, the differences between the five concentrations of peppermint oil were--to their largest part--due to changes in stimulus intensity. Considering the large day-to-day variability of olfactory sensitivity the present data support the hypothesis that the odour quality of 10% peppermint oil cannot be discriminated from the odour of 0.1%, 0.5%, or 1% peppermint oil when tested on separate days.

[Diagnostic imaging in refractory temporal lobe epilepsy. A comparison of MR volumetry and multivoxel-MR-spectroscopy for assessment of postoperative prognosis]

While the importance of magnetic resonance (MR) spectroscopy, volumetry, and T2-relaxometry for preoperative localization has already been verified, the question arises as to what extent the individual techniques are useful for assessing postoperative prognosis with respect to seizures and neuropsychological outcome. In a prospective comparative study, 26 patients were examined preoperatively with a 1.5 T whole-body scanner. The MR spectroscopy was taken by high resolution 1 H proton spectroscopy, the volumetry with MP rage technique. The postoperative outcome was laid down using Engel's classification. Our results show that the metabolic changes can be divided into three groups using MR spectroscopy: unilateral, slightly bilateral, and severely bilateral to contralateral. In case of bilateral changes, the severity of metabolic changes in the nonoperated, contralateral side was decisive for postoperative outcome. The results from volumetry did not correlate with postoperative outcome.

Magnetic resonance spectroscopy and histopathological findings in temporal lobe epilepsy

PURPOSE

In some patients with temporal lobe epilepsy, histopathological evaluation of resected brain tissue after surgical treatment may reveal several features indicative of discrete cortical malformations. We sought to determine whether these histopathological features were accompanied by hippocampal changes detectable preoperatively by proton magnetic resonance (MR) spectroscopy and to evaluate their relationship with postoperative outcome.

METHODS

In 25 consecutive temporal lobe epilepsy patients who were scheduled for surgical treatment, MR spectroscopy was performed, and resected brain tissue was analyzed histopathologically for the presence of discrete cortical malformations (e.g., microdysgenesis). Outcome was assessed in all patients with an average postoperative period of 26 months.

RESULTS

In 13 patients, we found subtle, histopathologically detectable signs of cortical malformation: 6 of them with concomitant hippocampal sclerosis (dual pathology) and 7 without. The latter subgroup had a worse surgical outcome and showed enhanced bilateral and/or contralateral pathological changes in the hippocampal formation when investigated by MR spectroscopy.

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that by showing contralaterally or bilaterally abnormal spectra, MR spectroscopy might be able to indicate pathological changes in subtle developmental disorders that are possibly more widespread over the brain. This observation may improve noninvasive diagnosis in presurgical evaluation and the neurobiological understanding of cortical malformations in pharmacoresistant temporal lobe epilepsy.

The significance of bilateral CSI changes for the postoperative outcome in temporal lobe epilepsy

PURPOSE

In a prospective study, we evaluated the significance of preoperative bilateral chemical shift spectroscopy imaging (CSI) changes for the prognosis of postoperative seizure outcome in the surgical treatment of patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE).

METHOD

CSI using multivoxel spectroscopy was performed. Twenty-six consecutive TLE patients scheduled for epilepsy surgery were included. To evaluate the value of the CSI with respect to postoperative seizure outcome, discriminant analysis with ipsilateral and contralateral CSI was performed.

RESULTS

The discriminant analysis showed that the contralateral metabolic changes alone are able to predict seizure outcome whereby 92.3% of cases were correctly classified. Upon comparison of the two groups of seizure-free and non-seizure-free patients with respect to contralateral metabolic changes, the difference proved to be highly significant (paired t test: t = -6.3, df = 24, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Bilateral metabolic CSI changes have a predictive value for the postoperative outcome in patients with TLE. In patients with severe bilateral metabolic changes, poor seizure outcome is a likely result.

Multicenter investigation of 1,036 subjects using a standardized method for the assessment of olfactory function combining tests of odor identification, odor discrimination, and olfactory thresholds

"Sniffin' Sticks" is a test of nasal chemosensory performance that is based on penlike odor-dispensing devices. It is comprised of three tests of olfactory function: tests for odor threshold, discrimination and identification. Previous work has already established its test-retest reliability and validity in comparison to established measures of olfactory sensitivity. The results of this test are presented as a composite TDI score--i.e., the sum of results obtained for threshold, discrimination and identification measures. The present multicenter investigation aimed at providing normative values in relation to different age groups. To this end, 966 patients were investigated in 11 centers. An additional study tried to establish values for the identification of anosmic patients, with 70 anosmics investigated in five specialized centers where the presence of anosmia was confirmed by means of olfactory evoked potentials. For healthy subjects, the TDI score at the 10th percentile was 24.5 in subjects younger than 15 years, 30.3 for ages from 16 to 35 years, 28.8 for ages from 36 to 55 years and 27.5 for subjects older than 55 years. While these data can be used to estimate individual olfactory abilities in relation to a subject's age, hyposmia was defined as the 10th percentile score of 16- to 35-year-old subjects. Our latter study revealed that none of 70 anosmics reached a TDI score higher than 15. This score of 15 is regarded as the cut-off value for functional anosmia. These results provide the basis for the routine clinical evaluation of patients with olfactory disorders using "Sniffin' Sticks."

Maculo-papillary branch retinal artery occlusions following the Wada test

BACKGROUND

The Wada test induces short-term anesthesia of one hemisphere by injection of sodium amytal into an internal carotid artery. It is an important presurgical diagnostic tool in epileptic patients.

PATIENT

A 22-year-old man with idiopathic epilepsy noticed a shadow in the central visual field of his right eye immediately following a Wada test of the right hemisphere.

RESULTS

The patient presented with an occlusion of two small branch retinal arteries and corresponding defects in his visual field. Fluorescence angiography revealed small dense hyperfluorescent spots within the occluded retinal vessels.

CONCLUSION

Branch retinal artery occlusions are a possible complication of the Wada test, possibly induced by undissolved contrast medium or sodium amytal.

[Temporal lobe epilepsy: effect of focus side on the autonomic regulation of heart rate?]

Epileptic activity can modulate reactions of the autonomic nervous system. Although there is some evidence of a differential left/right hemispheric influence on the cardiovascular system, diverse investigations have shown controversial results. In our study, complex partial seizures of patients with temporal lobe epilepsy were recorded using subdural electrodes, thus providing reliable information on the focus side. We analyzed the preictal and ictal heart rates of 27 patients, 16 revealing right and 11 revealing left temporal foci. During the seizures, both groups showed a significant increase in heart rate. Preictal tachycardia was only significant in the right focus group, whereas no significant change in heart rates could be detected in the left focus group. Our results confirm a right hemispheric lateralization of sympathetic cardiac control.