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Gupta N, Endrakanti M, Bhat M, Rao N, Kaur R, Kabra M. Clinical and Molecular Spectrum of Patients with Methylmalonic Acidemia. Indian J Pediatr 2024; 91:675-681. [PMID: 37420116 DOI: 10.1007/s12098-023-04651-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To study the clinical and molecular spectrum of Methylmalonic acidemia (MMA). METHODS In this retrospective study, the records of 30 MMA patients were evaluated for their phenotype, biochemical abnormalities, genotype, and outcomes. RESULTS Thirty patients with MMA (age range 0-21 y) from 27 unrelated families were enrolled. Family history and consanguinity were noted in 10/27 (37%) and 11/27 (41%) families respectively. Acute metabolic decompensation was more common (57%) than chronic presentation. Biochemical work-up was suggestive of isolated MMA (n = 18) and MMA with homocystinuria (n = 9) respectively. Molecular testing in 24 families showed 21 pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants with MMA cblC as the commonest molecular subtype (n = 8). B12 responsiveness, an important determinant of long-term outcome, was observed in eight patients [MMAA (n = 3) and MMACHC (n = 5)]. Mortality was 30% (n = 9/30) with a high proportion of early-onset severe disease and fatal outcome in isolated MMA mut0 (4/4) and MMA cblB (3/3), as compared to MMA cblA (1/5) and MMA cblC (1/10). CONCLUSIONS This study cohort had MMA cblC subtype as the most common type of MMA followed by the MMA mutase defect. Outcomes in MMA are influenced by the type of molecular defect, age, and severity of presentation. Early detection and management is likely to result in better outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neerja Gupta
- Division of Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Room 840, 8th floor, Mother and Child Block, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi, 110029, India.
| | - Mounika Endrakanti
- Division of Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Room 840, 8th floor, Mother and Child Block, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi, 110029, India
| | - Meenakshi Bhat
- Centre for Human Genetics, Bangalore, Karnataka, 560100, India
| | - Nivedita Rao
- Centre for Human Genetics, Bangalore, Karnataka, 560100, India
| | - Ravneet Kaur
- Division of Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Room 840, 8th floor, Mother and Child Block, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi, 110029, India
| | - Madhulika Kabra
- Division of Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Room 840, 8th floor, Mother and Child Block, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi, 110029, India
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Yuan Y, Ma Y, Wu Q, Huo L, Liu CF, Liu X. Clinical and electroencephalogram characteristics of methylmalonic acidemia with MMACHC and MUT gene mutations. BMC Pediatr 2024; 24:119. [PMID: 38355526 PMCID: PMC10865547 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-024-04559-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study investigated the clinical, imaging, and electroencephalogram (EEG) characteristics of methylmalonic acidemia (MMA) with nervous system damage as the primary manifestation. METHODS From January 2017 to November 2022, patients with nervous system injury as the main clinical manifestation, diagnosed with methylmalonic acidemia by metabolic and genetic testing, were enrolled and analyzed. Their clinical, imaging, and electroencephalogram data were analyzed. RESULTS A total of 18 patients were enrolled, including 15 males and 3 females. The clinical symptoms were convulsions, poor feeding, growth retardation, disorder of consciousness, developmental delay, hypotonia, and blood system changes. There were 6 cases (33%) of hydrocephalus, 9 (50%) of extracerebral space widened, 5 (27%) of corpus callosum thinning, 3 (17%) of ventricular dilation, 3 (17%) of abnormal signals in the brain parenchyma (frontal lobe, basal ganglia region, and brain stem), and 3 (17%) of abnormal signals in the lateral paraventricular. In addition, there were 3 cases (17%) of cerebral white matter atrophy and 1 (5%) of cytotoxic edema in the basal ganglia and cerebral peduncle. EEG data displayed 2 cases (11%) of hypsarrhythmia, 3 (17%) of voltage reduction, 12(67%) of abnormal discharge, 13 (72%) of abnormal sleep physiological waves or abnormal sleep structure, 1 (5%) of immature (delayed) EEG development, and 8 (44%) of slow background. There were 2 cases (11%) of spasms, 1 (5%) of atonic seizures, and 1 (5%) of myoclonic seizures. There were 16 patients (89%) with hyperhomocysteinemia. During follow-up, 1 patient was lost to follow-up, and 1 died. In total, 87.5% (14/16) of the children had varying developmental delays. EEG was re-examined in 11 cases, of which 8 were normal, and 3 were abnormal. Treatments included intramuscular injections of vitamin B12, L-carnitine, betaine, folic acid, and oral antiepileptic therapy. Acute treatment included anti-infective, blood transfusion, fluid replacement, and correcting acidosis. The other treatments included low-protein diets and special formula milk powder. CONCLUSION Methylmalonic acidemia can affect the central nervous system, leading to structural changes or abnormal signals on brain MRI. Metabolic screening and genetic testing help clarify the diagnosis. EEG can reflect changes in brain waves during the acute phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujun Yuan
- Department of Pediatrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Ying Ma
- Department of Neurology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Qiong Wu
- Department of Neurology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Liang Huo
- Department of Pediatrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Chun-Feng Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
| | - Xueyan Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
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Chen T, Sui C, Lin S, Guo B, Wang Y, Yang L. Follow-up study of neuropsychological scores of infant patients with cobalamin C defects and influencing factors of cerebral magnetic resonance imaging characteristics. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:1093850. [PMID: 36590295 PMCID: PMC9795007 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.1093850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate whether baseline cerebral magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics could predict therapeutic responsiveness in patients with cobalamin C (cblC) defects. Materials and methods The cerebral MRI results of 40 patients with cblC defects were evaluated by a neuroradiologist. Neuropsychological scores and imaging data were collected. Neuropsychological tests were performed before and after standardized treatment. Results Thirty-eight patients initially underwent neuropsychological testing [developmental quotient (DQ)]. CblC defects with cerebellar atrophy, corpus callosum thinning and ventricular dilation had significantly lower DQs than those without (P < 0.05). Through a multivariate linear stepwise regression equation after univariate analysis, ventricular dilation was the most valuable predictor of lower DQs. Thirty-six patients (94.7%) underwent follow-up neuropsychological testing. The pre- and post-treatment DQ values were not significantly different (Z = -1.611, P = 0.107). The post-treatment DQ classification (normal, moderately low, or extremely low) showed nearly no change compared to the pretreatment DQ classification (k = 0.790, P < 0.001). Conclusion Ventricular dilation, cerebral atrophy and corpus callosum thinning are the main MRI abnormalities of cblC defects, and these manifestations are significantly correlated with delayed development in children. MRI findings can be considered an important tool for determining the severity of cblC defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Jinan Maternity and Child Care Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Chaofan Sui
- Department of Radiology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Suna Lin
- Department of Scientific Research and Foreign Affairs, Jinan Maternity and Child Care Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Bin Guo
- Department of Radiology, Jinan Maternity and Child Care Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yuanyuan Wang
- Department of Radiology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Linfeng Yang
- Department of Radiology, Jinan Maternity and Child Care Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China,*Correspondence: Linfeng Yang,
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Sun S, Jin H, Rong Y, Song W, Li Q. Methylmalonic acid levels in serum, exosomes, and urine and its association with cblC type methylmalonic acidemia-induced cognitive impairment. Front Neurol 2022; 13:1090958. [PMID: 36582607 PMCID: PMC9792485 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.1090958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The cblC type methylmalonic acidemia is the most common methylmalonic acidemia (MMA) in China. The biochemical characteristics of this disease include elevated methylmalonic acid and homocysteine (HCY), increased propionylcarnitine (C3), decreased free carnitine (C0). In this study, we aimed to clarify the roles of these biomarkers in cblC-MMA induced cognitive impairment and evaluate the capacity of methylmalonic acid in different fluids or exosomes to distinguish cblC-MMA induced cognitive impairment. Methods 15 non-inherited hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) patients, 42 cblC-MMA patients and 57 age- and sex-matched healthy children were recruited in this study. The levels of HCY were detected by an automatic immune analyzer. The levels of acylcarnitines and methylmalonic acid were detected by tandem mass spectrometer. Results The main findings were all biomarkers as HCY, acylcarnitines and methylmalonic acid had capacities for distinguishing patients with cblC-MMA induced cognitive impairment from healthy children. The methylmalonic acid in different fluids or exosomes had good performances for distinguishing patients with cblC-MMA induced cognitive impairment from HHcy patients. The methylmalonic acid in serum exosomes and neuronal-derived exosomes were able to distinguishing cblC-MMA patients with cognitive impairment from patients without cognitive impairment. The methylmalonic acid in neuronal-derived exosomes might be helpful to evaluate the severity of cblC-MMA induced cognitive impairment. Discussion Methylmalonic acid levels in serum exosomes, especially in serum neuronal-derived exosomes, serve as potential biomarkers for distinguishing cblC-MMA induced cognitive impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuqi Sun
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China
| | - Hong Jin
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Rong
- Department of Rehabilitation, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China
| | - Wenqi Song
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China
| | - Qiliang Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China,*Correspondence: Qiliang Li
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Unsal Y, Yurdakok M, Yigit S, Celik HT, Dursun A, Sivri HS, Tokatli A, Coskun T. Organic acidemias in the neonatal period: 30 years of experience in a referral center for inborn errors of metabolism. J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab 2022; 35:1345-1356. [PMID: 36203204 DOI: 10.1515/jpem-2021-0780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Neonatal-onset organic acidemias (OAs) account for 80% of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admissions due to inborn errors of metabolism. The aim of this study is to analyze clinical features and follow-up of neonates diagnosed with OAs in a metabolic referral center, focusing on perinatal characteristics and the impact of first the metabolic crisis on long-term outcome. METHODS Perinatal features, clinical and laboratory characteristics on admission and follow-up of 108 neonates diagnosed with OAs were retrospectively analyzed. Global developmental delay, abnormal electroencephalogram (EEG) or brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), chronic complications, and overall mortality. Associations between clinical findings on admission and outcome measures were evaluated. RESULTS Most prevalent OA was maple syrup urine disease (MSUD) (34.3%). Neonates with methylmalonic acidemia (MMA) had significantly lower birth weight (p<0.001). Metabolic acidosis with increased anion gap was more frequent in MMA and propionic acidemia (PA) (p=0.003). 89.1% of OAs were admitted for recurrent metabolic crisis. 46% had chronic non-neurologic complications; 19.3% of MMA had chronic kidney disease. Abnormal findings were present in 26/34 of EEG, 19/29 of MRI studies, and 32/33 of developmental screening tests. Metabolic acidosis on admission was associated with increased incidence of abnormal EEG (p=0.005) and overall mortality (p<0.001). Severe hyperammonemia in MMA was associated with overall mortality (33.3%) (p=0.047). Patients diagnosed between 2007-2017 had lower overall mortality compared to earlier years (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS Metabolic acidosis and hyperammonemia are emerging predictors of poor outcome and mortality. Based on a large number of infants from a single center, survival in neonatal-onset OA has increased over the course of 30 years, but long-term complications and neurodevelopmental results remain similar. While prompt onset of more effective treatment may improve survival, newer treatment modalities are urgently needed for prevention and treatment of chronic complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yagmur Unsal
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Murat Yurdakok
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Sule Yigit
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Hasan Tolga Celik
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ali Dursun
- Division of Pediatric Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Hatice Serap Sivri
- Division of Pediatric Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Aysegul Tokatli
- Division of Pediatric Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Turgay Coskun
- Division of Pediatric Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
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Waisbren SE. Review of neuropsychological outcomes in isolated methylmalonic acidemia: recommendations for assessing impact of treatments. Metab Brain Dis 2022; 37:1317-1335. [PMID: 35348993 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-022-00954-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Methylmalonic acidemia (MMA) due to methylmalonyl-CoA mutase deficiency (OMIM #251,000) is an autosomal recessive disorder of organic acid metabolism associated with life-threatening acute metabolic decompensations and significant neuropsychological deficits. "Isolated" MMA refers to the presence of excess methylmalonic acid without homocysteine elevation. Belonging to this class of disorders are those that involve complete deficiency (mut0) and partial deficiency (mut-) of the methylmalonyl-CoA mutase enzyme and other disorders causing excess methylmalonic acid excretion. These other disorders include enzymatic subtypes related to cobalamin A defect (cblA) (OMIM #25,110), cobalamin B defect (cblB) (OMIM #251,110) and related conditions. Neuropsychological attributes associated with isolated MMA have become more relevant as survival rates increased following improved diagnostic and treatment strategies. Children with this disorder still are at risk for developmental delay, cognitive difficulties and progressive declines in functioning. Mean IQ for all types apart from cblA defect enzymatic subtype is rarely above 85 and much lower for mut0 enzymatic subtype. Identifying psychological domains responsive to improvements in biochemical status is important. This review suggests that processing speed, working memory, language, attention, and quality of life may be sensitive to fluctuations in metabolite levels while IQ and motor skills may be less amenable to change. Due to slower developmental trajectories, Growth Scale Values, Projected Retained Ability Scores and other indices of change need to be incorporated into clinical trial study protocols. Neuropsychologists are uniquely qualified to provide a differentiated picture of cognitive, behavioral and emotional consequences of MMA and analyze benefits or shortcomings of novel treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan E Waisbren
- Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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Luciani A, Denley MCS, Govers LP, Sorrentino V, Froese DS. Mitochondrial disease, mitophagy, and cellular distress in methylmalonic acidemia. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:6851-6867. [PMID: 34524466 PMCID: PMC8558192 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-03934-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Mitochondria—the intracellular powerhouse in which nutrients are converted into energy in the form of ATP or heat—are highly dynamic, double-membraned organelles that harness a plethora of cellular functions that sustain energy metabolism and homeostasis. Exciting new discoveries now indicate that the maintenance of this ever changing and functionally pleiotropic organelle is particularly relevant in terminally differentiated cells that are highly dependent on aerobic metabolism. Given the central role in maintaining metabolic and physiological homeostasis, dysregulation of the mitochondrial network might therefore confer a potentially devastating vulnerability to high-energy requiring cell types, contributing to a broad variety of hereditary and acquired diseases. In this Review, we highlight the biological functions of mitochondria-localized enzymes from the perspective of understanding—and potentially reversing—the pathophysiology of inherited disorders affecting the homeostasis of the mitochondrial network and cellular metabolism. Using methylmalonic acidemia as a paradigm of complex mitochondrial dysfunction, we discuss how mitochondrial directed-signaling circuitries govern the homeostasis and physiology of specialized cell types and how these may be disturbed in disease. This Review also provides a critical analysis of affected tissues, potential molecular mechanisms, and novel cellular and animal models of methylmalonic acidemia which are being used to develop new therapeutic options for this disease. These insights might ultimately lead to new therapeutics, not only for methylmalonic acidemia, but also for other currently intractable mitochondrial diseases, potentially transforming our ability to regulate homeostasis and health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Luciani
- Mechanisms of Inherited Kidney Diseases Group, Institute of Physiology, University of Zurich, 8032, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Matthew C S Denley
- Division of Metabolism and Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, 8032, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Larissa P Govers
- Mechanisms of Inherited Kidney Diseases Group, Institute of Physiology, University of Zurich, 8032, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Vincenzo Sorrentino
- Department of Musculo-Skeletal Health, Nestlé Institute of Health Sciences, Nestlé Research, 1015, Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - D Sean Froese
- Division of Metabolism and Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, 8032, Zurich, Switzerland.
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Liu J, Liu Z, Yan H, Li Y. Dandy-Walker malformation in methylmalonic acidemia: a rare case report. BMC Pediatr 2021; 21:398. [PMID: 34511063 PMCID: PMC8436548 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-021-02874-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Methylmalonic acidemia is an organic acid metabolism disorder that usually has nonspecific clinical manifestations. Case presentation A 3-month-old female infant was admitted to the hospital for developmental retardation. Her prenatal and birth history was unremarkable. After admission, she developed dyspnea and severe anemia and was subsequently transferred to the intensive care unit. Magnetic resonance imaging of her brain showed a Dandy-Walker malformation, and metabolic screening indicated methylmalonic acidemia. Thus, she was diagnosed with methylmalonic acidemia and Dandy-Walker malformation. The patient underwent treatment including acidosis correction, blood transfusion, antibiotics, mechanical ventilation and heat preservation. Unfortunately, her condition progressively worsened and she died of metabolic crisis. Conclusions Dandy-Walker malformation may be a clinical manifestation of methylmalonic acidemia. Additionally, the co-existence of methylmalonic acidemia and Dandy-Walker malformation may be an uncharacterized syndrome which needs to be studied further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingwei Liu
- Department of Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Xin Min Street, 130021, Changchun, China
| | - Zhuohang Liu
- Department of Radiology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Haibo Yan
- Department of Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Xin Min Street, 130021, Changchun, China
| | - Yumei Li
- Department of Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Xin Min Street, 130021, Changchun, China.
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Oyama J, Yokoyama K, Fujioka T, Nariai T, Karakama J, Maehara T, Tateishi U. Incidental T2 hyperintensities in the medial part of the bilateral globus pallidus are possibly an age-related physiological finding. Neuroradiol J 2021; 34:575-584. [PMID: 33949230 DOI: 10.1177/19714009211014129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Bilateral T2 hyperintensities in the medial part of the globus pallidus (GP) are sometimes incidentally observed in patients without a known history of diseases that present with such lesions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the frequency of this finding and the association between this finding and age, lifestyle diseases and GP calcification. METHODS We retrospectively investigated the brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of 742 patients, which included between 104 and 108 consecutive patients from each decade of life between the 20s and 80s. The signal intensity ratio of the medial part to the lateral part of the GP in T2-weighted images (T2 medial/lateral ratio) was evaluated. For cases in which brain computed tomography images were available (N=437), GP calcifications were also evaluated. The associations between the T2 medial/lateral ratio and age, sex, history of lifestyle diseases and GP calcification were investigated. RESULTS Bilateral T2 medial/lateral ratios >1.10, 1.30 and 1.50 were observed in 29.8%, 7.1% and 1.8% of all cases, respectively. A high bilateral T2 medial/lateral ratio was observed less frequently in young patients (p<0.01), more frequently in elderly patients and those with hypertension or dyslipidaemia (p<0.05) and more frequently in patients with a calcified GP (p<0.01). CONCLUSION Incidental bilateral T2 hyperintensities in the medial part of the GP on brain MRI are most likely an age-related physiological finding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Oyama
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Japan
| | - Kota Yokoyama
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Fujioka
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Japan
| | - Tadashi Nariai
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Japan
| | - Jun Karakama
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Japan
| | - Taketoshi Maehara
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Japan
| | - Ukihide Tateishi
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Japan
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