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Qian LQ, Zhang XL. Progress in the use of eye movement analysis in neurocognitive disorders. Asian J Surg 2024:S1015-9584(24)01228-4. [PMID: 38937248 DOI: 10.1016/j.asjsur.2024.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Li-Qi Qian
- Zhejiang Chinese Medical University Jiaxing College Cooperative Training Base, Jiaxing, 314000, China
| | - Xiao-Ling Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, 314000, China.
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Lehrieder D, Müller HP, Kassubek J, Hecht N, Thomalla G, Michalski D, Gattringer T, Wartenberg KE, Schultze-Amberger J, Huttner H, Kuramatsu JB, Wunderlich S, Steiner HH, Weissenborn K, Heck S, Günther A, Schneider H, Poli S, Dohmen C, Woitzik J, Jüttler E, Neugebauer H. Large diameter hemicraniectomy does not improve long-term outcome in malignant infarction. J Neurol 2023:10.1007/s00415-023-11766-3. [PMID: 37162579 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-023-11766-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In malignant cerebral infarction decompressive hemicraniectomy has demonstrated beneficial effects, but the optimum size of hemicraniectomy is still a matter of debate. Some surgeons prefer a large-sized hemicraniectomy with a diameter of more than 14 cm (HC > 14). We investigated whether this approach is associated with reduced mortality and an improved long-term functional outcome compared to a standard hemicraniectomy with a diameter of less than 14 cm (HC ≤ 14). METHODS Patients from the DESTINY (DEcompressive Surgery for the Treatment of malignant INfarction of the middle cerebral arterY) registry who received hemicraniectomy were dichotomized according to the hemicraniectomy diameter (HC ≤ 14 cm vs. HC > 14 cm). The primary outcome was modified Rankin scale (mRS) score ≤ 4 after 12 months. Secondary outcomes were in-hospital mortality, mRS ≤ 3 and mortality after 12 months, and the rate of hemicraniectomy-related complications. The diameter of the hemicraniectomy was examined as an independent predictor of functional outcome in multivariable analyses. RESULTS Among 130 patients (32.3% female, mean (SD) age 55 (11) years), the mean hemicraniectomy diameter was 13.6 cm. 42 patients (32.3%) had HC > 14. There were no significant differences in the primary outcome and mortality by size of hemicraniectomy. Rate of complications did not differ (HC ≤ 14 27.6% vs. HC > 14 36.6%, p = 0.302). Age and infarct volume but not hemicraniectomy diameter were associated with outcome in multivariable analyses. CONCLUSION In this post-hoc analysis, large hemicraniectomy was not associated with an improved outcome or lower mortality in unselected patients with malignant middle cerebral artery infarction. Randomized trials should further examine whether individual patients could benefit from a large-sized hemicraniectomy. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION INFORMATION German Clinical Trials Register (URL: https://www.drks.de ; Unique Identifier: DRKS00000624).
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominik Lehrieder
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Straße 11, 97080, Würzburg, Germany.
| | | | - Jan Kassubek
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Nils Hecht
- Department of Neurosurgery and Center for Stroke Research Berlin, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Götz Thomalla
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Dominik Michalski
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | | | - Katja E Wartenberg
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
- Department of Neurology, University of Halle-Wittenberg, Halle/Saale, Germany
| | | | - Hagen Huttner
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Joji B Kuramatsu
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Silke Wunderlich
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | | | | | - Suzette Heck
- Department of Neurology, University of Munich, Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich, Germany
| | - Albrecht Günther
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Hauke Schneider
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Sven Poli
- Department of Neurology and Stroke, Eberhard-Karls University Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
- Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, Eberhard-Karls University, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Christian Dohmen
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Department for Neurology and Neurological Intensive Care, LVR Clinic Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Johannes Woitzik
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Eric Jüttler
- Department of Neurology, Ostalb-Klinikum Aalen, Aalen, Germany
| | - Hermann Neugebauer
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Straße 11, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
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Association of Serum GFAP with Functional and Neurocognitive Outcome in Sporadic Small Vessel Disease. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10081869. [PMID: 36009416 PMCID: PMC9405121 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10081869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum biomarkers are critical for clinical decision making in neurological diseases. In cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD), white matter hyperintensities (WMH) are an important neuroimaging biomarker, but more blood-based biomarkers capturing different aspects of CSVD pathology are needed. In 42 sporadic CSVD patients, we prospectively analysed WMH on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and the biomarkers neurofilament light chain (NfL), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), chitinase3-like protein 1 (CHI3L1), Tau and Aβ1-42 in CSF and NfL and GFAP in serum. GFAP and CHI3L1 expression was studied in post-mortem brain tissue in additional cases. CSVD cases with higher serum NfL and GFAP levels had a higher modified Rankin Scale (mRS) and NIHSS score and lower CSF Aβ1-42 levels, whereas the CSF NfL and CHI3L1 levels were positively correlated with the WMH load. Moreover, the serum GFAP levels significantly correlated with the neurocognitive functions. Pathological analyses in CSVD revealed a high density of GFAP-immunoreactive fibrillary astrocytic processes in the periventricular white matter and clusters of CHI3L1-immunoreactive astrocytes in the basal ganglia and thalamus. Thus, besides NfL, serum GFAP is a highly promising fluid biomarker of sporadic CSVD, because it does not only correlate with the clinical severity but also correlates with the cognitive function in patients.
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Jiménez-Sánchez L, Hamilton OKL, Clancy U, Backhouse EV, Stewart CR, Stringer MS, Doubal FN, Wardlaw JM. Sex Differences in Cerebral Small Vessel Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Neurol 2021; 12:756887. [PMID: 34777227 PMCID: PMC8581736 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.756887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) is a common cause of stroke, mild cognitive impairment, dementia and physical impairments. Differences in SVD incidence or severity between males and females are unknown. We assessed sex differences in SVD by assessing the male-to-female ratio (M:F) of recruited participants and incidence of SVD, risk factor presence, distribution, and severity of SVD features. Methods: We assessed four recent systematic reviews on SVD and performed a supplementary search of MEDLINE to identify studies reporting M:F ratio in covert, stroke, or cognitive SVD presentations (registered protocol: CRD42020193995). We meta-analyzed differences in sex ratios across time, countries, SVD severity and presentations, age and risk factors for SVD. Results: Amongst 123 relevant studies (n = 36,910 participants) including 53 community-based, 67 hospital-based and three mixed studies published between 1989 and 2020, more males were recruited in hospital-based than in community-based studies [M:F = 1.16 (0.70) vs. M:F = 0.79 (0.35), respectively; p < 0.001]. More males had moderate to severe SVD [M:F = 1.08 (0.81) vs. M:F = 0.82 (0.47) in healthy to mild SVD; p < 0.001], and stroke presentations where M:F was 1.67 (0.53). M:F did not differ for recent (2015-2020) vs. pre-2015 publications, by geographical region, or age. There were insufficient sex-stratified data to explore M:F and risk factors for SVD. Conclusions: Our results highlight differences in male-to-female ratios in SVD severity and amongst those presenting with stroke that have important clinical and translational implications. Future SVD research should report participant demographics, risk factors and outcomes separately for males and females. Systematic Review Registration: [PROSPERO], identifier [CRD42020193995].
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Jiménez-Sánchez
- Translational Neuroscience PhD Programme, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Olivia K. L. Hamilton
- Translational Neuroscience PhD Programme, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Edinburgh Dementia Research Centre in the UK Dementia Research Institute, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Una Clancy
- Edinburgh Dementia Research Centre in the UK Dementia Research Institute, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Ellen V. Backhouse
- Edinburgh Dementia Research Centre in the UK Dementia Research Institute, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Catriona R. Stewart
- Edinburgh Dementia Research Centre in the UK Dementia Research Institute, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Michael S. Stringer
- Edinburgh Dementia Research Centre in the UK Dementia Research Institute, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Fergus N. Doubal
- Edinburgh Dementia Research Centre in the UK Dementia Research Institute, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Joanna M. Wardlaw
- Edinburgh Dementia Research Centre in the UK Dementia Research Institute, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Lothian Birth Cohorts, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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Lehrieder D, Layer K, Müller HP, Rücker V, Kassubek J, Juettler E, Neugebauer H. Association of Infarct Volume Before Hemicraniectomy and Outcome After Malignant Infarction. Neurology 2021; 96:e2704-e2713. [PMID: 33875557 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000011987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
ObjectiveTo determine the impact of infarct volume before hemicraniectomy in malignant middle cerebral artery infarction (MMI) as an independent predictor for patient selection and outcome prediction, we retrospectively analyzed data of 140 patients from a prospective multi-center study.MethodsPatients from the DESTINY-Registry that underwent hemicraniectomy after ischemic infarction of >50% of the middle cerebral artery territory were included. Functional outcome according to the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) was assessed at 12 months. Unfavorable outcome was defined as mRS 4-6. Infarct size was quantified semi-automatically from computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging before hemicraniectomy. Subgroup analyses in patients fulfilling inclusion criteria of randomized trials in younger patients (age≤60y) were predefined.ResultsAmong 140 patients with complete datasets (34% female, mean (SD) age 54 (11) years), 105 (75%) had an unfavorable outcome (mRS > 3). Mean (SD) infarct volume was 238 (63) ml. Multivariable logistic regression identified age (OR 1.08 per 1 year increase; 95%-CI 1.02-1.13; p=0.004), infarct size (OR 1.27 per 10ml increase; 95%-CI 1.12-1.44; p<0.001) and NIHSS (OR 1.10; 95%-CI 1.01-1.20; p=0.030) before hemicraniectomy as independent predictors for unfavorable outcome. Findings were reproduced in patients fulfilling inclusion criteria of randomized trials in younger patients. Infarct volume thresholds for prediction of unfavorable outcome with high specificity (94% in overall cohort and 92% in younger patients) were more than 258 ml before hemicraniectomy.ConclusionOutcome in MMI strongly depends on age and infarct size before hemicraniectomy. Standardized volumetry may be helpful in the process of decision making concerning hemicraniectomy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Viktoria Rücker
- Institute of Clinical Epidemiology and Biometry, University of Würzburg, Würzburg
| | - Jan Kassubek
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Ulm, Ulm
| | - Eric Juettler
- Department of Neurology, Ostalb-Klinikum Aalen, Aalen
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6
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Hamilton OKL, Backhouse EV, Janssen E, Jochems ACC, Maher C, Ritakari TE, Stevenson AJ, Xia L, Deary IJ, Wardlaw JM. Cognitive impairment in sporadic cerebral small vessel disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Alzheimers Dement 2021; 17:665-685. [PMID: 33185327 PMCID: PMC8593445 DOI: 10.1002/alz.12221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 02/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
This paper is a proposal for an update on the characterization of cognitive impairments associated with sporadic cerebral small vessel disease (SVD). We pose a series of questions about the nature of SVD-related cognitive impairments and provide answers based on a comprehensive review and meta-analysis of published data from 69 studies. Although SVD is thought primarily to affect executive function and processing speed, we hypothesize that SVD affects all major domains of cognitive ability. We also identify low levels of education as a potentially modifiable risk factor for SVD-related cognitive impairment. Therefore, we propose the use of comprehensive cognitive assessments and the measurement of educational level both in clinics and research settings, and suggest several recommendations for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia KL Hamilton
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Chancellor’s Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, UK, EH16 4SB
- Dementia Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Chancellor’s Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, UK, EH16 4SB
- Lothian Birth Cohorts, University of Edinburgh, 7 George Square, Edinburgh, UK, EH8 9JZ
| | - Ellen V Backhouse
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Chancellor’s Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, UK, EH16 4SB
- Dementia Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Chancellor’s Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, UK, EH16 4SB
| | - Esther Janssen
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Chancellor’s Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, UK, EH16 4SB
- Dementia Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Chancellor’s Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, UK, EH16 4SB
| | - Angela CC Jochems
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Chancellor’s Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, UK, EH16 4SB
- Dementia Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Chancellor’s Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, UK, EH16 4SB
| | - Caragh Maher
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Chancellor’s Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, UK, EH16 4SB
- Dementia Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Chancellor’s Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, UK, EH16 4SB
| | - Tuula E Ritakari
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Chancellor’s Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, UK, EH16 4SB
- Dementia Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Chancellor’s Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, UK, EH16 4SB
| | - Anna J Stevenson
- Dementia Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Chancellor’s Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, UK, EH16 4SB
- Centre for Genomic and Experimental Medicine, MRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital Campus, Crewe Road, Edinburgh, UK, EH4 2XU
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, 15 George Square, Edinburgh, UK, EH8 9XD
| | - Lihua Xia
- Department of Psychology, University of Edinburgh, 7 George Square, Edinburgh, UK, EH8 9JZ
| | - Ian J Deary
- Lothian Birth Cohorts, University of Edinburgh, 7 George Square, Edinburgh, UK, EH8 9JZ
- Department of Psychology, University of Edinburgh, 7 George Square, Edinburgh, UK, EH8 9JZ
| | - Joanna M Wardlaw
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Chancellor’s Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, UK, EH16 4SB
- Dementia Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Chancellor’s Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, UK, EH16 4SB
- Lothian Birth Cohorts, University of Edinburgh, 7 George Square, Edinburgh, UK, EH8 9JZ
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7
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Wunderlich J, Behler A, Dreyhaupt J, Ludolph AC, Pinkhardt EH, Kassubek J. Diagnostic value of video-oculography in progressive supranuclear palsy: a controlled study in 100 patients. J Neurol 2021; 268:3467-3475. [PMID: 33744980 PMCID: PMC8357639 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-021-10522-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Background The eponymous feature of progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is oculomotor impairment which is one of the relevant domains in the Movement Disorder Society diagnostic criteria. Objective We aimed to investigate the value of specific video-oculographic parameters for the use as diagnostic markers in PSP. Methods An analysis of video-oculography recordings of 100 PSP patients and 49 age-matched healthy control subjects was performed. Gain of smooth pursuit eye movement and latency, gain, peak eye velocity, asymmetry of downward and upward velocities of saccades as well as rate of saccadic intrusions were analyzed. Results Vertical saccade velocity and saccadic intrusions allowed for the classification of about 70% and 56% of the patients, respectively. By combining both parameters, almost 80% of the PSP patients were covered, while vertical velocity asymmetry was observed in approximately 34%. All parameters had a specificity of above 95%. The sensitivities were lower with around 50–60% for the velocity and saccadic intrusions and only 27% for vertical asymmetry. Conclusions In accordance with oculomotor features in the current PSP diagnostic criteria, video-oculographic assessment of vertical saccade velocity and saccadic intrusions resulted in very high specificity. Asymmetry of vertical saccade velocities, in the opposite, did not prove to be useful for diagnostic purposes. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00415-021-10522-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Wunderlich
- Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, Oberer Eselsberg 45, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Anna Behler
- Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, Oberer Eselsberg 45, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Jens Dreyhaupt
- Institute of Epidemiology and Medical Biometry, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Albert C Ludolph
- Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, Oberer Eselsberg 45, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Elmar H Pinkhardt
- Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, Oberer Eselsberg 45, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Jan Kassubek
- Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, Oberer Eselsberg 45, 89081, Ulm, Germany.
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Behler A, Knehr A, Finsel J, Kunz MS, Lang C, Müller K, Müller HP, Pinkhardt EH, Ludolph AC, Lulé D, Kassubek J. Eye movement alterations in presymptomatic C9orf72 expansion gene carriers. J Neurol 2021; 268:3390-3399. [PMID: 33709219 PMCID: PMC8357645 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-021-10510-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Objective The clinical manifestation of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is characterized by motor neuron degeneration, whereas frontotemporal dementia (FTD) patients show alterations of behavior and cognition. Both share repeat expansions in C9orf72 as the most prevalent genetic cause. Before disease-defining symptoms onset, structural and functional changes at cortical level may emerge in C9orf72 carriers. Here, we characterized oculomotor parameters and their association to neuropsychological domains in apparently asymptomatic individuals with mutations in ALS/FTD genes. Patients and methods Forty-eight carriers of ALS genes, without any clinical symptoms underwent video-oculographic examination, including 22 subjects with C9orf72 mutation, 17 with SOD1, and 9 with other ALS associated gene mutations (n = 3 KIF5A; n = 3 FUS/FUS + TBK1; n = 1 NEK1; n = 1 SETX; n = 1 TDP43). A total of 17 subjects underwent a follow-up measurement. Data were compared to 54 age- and gender-matched healthy controls. Additionally, mutation carriers performed a neuropsychological assessment. Results In comparison to controls, the presymptomatic subjects performed significantly worse in executive oculomotor tasks such as the ability to perform correct anti-saccades. A gene mutation subgroup analysis showed that dysfunctions in C9orf72 carriers were much more pronounced than in SOD1 carriers. The anti-saccade error rate of ALS mutation carriers was associated with cognitive deficits: this correlation was increased in subjects with C9orf72 mutation, whereas SOD1 carriers showed no associations. Conclusion In C9orf72 carriers, executive eye movement dysfunctions, especially the increased anti-saccade error rate, were associated with cognitive impairment and unrelated to time. These oculomotor impairments are in support of developmental deficits in these mutations, especially in prefrontal areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Behler
- Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, Oberer Eselsberg 45, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Antje Knehr
- Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, Oberer Eselsberg 45, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Julia Finsel
- Neuropsychology, Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Martin S Kunz
- Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, Oberer Eselsberg 45, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Christina Lang
- Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, Oberer Eselsberg 45, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Kathrin Müller
- Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, Oberer Eselsberg 45, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Hans-Peter Müller
- Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, Oberer Eselsberg 45, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Elmar H Pinkhardt
- Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, Oberer Eselsberg 45, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Albert C Ludolph
- Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, Oberer Eselsberg 45, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Dorothée Lulé
- Neuropsychology, Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Jan Kassubek
- Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, Oberer Eselsberg 45, 89081, Ulm, Germany.
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Abdelhak A, Huss A, Brück A, Sebert U, Mayer B, Müller HP, Tumani H, Otto M, Yilmazer-Hanke D, Ludolph AC, Kassubek J, Pinkhardt E, Neugebauer H. Optical coherence tomography-based assessment of retinal vascular pathology in cerebral small vessel disease. Neurol Res Pract 2020; 2:13. [PMID: 33324919 PMCID: PMC7650138 DOI: 10.1186/s42466-020-00062-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) is a disorder of brain vasculature that causes various structural changes in the brain parenchyma, and is associated with various clinical symptoms such as cognitive impairment and gait disorders. Structural changes of brain arterioles cannot be visualized with routine imaging techniques in vivo. However, optical coherence tomography (OCT) is thought to be a “window to the brain”. Thus, retinal vessel parameters may correlate with CSVD characteristic brain lesions and cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers (CSF) of the neuropathological processes in CSVD like endothelial damage, microglial activation and neuroaxonal damage. Methods We applied OCT-based assessment of retinal vessels, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and CSF biomarker analysis in a monocentric prospective cohort of 24 patients with sporadic CSVD related stroke and cognitive impairment. MRI lesions were defined according to the STandards for ReportIng Vascular changes on nEuroimaging (STRIVE). Biomarkers were assessed using commercially available ELISA kits. Owing to the unavailability of an age-matched control-group lacking MRI-characteristics of CSVD, we compared the retinal vessel parameters in CSVD patients (73.8 ± 8.5 years) with a younger group of healthy controls (51.0 ± 16.0 years) by using an age- and sex-adjusted multiple linear regression analysis model. Results Among the parameters measured with OCT, the Wall to Lumen Ratio (WLR) but not Mean Wall Thickness (MWT) of the superior branch of the retinal artery correlated significantly with the volume of white matter hyperintensities on MRI (rs = − 0.5) and with CSF-levels of Chitinase 3 like 1 protein (rs = − 0.6), zona occludens 1 protein (rs = − 0.5) and GFAP (rs = − 0.4). MWT and WLR were higher in CSVD than in controls (28.9 μm vs. 23.9 μm, p = 0.001 and 0.32 vs. 0.25, p = 0.001). Conclusions In this exploratory study, WLR correlated with the volume of white matter hyperintensities, and markers of vascular integrity, microglial activation, and neuroaxonal damage in CSVD. Further prospective studies should clarify whether retinal vessel parameters and CSF biomarkers may serve to monitor the natural course and treatment effects in clinical studies on CSVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Abdelhak
- Department of Neurology & Stroke, University Hospital of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - A Huss
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - A Brück
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - U Sebert
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - B Mayer
- Institute of Epidemiology and Medical Biometry, Ulm, Germany
| | - H P Müller
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - H Tumani
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Ulm, Ulm, Germany.,Specialty Clinic of Neurology Dietenbronn, Schwendi, Germany
| | - M Otto
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - D Yilmazer-Hanke
- Clinical Neuroanatomy Section, Department of Neurology, Ulm, Germany
| | - A C Ludolph
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - J Kassubek
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - E Pinkhardt
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - H Neugebauer
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Ulm, Ulm, Germany.,Department of Neurology, University of Wuerzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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Gorges M, Müller HP, Liepelt-Scarfone I, Storch A, Dodel R, Hilker-Roggendorf R, Berg D, Kunz MS, Kalbe E, Baudrexel S, Kassubek J. Structural brain signature of cognitive decline in Parkinson's disease: DTI-based evidence from the LANDSCAPE study. Ther Adv Neurol Disord 2019; 12:1756286419843447. [PMID: 31205489 PMCID: PMC6535714 DOI: 10.1177/1756286419843447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2018] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The nonmotor symptom spectrum of Parkinson’s disease (PD) includes progressive cognitive decline mainly in late stages of the disease. The aim of this study was to map the patterns of altered structural connectivity of patients with PD with different cognitive profiles ranging from cognitively unimpaired to PD-associated dementia. Methods: Diffusion tensor imaging and neuropsychological data from the observational multicentre LANDSCAPE study were analyzed. A total of 134 patients with PD with normal cognitive function (56 PD-N), mild cognitive impairment (67 PD-MCI), and dementia (11 PD-D) as well as 72 healthy controls were subjected to whole-brain-based fractional anisotropy mapping and covariance analysis with cognitive performance measures. Results: Structural data indicated subtle changes in the corpus callosum and thalamic radiation in PD-N, whereas severe white matter impairment was observed in both PD-MCI and PD-D patients including anterior and inferior fronto-occipital, uncinate, insular cortices, superior longitudinal fasciculi, corona radiata, and the body of the corpus callosum. These regional alterations were demonstrated for PD-MCI and were more pronounced in PD-D. The pattern of involved regions was significantly correlated with the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer’s Disease (CERAD) total score. Conclusions: The findings in PD-N suggest impaired cross-hemispherical white matter connectivity that can apparently be compensated for. More pronounced involvement of the corpus callosum as demonstrated for PD-MCI together with affection of fronto-parieto-temporal structural connectivity seems to lead to gradual disruption of cognition-related cortico-cortical networks and to be associated with the onset of overt cognitive deficits. The increase of regional white matter damage appears to be associated with the development of PD-associated dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Gorges
- Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | | | - Inga Liepelt-Scarfone
- German Center of Neurodegenerative Diseases and Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Alexander Storch
- Department of Neurology, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Richard Dodel
- Department of Neurology, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | | | - Rüdiger Hilker-Roggendorf
- Klinik für Neurologie und Klinische Neurophysiologie, Klinikum Vest, Knappschaftskrankenhaus Recklinghausen, Recklinghausen, Germany
| | - Daniela Berg
- German Center of Neurodegenerative Diseases and Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Martin S Kunz
- Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Elke Kalbe
- Medical Psychology
- Neuropsychology and Gender Studies, Center for Neuropsychological Diagnostics and Intervention (CeNDI), University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Simon Baudrexel
- Department of Neurology, J.W. Goethe University, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Jan Kassubek
- Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, RKU, Oberer Eselsberg 45, Ulm 89081, Germany
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Gorges M, Müller HP, Kassubek J. Structural and Functional Brain Mapping Correlates of Impaired Eye Movement Control in Parkinsonian Syndromes: A Systems-Based Concept. Front Neurol 2018; 9:319. [PMID: 29867729 PMCID: PMC5949537 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2018.00319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The investigation of the human oculomotor system by eye movement recordings provides an approach to behavior and its alterations in disease. The neurodegenerative process underlying parkinsonian syndromes, including Parkinson’s disease (PD), progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), and multisystem atrophy (MSA) changes structural and functional brain organization, and thus affects eye movement control in a characteristic manner. Video-oculography has been established as a non-invasive recording device for eye movements, and systematic investigations of eye movement control in a clinical framework have emerged as a functional diagnostic tool in neurodegenerative parkinsonism. Disease-specific brain atrophy in parkinsonian syndromes has been reported for decades, these findings were refined by studies utilizing diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and task-based/task-free functional MRI—both MRI techniques revealed disease-specific patterns of altered structural and functional brain organization. Here, characteristic disturbances of eye movement control in parkinsonian syndromes and their correlations with the structural and functional brain network alterations are reviewed. On this basis, we discuss the growing field of graph-based network analysis of the structural and functional connectome as a promising candidate for explaining abnormal phenotypes of eye movement control at the network level, both in health and in disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Gorges
- Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | | | - Jan Kassubek
- Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
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12
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Regional microstructural damage and patterns of eye movement impairment: a DTI and video-oculography study in neurodegenerative parkinsonian syndromes. J Neurol 2017; 264:1919-1928. [PMID: 28762086 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-017-8579-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2017] [Revised: 07/14/2017] [Accepted: 07/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Characteristic alterations of eye movement control are a common feature of neurodegenerative parkinsonism, including Parkinson's disease (PD), progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), and multiple system atrophy (MSA). Regional microstructural alterations as assessed by diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) have been reported in PD, PSP, and MSA. Therefore, we investigated the specific association between eye movement disturbances and microstructural impairment in these diseases. Video-oculographic recordings of smooth pursuit and visually guided reactive saccades as well as fractional anisotropy (FA) maps computed from whole-brain DTI data were analyzed for 36 PD, 30 PSP, 18 MSA patients, and 23 matched healthy control subjects. In PSP, peak eye velocity was pathologically slowed compared to controls (p < 0.001) and correlated significantly with microstructural impairment in the midbrain (p < 0.001, corrected). Smooth pursuit eye movements were substantially disturbed in MSA mainly by characteristic 'catch-up' saccades resulting in significantly reduced pursuit gain (p < 0.001, corrected), and the shape of saccadized pursuit in MSA was significantly correlated with FA reductions in the middle cerebral peduncle (p < 0.001, FDR corrected). The prevalence of saccadic intrusions as a measure for inhibitory control was significantly increased in PD compared with controls (p < 0.001), but was uncorrelated with FA in cortical and subcortical white matter. Eye movement disturbances in PSP and MSA-but not in PD-are associated with diagnosis-specific regional microstructural alterations in the white matter. The non-invasive quantified oculomotor function analysis can give clues to the underlying structural connectivity network pathology and underpins its role as a technical marker in PSP and MSA.
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13
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Cerchiai N, Mancuso M, Navari E, Giannini N, Casani AP. Aging with Cerebral Small Vessel Disease and Dizziness: The Importance of Undiagnosed Peripheral Vestibular Disorders. Front Neurol 2017. [PMID: 28626444 PMCID: PMC5454069 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2017.00241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies showed a link between cerebral small vessel white matter disease (SVD) and dizziness: patients whose dizziness cannot be explained by vestibular disease show severe SVD and gait abnormalities; however, little is still known about how SVD can cause this symptom. The primary aim of this study is to examine the possible underlying causes of dizziness in neurovascular patients; this is in order to assess whether treatable causes could be routinely disregarded. A secondary aim is to possibly define a central oculomotor pattern induced per se by SVD. This could help the diagnosis of SVD-related dizziness. In this single-blind prospective study, 60 patients referred to a neurovascular clinic because of dizziness and SVD on imaging were divided into an L-SVD and a H-SVD group (low and high SVD burden, respectively), and then blindly examined with vestibulometric tests. In H-SVD group, the percentage of unexplained dizziness reached 82.8%. There was a higher prevalence of peripheral vestibular abnormalities in the L-SVD patient group (51.6%) than in the H-SVD (17.2%; p = 0.012). We found no differences in central oculomotor findings between the two groups. Although oculomotricity does not show any consistent pattern, a severe SVD can directly represent a cause of dizziness. However, a patient with mild SVD is more likely to suffer by a peripheral vestibular disorder. Therefore, given the high incidence of vestibular disease in neurovascular or geriatric clinics, clinicians should be cautious when ascribing dizziness solely to the presence of SVD as easily treatable peripheral vestibular causes may be missed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niccolò Cerchiai
- Department of Medical and Surgical Pathology, Otorhinolaryngology Section, Pisa University, Pisa, Italy
| | - Michelangelo Mancuso
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Neurological Institute, Pisa University, Pisa, Italy
| | - Elena Navari
- Department of Medical and Surgical Pathology, Otorhinolaryngology Section, Pisa University, Pisa, Italy
| | - Nicola Giannini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Neurological Institute, Pisa University, Pisa, Italy
| | - Augusto Pietro Casani
- Department of Medical and Surgical Pathology, Otorhinolaryngology Section, Pisa University, Pisa, Italy
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14
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Vintonyak O, Gorges M, Müller HP, Pinkhardt EH, Ludolph AC, Huppertz HJ, Kassubek J. Patterns of Eye Movement Impairment Correlate with Regional Brain Atrophy in Neurodegenerative Parkinsonism. NEURODEGENER DIS 2017; 17:117-126. [PMID: 28268209 DOI: 10.1159/000454880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2016] [Accepted: 12/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND One common feature of neurodegenerative parkinsonism including Parkinson's disease (PD), multisystem atrophy (MSA), and progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is altered eye movement control. Characteristic regional structural atrophy patterns in MRI can be observed in PD, MSA, and PSP. OBJECTIVE To investigate the association between eye movement disturbances and regional brain atrophy in patients with PD, MSA, and PSP. METHODS High-resolution 3-dimensional T1-weighted MRI images and video-oculographic recordings (EyeLink®) were obtained from 39 PD, 32 PSP, and 18 MSA patients and 24 matched healthy control subjects. Automatic regional volumetric assessment was performed using atlas-based volumetry (ABV). RESULTS The prevalence of saccadic intrusions as a measure of inhibitory control was significantly increased in PD patients compared to controls (p < 0.001) and negatively correlated with whole brain volume, cerebral brain volume, and occipital lobe volume (p = 0.0057, p = 0.0049, and p = 0.0059, respectively; all p values are false discovery rate corrected). In MSA, smooth pursuit was disturbed by characteristic "catch-up" saccades (p < 0.001) and it was significantly correlated with cerebellar volume (p = 0.004) and pontine volume (p < 0.001). The hallmark of PSP was pathologically slowed vertical peak eye velocities (p < 0.001); the lower the peak eye velocity, the more marked midbrain atrophy (p = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS Foci of regional atrophy correlated with disease-specific eye movement alterations in all investigated parkinsonian syndromes. Oculomotor impairment in PD, predominantly the result of executive dysfunction, was linked to cerebral atrophy. Impairment in the corresponding oculomotor pathways was associated with atrophy of pontocerebellar oculomotor structures in MSA and midbrain atrophy in PSP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Vintonyak
- Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
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15
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Gorges M, Müller HP, Lulé D, Pinkhardt EH, Ludolph AC, Kassubek J. The association between alterations of eye movement control and cerebral intrinsic functional connectivity in Parkinson's disease. Brain Imaging Behav 2016; 10:79-91. [PMID: 25749936 DOI: 10.1007/s11682-015-9367-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) present with eye movement disturbances that accompany the cardinal motor symptoms. Previous studies have consistently found evidence that large-scale functional networks are critically involved in eye movement control. We challenged the hypothesis that altered eye movement control in patients with PD is closely related to alterations of whole-brain functional connectivity in association with the neurodegenerative process. Saccadic and pursuit eye movements by video-oculography and 'resting-state' functional MRI (3 Tesla) were recorded from 53 subjects, i.e. 31 patients with PD and 22 matched healthy controls. Video-oculographically, a broad spectrum of eye movement impairments was demonstrated in PD patients vs. controls, including interrupted smooth pursuit, hypometric saccades, and a high distractibility in anti-saccades. Significant correlations between altered oculomotor parameters and functional connectivity measures were observed, i.e. the worse the oculomotor performance was, the more the regional functional connectivity in cortical, limbic, thalamic, cerebellar, and brainstem areas was decreased. Remarkably, decreased connectivity between major nodes of the default mode network was tightly correlated with the prevalence of saccadic intrusions as a measure for distractability. In conclusion, dysfunctional eye movement control in PD seems to be primarily associated with (cortical) executive deficits, rather than being related to the ponto-cerebellar circuits or the oculomotor brainstem nuclei. Worsened eye movement performance together with the potential pathophysiological substrate of decreased intrinsic functional connectivity in predominantly oculomotor-associated cerebral functional networks may constitute a behavioral marker in PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Gorges
- Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, Oberer Eselsberg 45, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Hans-Peter Müller
- Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, Oberer Eselsberg 45, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Dorothée Lulé
- Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, Oberer Eselsberg 45, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | | | - Elmar H Pinkhardt
- Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, Oberer Eselsberg 45, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Albert C Ludolph
- Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, Oberer Eselsberg 45, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Jan Kassubek
- Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, Oberer Eselsberg 45, 89081, Ulm, Germany.
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Eye Movement Deficits Are Consistent with a Staging Model of pTDP-43 Pathology in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0142546. [PMID: 26559944 PMCID: PMC4641606 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0142546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2015] [Accepted: 10/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The neuropathological process underlying amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) can be traced as a four-stage progression scheme of sequential corticofugal axonal spread. The examination of eye movement control gains deep insights into brain network pathology and provides the opportunity to detect both disturbance of the brainstem oculomotor circuitry as well as executive deficits of oculomotor function associated with higher brain networks. Objective To study systematically oculomotor characteristics in ALS and its underlying network pathology in order to determine whether eye movement deterioration can be categorized within a staging system of oculomotor decline that corresponds to the neuropathological model. Methods Sixty-eight ALS patients and 31 controls underwent video-oculographic, clinical and neuropsychological assessments. Results Oculomotor examinations revealed increased anti- and delayed saccades’ errors, gaze-palsy and a cerebellary type of smooth pursuit disturbance. The oculomotor disturbances occurred in a sequential manner: Stage 1, only executive control of eye movements was affected. Stage 2 indicates disturbed executive control plus ‘genuine’ oculomotor dysfunctions such as gaze-paly. We found high correlations (p<0.001) between the oculomotor stages and both, the clinical presentation as assessed by the ALS Functional Rating Scale (ALSFRS) score, and cognitive scores from the Edinburgh Cognitive and Behavioral ALS Screen (ECAS). Conclusions Dysfunction of eye movement control in ALS can be characterized by a two-staged sequential pattern comprising executive deficits in Stage 1 and additional impaired infratentorial oculomotor control pathways in Stage 2. This pattern parallels the neuropathological staging of ALS and may serve as a technical marker of the neuropathological spreading.
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Kwon G, Lim S, Kim MY, Kwon H, Lee YH, Kim K, Lee EJ, Suh M. Individual differences in oscillatory brain activity in response to varying attentional demands during a word recall and oculomotor dual task. Front Hum Neurosci 2015; 9:381. [PMID: 26175681 PMCID: PMC4484223 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2015.00381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2015] [Accepted: 06/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Every day, we face situations that involve multi-tasking. How our brain utilizes cortical resources during multi-tasking is one of many interesting research topics. In this study, we tested whether a dual-task can be differentiated in the neural and behavioral responses of healthy subjects with varying degree of working memory capacity (WMC). We combined word recall and oculomotor tasks because they incorporate common neural networks including the fronto-parietal (FP) network. Three different types of oculomotor tasks (eye fixation, Fix-EM; predictive and random smooth pursuit eye movement, P-SPEM and R-SPEM) were combined with two memory load levels (low-load: five words, high-load: 10 words) for a word recall task. Each of those dual-task combinations was supposed to create varying cognitive loads on the FP network. We hypothesize that each dual-task requires different cognitive strategies for allocating the brain's limited cortical resources and affects brain oscillation of the FP network. In addition, we hypothesized that groups with different WMC will show differential neural and behavioral responses. We measured oscillatory brain activity with simultaneous MEG and EEG recordings and behavioral performance by word recall. Prominent frontal midline (FM) theta (4-6 Hz) synchronization emerged in the EEG of the high-WMC group experiencing R-SPEM with high-load conditions during the early phase of the word maintenance period. Conversely, significant parietal upper alpha (10-12 Hz) desynchronization was observed in the EEG and MEG of the low-WMC group experiencing P-SPEM under high-load conditions during the same period. Different brain oscillatory patterns seem to depend on each individual's WMC and varying attentional demands from different dual-task combinations. These findings suggest that specific brain oscillations may reflect different strategies for allocating cortical resources during combined word recall and oculomotor dual-tasks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gusang Kwon
- Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research (CNIR), Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Sungkyunkwan University Suwon, South Korea ; Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Samsung Advanced Institute for Health Science and Technology (SAIHST), Sungkyunkwan University Seoul, South Korea
| | - Sanghyun Lim
- Center for Biosignals, Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science Daejeon, South Korea ; Department of Medical Physics, University of Science and Technology Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Min-Young Kim
- Center for Biosignals, Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Hyukchan Kwon
- Center for Biosignals, Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Yong-Ho Lee
- Center for Biosignals, Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Kiwoong Kim
- Center for Biosignals, Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science Daejeon, South Korea ; Department of Medical Physics, University of Science and Technology Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Eun-Ju Lee
- School of Business, Sungkyunkwan University Seoul, South Korea
| | - Minah Suh
- Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research (CNIR), Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Sungkyunkwan University Suwon, South Korea ; Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Samsung Advanced Institute for Health Science and Technology (SAIHST), Sungkyunkwan University Seoul, South Korea ; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University Suwon, South Korea ; Department of Biological Science, Sungkyunkwan University Suwon, South Korea
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Eye-tracking controlled cognitive function tests in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a controlled proof-of-principle study. J Neurol 2015; 262:1918-26. [PMID: 26041615 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-015-7795-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2015] [Revised: 05/19/2015] [Accepted: 05/21/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) primarily affects motor and speech abilities. In addition, cognitive functions are impaired in a subset of patients. There is a need to establish an eye movement-based method of neuropsychological assessment suitable for severely physically impaired patients with ALS. Forty-eight ALS patients and thirty-two healthy controls matched for age, sex and education performed a hand and speech motor-free version of the Raven's coloured progressive matrices (CPM) and the D2-test which had been especially adapted for eye-tracking control. Data were compared to a classical motor-dependent paper-pencil version. The association of parameters of the eye-tracking and the paper-pencil version of the tests and the differences between and within groups were studied. Subjects presented similar results in the eye-tracking and the corresponding paper-pencil versions of the CPM and D2-test: a correlation between performance accuracy for the CPM was observed for ALS patients (p < 0.001) and controls (p < 0.001) and in the D2-test for controls (p = 0.048), whereas this correlation did not reach statistical significance for ALS patients (p = 0.096). ALS patients performed worse in the CPM than controls in the eye-tracking (p = 0.053) and the paper-pencil version (p = 0.042). Most importantly, eye-tracking versions of the CPM (p < 0.001) and the D2-test (p = 0.024) reliably distinguished between more and less cognitively impaired patients. Eye-tracking-based neuropsychological testing is a promising approach for assessing cognitive deficits in patients who are unable to speak or write such as patients with severe ALS.
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Alterations of eye movement control in neurodegenerative movement disorders. J Ophthalmol 2014; 2014:658243. [PMID: 24955249 PMCID: PMC4052189 DOI: 10.1155/2014/658243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2013] [Revised: 03/27/2014] [Accepted: 04/14/2014] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The evolution of the fovea centralis, the most central part of the retina and the area of the highest visual accuracy, requires humans to shift their gaze rapidly (saccades) to bring some object of interest within the visual field onto the fovea. In addition, humans are equipped with the ability to rotate the eye ball continuously in a highly predicting manner (smooth pursuit) to hold a moving target steadily upon the retina. The functional deficits in neurodegenerative movement disorders (e.g., Parkinsonian syndromes) involve the basal ganglia that are critical in all aspects of movement control. Moreover, neocortical structures, the cerebellum, and the midbrain may become affected by the pathological process. A broad spectrum of eye movement alterations may result, comprising smooth pursuit disturbance (e.g., interrupting saccades), saccadic dysfunction (e.g., hypometric saccades), and abnormal attempted fixation (e.g., pathological nystagmus and square wave jerks). On clinical grounds, videooculography is a sensitive noninvasive in vivo technique to classify oculomotion function alterations. Eye movements are a valuable window into the integrity of central nervous system structures and their changes in defined neurodegenerative conditions, that is, the oculomotor nuclei in the brainstem together with their directly activating supranuclear centers and the basal ganglia as well as cortical areas of higher cognitive control of attention.
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