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Chesnut M, Muñoz LS, Harris G, Freeman D, Gama L, Pardo CA, Pamies D. In vitro and in silico Models to Study Mosquito-Borne Flavivirus Neuropathogenesis, Prevention, and Treatment. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2019; 9:223. [PMID: 31338335 PMCID: PMC6629778 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2019.00223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Mosquito-borne flaviviruses can cause disease in the nervous system, resulting in a significant burden of morbidity and mortality. Disease models are necessary to understand neuropathogenesis and identify potential therapeutics and vaccines. Non-human primates have been used extensively but present major challenges. Advances have also been made toward the development of humanized mouse models, but these models still do not fully represent human pathophysiology. Recent developments in stem cell technology and cell culture techniques have allowed the development of more physiologically relevant human cell-based models. In silico modeling has also allowed researchers to identify and predict transmission patterns and discover potential vaccine and therapeutic candidates. This review summarizes the research on in vitro and in silico models used to study three mosquito-borne flaviviruses that cause neurological disease in humans: West Nile, Dengue, and Zika. We also propose a roadmap for 21st century research on mosquito-borne flavivirus neuropathogenesis, prevention, and treatment.
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Saylor D, Kumar A, Nakigozi G, Anok A, Batte J, Kisakye A, Mayanja R, Nakasujja N, Robertson KR, Gray RH, Wawer MJ, Pardo CA, Sacktor N. Interleukin-6 is associated with mortality and neuropsychiatric outcomes in antiretroviral-naïve adults in Rakai, Uganda. J Neurovirol 2019; 25:735-740. [PMID: 31165368 DOI: 10.1007/s13365-019-00759-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Revised: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) and D-dimer have been associated with multiple adverse outcomes in HIV-infected (HIV+) individuals, but their association with neuropsychiatric outcomes, including HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND) and depression, headaches, and peripheral neuropathy have not been investigated. Three hundred ninety-nine HIV+ antiretroviral therapy (ART)-naïve adults in Rakai, Uganda, were enrolled in a longitudinal cohort study and completed a neurological evaluation, neurocognitive assessment, and venous blood draw. Half of the participants had advanced immunosuppression (CD4 count < 200 cells/μL), and half had moderate immunosuppression (CD4 count 350-500 cells/μL). All-cause mortality was determined by verbal autopsy within 2 years. HAND was determined using Frascati criteria, and depression was defined by the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression (CES-D) scale. Neuropathy was defined as the presence of > 1 neuropathy symptom and > 1 neuropathy sign. Headaches were identified by self-report. Serum D-dimer levels were determined using ELISA and IL-6 levels using singleplex assays. Participants were 53% male, mean age 35 + 8 years, and mean education 5 + 3 years. Participants with advanced immunosuppression had significantly higher levels of IL-6 (p < 0.001) and a trend toward higher D-dimer levels (p = 0.06). IL-6 was higher among participants with HAND (p = 0.01), with depression (p = 0.03) and among those who died within 2 years (p = 0.001) but not those with neuropathy or headaches. D-dimer did not vary significantly by any outcome. Systemic inflammation as measured by serum IL-6 is associated with an increased risk of advanced immunosuppression, all-cause mortality, HAND, and depression but not neuropathy or headaches among ART-naïve HIV+ adults in rural Uganda.
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Muñoz LS, Parra B, Pardo CA. Neurological Implications of Zika Virus Infection in Adults. J Infect Dis 2019; 216:S897-S905. [PMID: 29267923 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jix511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The 2015-2016 epidemic of Zika virus (ZIKV) in the Americas and the Caribbean was associated with an unprecedented burden of neurological disease among adults. Clinically, Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) predominated among regions affected by the ZIKV epidemic, but the spectrum of neurological disease in the adults appears broader as cases of encephalopathy, encephalitis, meningitis, myelitis, and seizures have also been reported. A para-infectious temporal profile of ZIKV-associated GBS (ZIKV-GBS) has been described in clinical studies, which may suggest a direct viral neuropathic effect. However, ZIKV neuropathogenesis has not yet been fully understood. Mechanisms for ZIKV-GBS and other neurological syndromes have been hypothesized, such as adaptive viral genetic changes, immunological interactions with other circulating flaviviruses, and host and factors. This review summarizes the current evidence on ZIKV-associated neurological complications in the adults.
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Gordon-Lipkin E, Muñoz LS, Klein JL, Dean J, Izbudak I, Pardo CA. Comparative quantitative clinical, neuroimaging, and functional profiles in children with acute flaccid myelitis at acute and convalescent stages of disease. Dev Med Child Neurol 2019; 61:366-375. [PMID: 30225922 DOI: 10.1111/dmcn.14030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/31/2018] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
AIM To quantify characteristics in acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) at acute and convalescent stages. METHOD This was a retrospective case series of children with AFM evaluated at a single institution in the USA (2014-2017). Acute inflammatory/ischemic myelopathies were excluded. Neurological assessments and segmental quantitative analysis of signal abnormalities on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain and spinal cord were performed. RESULTS Sixteen patients (11 males, five females) were evaluated. Median age at onset was 4 years (interquartile range [IQR] 3-6y). All had parainfectious acute-onset limb weakness, lower motor neuron examination, and spinal fluid pleocytosis. On acute spinal cord MRI, longitudinally extensive T2 hyperintensities were identified throughout the spinal cord mostly within grey matter; five out of 12 patients had dorsal brainstem T2 hyperintensities. At a median of 2 months follow-up (IQR 2-3mo), spinal cord MRI improved in seven out of nine patients although focal T2 hyperintensities persisted in cervical and lumbar grey matter. At a median follow-up of 4 months (IQR 2-6mo), Medical Research Council sum score rose from a median of 29 to 32; distal muscle groups improved more than proximal ones; four out of 16 patients were ventilator-dependent; and two out of 16 patients were quadriplegic. INTERPRETATION While patients may show marked improvement on neuroimaging from acute to convalescent stages, the majority of children with AFM have limited motor recovery and continued disability. Clinicians should consider the timing of clinical and neuroimaging exams when assessing diagnosis and prognosis. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS During the 2014 to 2017 acute flaccid myelitis outbreak in the USA, clinical recovery was better in distal than proximal muscle groups. Lumbar spinal cord showed more residual abnormalities at convalescence.
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Elrick MJ, Gordon-Lipkin E, Crawford TO, Van Haren K, Messacar K, Thornton N, Dee E, Voskertchian A, Nance JR, Muñoz LS, Gorman MP, Benson LA, Thomas DL, Pardo CA, Milstone AM, Duggal P. Clinical Subpopulations in a Sample of North American Children Diagnosed With Acute Flaccid Myelitis, 2012-2016. JAMA Pediatr 2019; 173:134-139. [PMID: 30500056 PMCID: PMC6439600 DOI: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2018.4890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) is an emerging poliolike illness of children whose clinical spectrum and associated pathogens are only partially described. The case definition is intentionally encompassing for epidemiologic surveillance to capture all potential AFM cases. Defining a restrictive, homogenous subpopulation may aid our understanding of this emerging disease. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the extent to which the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) case definition of AFM incorporates possible alternative diagnoses and to assess the plausibility of a case definition that enriches the biological homogeneity of AFM for inclusion in research studies. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Retrospective case analysis of children younger than 18 years diagnosed as having AFM between 2012 and 2016 using the CDC case definition. Group 1 included patients recruited from the United States and Canada based on the CDC case definition of AFM. Group 2 included patients referred to the Johns Hopkins Transverse Myelitis Center for evaluation of suspected AFM. Patients' records and imaging data were critically reviewed by 3 neurologists to identify those cases with definable alternative diagnoses, and the remaining patients were categorized as having restrictively defined AFM (rAFM). Clinical characteristics were compared between patients with rAFM (cases) and those with alternative diagnoses, and a case description distinguishing these AFM groups was identified. Interrater reliability of this description was confirmed for a subset of cases by a fourth neurologist. Data were analyzed between May 2017 and November 2018. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Proportion of patients with possible alternative diagnosis. RESULTS Of the 45 patients who met the CDC AFM case definition and were included, the mean age was 6.1 years; 27 were boys (60%); and 37 were white (82%), 3 were Asian (7%), 1 was Hispanic (2%), and 4 were mixed race/ethnicity (9%). Of the included patients, 34 were classified as having rAFM, and 11 had alternate diagnoses (including transverse myelitis, other demyelinating syndromes, spinal cord stroke, Guillain-Barre syndrome, Chiari I myelopathy, and meningitis). Factors differing between groups were primarily asymmetry of weakness, lower motor neuron signs, preceding viral syndrome, symptoms evolving over hours to days, absence of sensory deficits, and magnetic resonance imaging findings. A case description was able to reliably define the rAFM group. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE We present an approach for defining a homogeneous research population that may more accurately reflect the pathogenesis of the prototypical poliomyelitis-like subgroup of AFM. The definition of rAFM forms a blueprint for inclusion criteria in future research efforts, but more work is required for refinement and external validation.
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Saylor D, Nakigozi G, Pardo CA, Kisakye A, Kumar A, Nakasujja N, Robertson KR, Gray RH, Wawer MJ, Sacktor N. Vitamin D is not associated with HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder in Rakai, Uganda. J Neurovirol 2019; 25:410-414. [PMID: 30671778 DOI: 10.1007/s13365-018-00719-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2018] [Revised: 12/11/2018] [Accepted: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
We investigated whether vitamin D is associated with HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND). HIV-infected (HIV+) antiretroviral therapy (ART)-naïve adults in rural Uganda underwent a neurocognitive battery for determination of HAND stage at baseline and after 2 years. Baseline serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OH-D) and serum and cerebrospinal fluids (CSF) vitamin D-binding protein (VDBP) were obtained. Of the 399 participants, 4% (n = 16) were vitamin D deficient (25OH-D < 20 ng/mL). There was no association between 25OH-D, serum or CSF VDBP, and HAND stage at baseline or follow-up. Future studies in a population with higher levels of vitamin D deficiency may be warranted.
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Wells E, Hacohen Y, Waldman A, Tillema JM, Soldatos A, Ances B, Benseler S, Bielekova B, Dale RC, Dalmau J, Gaillard W, Gorman M, Greenberg B, Hyslop A, Pardo CA, Tasker RC, Yeh EA, Bar-Or A, Pittock S, Vanderver A, Banwell B. Author Correction: Neuroimmune disorders of the central nervous system in children in the molecular era. Nat Rev Neurol 2018; 14:749. [PMID: 30442924 DOI: 10.1038/s41582-018-0077-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
In the original version of this Review published online and in print, the contribution of attendees of the International Neuroimmune Meeting to the content of the Review was not acknowledged. The author list has been corrected in the PDF and HTML versions of this article to acknowledge that the Review was written on behalf of attendees of the International Neuroimmune Meeting, and the names of the attendees have been added to the HTML version.
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Zeiler SR, Qiao Y, Pardo CA, Lim M, Wasserman BA. Vessel Wall MRI for Targeting Biopsies of Intracranial Vasculitis. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2018; 39:2034-2036. [PMID: 30262647 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a5801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2017] [Accepted: 06/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Central nervous system vasculitides are elusive diseases that are challenging to diagnose because brain biopsies have high false-negative rates. We sought to test the ability of contrast-enhanced, high-resolution 3D vessel wall MR imaging to identify vascular inflammation and direct open biopsies of intracranial target vessels and adjacent brain parenchyma. Eight of 9 specimens revealed vascular inflammation. We conclude that vessel wall MR imaging can identify inflamed intracranial vessels, enabling precise localization of biopsy targets.
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Simner PJ, Miller HB, Breitwieser FP, Pinilla Monsalve G, Pardo CA, Salzberg SL, Sears CL, Thomas DL, Eberhart CG, Carroll KC. Development and Optimization of Metagenomic Next-Generation Sequencing Methods for Cerebrospinal Fluid Diagnostics. J Clin Microbiol 2018; 56:e00472-18. [PMID: 29976594 PMCID: PMC6113476 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.00472-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2018] [Accepted: 06/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to develop and optimize different processing, extraction, amplification, and sequencing methods for metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) specimens. We applied mNGS to 10 CSF samples with known standard-of-care testing (SoC) results (8 positive and 2 negative). Each sample was subjected to nine different methods by varying the sample processing protocols (supernatant, pellet, neat CSF), sample pretreatment (with or without bead beating), and the requirement of nucleic acid amplification steps using DNA sequencing (DNASeq) (with or without whole-genome amplification [WGA]) and RNA sequencing (RNASeq) methods. Negative extraction controls (NECs) were used for each method variation (4/CSF sample). Host depletion (HD) was performed on a subset of samples. We correctly determined the pathogen in 7 of 8 positive samples by mNGS compared to SoC. The two negative samples were correctly interpreted as negative. The processing protocol applied to neat CSF specimens was found to be the most successful technique for all pathogen types. While bead beating introduced bias, we found it increased the detection yield of certain organism groups. WGA prior to DNASeq was beneficial for defining pathogens at the positive threshold, and a combined DNA and RNA approach yielded results with a higher confidence when detected by both methods. HD was required for detection of a low-level-positive enterovirus sample. We demonstrate that NECs are required for interpretation of these complex results and that it is important to understand the common contaminants introduced during mNGS. Optimizing mNGS requires the use of a combination of techniques to achieve the most sensitive, agnostic approach that nonetheless may be less sensitive than SoC tools.
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Wellman RJ, Cho SB, Singh P, Tune M, Pardo CA, Comi AM. Gαq and hyper-phosphorylated ERK expression in Sturge-Weber syndrome leptomeningeal blood vessel endothelial cells. Vasc Med 2018; 24:72-75. [PMID: 30112971 DOI: 10.1177/1358863x18786068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Shah SK, Kimmelman J, Lyerly AD, Lynch HF, Miller FG, Palacios R, Pardo CA, Zorrilla C. Response-Evaluating human trials: FDA's role. Science 2018; 360:1308-1309. [PMID: 29930129 DOI: 10.1126/science.aau0865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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Shah SK, Kimmelman J, Lyerly AD, Lynch HF, Miller FG, Palacios R, Pardo CA, Zorrilla C. Bystander risk, social value, and ethics of human research. Science 2018; 360:158-159. [PMID: 29650663 DOI: 10.1126/science.aaq0917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Mealy MA, Nam TS, Pardo SJ, Pardo CA, Sobreira NL, Avramopoulos D, Valle D, Burns KH, Levy M. Familial monophasic acute transverse myelitis due to the pathogenic variant in VPS37A. NEUROLOGY-GENETICS 2018; 4:e213. [PMID: 29473047 PMCID: PMC5820602 DOI: 10.1212/nxg.0000000000000213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2017] [Accepted: 11/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Objective To identify genetic differences among siblings with a family history of idiopathic transverse myelitis (ITM). Methods We compared whole-exome sequencing (WES) on germline samples from the 2 affected sisters with ITM with 3 of their healthy siblings. Results The 2 sisters with ITM both had acute onset of sensory loss in the legs, weakness, and bowel/bladder dysfunction. The first developed ITM at age 15 years with a clinical nadir of complete paralysis, which slowly recovered over a few years. MRI demonstrated a persistent T2 lesion in the lower thoracic cord. The second developed ITM at age 50 years with a nadir of sensory loss from T6 down and paraparesis in the legs, associated with an MRI lesion at T6. She also made a partial recovery with treatment. Both sisters are homozygous for a missense variant in VPS37A (c.700C>A, p.Leu234Ile) identified by WES. We performed targeted sequencing of VPS37A in an additional 86 samples from patients with ITM and 175 with other diseases to investigate the p.Leu234Ile variant. We identified another patient with ITM homozygous for the same rare variant. No patients with multiple sclerosis, neuromyelitis optica, other neurologic conditions, or any healthy controls in public databases were homozygous for this variant. Conclusions A rare missense variant in VPS37A may predispose to development of ITM. Further studies are necessary to determine the frequency of this variant in the patient population and the mechanism through which it contributes to the risk of disease.
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Pamies D, Block K, Lau P, Gribaldo L, Pardo CA, Barreras P, Smirnova L, Wiersma D, Zhao L, Harris G, Hartung T, Hogberg HT. Rotenone exerts developmental neurotoxicity in a human brain spheroid model. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2018; 354:101-114. [PMID: 29428530 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2018.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2017] [Revised: 01/22/2018] [Accepted: 02/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Growing concern suggests that some chemicals exert (developmental) neurotoxicity (DNT and NT) and are linked to the increase in incidence of autism, attention deficit and hyperactivity disorders. The high cost of routine tests for DNT and NT assessment make it difficult to test the high numbers of existing chemicals. Thus, more cost effective neurodevelopmental models are needed. The use of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) in combination with the emerging human 3D tissue culture platforms, present a novel tool to predict and study human toxicity. By combining these technologies, we generated multicellular brain spheroids (BrainSpheres) from human iPSC. The model has previously shown to be reproducible and recapitulates several neurodevelopmental features. Our results indicate, rotenone's toxic potency varies depending on the differentiation status of the cells, showing higher reactive oxygen species (ROS) and higher mitochondrial dysfunction during early than later differentiation stages. Immuno-fluorescence morphology analysis after rotenone exposure indicated dopaminergic-neuron selective toxicity at non-cytotoxic concentrations (1 μM), while astrocytes and other neuronal cell types were affected at (general) cytotoxic concentrations (25 μM). Omics analysis showed changes in key pathways necessary for brain development, indicating rotenone as a developmental neurotoxicant and show a possible link between previously shown effects on neurite outgrowth and presently observed effects on Ca2+ reabsorption, synaptogenesis and PPAR pathway disruption. In conclusion, our BrainSpheres model has shown to be a reproducible and novel tool to study neurotoxicity and developmental neurotoxicity. Results presented here support the idea that rotenone can potentially be a developmental neurotoxicant.
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Kruse CA, Pardo CA, Hartman AL, Jallo G, Vining EPG, Voros J, Gaillard WD, Liu J, Oluigbo C, Malone S, Bleasel AF, Dexter M, Micati A, Velasco TR, Machado HR, Martino AM, Huang A, Wheatley BM, Grant GA, Granata T, Freri E, Garbelli R, Koh S, Nordli DR, Campos AR, O'Neill B, Handler MH, Chapman KE, Wilfong AA, Curry DJ, Yaun A, Madsen JR, Smyth MD, Mercer D, Bingaman W, Harvey AS, Leventer RJ, Lockhart PJ, Gillies G, Pope K, Giller CA, Park YD, Rojiani AM, Sharma SJ, Jenkins P, Tung S, Huynh MN, Chirwa TW, Cepeda C, Levine MS, Chang JW, Owens GC, Vinters HV, Mathern GW. Rasmussen encephalitis tissue transfer program. Epilepsia 2018; 57:1005-7. [PMID: 27286752 DOI: 10.1111/epi.13383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Barreras P, Gailloud P, Pardo CA. A longitudinally extensive myelopathy associated with multiple spinal arteriovenous fistulas in a patient with Cowden syndrome: a case report. Spine J 2018; 18:e1-e5. [PMID: 26795104 DOI: 10.1016/j.spinee.2016.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2015] [Revised: 12/16/2015] [Accepted: 01/01/2016] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND CONTEXT Cowden syndrome is an autosomal dominant syndrome characterized by multiple hamartomas and an increased cancer risk. It is associated with mutations in the phosphatase and tensin homologue (PTEN) gene that encodes a tumor suppressant phosphatase. PURPOSE The study aimed to report an unusual case of multiple spinal epidural arteriovenous fistulas in a patient diagnosed with Cowden syndrome. STUDY DESIGN This is a case report. PATIENT SAMPLE The patient is a 57-year-old woman. METHODS We report the case of a 57-year-old woman with a history of multiple cancers, with acute exacerbation of lower extremity weakness and numbness that had progressed over a month. RESULTS Magnetic resonance imaging showed abnormal signal in the thoracolumbar spinal cord, with enhancement after contrast administration. A spinal angiogram confirmed the presence of multiple spinal epidural arteriovenous fistulas. Genetic testing confirmed the diagnosis of Cowden syndrome with a mutation in intron 3 of the PTEN gene. CONCLUSIONS Spinal vascular malformations occur in patients with Cowden syndrome, and they can be multifocal and locally aggressive. It is important to raise the suspicion of Cowden syndrome in patients with spinal cord vascular anomalies and a history of multiple cancers, as the correct genetic diagnosis may have implications for management and cancer screening.
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Barreras P, Fitzgerald KC, Mealy MA, Jimenez JA, Becker D, Newsome SD, Levy M, Gailloud P, Pardo CA. Clinical biomarkers differentiate myelitis from vascular and other causes of myelopathy. Neurology 2017; 90:e12-e21. [PMID: 29196574 PMCID: PMC5754646 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000004765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2017] [Accepted: 09/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To assess the predictive value of the initial clinical and paraclinical features in the differentiation of inflammatory myelopathies from other causes of myelopathy in patients with initial diagnosis of transverse myelitis (TM). Methods We analyzed the clinical presentation, spinal cord MRI, and CSF features in a cohort of 457 patients referred to a specialized myelopathy center with the presumptive diagnosis of TM. After evaluation, the myelopathies were classified as inflammatory, ischemic/stroke, arteriovenous malformations/fistulas, spondylotic, or other. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to determine characteristics associated with the final diagnosis and predictors that would improve classification accuracy. Results Out of 457 patients referred as TM, only 247 (54%) were confirmed as inflammatory; the remaining 46% were diagnosed as vascular (20%), spondylotic (8%), or other myelopathy (18%). Our predictive model identified the temporal profile of symptom presentation (hyperacute <6 hours, acute 6–48 hours, subacute 48 hours–21 days, chronic >21 days), initial motor examination, and MRI lesion distribution as characteristics that improve the correct classification rate of myelopathies from 67% to 87% (multinomial area under the curve increased from 0.32 to 0.67), compared to only considering CSF pleocytosis and MRI gadolinium enhancement. Of all predictors, the temporal profile of symptoms contributed the most to the increased discriminatory power. Conclusions The temporal profile of symptoms serves as a clinical biomarker in the differential diagnosis of TM. The establishment of a definite diagnosis in TM requires a critical analysis of the MRI and CSF characteristics to rule out non-inflammatory causes of myelopathy. Classification of evidence This study provides Class IV evidence that for patients presenting with myelopathy, temporal profile of symptoms, initial motor examination, and MRI lesion distribution distinguish those with inflammatory myelopathies from those with other causes of myelopathy.
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Schwartz K, Wymbs NF, Huang H, Mealy MA, Pardo CA, Zackowski K, Levy M. Randomized, Placebo-controlled Crossover Study of Dalfampridine Extended-release in Transverse Myelitis. Mult Scler J Exp Transl Clin 2017; 3:2055217317740145. [PMID: 29270309 PMCID: PMC5731631 DOI: 10.1177/2055217317740145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2017] [Accepted: 09/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Dalfampridine has the potential to be effective in patients with transverse myelitis (TM) as this rare disorder shares some clinical and pathogenic similarities with multiple sclerosis. Methods This is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study of dalfampridine extended-release (D-ER, Ampyra®). Sixteen adult study participants with monophasic TM confirmed by MRI were enrolled if their baseline timed 25-foot walking speed was between 5 and 60 seconds. Participants were randomized to receive 10 mg twice-daily doses of either D-ER or placebo control for eight weeks, then crossed over to the second arm of placebo or dalfampridine for eight weeks. The primary outcome measure was the timed 25-foot walk. Results Of 16 enrolled participants, three withdrew and 13 completed the trial. Among the 13 completers, nine individuals showed an average timed walk that was faster in the D-ER arm compared to the placebo arm, but only four participants met the stricter statistical threshold to be classified as a responder. Analyses of secondary clinical outcome measures including strength, balance assessments, spasticity, and Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score showed trends toward improvement with D-ER. Conclusions D-ER may be beneficial in TM to improve walking speed and other neurological functions.
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Barreras P, Heck D, Greenberg B, Wolinsky JP, Pardo CA, Gailloud P. Analysis of 30 Spinal Angiograms Falsely Reported as Normal in 18 Patients with Subsequently Documented Spinal Vascular Malformations. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2017; 38:1814-1819. [PMID: 28729296 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a5275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2016] [Accepted: 04/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The early diagnosis of spinal vascular malformations suffers from the nonspecificity of their clinical and radiologic presentations. Spinal angiography requires a methodical approach to offer a high diagnostic yield. The prospect of false-negative studies is particularly distressing when addressing conditions with a narrow therapeutic window. The purpose of this study was to identify factors leading to missed findings or inadequate studies in patients with spinal vascular malformations. MATERIALS AND METHODS The clinical records, laboratory findings, and imaging features of 18 patients with spinal arteriovenous fistulas and at least 1 prior angiogram read as normal were reviewed. The clinical status was evaluated before and after treatment by using the Aminoff-Logue Disability Scale. RESULTS Eighteen patients with 19 lesions underwent a total of 30 negative spinal angiograms. The lesions included 9 epidural arteriovenous fistulas, 8 dural arteriovenous fistulas, and 2 perimedullary arteriovenous fistulas. Seventeen patients underwent endovascular (11) or surgical (6) treatment, with a delay ranging between 1 week and 32 months; the Aminoff-Logue score improved in 13 (76.5%). The following factors were identified as the causes of the inadequate results: 1) lesion angiographically documented but not identified (55.6%); 2) region of interest not documented (29.6%); or 3) level investigated but injection technically inadequate (14.8%). CONCLUSIONS All the angiograms falsely reported as normal were caused by correctible, operator-dependent factors. The nonrecognition of documented lesions was the most common cause of error. The potential for false-negative studies should be reduced by the adoption of rigorous technical and training standards and by second opinion reviews.
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Abstract
Autoimmune epilepsies describe clinical syndromes wherein the immune system is suspected to be involved in the pathogenesis of seizures or as a mechanism for neuronal injury following seizures. These diseases typically affect otherwise healthy children and are characterized by explosive onset of focal seizures, encephalopathy, cognitive deterioration, or other focal neurological deficits, or all of these. Traditional neurological diagnostics lack sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of autoimmune epilepsies, and results must be considered in the clinical context. Consideration of an autoimmune etiology early in the clinical course is important to ensure timely initiation of immunotherapy, as appropriate, as conventional antiepileptic drugs alone are typically unable to control seizures and other neurological symptoms. This article discusses the autoimmune epilepsies of autoimmune encephalitis (including anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis), Rasmussen's encephalitis, and febrile infection-related epilepsy syndrome. Further research is needed to better understand pathogenic mechanisms, optimal immunotherapy, and the effect of treatment on prognosis.
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El Mekabaty A, Pardo CA, Gailloud P. The yield of initial conventional MRI in 115 cases of angiographically confirmed spinal vascular malformations. J Neurol 2017; 264:733-739. [DOI: 10.1007/s00415-017-8419-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2017] [Revised: 02/07/2017] [Accepted: 02/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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Barreras P, Mealy MA, Pardo CA. TNF-alpha inhibitor associated myelopathies: A neurological complication in patients with rheumatologic disorders. J Neurol Sci 2017; 373:303-306. [PMID: 28131210 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2017.01.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2016] [Revised: 12/27/2016] [Accepted: 01/06/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibitors (TNFα-I) are biological agents used in the treatment of rheumatologic disorders. TNFα-I have been associated with demyelinating disorders mimicking multiple sclerosis. The goal of this report is to illustrate cases of myelopathy which developed during the use of TNFα-I. METHODS We describe the clinical, neuroimaging and laboratory features of 4 cases of myelopathy associated with TNFα-I. RESULTS The mean period of TNFα-I exposure was 27 [12-36] months. Three of the four patients exhibited active inflammatory myelopathy as the spinal cord MRI lesions enhanced with gadolinium and CSF pleocytosis or oligoclonal bands were present. All patients had normal brain MRIs at the time of presentation. CONCLUSIONS TNFα-I may play a role in the development of myelopathies in absence of brain involvement or other features of demyelinating disease. TNFα-I associated myelopathy should be considered in patients with history of treatment with TNFα-I who exhibit symptoms of myelopathy.
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Pardo CA, Farmer CA, Thurm A, Shebl FM, Ilieva J, Kalra S, Swedo S. Serum and cerebrospinal fluid immune mediators in children with autistic disorder: a longitudinal study. Mol Autism 2017; 8:1. [PMID: 28070266 PMCID: PMC5217649 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-016-0115-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2016] [Accepted: 12/14/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The causes of autism likely involve genetic and environmental factors that influence neurobiological changes and the neurological and behavioral features of the disorder. Immune factors and inflammation are hypothesized pathogenic influences, but have not been examined longitudinally. METHODS In a cohort of 104 participants with autism, we performed an assessment of immune mediators such as cytokines, chemokines, or growth factors in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (n = 67) to determine potential influences of such mediators in autism. RESULTS As compared with 54 typically developing controls, we found no evidence of differences in the blood profile of immune mediators supportive of active systemic inflammation mechanisms in participants with autism. Some modulators of immune function (e.g., EGF and soluble CD40 ligand) were increased in the autism group; however, no evidence of group differences in traditional markers of active inflammation (e.g., IL-6, TNFα, IL-1β) were observed in the serum. Further, within-subject stability (measured by estimated intraclass correlations) of most analytes was low, indicating that a single measurement is not a reliable prospective indicator of concentration for most analytes. Additionally, in participants with autism, there was little correspondence between the blood and CSF profiles of cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors, suggesting that peripheral markers may not optimally reflect the immune status of the central nervous system. Although the relatively high fraction of intrathecal production of selected chemokines involved in monocyte/microglia function may suggest a possible relationship with the homeostatic role of microglia, control data are needed for further interpretation of its relevance in autism. CONCLUSIONS These longitudinal observations fail to provide support for the hypothesized role of disturbances in the expression of circulating cytokines and chemokines as an indicator of systemic inflammation in autism. ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT00298246.
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