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Alexander A, Alvarez VE, Huber BR, Alosco ML, Mez J, Tripodis Y, Nicks R, Katz DI, Dwyer B, Daneshvar DH, Martin B, Palmisano J, Goldstein LE, Crary JF, Nowinski C, Cantu RC, Kowall NW, Stern RA, Delalle I, McKee AC, Stein TD. Cortical-sparing chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CSCTE): a distinct subtype of CTE. Acta Neuropathol 2024; 147:45. [PMID: 38407651 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-024-02690-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a neurodegenerative disease caused by repetitive head impacts (RHI) and pathologically defined as neuronal phosphorylated tau aggregates around small blood vessels and concentrated at sulcal depths. Cross-sectional studies suggest that tau inclusions follow a stereotyped pattern that begins in the neocortex in low stage disease, followed by involvement of the medial temporal lobe and subcortical regions with significant neocortical burden in high stage CTE. Here, we define a subset of brain donors with high stage CTE and with a low overall cortical burden of tau inclusions (mean semiquantitative value ≤1) and classify them as cortical-sparing CTE (CSCTE). Of 620 brain donors with pathologically diagnosed CTE, 66 (11%) met criteria for CSCTE. Compared to typical high stage CTE, those with CSCTE had a similar age at death and years of contact sports participation and were less likely to carry apolipoprotein ε4 (p < 0.05). CSCTE had less overall tau pathology severity, but a proportional increase of disease burden in medial temporal lobe and brainstem regions compared to the neocortex (p's < 0.001). CSCTE also had lower prevalence of comorbid neurodegenerative disease. Clinically, CSCTE participants were less likely to have dementia (p = 0.023) and had less severe cognitive difficulties (as reported by informants using the Functional Activities Questionnaire (FAQ); p < 0.001, meta-cognitional index T score; p = 0.002 and Cognitive Difficulties Scale (CDS); p < 0.001,) but had an earlier onset age of behavioral (p = 0.006) and Parkinsonian motor (p = 0.013) symptoms when compared to typical high stage CTE. Other comorbid tauopathies likely contributed in part to these differences: when cases with concurrent Alzheimer dementia or frontal temporal lobar degeneration with tau pathology were excluded, differences were largely retained, but only remained significant for FAQ (p = 0.042), meta-cognition index T score (p = 0.014) and age of Parkinsonian motor symptom onset (p = 0.046). Overall, CSCTE appears to be a distinct subtype of high stage CTE with relatively greater involvement of subcortical and brainstem regions and less severe cognitive symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail Alexander
- Division of Neuropathology, Lifespan Academic Medical Center, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Victor E Alvarez
- Boston University Alzheimer's Disease Research Center and CTE Center, Department of Neurology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Neurology, Boston University, Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA, USA
- VA Boston Healthcare System, U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, Jamaica Plain, MA, USA
| | - Bertrand R Huber
- Boston University Alzheimer's Disease Research Center and CTE Center, Department of Neurology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- VA Boston Healthcare System, U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, Jamaica Plain, MA, USA
| | - Michael L Alosco
- Boston University Alzheimer's Disease Research Center and CTE Center, Department of Neurology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Neurology, Boston University, Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jesse Mez
- Boston University Alzheimer's Disease Research Center and CTE Center, Department of Neurology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Neurology, Boston University, Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yorghos Tripodis
- Boston University Alzheimer's Disease Research Center and CTE Center, Department of Neurology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Raymond Nicks
- Boston University Alzheimer's Disease Research Center and CTE Center, Department of Neurology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA, USA
- VA Boston Healthcare System, U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, Jamaica Plain, MA, USA
| | - Douglas I Katz
- Department of Neurology, Boston University, Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Braintree Rehabilitation Hospital, Braintree, MA, USA
| | - Brigid Dwyer
- Department of Neurology, Boston University, Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Braintree Rehabilitation Hospital, Braintree, MA, USA
| | - Daniel H Daneshvar
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Brett Martin
- Biostatistics and Epidemiology Data Analytics Center, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Joseph Palmisano
- Boston University Alzheimer's Disease Research Center and CTE Center, Department of Neurology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Biostatistics and Epidemiology Data Analytics Center, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lee E Goldstein
- Boston University Alzheimer's Disease Research Center and CTE Center, Department of Neurology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Radiology, Boston University, Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Departments of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Boston University, Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston University, Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Departments of Biomedical, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Boston University College of Engineering, Boston, MA, USA
| | - John F Crary
- Department of Pathology, Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Department of Artificial Intelligence and Human Health, Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer's Disease, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Christopher Nowinski
- Boston University Alzheimer's Disease Research Center and CTE Center, Department of Neurology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Concussion Legacy Foundation, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Robert C Cantu
- Boston University Alzheimer's Disease Research Center and CTE Center, Department of Neurology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Concussion Legacy Foundation, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Boston University, Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Emerson Hospital, Concord, MA, USA
| | - Neil W Kowall
- Boston University Alzheimer's Disease Research Center and CTE Center, Department of Neurology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Robert A Stern
- Boston University Alzheimer's Disease Research Center and CTE Center, Department of Neurology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Boston University, Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ivana Delalle
- Division of Neuropathology, Lifespan Academic Medical Center, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Ann C McKee
- Boston University Alzheimer's Disease Research Center and CTE Center, Department of Neurology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Neurology, Boston University, Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- VA Boston Healthcare System, U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, Jamaica Plain, MA, USA
| | - Thor D Stein
- Boston University Alzheimer's Disease Research Center and CTE Center, Department of Neurology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.
- VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA, USA.
- VA Boston Healthcare System, U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, Jamaica Plain, MA, USA.
- Departments of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Boston University, Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.
- , 150 S. Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, 02130, USA.
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Kern J, Gulde P, Hermsdörfer J. A prospective investigation of the effects of soccer heading on cognitive and sensorimotor performances in semi-professional female players. Front Hum Neurosci 2024; 18:1345868. [PMID: 38404611 PMCID: PMC10884128 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2024.1345868] [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: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Repetitive head impacts (RHI) from routine soccer (football) heading have been suggested to contribute to the long-term development of neurodegenerative disorders. However, scientific evidence concerning the actual risk of these RHI on brain health remains inconclusive. Moreover, female athletes-despite a presumably increased vulnerability toward the effects of RHI-are largely underrepresented in previous approaches. Therefore, our aim was to prospectively investigate the effects of heading on cognitive and sensorimotor performances, health perception, and concussion symptoms in semi-professional female soccer players. Methods An extensive test battery was used to assess cognitive and sensorimotor performances as well as health status (SF-36) and concussion symptoms (SCAT3) of a total of 27 female soccer players (22.2 ± 4.2 years) and 15 control subjects (23.2 ± 3.0 years) before and after one-and-a-half years. Throughout this period, soccer players' heading exposure was determined using video analysis. Results Subgroup comparisons (control [n = 12], low exposure [n = 7], high exposure [n = 8]) showed no time-dependent differences in SF-36 or SCAT3 scores. Similarly, across most behavioral tests, soccer players' performances evolved equally or more favorably as compared to the control subjects. However, there were significant effects pointing toward slightly negative consequences of heading on aspects of fine motor control (p = 0.001), which were confirmed by correlation and multiple regression analyses. The latter, further, yielded indications for a relationship between heading exposure and negative alterations in postural control (p = 0.002). Discussion Our findings do not provide evidence for negative effects of soccer heading on female players' health perception, concussion symptoms, and cognitive performances over the course of one-and-a-half years. However, we found subtle negative alterations in fine motor and postural control that could be attributed to heading exposure. Other factors, like the number of previous head injuries, were not linked to the observed changes. Given the reduction of our initial sample size due to player fluctuation, the results need to be interpreted with caution and validated in larger-scale studies. These should not only focus on cognitive outcomes but also consider sensorimotor changes as a result of RHI from soccer heading.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Kern
- Chair of Human Movement Science, Department Health and Sport Sciences, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
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Donnelly RR, Ugbolue UC, Gao Y, Gu Y, Dutheil F, Baker JS. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Investigating Head Trauma in Boxing. Clin J Sport Med 2023; 33:658-674. [PMID: 37862081 PMCID: PMC10597432 DOI: 10.1097/jsm.0000000000001195] [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: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Although physical trauma has been reported in boxing since its inception, boxing still appeals to athletes and spectators. This systematic review and meta-analysis assess both acute and chronic neurological and neuropsychological effects that boxing has on the brain. Further assessments in terms of comparisons of the concussion ratio in boxing to other combat sports, as well as the efficiency of wearing headguards, are also performed. DATA SOURCES This systematic review and meta-analysis used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The outcomes incorporated included physical chronic abnormalities of the brain, neuropsychiatric, and neurological disorders sustained in amateur or professional boxing, in addition to the safety benefits of boxing headguards. Odds ratios, descriptive statistics, and inferential statistics are also reported. MAIN RESULTS From the 84 articles reviewed, the 35 included articles suggested that boxers have a significantly elevated risk of sustaining a concussion compared with other combat sports (risk ratio [RR]: 0.253 vs RR: 0.065, P < 0.001). From the 631 amateur and professional boxers analyzed, 147 (23.30%) had cavum septum pellucidum, whereas 125 of 411 amateur and professional boxers (30.41%) presented with some form of brain atrophy. Dementia or amnesia was observed in 46 of 71 boxers (61.79%), 36 of 70 (51.43%) had various forms and severities of cognitive disorders, and 57 of 109 (52.29%) displayed abnormal computed tomography or electroencephalogram scan results. Utilization of headguards significantly increased the risk for stoppages in amateur bouts, compared with boxers not wearing a headguard (OR: 1.75 vs 0.53, P < 0.050). CONCLUSIONS Boxing is a hazardous sport that has the potential to have fatal and negative life-changing results. Because of the limited reliable data regarding the efficiency of boxing headguards, future research should focus on the overall significance that headguards may have for reducing head trauma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert R. Donnelly
- Faculty of Sports Science, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Institute for Clinical Exercise & Health Science, University of the West of Scotland, South Lanarkshire, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Ukadike Chris Ugbolue
- Faculty of Sports Science, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Institute for Clinical Exercise & Health Science, University of the West of Scotland, South Lanarkshire, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Yang Gao
- Centre for Health and Exercise Science Research, Department of Sport, Physical Education and Health, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong; and
| | - Yaodong Gu
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Institute for Clinical Exercise & Health Science, University of the West of Scotland, South Lanarkshire, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Frédéric Dutheil
- CNRS, LaPSCo, Physiological and Psychosocial Stress, University Hospital of Clermont-Ferrand, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Preventive and Occupational Medicine, WittyFit, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Julien S. Baker
- Centre for Health and Exercise Science Research, Department of Sport, Physical Education and Health, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong; and
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Iverson GL, Kissinger-Knox A, Huebschmann NA, Castellani RJ, Gardner AJ. A narrative review of psychiatric features of traumatic encephalopathy syndrome as conceptualized in the 20th century. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1214814. [PMID: 37545715 PMCID: PMC10401603 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1214814] [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: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Some ultra-high exposure boxers from the 20th century suffered from neurological problems characterized by slurred speech, personality changes (e.g., childishness or aggressiveness), and frank gait and coordination problems, with some noted to have progressive Parkinsonian-like signs. Varying degrees of cognitive impairment were also described, with some experiencing moderate to severe dementia. The onset of the neurological problems often began while they were young men and still actively fighting. More recently, traumatic encephalopathy syndrome (TES) has been proposed to be present in athletes who have a history of contact (e.g., soccer) and collision sport participation (e.g., American-style football). The characterization of TES has incorporated a much broader description than the neurological problems described in boxers from the 20th century. Some have considered TES to include depression, suicidality, anxiety, and substance abuse. Purpose We carefully re-examined the published clinical literature of boxing cases from the 20th century to determine whether there is evidence to support conceptualizing psychiatric problems as being diagnostic clinical features of TES. Methods We reviewed clinical descriptions from 155 current and former boxers described in 21 articles published between 1928 and 1999. Results More than one third of cases (34.8%) had a psychiatric, neuropsychiatric, or neurobehavioral problem described in their case histories. However, only 6.5% of the cases were described as primarily psychiatric or neuropsychiatric in nature. The percentages documented as having specific psychiatric problems were as follows: depression = 11.0%, suicidality = 0.6%, anxiety = 3.9%, anger control problems = 20.0%, paranoia/suspiciousness = 11.6%, and personality change = 25.2%. Discussion We conclude that depression, suicidality (i.e., suicidal ideation, intent, or planning), and anxiety were not considered to be clinical features of TES during the 20th century. The present review supports the decision of the consensus group to remove mood and anxiety disorders, and suicidality, from the new 2021 consensus core diagnostic criteria for TES. More research is needed to determine if anger dyscontrol is a core feature of TES with a clear clinicopathological association. The present findings, combined with a recently published large clinicopathological association study, suggest that mood and anxiety disorders are not characteristic of TES and they are not associated with chronic traumatic encephalopathy neuropathologic change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grant L. Iverson
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Charlestown, MA, United States
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Schoen Adams Research Institute at Spaulding Rehabilitation, Charlestown, MA, United States
- Home Base, A Red Sox Foundation and Massachusetts General Hospital Program, Charlestown, MA, United States
- MassGeneral Hospital for Children Sports Concussion Program, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Alicia Kissinger-Knox
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Charlestown, MA, United States
- MassGeneral Hospital for Children Sports Concussion Program, Boston, MA, United States
| | | | - Rudolph J. Castellani
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Andrew J. Gardner
- Sydney School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
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Roberta de Souza Mendes Kawamura L, Ferreira Lima Mota I, Santos Vasconcelos A, Renata Mortari M. Challenges in the pharmacological treatment of patients under suspicion of chronic traumatic encephalopathy: A review. Brain Res 2023; 1799:148176. [PMID: 36503890 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2022.148176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is caused by progressive neurodegeneration associated with repetitive head impacts. This disease is more common in professionals who practice contact sports, resulting in a concussion and subconcussive trauma. CTE is characterized by the accumulation of hyperphosphorylated tau protein in neurons, astrocytes, and frontotemporal lobe degeneration. Symptoms are usually nonspecific and overlap with other neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease and frontotemporal dementia, making it difficult to provide drug treatment for patients with this comorbidity. Therefore, the objective of this article is to present an updated review of the pharmacological treatment of chronic traumatic encephalopathy and its challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Isabela Ferreira Lima Mota
- Neuropharmacology Laboratory, Institute of Biological Sciences, Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brazil
| | | | - Márcia Renata Mortari
- Neuropharmacology Laboratory, Institute of Biological Sciences, Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brazil
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Zhuang X, Bennett L, Nandy R, Cordes D, Bernick C, Ritter A. Longitudinal Changes in Cognitive Functioning and Brain Structure in Professional Boxers and Mixed Martial Artists After They Stop Fighting. Neurology 2022; 99:e2275-e2284. [PMID: 36104283 PMCID: PMC9694836 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000201158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES This study compares longitudinal changes in cognitive functioning and brain structures in male fighters who transitioned to an inactive fighting status without any further exposure to repetitive head impacts (RHIs) and fighters remaining active with continual exposure to RHIs. METHODS Participants were recruited from the Professional Fighters Brain Health Study. At time point (TP)1, all fighters were active, with continual exposure to RHIs. At TP2, fighters were considered "transitioned" if they had no sanctioned professional fights and had not been sparring for the past 2 years. Fighters were considered "active" if they continued to train and compete. All fighters underwent cognitive testing and 3T MRI at both TPs. A subset of our fighters (50%) underwent blood sampling for the characterization of neurofilament light (NfL) levels at both TPs. Linear mixed-effect models were applied to investigate the potentially different longitudinal trajectories (interaction effect between group and time) of cognitive function measures, NfL levels, and regional thickness measures (derived from structural MRI) between transitioned and active fighters. RESULTS Forty-five male transitioned fighters (aged 31.69 ± 6.27 years [TP1]; 22 boxers, 22 mixed martial artists, and 1 martial artist) and 45 demographically matched male active fighters (aged 30.24 ± 5.44 years [TP1]; 17 boxers, 27 mixed martial artists, and 1 martial artist) were included in the analyses. Significantly different longitudinal trajectories between transitioned and active fighters were observed in verbal memory (p FDR = 4.73E-04), psychomotor speed (p FDR = 4.73E-04), processing speed (p FDR = 3.90E-02), and NfL levels (p = 0.02). Transitioned fighters demonstrated longitudinally improved cognitive functioning and decreased NfL levels, and active fighters demonstrated declines in cognitive performance and stable NfL levels. Of 68 cortical regions inspected, 54 regions demonstrated a consistently changing trajectory, with thickness measures stabilizing on a group level for transitioned fighters and subtly declining over time for active fighters. DISCUSSION After fighters' cessation of RHI exposure, cognitive function and brain thickness measures may stabilize and blood NfL levels may decline. This study could be a starting point to identify potential predictors of individuals who are at a higher risk of RHI-related long-term neurologic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowei Zhuang
- From the Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health (X.Z., D.C., C.B., A.R.), Cleveland Clinic, Las Vegas; Interdisciplinary Neuroscience PhD Program (X.Z.), University of Nevada, Las Vegas; Pickup Family Neurosciences Institute (L.B.), Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian, Newport Beach, CA; Department of Biostatistics & Epidemiology (R.N.), School of Public Health, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth; University of Colorado Boulder (D.C.); and UW Medicine (C.B.), Seattle
| | - Lauren Bennett
- From the Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health (X.Z., D.C., C.B., A.R.), Cleveland Clinic, Las Vegas; Interdisciplinary Neuroscience PhD Program (X.Z.), University of Nevada, Las Vegas; Pickup Family Neurosciences Institute (L.B.), Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian, Newport Beach, CA; Department of Biostatistics & Epidemiology (R.N.), School of Public Health, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth; University of Colorado Boulder (D.C.); and UW Medicine (C.B.), Seattle
| | - Rajesh Nandy
- From the Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health (X.Z., D.C., C.B., A.R.), Cleveland Clinic, Las Vegas; Interdisciplinary Neuroscience PhD Program (X.Z.), University of Nevada, Las Vegas; Pickup Family Neurosciences Institute (L.B.), Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian, Newport Beach, CA; Department of Biostatistics & Epidemiology (R.N.), School of Public Health, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth; University of Colorado Boulder (D.C.); and UW Medicine (C.B.), Seattle
| | - Dietmar Cordes
- From the Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health (X.Z., D.C., C.B., A.R.), Cleveland Clinic, Las Vegas; Interdisciplinary Neuroscience PhD Program (X.Z.), University of Nevada, Las Vegas; Pickup Family Neurosciences Institute (L.B.), Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian, Newport Beach, CA; Department of Biostatistics & Epidemiology (R.N.), School of Public Health, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth; University of Colorado Boulder (D.C.); and UW Medicine (C.B.), Seattle
| | - Charles Bernick
- From the Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health (X.Z., D.C., C.B., A.R.), Cleveland Clinic, Las Vegas; Interdisciplinary Neuroscience PhD Program (X.Z.), University of Nevada, Las Vegas; Pickup Family Neurosciences Institute (L.B.), Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian, Newport Beach, CA; Department of Biostatistics & Epidemiology (R.N.), School of Public Health, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth; University of Colorado Boulder (D.C.); and UW Medicine (C.B.), Seattle
| | - Aaron Ritter
- From the Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health (X.Z., D.C., C.B., A.R.), Cleveland Clinic, Las Vegas; Interdisciplinary Neuroscience PhD Program (X.Z.), University of Nevada, Las Vegas; Pickup Family Neurosciences Institute (L.B.), Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian, Newport Beach, CA; Department of Biostatistics & Epidemiology (R.N.), School of Public Health, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth; University of Colorado Boulder (D.C.); and UW Medicine (C.B.), Seattle.
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Dhote VV, Raja MKMM, Samundre P, Sharma S, Anwikar S, Upaganlawar AB. Sports Related Brain Injury and Neurodegeneration in Athletes. Curr Mol Pharmacol 2021; 15:51-76. [PMID: 34515018 DOI: 10.2174/1874467214666210910114324] [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] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Sports deserve a special place in human life to impart healthy and refreshing wellbeing. However, sports activities, especially contact sports, renders athlete vulnerable to brain injuries. Athletes participating in a contact sport like boxing, rugby, American football, wrestling, and basketball are exposed to traumatic brain injuries (TBI) or concussions. The acute and chronic nature of these heterogeneous injuries provides a spectrum of dysfunctions that alters the neuronal, musculoskeletal, and behavioral responses of an athlete. Many sports-related brain injuries go unreported, but these head impacts trigger neurometabolic disruptions that contribute to long-term neuronal impairment. The pathophysiology of post-concussion and its underlying mechanisms are undergoing intense research. It also shed light on chronic disorders like Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and dementia. In this review, we examined post-concussion neurobehavioral changes, tools for early detection of signs, and their impact on the athlete. Further, we discussed the role of nutritional supplements in ameliorating neuropsychiatric diseases in athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vipin V Dhote
- Faculty of Pharmacy, VNS Group of Institutions, Bhopal, MP,462044. India
| | | | - Prem Samundre
- Faculty of Pharmacy, VNS Group of Institutions, Bhopal, MP,462044. India
| | - Supriya Sharma
- Faculty of Pharmacy, VNS Group of Institutions, Bhopal, MP,462044. India
| | - Shraddha Anwikar
- Faculty of Pharmacy, VNS Group of Institutions, Bhopal, MP,462044. India
| | - Aman B Upaganlawar
- Faculty of Pharmacy, VNS Group of Institutions, Bhopal, MP,462044. India
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Hellewell SC, Welton T, Pearce AJ, Maller JJ, Grieve SM. Diffusion MRI as a complementary assessment to cognition, emotion, and motor dysfunction after sports-related concussion: a systematic review and critical appraisal of the literature. Brain Imaging Behav 2021; 15:1685-1704. [PMID: 32720180 DOI: 10.1007/s11682-020-00336-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Sports-related concussion (SRC) is a complex and heterogeneous injury with psychological, cognitive and functional consequences. Advances in diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) allow sensitive measurement of white matter pathology post-SRC and may provide insight into injury and recovery. We systematically reviewed and meta-analyzed the literature examining dMRI alongside cognitive, emotional or motor assessments to determine relationships between these analyses. Sixteen studies examining young athletes (n = 6) or retired professionals (n = 10) met the inclusion criteria, with 12 emotional, 10 cognitive and four motor assessments. Studies had heterogeneous methodology, moderate quality and modest sample sizes. Fractional anisotropy (FA) was the most frequent dMRI metric, with SRC-induced changes described most commonly in the frontal lobe and least in the cerebellum and brainstem. There is an emerging complementary role for dMRI as part of a comprehensive assessment battery for SRC. However, larger-scale studies with broader subject populations (specifically, in females and in the 30-45 year age range) are needed to corroborate findings and determine the true diagnostic utility of dMRI post-SRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah C Hellewell
- Imaging and Phenotyping Laboratory, Sydney School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Thomas Welton
- Imaging and Phenotyping Laboratory, Sydney School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Alan J Pearce
- School of Allied Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, 3086, Australia
| | - Jerome J Maller
- Imaging and Phenotyping Laboratory, Sydney School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia.,General Electric Healthcare, Richmond, VIC, 3181, Australia
| | - Stuart M Grieve
- Imaging and Phenotyping Laboratory, Sydney School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia. .,Department of Radiology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia.
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9
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Bernick C, Shan G, Bennett L, Alberts J, Cummings J. Assessing Clinical Change in Individuals Exposed to Repetitive Head Impacts: The Repetitive Head Impact Composite Index. Front Neurol 2021; 12:605318. [PMID: 34295295 PMCID: PMC8290321 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.605318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: There is a current lack of any composite measure for the effective tracking and monitoring of clinical change in individuals exposed to repetitive head impacts (RHI). The aim of this study is to create a composite instrument for the purposes of detecting change over time in cognitive and behavioral function in individuals exposed to RHI. Methods: The data to derive the composite instrument came from the Professional Fighters Brain Health Study (PFBHS), a longitudinal study of active and retired professional fighters [boxers and mixed martial arts (MMA) fighters] and healthy controls. Participants in the PFBHS underwent assessment on an annual basis that included computerized cognitive testing and behavioral questionnaires. Multivariate logistic regression models were employed to compare active fighters (n = 117) with controls (n = 22), and retired fighters (n = 26) with controls to identify the predictors that could be used to differentiate the groups over time. In a second step, linear discriminant analysis was performed to derive the linear discriminant coefficients for the three groups by using the predictors from the two separate logistic regression models. Results: The composite scale is a weighted linear value of 12 standardized scores consisting of both current and yearly change scores in domains including: processing speed, choice reaction time, semantic fluency, letter fluency, and Barrett Impulsiveness Scale. Because the weighting of values differed between active and retired fighters, two versions emerged. The mean and standard deviation ratio (MSDR) showed that the new index had better sensitivity compared to the individual measures, with the ratio of MSDR of the new index to that of the existing measures of at least 1.84. Conclusion: With the increasing need for tools to follow individuals exposed to RHI and the potential of clinical trials on the horizon for CTE, the RHICI is poised to serve as an initial approach to a composite clinical measure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles Bernick
- Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Las Vegas, NV, United States
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Guogen Shan
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV, United States
| | - Lauren Bennett
- Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Las Vegas, NV, United States
| | - Jay Alberts
- Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Jeffrey Cummings
- Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Las Vegas, NV, United States
- Center for Transformative Neuroscience, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV, United States
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10
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Iverson GL, Merz ZC, Terry DP. Examining the Research Criteria for Traumatic Encephalopathy Syndrome in Middle-Aged Men From the General Population Who Played Contact Sports in High School. Front Neurol 2021; 12:632618. [PMID: 33935940 PMCID: PMC8079761 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.632618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: There are no validated or agreed upon diagnostic clinical criteria for chronic traumatic encephalopathy or traumatic encephalopathy syndrome. This study examines the leading research criteria for traumatic encephalopathy syndrome (TES) in middle-aged men in the general population. Method: Participants were 409 men between the ages of 35 and 55 recruited through an online crowdsourcing platform. Participants provided demographic information, medication history, concussion history, contact sport history, current medication use, and current symptoms. Research criteria for TES were applied to the sample. Results: Over half of the total sample met TES symptom criteria (56.2%), without applying the neurotrauma exposure criteria. Those with 4+ prior concussions had higher rates of meeting TES criteria compared to those with 0–3 prior concussions, but the results were not statistically significant (69.8 vs. 54.6%; χ2 = 3.58, p = 0.06). Exposure to contact sports was not related to higher rates of TES (ps ≥ 0.55). In a binary logistic regression predicting the presence of mild or greater TES, significant predictors were sleep difficulties [Odds ratio (OR) = 6.68], chronic pain (OR = 3.29), and age (OR = 1.04). Neurotrauma exposure was not a significant predictor (p = 0.66). When analyzing those with no prior concussions or contact sport histories (n = 126), 45.2% met symptom criteria for mild or greater TES; chronic pain and sleep difficulties were associated with a higher prevalence of meeting criteria for TES in this subgroup (ps < 0.001). Conclusions: Men who participated in contact sports in high school or college were not more likely to meet criteria for TES than men who participated in non-contact sports or no sports. In a multivariable model, sleep problems and chronic pain were predictive of meeting the symptom criteria for TES, but the repetitive neurotrauma exposure criterion was not a significant predictor of meeting the TES symptom criteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grant L Iverson
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Charlestown, MA, United States.,Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.,Spaulding Research Institute, Charlestown, MA, United States.,Sports Concussion Program, MassGeneral Hospital for Children, Boston, MA, United States.,Home Base, A Red Sox Foundation and Massachusetts General Hospital Program, Charlestown, MA, United States
| | - Zachary C Merz
- LeBauer Department of Neurology, Moses H. Cone Memorial Hospital, Greensboro, NC, United States
| | - Douglas P Terry
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Charlestown, MA, United States.,Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.,Sports Concussion Program, MassGeneral Hospital for Children, Boston, MA, United States.,Home Base, A Red Sox Foundation and Massachusetts General Hospital Program, Charlestown, MA, United States
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11
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Iverson GL, Gardner AJ. Symptoms of traumatic encephalopathy syndrome are common in the US general population. Brain Commun 2021; 3:fcab001. [PMID: 33842882 PMCID: PMC8023423 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcab001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
There are no validated criteria for diagnosing chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or traumatic encephalopathy syndrome, in a living person. The purpose of this study is to examine symptom reporting resembling the research criteria for traumatic encephalopathy syndrome in men and women from the US general population. This is a retrospective analysis of publicly available data from a cross-sectional epidemiological study. The National Comorbidity Survey Replication was designed to examine the prevalence and correlates of mental disorders in the USA. The study included a nationally representative sample of 9282 adults (4139 men and 5143 women). An in-person interview and survey were conducted in the homes of men and women from the general population. The study was conducted with participants residing in New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, Detroit, San Francisco, Washington DC, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, Boston, Nassau-Suffolk NY, St. Louis, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Minneapolis and Atlanta. Symptoms from the research criteria for the diagnosis of traumatic encephalopathy syndrome were applied to men and women in the general population and in sub-groups of people with health problems and mental health problems. A small percentage of the US general population met symptom criteria for traumatic encephalopathy syndrome (6.6–11.9%, depending on the definition applied). People with chronic pain were much more likely to meet criteria (i.e. 14.8–30.5%), and two out of three people who have experienced suicidality in the past year met symptom criteria for traumatic encephalopathy syndrome (65.2–72.2%). The majority of women with a mood disorder and chronic pain met criteria (62.7–89.8%). This is the largest study, to date, examining the aspects of the research criteria for the diagnosis of traumatic encephalopathy syndrome in the general population, and the first study to examine these criteria in women. This study has important clinical and public health implications. The potential rate for misdiagnosing traumatic encephalopathy syndrome in adults who are experiencing chronic pain, idiopathic mental health problems or both is high.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grant L Iverson
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.,Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Spaulding Research Institute, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA.,MassGeneral Hospital for Children Sports Concussion Program, Boston, MA 02114, USA.,Home Base, A Red Sox Foundation and Massachusetts General Hospital Program, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Andrew J Gardner
- Hunter New England Local Health District, Sports Concussion Program, Waratah, NSW 2298, Australia.,Priority Research Centre for Sentre for Stroke and Brain Injury, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
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12
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Costanza A, Radomska M, Zenga F, Amerio A, Aguglia A, Serafini G, Amore M, Berardelli I, Ojio Y, Nguyen KD. Severe Suicidality in Athletes with Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy: A Case Series and Overview on Putative Ethiopathogenetic Mechanisms. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18030876. [PMID: 33498520 PMCID: PMC7908343 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18030876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) results from repetitive brain injuries and is a common neurotraumatic sequela in contact sports. CTE is often accompanied by neuropsychiatric symptoms, which could escalate to suicidal ideation (SI) and suicidal behaviour (SB). Nevertheless, fairly limited emphasis about the association between suicidality and CTE exists in medical literature. Here, we report two cases of retired professional athletes in high contact sports (boxing and ice hockey) who have developed similar clinical trajectories characterized by progressive neuropsychiatric symptoms compatible with a CTE diagnosis and subsequent SB in its severe forms (medical serious suicide attempt (SA) and completed suicide). In addition to the description of outlining clinical, neuropsychological, neuroimaging, and differential diagnosis elements related to these cases, we also hypothesized some mechanisms that might augment the suicide risk in CTE. They include those related to neurobiological (neuroanatomic/neuroinflammatory) dysfunctions as well as those pertaining to psychiatry and psychosocial maladaptation to neurotraumas and retirement from professional competitive activity. Findings described here can provide clinical pictures to improve the identification of patients with CTE and also potential mechanistic insights to refine the knowledge of eventual severe SB development, which might enable its earlier prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Costanza
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva (UNIGE), 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Psychiatry, ASO Santi Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo Hospital, 15121 Alessandria, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Michalina Radomska
- Faculty of Psychology, University of Geneva (UNIGE), 1206 Geneva, Switzerland;
| | - Francesco Zenga
- Department of Neurosurgery, City of Health and Science Hospital, 10126 Torino, Italy;
| | - Andrea Amerio
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, Section of Psychiatry, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (A.A.); (A.A.); (G.S.); (M.A.)
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
- Department of Psychiatry, Tufts University, Boston, MA 02111, USA
| | - Andrea Aguglia
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, Section of Psychiatry, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (A.A.); (A.A.); (G.S.); (M.A.)
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Gianluca Serafini
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, Section of Psychiatry, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (A.A.); (A.A.); (G.S.); (M.A.)
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Mario Amore
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, Section of Psychiatry, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (A.A.); (A.A.); (G.S.); (M.A.)
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Isabella Berardelli
- Suicide Prevention Center, Department of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Sensory Organs, Sant’Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, 00189 Rome, Italy;
| | - Yasutaka Ojio
- National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Department of Community Mental Health Law, National Institute of Mental Health, Tokyo 187-8553, Japan;
| | - Khoa D. Nguyen
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA;
- Tranquis Therapeutics, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
- Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
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13
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Iverson GL, Gardner AJ. Risk of Misdiagnosing Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy in Men With Depression. J Neuropsychiatry Clin Neurosci 2020; 32:139-146. [PMID: 31587629 DOI: 10.1176/appi.neuropsych.19010021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In recent years, it has been proposed that depression represents one clinical subtype of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). This is the first study to examine the specificity of the research criteria for the clinical diagnosis of CTE in men with depression from the general population. METHODS Data from the National Comorbidity Survey Replication, an in-person survey that examined the prevalence and correlates of mental disorders in the United States, were used for this study. Men diagnosed as having a major depressive episode in the past 30 days were included (N=101; mean age=39.4 years, SD=12.9, range=18-71). They were deemed to meet research criteriafor CTE if they presented with the purported supportive clinical features of CTE (e.g., impulsivity and substance abuse, anxiety, apathy, suicidality, and headache). RESULTS Approximately half of the sample (52.5%) met the proposed research criteria for CTE (i.e., traumatic encephalopathy syndrome). If one accepts the delayed-onset criterion as being present, meaning that the men in the sample were presenting with depression years after retirement from sports or the military, then 83.2% of this sample would meet the research criteria for diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS The clinical problems attributed to CTE, such as depression, suicidality, anxiety, anger control problems, and headaches, co-occurred in this sample of men with depression from the general population-illustrating that these problems are not specific or unique to CTE. More research is needed to determine whether depression is, in fact, a clinical subtype of CTE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grant L Iverson
- The Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Boston (Iverson); Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and Spaulding Research Institute, Boston (Iverson); the Sports Concussion Program, MassGeneral Hospital for Children, Boston (Iverson); Home Base, A Red Sox Foundation and Massachusetts General Hospital Program, Boston (Iverson); the Sports Concussion Program, Hunter New England Local Health District, New South Wales, Australia (Gardner); and the Centre for Stroke and Brain Injury, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia (Gardner)
| | - Andrew J Gardner
- The Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Boston (Iverson); Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and Spaulding Research Institute, Boston (Iverson); the Sports Concussion Program, MassGeneral Hospital for Children, Boston (Iverson); Home Base, A Red Sox Foundation and Massachusetts General Hospital Program, Boston (Iverson); the Sports Concussion Program, Hunter New England Local Health District, New South Wales, Australia (Gardner); and the Centre for Stroke and Brain Injury, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia (Gardner)
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14
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Lee JK, Wu J, Bullen J, Banks S, Bernick C, Modic MT, Ruggieri P, Bennett L, Jones SE. Association of Cavum Septum Pellucidum and Cavum Vergae With Cognition, Mood, and Brain Volumes in Professional Fighters. JAMA Neurol 2020; 77:35-42. [PMID: 31498371 DOI: 10.1001/jamaneurol.2019.2861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Importance Many studies have investigated the imaging findings showing sequelae of repetitive head trauma, with mixed results. Objective To determine whether fighters (boxers and mixed martial arts fighters) with cavum septum pellucidum (CSP) and cavum vergae (CV) have reduced volumes in various brain structures or worse clinical outcomes on cognitive and mood testing. Design, Setting, and Participants This cohort study assessed participants from the Professional Fighters Brain Health Study. Data were collected from April 14, 2011, to January 17, 2018, and were analyzed from September 1, 2018, to May 23, 2019. This study involved a referred sample of 476 active and retired professional fighters. Eligible participants were at least 18 years of age and had at least a fourth-grade reading level. Healthy age-matched controls with no history of trauma were also enrolled. Exposures Presence of CSP, CV, and their total (additive) length (CSPV length). Main Outcomes and Measures Information regarding depression, impulsivity, and sleepiness among study participants was obtained using the Patient Health Questionnaire depression scale, Barrett Impulsiveness Scale, and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. Cognition was assessed using raw scores from CNS Vital Signs. Volumes of various brain structures were measured via magnetic resonance imaging. Results A total of 476 fighters (440 men, 36 women; mean [SD] age, 30.0 [8.2] years [range, 18-72 years]) and 63 control participants (57 men, 6 women; mean [SD] age, 30.8 [9.6] years [range, 18-58 years]) were enrolled in the study. Compared with fighters without CV, fighters with CV had significantly lower mean psychomotor speed (estimated difference, -11.3; 95% CI, -17.4 to -5.2; P = .004) and lower mean volumes in the supratentorium (estimated difference, -31 191 mm3; 95% CI, -61 903 to -479 mm3; P = .05) and other structures. Longer CSPV length was associated with lower processing speed (slope, -0.39; 95% CI, -0.49 to -0.28; P < .001), psychomotor speed (slope, -0.43; 95% CI, -0.53 to -0.32; P < .001), and lower brain volumes in the supratentorium (slope, -1072 mm3 for every 1-mm increase in CSPV length; 95% CI, -1655 to -489 mm3; P < .001) and other structures. Conclusions and Relevance This study suggests that the presence of CSP and CV is associated with lower regional brain volumes and cognitive performance in a cohort exposed to repetitive head trauma.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jenny Wu
- Imaging Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | | | - Sarah Banks
- Department of Psychology, University of California San Diego Health-La Jolla, San Diego
| | - Charles Bernick
- Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Michael T Modic
- Department of Radiology, Vanderbilt University, Medical Center North, South Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Paul Ruggieri
- Imaging Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Lauren Bennett
- Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
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15
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Iverson GL. Retired National Football League Players are Not at Greater Risk for Suicide. Arch Clin Neuropsychol 2020; 35:332-341. [PMID: 31665203 PMCID: PMC7297280 DOI: 10.1093/arclin/acz023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2018] [Revised: 03/28/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Some researchers have claimed that former National Football League (NFL) players are at increased risk for suicide as a clinical feature of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). This review examines the literature on risk for suicide in former professional football players, and the association between suicide and CTE. Method A narrative review of the literature published between 1928 and 2018. Results Between 1928 and 2009, suicide was not considered to be a clinical feature of CTE in the literature. The best available evidence from epidemiological studies suggests that former NFL football players are at lesser risk for suicide, not greater risk, compared to men in the general population. However, surveys have revealed that a substantial minority of former NFL players have depression and other mental health problems, chronic pain and opioid use is relatively common, and those with depression and chronic pain also have greater life stress and financial difficulties. That minority would be at increased risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Conclusions Researchers and clinicians are encouraged to be cautious and circumspect when considering the clinical presentation of former athletes, and to not assume that depression and suicidality are caused by specific types of neuropathology. This represents a reductionistic and Procrustean view. Some former football players have mental health problems, but it should not be assumed uncritically that the underlying cause is an inexorably progressive neurodegenerative disease. Providing evidence-informed and evidence-supported treatments for depression and suicidality might reduce suffering and improve their functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grant L Iverson
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School; Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital; MassGeneral Hospital for Children Sport Concussion Program; & Home Base, A Red Sox Foundation and Massachusetts General Hospital Program, Boston, MA, USA
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16
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Lesman-Segev OH, Edwards L, Rabinovici GD. Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy: A Comparison with Alzheimer's Disease and Frontotemporal Dementia. Semin Neurol 2020; 40:394-410. [PMID: 32820492 DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1715134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The clinical diagnosis of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is challenging due to heterogeneous clinical presentations and overlap with other neurodegenerative dementias. Depending on the clinical presentation, the differential diagnosis of CTE includes Alzheimer's disease (AD), behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD), Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, primary mood disorders, posttraumatic stress disorder, and psychotic disorders. The aim of this article is to compare the clinical aspects, genetics, fluid biomarkers, imaging, treatment, and pathology of CTE to those of AD and bvFTD. A detailed clinical evaluation, neurocognitive assessment, and structural brain imaging can inform the differential diagnosis, while molecular biomarkers can help exclude underlying AD pathology. Prospective studies that include clinicopathological correlations are needed to establish tools that can more accurately determine the cause of neuropsychiatric decline in patients at risk for CTE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orit H Lesman-Segev
- Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Lauren Edwards
- Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Gil D Rabinovici
- Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California.,Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California.,Weill Neuroscience Institute, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
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17
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Iverson GL, Gardner AJ. Risk for Misdiagnosing Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy in Men With Anger Control Problems. Front Neurol 2020; 11:739. [PMID: 32849206 PMCID: PMC7399643 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.00739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2019] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: There are no validated or agreed upon criteria for diagnosing chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in a living person. In recent years, it has been proposed that anger dyscontrol represents a behavioral clinical phenotype of CTE. This is the first study to examine the specificity of the diagnostic research criteria for traumatic encephalopathy syndrome (TES, the clinical condition proposed to be CTE) in men from the US general population who have anger dyscontrol problems. It was hypothesized that a substantial percentage of these men would meet the research criteria for TES. Methods: Data from 4,139 men who participated in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication, an in-person survey that examined the prevalence and correlates of mental disorders in the United States, were included in this study. Men who were diagnosed with intermittent explosive disorder in the past year were the clinical sample of interest (n = 206; 5.0% of all men in the database), and the remaining men were used as a comparison sample. They were classified as meeting the research criteria for TES if they presented with the purported supportive clinical features of CTE (e.g., impulsivity/substance abuse, anxiety, apathy, suicidality, headache). Results: In this sample of men from the general population with intermittent explosive disorder, 27.3% met a conservative definition of the proposed research criteria for CTE (i.e., traumatic encephalopathy syndrome). If one assumes the delayed-onset criterion is present, meaning that the men in the sample are compared to former athletes or military veterans presenting with mental health problems years after retirement, then 65.0% of this sample would meet the research criteria for TES. Conclusions: These results have important implications. Using conservative criteria, at least one in four men from the general population, who have serious anger control problems, will meet the symptom criteria for TES. If one considers former athletes and military veterans with anger control problems who present many years after retirement and who experienced a documented decline in their mental health, nearly two-thirds will meet these research criteria. More research is needed to examine risks for misdiagnosing TES and to determine whether anger dyscontrol is a clinical phenotype of CTE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grant L Iverson
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.,Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and Spaulding Research Institute, Charlestown, MA, United States.,MassGeneral Hospital for Children™ Sport Concussion Program, Boston, MA, United States.,Home Base, A Red Sox Foundation and Massachusetts General Hospital Program, Charlestown, MA, United States
| | - Andrew J Gardner
- Hunter New England Local Health District, Sports Concussion Program, Newcastle, NSW, Australia.,Priority Research Centre for Stroke and Brain Injury, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
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18
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Iverson GL, Gardner AJ, Shultz SR, Solomon GS, McCrory P, Zafonte R, Perry G, Hazrati LN, Keene CD, Castellani RJ. Chronic traumatic encephalopathy neuropathology might not be inexorably progressive or unique to repetitive neurotrauma. Brain 2020; 142:3672-3693. [PMID: 31670780 PMCID: PMC6906593 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awz286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2019] [Revised: 07/01/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In the 20th century, chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) was conceptualized as a neurological disorder affecting some active and retired boxers who had tremendous exposure to neurotrauma. In recent years, the two research groups in the USA who have led the field have asserted definitively that CTE is a delayed-onset and progressive neurodegenerative disease, with symptoms appearing in midlife or decades after exposure. Between 2005 and 2012 autopsy cases of former boxers and American football players described neuropathology attributed to CTE that was broad and diverse. This pathology, resulting from multiple causes, was aggregated and referred to, in toto, as the pathology ‘characteristic’ of CTE. Preliminary consensus criteria for defining the neuropathology of CTE were forged in 2015 and published in 2016. Most of the macroscopic and microscopic neuropathological findings described as characteristic of CTE, in studies published before 2016, were not included in the new criteria for defining the pathology. In the past few years, there has been steadily emerging evidence that the neuropathology described as unique to CTE may not be unique. CTE pathology has been described in individuals with no known participation in collision or contact sports and no known exposure to repetitive neurotrauma. This pathology has been reported in individuals with substance abuse, temporal lobe epilepsy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple system atrophy, and other neurodegenerative diseases. Moreover, throughout history, some clinical cases have been described as not being progressive, and there is now evidence that CTE neuropathology might not be progressive in some individuals. Considering the current state of knowledge, including the absence of a series of validated sensitive and specific biomarkers, CTE pathology might not be inexorably progressive or specific to those who have experienced repetitive neurotrauma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grant L Iverson
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and Spaulding Research Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,MassGeneral Hospital for Children™ Sports Concussion Program, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Home Base, A Red Sox Foundation and Massachusetts General Hospital Program, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Andrew J Gardner
- Hunter New England Local Health District, Sports Concussion Program, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.,Centre for Stroke and Brain Injury, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Sandy R Shultz
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Gary S Solomon
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA.,Vanderbilt Sports Concussion Center, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Paul McCrory
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne Brain Centre - Austin Campus, Heidelberg, Victoria Australia
| | - Ross Zafonte
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and Spaulding Research Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Home Base, A Red Sox Foundation and Massachusetts General Hospital Program, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - George Perry
- College of Sciences, University of Texas, San Antonio; San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Lili-Naz Hazrati
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - C Dirk Keene
- Department of Pathology, Division of Neuropathology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Rudolph J Castellani
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Laboratory Medicine, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, USA
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19
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Iverson GL, Terry DP, Luz M, Zafonte R, McCrory P, Solomon GS, Gardner AJ. Anger and Depression in Middle-Aged Men: Implications for a Clinical Diagnosis of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy. J Neuropsychiatry Clin Neurosci 2020; 31:328-336. [PMID: 31018811 DOI: 10.1176/appi.neuropsych.18110280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In recent years, it has been proposed that problems with anger control and depression define clinical features of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). The authors examined anger problems and depression in middle-aged men from the general population and related those findings to the proposed clinical criteria for CTE. METHODS A sample of 166 community-dwelling men ages 40-60 was extracted from the normative database of the National Institutes of Health Toolbox. All participants denied prior head injury or traumatic brain injury (TBI). Participants completed scales assessing anger, hostility, aggression, anxiety, and depression. RESULTS In response to the item "I felt angry," 21.1% of men reported "sometimes," and 4.8% reported "often." When asked "If I am provoked enough I may hit another person," 11.4% endorsed the statement as true. There were moderate correlations between anger and anxiety (Spearman's ρ=0.61) and between depression and affective anger (ρ=0.51), hostility (ρ=0.56), and perceived hostility (ρ=0.35). Participants were dichotomized into a possible depression group (N=49) and a no-depression group (N=117) on the basis of the question "I feel depressed," specific to the past 7 days. The possible depression group reported higher anxiety (p<0.001, Cohen's d=1.51), anger (p<0.001, Cohen's d=0.96), and hostility (p<0.001, Cohen's d=0.95). CONCLUSIONS Some degree of anger and aggression are reported by a sizable minority of middle-aged men in the general population with no known history of TBI. Anger and hostility are correlated with depression and anxiety, indicating that all tend to co-occur. The base rates and comorbidity of affective dysregulation in men in the general population is important to consider when conceptualizing CTE phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grant L Iverson
- From the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and Spaulding Research Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass. (Iverson, Terry, Luz, Zafonte); Massachusetts General Hospital for Children Sports Concussion Program (Iverson, Terry, Zafonte); Home Base, A Red Sox Foundation and Massachusetts General Hospital Program, Boston, Mass. (Iverson, Terry, Zafonte); the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass. (Zafonte); the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne Brain Centre, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia (McCrory); the Departments of Neurological Surgery, Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation, and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tenn. (Solomon); the Vanderbilt Sports Concussion Center, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tenn. (Solomon); and the Hunter New England Local Health District Sports Concussion Program and Centre for Stroke and Brain Injury, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia (Gardner)
| | - Douglas P Terry
- From the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and Spaulding Research Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass. (Iverson, Terry, Luz, Zafonte); Massachusetts General Hospital for Children Sports Concussion Program (Iverson, Terry, Zafonte); Home Base, A Red Sox Foundation and Massachusetts General Hospital Program, Boston, Mass. (Iverson, Terry, Zafonte); the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass. (Zafonte); the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne Brain Centre, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia (McCrory); the Departments of Neurological Surgery, Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation, and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tenn. (Solomon); the Vanderbilt Sports Concussion Center, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tenn. (Solomon); and the Hunter New England Local Health District Sports Concussion Program and Centre for Stroke and Brain Injury, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia (Gardner)
| | - Matthew Luz
- From the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and Spaulding Research Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass. (Iverson, Terry, Luz, Zafonte); Massachusetts General Hospital for Children Sports Concussion Program (Iverson, Terry, Zafonte); Home Base, A Red Sox Foundation and Massachusetts General Hospital Program, Boston, Mass. (Iverson, Terry, Zafonte); the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass. (Zafonte); the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne Brain Centre, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia (McCrory); the Departments of Neurological Surgery, Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation, and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tenn. (Solomon); the Vanderbilt Sports Concussion Center, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tenn. (Solomon); and the Hunter New England Local Health District Sports Concussion Program and Centre for Stroke and Brain Injury, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia (Gardner)
| | - Ross Zafonte
- From the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and Spaulding Research Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass. (Iverson, Terry, Luz, Zafonte); Massachusetts General Hospital for Children Sports Concussion Program (Iverson, Terry, Zafonte); Home Base, A Red Sox Foundation and Massachusetts General Hospital Program, Boston, Mass. (Iverson, Terry, Zafonte); the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass. (Zafonte); the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne Brain Centre, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia (McCrory); the Departments of Neurological Surgery, Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation, and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tenn. (Solomon); the Vanderbilt Sports Concussion Center, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tenn. (Solomon); and the Hunter New England Local Health District Sports Concussion Program and Centre for Stroke and Brain Injury, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia (Gardner)
| | - Paul McCrory
- From the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and Spaulding Research Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass. (Iverson, Terry, Luz, Zafonte); Massachusetts General Hospital for Children Sports Concussion Program (Iverson, Terry, Zafonte); Home Base, A Red Sox Foundation and Massachusetts General Hospital Program, Boston, Mass. (Iverson, Terry, Zafonte); the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass. (Zafonte); the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne Brain Centre, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia (McCrory); the Departments of Neurological Surgery, Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation, and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tenn. (Solomon); the Vanderbilt Sports Concussion Center, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tenn. (Solomon); and the Hunter New England Local Health District Sports Concussion Program and Centre for Stroke and Brain Injury, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia (Gardner)
| | - Gary S Solomon
- From the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and Spaulding Research Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass. (Iverson, Terry, Luz, Zafonte); Massachusetts General Hospital for Children Sports Concussion Program (Iverson, Terry, Zafonte); Home Base, A Red Sox Foundation and Massachusetts General Hospital Program, Boston, Mass. (Iverson, Terry, Zafonte); the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass. (Zafonte); the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne Brain Centre, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia (McCrory); the Departments of Neurological Surgery, Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation, and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tenn. (Solomon); the Vanderbilt Sports Concussion Center, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tenn. (Solomon); and the Hunter New England Local Health District Sports Concussion Program and Centre for Stroke and Brain Injury, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia (Gardner)
| | - Andrew J Gardner
- From the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and Spaulding Research Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass. (Iverson, Terry, Luz, Zafonte); Massachusetts General Hospital for Children Sports Concussion Program (Iverson, Terry, Zafonte); Home Base, A Red Sox Foundation and Massachusetts General Hospital Program, Boston, Mass. (Iverson, Terry, Zafonte); the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass. (Zafonte); the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne Brain Centre, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia (McCrory); the Departments of Neurological Surgery, Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation, and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tenn. (Solomon); the Vanderbilt Sports Concussion Center, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tenn. (Solomon); and the Hunter New England Local Health District Sports Concussion Program and Centre for Stroke and Brain Injury, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia (Gardner)
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20
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Berry JAD, Wacker M, Menoni R, Zampella B, Majeed G, Kashyap S, Ghanchi H, Elia C, Carson T, Miulli D. Return-to-Play After Concussion: Clinical Guidelines for Young Athletes. J Osteopath Med 2019; 119:2756265. [PMID: 31764957 DOI: 10.7556/jaoa.2019.135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
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21
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Kenny RA, Mayo CD, Kennedy S, Varga AA, Stuart-Hill L, Garcia-Barrera MA, McQuarrie A, Christie BR, Gawryluk JR. A pilot study of diffusion tensor imaging metrics and cognitive performance pre and post repetitive, intentional sub-concussive heading in soccer practice. JOURNAL OF CONCUSSION 2019. [DOI: 10.1177/2059700219885503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Although soccer players routinely head the ball in practice and games, recent research has suggested that cumulative effects of repetitive heading may cause sub-concussive injury with accompanying effects on brain and behavior. The current study aimed to prospectively investigate the effects of repetitive, intentional heading in soccer practice on brain structure and cognitive function, using a within-subjects design. Methods Participants included 10 soccer players (mean age 20.09 years ± 2.88) who were examined immediately pre- and post-heading practice. An accelerometer was used to measure the force of the impact during soccer heading. Magnetic resonance imaging data were acquired on a 3 T GE Scanner with diffusion tensor imaging. Diffusion tensor imaging analyses were completed using functional magnetic resonance imaging of the brain software library’s Tract-Based Spatial Statistics to examine changes in both fractional anisotropy and mean diffusivity due to heading the soccer ball. Behavioral measures were also completed pre- and post-soccer heading and included the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool and three short-computerized executive function tasks; R studio was used to compare behavioral data within subjects. Results Accelerometer data revealed that none of the heading impacts were >10 g. At this level of impact, there were no significant pre–post heading differences in either fractional anisotropy or mean diffusivity. Additionally, aside from minimal practice effects, there were no significant differences in Sport Concussion Assessment Tool scores and no significant differences in the performance of the three executive function tasks pre–post heading. Conclusions The results provide initial evidence that repetitive heading in soccer practice, at a g force of 10, does not cause changes in brain structure or executive function. Future research should investigate heading in the context of games and with a greater sample size that would allow for sex-based comparisons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca A Kenny
- Department of Psychology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
- Department of Exercise Science, Physical and Health Education, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Chantel D Mayo
- Department of Psychology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Samantha Kennedy
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
- Island Medical Program, University of British Columbia, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Aaron A Varga
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
- Island Medical Program, University of British Columbia, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Lynneth Stuart-Hill
- Department of Exercise Science, Physical and Health Education, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | | | - Amanda McQuarrie
- Department of Exercise Science, Physical and Health Education, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Brian R Christie
- Department of Exercise Science, Physical and Health Education, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
- Island Medical Program, University of British Columbia, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Jodie R Gawryluk
- Department of Psychology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
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22
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Laffey M, Darby AJ, Cline MG, Teng E, Mendez MF. The utility of clinical criteria in patients with chronic traumatic encephalopathy. NeuroRehabilitation 2019; 43:431-441. [PMID: 30412511 DOI: 10.3233/nre-182452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Repetitive traumatic brain injury (TBI) is associated with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by Alzheimer-like changes in the brain. CTE has been defined through neuropathological findings among deceased athletes and others exposed to repetitive TBI, but to date there are no definitive clinical criteria for CTE. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the utility of currently proposed clinical criteria for CTE and suggest improvements. METHODS We describe two well-characterized patients referred for evaluation of CTE and apply the four major proposed criteria for CTE. These criteria were further assessed in a cohort of patients referred to a neurobehavior clinic with or without a history of TBI. RESULTS Without a CTE biomarker, the current criteria were of limited utility when applied to the two patient and the Neurobehavior cohort. Six items were extracted as potentially improving the clinical diagnosis of CTE: length of exposure to head impacts, a progressive course, specific psychiatric symptoms, frontal-executive dysfunction, parkinsonism and tremors, and targeted findings on neuroimaging. CONCLUSIONS The prevention and neurorehabilitation of CTE depends on clinical diagnosis, but, without a biomarker, the clinical diagnosis of CTE remains difficult. This report suggests that clinical criteria for CTE may be greatly improved with emphasis on several critical historical and clinical correlates of CTE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Laffey
- Neurobehavior Unit, V.A. Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Adam J Darby
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Michael G Cline
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Edmond Teng
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Mario F Mendez
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Neurobehavior Unit, V.A. Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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23
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Cheng Y, Pereira M, Raukar N, Reagan JL, Queseneberry M, Goldberg L, Borgovan T, LaFrance WC, Dooner M, Deregibus M, Camussi G, Ramratnam B, Quesenberry P. Potential biomarkers to detect traumatic brain injury by the profiling of salivary extracellular vesicles. J Cell Physiol 2019; 234:14377-14388. [PMID: 30644102 PMCID: PMC6478516 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.28139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2018] [Accepted: 12/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a common cause of death and acquired disability in adults and children. Identifying biomarkers for mild TBI (mTBI) that can predict functional impairments on neuropsychiatric and neurocognitive testing after head trauma is yet to be firmly established. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are known to traffic from the brain to the oral cavity and can be detected in saliva. We hypothesize the genetic profile of salivary EVs in patients who have suffered head trauma will differ from normal healthy controls, thus constituting a unique expression signature for mTBI. We enrolled a total of 54 subjects including for saliva sampling, 23 controls with no history of head traumas, 16 patients enrolled from an outpatient concussion clinic, and 15 patients from the emergency department who had sustained a head trauma within 24 hr. We performed real‐time PCR of the salivary EVs of the 54 subjects profiling 96 genes from the TaqMan Human Alzheimer's disease array. Real‐time PCR analysis revealed 57 (15 genes, p < 0.05) upregulated genes in emergency department patients and 56 (14 genes,
p < 0.05) upregulated genes in concussion clinic patients when compared with controls. Three genes were upregulated in both the emergency department patients and concussion clinic patients: CDC2, CSNK1A1, and CTSD (
p < 0.05). Our results demonstrate that salivary EVs gene expression can serve as a viable source of biomarkers for mTBI. This study shows multiple Alzheimer's disease genes present after an mTBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Cheng
- Department of Medicine Division of Hematology/Oncology, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Mandy Pereira
- Department of Medicine Division of Hematology/Oncology, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Neha Raukar
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - John L Reagan
- Department of Medicine Division of Hematology/Oncology, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Mathew Queseneberry
- Department of Medicine Division of Hematology/Oncology, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Laura Goldberg
- Department of Medicine Division of Hematology/Oncology, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Theodor Borgovan
- Department of Medicine Division of Hematology/Oncology, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - W Curt LaFrance
- Department of Psychiatry/Neurology, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Mark Dooner
- Department of Medicine Division of Hematology/Oncology, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Maria Deregibus
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Giovanni Camussi
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Bharat Ramratnam
- Department of Medicine Division of Infectious Diseases, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Peter Quesenberry
- Department of Medicine Division of Hematology/Oncology, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island
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24
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Fatima N, Shuaib A, Chughtai TS, Ayyad A, Saqqur M. The Role of Transcranial Doppler in Traumatic Brain Injury: A Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis. Asian J Neurosurg 2019; 14:626-633. [PMID: 31497078 PMCID: PMC6702999 DOI: 10.4103/ajns.ajns_42_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
To evaluate whether transcranial Doppler (TCD) monitoring plays a role as a prognostic indicator, by being both a diagnostic as well as a monitoring tool for increased intracranial pressure and cerebral vasospasm (VSP), in traumatic brain injury (TBI). Electronic databases and gray literature (unpublished articles) were searched under different MeSH terms from 1990 to the present. Randomized control trials, case–control studies, and prospective cohort studies on TCD in TBI (>18 years old). Clinical outcome measures included Glasgow Coma Outcome Scale (GCOS) and Extended GCOS and mortality. Data were extracted to Review Manager Software. Twenty-five articles that met the inclusion criteria were retrieved and analyzed. Ultimately, five studies were included in our meta-analysis, which revealed that patients with TBI with abnormal TCD (mean flow velocity [MFV] >120 cm/sec or MFV <35 cm/sec and Pulsatility Index >1.2) have a >3-fold higher likelihood of having poor clinical outcome in comparison to patients with TBI and normal TCD monitoring (odds ratio [OR]: 3.87; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.97–5.04; P < 0.00001). Subgroup analysis revealed that abnormal TCD has a 9-fold higher likelihood of mortality (OR: 9.96; 95% CI: 4.41–22.47; P < 0.00001). Further, subgroup analysis based on TCD findings revealed that the presence of hypoperfusion on TCD (middle cerebral artery [MCA] <35 cm/s) is associated with a three-fold higher likelihood of having poor functional outcome (OR: 3.72; 95% CI: 1.97–7.0; P < 0.0001). The presence of VSP (MCA >120 cm/s) is associated with three-fold higher likelihood of poor functional outcome (OR: 3.64; 95% CI: 1.55–8.52; P = 0.003). TCD is an evolving diagnostic tool that might play a role in determining the prognosis of patients with TBI. Further prospective study is needed to prove the role of TCD in TBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nida Fatima
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hamad General Hospital, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ashfaq Shuaib
- Department of Neurology, Hamad General Hospital, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Ali Ayyad
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hamad General Hospital, Doha, Qatar
| | - Maher Saqqur
- Department of Neurology, Hamad General Hospital, Doha, Qatar
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25
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Fatima N, Ayyad A, Shuaib A, Saqqur M. Hypertonic Solutions in Traumatic Brain Injury: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Asian J Neurosurg 2019; 14:382-391. [PMID: 31143250 PMCID: PMC6516031 DOI: 10.4103/ajns.ajns_8_19] [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] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of hypertonic saline versus crystalloids (normal Saline/lactated Ringers) in improving clinical outcome in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Electronic databases and grey literature (unpublished articles) were searched under different MeSH terms from 1990 to present. Randomized control trials, case–control studies and prospective cohort studies on decompressive craniectomy in TBI (>18-year-old). Clinical outcome measures included Glasgow Coma Outcome Scale (GCOS), Extended GCOS, and mortality. Data were extracted to Review Manager Software. A total of 115 articles that met the inclusion criteria were retrieved and analyzed. Ultimately, five studies were included in our meta-analysis, which revealed that patients with TBI who had hypertonic saline had no statistically significant likelihood of having a good outcome at discharge or 6 months than those who had crystalloid (odds ratio [OR]: 0.01; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.03–0.05; P = 0.65). The relative risk (RR) of mortality in hypertonic saline versus the crystalloid at discharge or 6-month is RR: 0.80; 95% CI: 0.64–0.99; P = 0.04. The subgroup analysis showed that the group who had hypertonic solution significantly decreases the number of interventions versus the crystalloid group OR: 0.53; 95% CI: 0.48–0.59; P < 0.00001 and also reduces the length of intensive care unit stay (OR: 0.46; 95% CI: 0.21–1.01; P = 0.05). Hypertonic saline decreases the financial burden, but neither impacts the clinical outcome nor reduces the mortality. However, further clinical trials are required to prove if hypertonic saline has any role in improving the clinical and neurological status of patients with TBI versus the normal saline/lactated Ringers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nida Fatima
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hamad General Hospital, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ali Ayyad
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hamad General Hospital, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ashfaq Shuaib
- Department of Neuroscience, Hamad General Hospital, Doha, Qatar.,Department of Neurology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Maher Saqqur
- Department of Neuroscience, Hamad General Hospital, Doha, Qatar.,Department of Neurology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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26
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Mainwaring L, Ferdinand Pennock KM, Mylabathula S, Alavie BZ. Subconcussive head impacts in sport: A systematic review of the evidence. Int J Psychophysiol 2018; 132:39-54. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2018.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2017] [Revised: 01/10/2018] [Accepted: 01/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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27
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Caixeta L, Dangoni I, de Sousa RD, Soares PPD, Mendonça ACR. Extending the range of differential diagnosis of chronic traumatic encephalopathy of the boxer: Insights from a case report. Dement Neuropsychol 2018; 12:92-96. [PMID: 29682240 PMCID: PMC5901256 DOI: 10.1590/1980-57642018dn12-010014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Sports activities associated with repetitive cranial trauma have become a fad and are popular in gyms and even among children. It is important to consistently characterize the consequences of such sports activities in order to better advise society on the real risks to the central nervous system. We present the case of a former boxer reporting cognitive and behavioral symptoms that began six years after his retirement as a boxer, evolving progressively with parkinsonian and cerebellar features suggestive of probable chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Using our case as a paradigm, we extended the range of differential diagnosis of CTE, including corticobasal degeneration, multiple system atrophy, vitamin B12 deficiency, neurosyphilis, frontotemporal dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Caixeta
- Associate Professor of Neurology, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil. Coordinator, Cognitive and Behavioral Neurology Unit, Department of Neurology, Hospital das Clínicas
| | - Iron Dangoni
- Behavioral and Cognitive Neurology Unit, Department of Neurology, Hospital das Clínicas, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Rafael Dias de Sousa
- Behavioral and Cognitive Neurology Unit, Department of Neurology, Hospital das Clínicas, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Pedro Paulo Dias Soares
- Behavioral and Cognitive Neurology Unit, Department of Neurology, Hospital das Clínicas, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Andreia Costa Rabelo Mendonça
- Behavioral and Cognitive Neurology Unit, Department of Neurology, Hospital das Clínicas, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
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28
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Abstract
There is a long history linking traumatic brain injury (TBI) with the development of dementia. Despite significant reservations, such as recall bias or concluding causality for TBI, a summary of recent research points to several conclusions on the TBI-dementia relationship. 1) Increasing severity of a single moderate-to-severe TBI increases the risk of subsequent Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common type of dementia. 2) Repetitive, often subconcussive, mild TBIs increases the risk for chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative neuropathology. 3) TBI may be a risk factor for other neurodegenerative disorders that can be associated with dementia. 4) TBI appears to lower the age of onset of TBI-related neurocognitive syndromes, potentially adding "TBI cognitive-behavioral features". The literature further indicates several specific risk factors for TBI-associated dementia: 5) any blast or blunt physical force to the head as long as there is violent head displacement; 6) decreased cognitive and/or neuronal reserve and the related variable of older age at TBI; and 7) the presence of apolipoprotein E ɛ4 alleles, a genetic risk factor for AD. Finally, there are neuropathological features relating TBI with neurocognitive syndromes: 8) acute TBI results in amyloid pathology and other neurodegenerative proteinopathies; 9) CTE shares features with neurodegenerative dementias; and 10) TBI results in white matter tract and neural network disruptions. Although further research is needed, these ten findings suggest that dose-dependent effects of violent head displacement in vulnerable brains predispose to dementia; among several potential mechanisms is the propagation of abnormal proteins along damaged white matter networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario F Mendez
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Department of Neurology, Neurobehavior Unit, V.A. Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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29
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Paranoid Personality Disorder (PPD) has historically been neglected by science out of proportion to its prevalence or its association with negative clinical outcomes. This review provides an update on what is known about PPD regarding its prevalence, demographics, comorbidity, biological mechanism, risk factors, and relationship to psychotic disorders. RECENT FINDINGS PPD has long been the subject of a rich and prescient theoretical literature which has provided a surprisingly coherent account of the psychological mechanism of non-delusional paranoia. Available data indicate that PPD has a close relationship with childhood trauma and social stress. Descriptive data on a sample of 115 individuals with Paranoid Personality Disorder is examined in comparison with a group of individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder. The descriptive data largely confirm previously identified relationships between Paranoid Personality Disorder and childhood trauma, violence, and race. We identify important similarities to and differences from Borderline Personality Disorder. SUMMARY PPD continues to be an important construct in the clinic and the laboratory. Available data lead to a reconsideration of the disorder as more closely related to trauma than to schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Royce Lee
- Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, The University of Chicago, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, , 773-834-5673, MC 3077, 5841 S. Maryland Ave, Chicago, IL 60637
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Transcriptome analyses of chronic traumatic encephalopathy show alterations in protein phosphatase expression associated with tauopathy. Exp Mol Med 2017; 49:e333. [PMID: 28524178 PMCID: PMC5454448 DOI: 10.1038/emm.2017.56] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2016] [Revised: 01/05/2017] [Accepted: 01/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that is associated with repetitive head injury and has distinctive neuropathological features that differentiate this disease from other neurodegenerative diseases. Intraneuronal tau aggregates, although they occur in different patterns, are diagnostic neuropathological features of CTE, but the precise mechanism of tauopathy is not known in CTE. We performed whole RNA sequencing analysis of post-mortem brain tissue from patients with CTE and compared the results to normal controls to determine the transcriptome signature changes associated with CTE. The results showed that the genes related to the MAP kinase and calcium-signaling pathways were significantly downregulated in CTE. The altered expression of protein phosphatases (PPs) in these networks further suggested that the tauopathy observed in CTE involves common pathological mechanisms similar to Alzheimer's disease (AD). Using cell lines and animal models, we also showed that reduced PPP3CA/PP2B phosphatase activity is directly associated with increases in phosphorylated (p)-tau proteins. These findings provide important insights into PP-dependent neurodegeneration and may lead to novel therapeutic approaches to reduce the tauopathy associated with CTE.
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31
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Chronic traumatic encephalopathy: The unknown disease. NEUROLOGÍA (ENGLISH EDITION) 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nrleng.2014.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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32
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Iacono D, Shively SB, Edlow BL, Perl DP. Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy: Known Causes, Unknown Effects. Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am 2017; 28:301-321. [PMID: 28390515 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmr.2016.12.007] [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] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a neuropathologic diagnosis typically made in human brains with a history of repetitive traumatic brain injury (rTBI). It remains unknown whether CTE occurs exclusively after rTBI, or whether a single TBI (sTBI) can cause CTE. Similarly, it is unclear whether impact (eg, motor vehicle accidents) and non-impact (eg, blasts) types of energy transfer trigger divergent or common pathologies. While it is established that a history of rTBI increases the risk of multiple neurodegenerative diseases (eg, dementia, parkinsonism, and CTE), the possible pathophysiologic and molecular mechanisms underlying these risks have yet to be elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Iacono
- Brain Tissue Repository & Neuropathology Core, Center for Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine (CNRM), Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS), 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA; The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine (HJF), 6720A Rockledge Dr #100, Bethesda, MD 20817, USA
| | - Sharon B Shively
- Brain Tissue Repository & Neuropathology Core, Center for Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine (CNRM), Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS), 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA; The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine (HJF), 6720A Rockledge Dr #100, Bethesda, MD 20817, USA; Department of Pathology, F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS), 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Brian L Edlow
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 175 Cambridge Street - Suite 300, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, 149 13th Street, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Daniel P Perl
- Brain Tissue Repository & Neuropathology Core, Center for Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine (CNRM), Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS), 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA; Department of Pathology, F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS), 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA.
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34
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Multani N, Goswami R, Khodadadi M, Ebraheem A, Davis KD, Tator CH, Wennberg R, Mikulis DJ, Ezerins L, Tartaglia MC. The association between white-matter tract abnormalities, and neuropsychiatric and cognitive symptoms in retired professional football players with multiple concussions. J Neurol 2016; 263:1332-41. [PMID: 27142715 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-016-8141-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2016] [Revised: 04/20/2016] [Accepted: 04/22/2016] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Retired professional athletes, who have suffered repetitive concussions, report symptoms of depression, anxiety, and memory impairment over time. Moreover, recent imaging data suggest chronic white-matter tract deterioration in sport-related concussion. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of repetitive concussions in retired professional football players on white-matter tracts, and relate these changes to neuropsychological function. All subjects (18 retired professional football players and 17 healthy controls) underwent imaging, neuropsychological assessment, and reported on concussion-related symptoms. Whole brain tract-based spatial statistics analysis revealed increased axial diffusivity in the right hemisphere of retired players in the (1) superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF), (2) corticospinal tract, and (3) anterior thalamic radiations, suggesting chronic axonal degeneration in these tracts. Moreover, retired players report significantly higher neuropsychiatric and cognitive symptoms than healthy controls, and worsening of these symptoms since their last concussion. Loss of integrity in the right SLF significantly correlated with participants' visual learning ability. In sum, these results suggest that repetitive concussions in retired professional football players are associated with focal white-matter tract abnormalities that could explain some of the neuropsychiatric symptoms and cognitive deficits experienced by these retired athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Namita Multani
- Canadian Sports Concussion Project, Memory Clinic, Toronto Western Hospital, Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, 399 Bathurst St., West Wing 5-449, Toronto, ON, M5T 2S8, Canada.,Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, 60 Leonard Avenue, Toronto, ON, M5T 2S8, Canada.,Division of Neurology, Toronto Western Hospital, Krembil Neuroscience Centre, University Health Network, 399 Bathurst St., Toronto, ON, M5T 2S8, Canada
| | - Ruma Goswami
- Canadian Sports Concussion Project, Memory Clinic, Toronto Western Hospital, Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, 399 Bathurst St., West Wing 5-449, Toronto, ON, M5T 2S8, Canada.,Division of Brain, Imaging and Behaviour-Systems Neuroscience, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto Western Research Institute, University Health Network, 399 Bathurst St., Toronto, ON, M5T 2S8, Canada
| | - Mozhgan Khodadadi
- Canadian Sports Concussion Project, Memory Clinic, Toronto Western Hospital, Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, 399 Bathurst St., West Wing 5-449, Toronto, ON, M5T 2S8, Canada
| | - Ahmed Ebraheem
- Canadian Sports Concussion Project, Memory Clinic, Toronto Western Hospital, Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, 399 Bathurst St., West Wing 5-449, Toronto, ON, M5T 2S8, Canada
| | - Karen D Davis
- Canadian Sports Concussion Project, Memory Clinic, Toronto Western Hospital, Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, 399 Bathurst St., West Wing 5-449, Toronto, ON, M5T 2S8, Canada.,Division of Brain, Imaging and Behaviour-Systems Neuroscience, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto Western Research Institute, University Health Network, 399 Bathurst St., Toronto, ON, M5T 2S8, Canada.,Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada.,Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, 149 College Street, Toronto, ON, M5T 1P5, Canada
| | - Charles H Tator
- Canadian Sports Concussion Project, Memory Clinic, Toronto Western Hospital, Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, 399 Bathurst St., West Wing 5-449, Toronto, ON, M5T 2S8, Canada.,Division of Brain, Imaging and Behaviour-Systems Neuroscience, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto Western Research Institute, University Health Network, 399 Bathurst St., Toronto, ON, M5T 2S8, Canada.,Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada.,Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, 149 College Street, Toronto, ON, M5T 1P5, Canada.,Division of Neurosurgery, Toronto Western Hospital, Krembil Neuroscience Centre, University Health Network, 399 Bathurst St., Toronto, ON, M5T 2S8, Canada
| | - Richard Wennberg
- Canadian Sports Concussion Project, Memory Clinic, Toronto Western Hospital, Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, 399 Bathurst St., West Wing 5-449, Toronto, ON, M5T 2S8, Canada.,Division of Neurology, Toronto Western Hospital, Krembil Neuroscience Centre, University Health Network, 399 Bathurst St., Toronto, ON, M5T 2S8, Canada
| | - David J Mikulis
- Canadian Sports Concussion Project, Memory Clinic, Toronto Western Hospital, Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, 399 Bathurst St., West Wing 5-449, Toronto, ON, M5T 2S8, Canada.,Division of Brain, Imaging and Behaviour-Systems Neuroscience, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto Western Research Institute, University Health Network, 399 Bathurst St., Toronto, ON, M5T 2S8, Canada.,Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada.,Department of Medical Imaging, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, 399 Bathurst St., Toronto, ON, M5T 2S8, Canada
| | - Leo Ezerins
- Canadian Sports Concussion Project, Memory Clinic, Toronto Western Hospital, Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, 399 Bathurst St., West Wing 5-449, Toronto, ON, M5T 2S8, Canada
| | - Maria Carmela Tartaglia
- Canadian Sports Concussion Project, Memory Clinic, Toronto Western Hospital, Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, 399 Bathurst St., West Wing 5-449, Toronto, ON, M5T 2S8, Canada. .,Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, 60 Leonard Avenue, Toronto, ON, M5T 2S8, Canada. .,Division of Neurology, Toronto Western Hospital, Krembil Neuroscience Centre, University Health Network, 399 Bathurst St., Toronto, ON, M5T 2S8, Canada.
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Abstract
Association of repetitive brain trauma with progressive neurological deterioration has been described since the 1920s. Punch drunk syndrome and dementia pugilistica (DP) were introduced first to explain symptoms in boxers, and more recently, chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) has been used to describe a neurodegenerative disease in athletes and military personal with a history of multiple concussions. Although there are many similarities between DP and CTE, a number of key differences are apparent especially when comparing movement impairments. The aim of this review is to compare clinical and pathological aspects of DP and CTE with a focus on disorders of movement.
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36
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Lenihan MW, Jordan BD. The clinical presentation of chronic traumatic encephalopathy. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep 2015; 15:23. [PMID: 25772999 DOI: 10.1007/s11910-015-0541-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder attributed to repetitive mild traumatic brain injury. The diagnosis in a living individual can be challenging and can be made definitively only at autopsy. The symptoms are often nonspecific and overlap with neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Higher exposure to repetitive head trauma increases the risk of CTE. Genetic risk factors such as presence of an apolipoprotein E ε4 allele may be important. Individuals have varying degrees of cognitive, behavioral, and motor decline. Limitations in the manner in which data have been obtained over the years have led to different clinical descriptions of CTE. At present, there are no biomarkers to assist in the diagnosis. Standard neuroimaging may show nonspecific atrophic changes; however, newer imaging modalities such as positron emission tomography (PET) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) show promise. Neuropsychological testing may be helpful in determining the pattern of cognitive or behavioral decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael W Lenihan
- Adirondack Neurology Associates, 420 Glen St, Glens Falls, NY, 12801, USA,
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37
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Seifert T, Bernick C, Jordan B, Alessi A, Davidson J, Cantu R, Giza C, Goodman M, Benjamin J. Determining brain fitness to fight: Has the time come? PHYSICIAN SPORTSMED 2015; 43:395-402. [PMID: 26295482 DOI: 10.1080/00913847.2015.1081551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Professional boxing is associated with a risk of chronic neurological injury, with up to 20-50% of former boxers exhibiting symptoms of chronic brain injury. Chronic traumatic brain injury encompasses a spectrum of disorders that are associated with long-term consequences of brain injury and remains the most difficult safety challenge in modern-day boxing. Despite these concerns, traditional guidelines used for return to sport participation after concussion are inconsistently applied in boxing. Furthermore, few athletic commissions require either formal consultation with a neurological specialist (i.e. neurologist, neurosurgeon, or neuropsychologist) or formal neuropsychological testing prior to return to fight. In order to protect the health of boxers and maintain the long-term viability of a sport associated with exposure to repetitive head trauma, we propose a set of specific requirements for brain safety that all state athletic commissions would implement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tad Seifert
- a 1 Department of Neurology, Norton Healthcare , Louisville, KY, USA.,b 2 Department of Neurology, University of Kentucky , KY, USA.,c 3 Kentucky State Boxing Commission , KY, USA
| | - Charles Bernick
- d 4 Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, Cleveland Clinic , Las Vegas, NV, USA
| | - Barry Jordan
- e 5 Department of Neurology, Burke Rehabilitation Hospital , White Plains, NY, USA.,f 6 New York State Athletic Commission , NY, USA
| | - Anthony Alessi
- g 7 Department of Neurology, Backus Hospital , Norwich, CT, USA.,h 8 Department of Neurology, University of Connecticut , CT, USA
| | - Jeff Davidson
- i 9 Department of Emergency Medicine, Valley Hospital , Las Vegas, NV, USA.,j 10 Ultimate Fighting Championship , Las Vegas, NV, USA
| | - Robert Cantu
- k 11 Department of Neurosurgery, Emerson Hospital , MA, USA.,l 12 Sports Legacy Institute , Boston, MA, USA
| | - Christopher Giza
- m 13 Department of Pediatric Neurology, University of California at Los Angeles , CA, USA.,n 14 California State Athletic Commission , CA, USA
| | - Margaret Goodman
- o 15 Headache Center of Southern Nevada , Las Vegas, NV, USA.,p 16 Voluntary Anti-Doping Association , Las Vegas, NV, USA
| | - Johnny Benjamin
- q 17 Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Pro Spine Center , Vero Beach, FL , USA
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38
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Bang SA, Song YS, Moon BS, Lee BC, Lee HY, Kim JM, Kim SE. Neuropsychological, Metabolic, and GABAA Receptor Studies in Subjects with Repetitive Traumatic Brain Injury. J Neurotrauma 2015; 33:1005-14. [PMID: 26414498 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2015.4051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Repetitive traumatic brain injury (rTBI) occurs as a result of mild and accumulative brain damage. A prototype of rTBI is chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), which is a degenerative disease that occurs in patients with histories of multiple concussions or head injuries. Boxers have been the most commonly studied patient group because they may experience thousands of subconcussive hits over the course of a career. This study examined the consequences of rTBI with structural brain imaging and biomolecular imaging and investigated whether the neuropsychological features of rTBI were related to the findings of the imaging studies. Five retired professional boxers (mean age, 46.8 ± 3.19 years) and four age-matched controls (mean age, 48.5 ± 3.32 years) were studied. Cognitive-motor related functional impairment was assessed, and all subjects underwent neuropsychological evaluation and behavioral tasks, as well as structural brain imaging and functional-molecular imaging. In neuropsychological tests, boxers showed deficits in delayed retrieval of visuospatial memory and motor coordination, which had a meaningful relationship with biomolecular imaging results indicative of neuronal injury. Morphometric abnormalities were not found in professional boxers by structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Glucose metabolism was impaired in frontal areas associated with cognitive dysfunction, similar to findings in Alzheimer's disease. Low binding potential (BP) of (18)F-flumazenil (FMZ) was found in the angular gyrus and temporal cortical regions, revealing neuronal deficits. These results suggested that cognitive impairment and motor dysfunction reflect chronic damage to neurons in professional boxers with rTBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seong Ae Bang
- 1 Department of Neuroscience, Seoul National University College of Medicine , Seoul, Republic of Korea.,2 Department of Nuclear Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital , Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoo Sung Song
- 2 Department of Nuclear Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital , Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Byung Seok Moon
- 2 Department of Nuclear Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital , Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Byung Chul Lee
- 2 Department of Nuclear Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital , Seongnam, Republic of Korea.,4 Center for Nanomolecular Imaging and Innovative Drug Development, Advanced Institutes of Convergence Technology , Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Ho-Young Lee
- 2 Department of Nuclear Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital , Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong-Min Kim
- 5 Department of Neurology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital , Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Eun Kim
- 1 Department of Neuroscience, Seoul National University College of Medicine , Seoul, Republic of Korea.,2 Department of Nuclear Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital , Seongnam, Republic of Korea.,3 Department of Transdisciplinary Studies, Graduate School of Convergence Science and Technology, Seoul National University , Seoul, Republic of Korea.,4 Center for Nanomolecular Imaging and Innovative Drug Development, Advanced Institutes of Convergence Technology , Suwon, Republic of Korea
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Growing public health concern exists over the incidence of chronic traumatic brain injury (TBI) in athletes participating in contact sports. Chronic TBI represents a spectrum of disorders associated with long-term consequences of single or repetitive TBI and includes chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), chronic postconcussion syndrome, and chronic neurocognitive impairment. Neurologists should be familiar with the different types of chronic TBI and their diagnostic criteria. RECENT FINDINGS CTE is the most severe chronic TBI and represents the neurologic consequences of repetitive mild TBI. It is particularly noted among boxers and football players. CTE presents with behavioral, cognitive, and motor symptoms, and can only be definitively diagnosed postmortem. Chronic postconcussion syndrome is defined as postconcussion symptoms that last longer than 1 year and do not appear to resolve; it may develop after a single concussive event. Chronic neurocognitive impairment is an all-encompassing clinical term denoting long-term neurologic sequelae secondary to sports-related trauma and can present either within the postconcussion syndrome or years after a symptom-free interval. SUMMARY This article discusses the diagnostic evaluation of chronic TBI, including clinical history, neurologic examination, neuropsychological testing, neuroimaging, and laboratory testing, as well as the distinctions between CTE, chronic postconcussion syndrome, and chronic neurocognitive impairment. Neurologic impairment among athletes exposed to repetitive brain injury appears to be a real phenomenon. Because CTE has no established treatment, prevention is of paramount importance for athletes participating in contact sports.
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40
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Montenigro PH, Bernick C, Cantu RC. Clinical features of repetitive traumatic brain injury and chronic traumatic encephalopathy. Brain Pathol 2015; 25:304-17. [PMID: 25904046 PMCID: PMC8029369 DOI: 10.1111/bpa.12250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2015] [Accepted: 02/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by a distinct pattern of hyperphosphorylated tau (p-tau). Thought to be caused by repetitive concussive and subconcussive injuries, CTE is considered largely preventable. The majority of neuropathologically confirmed cases have occurred in professional contact sport athletes (eg, boxing, football). A recent post-mortem case series has magnified concerns for the public's health following its identification in six high school level athletes. CTE is diagnosed with certainty only following a post-mortem autopsy. Efforts to define the etiology and clinical progression during life are ongoing. The goal of this article is to characterize the clinical concepts associated with short- and long-term effects of repetitive traumatic brain injury, with a special emphasis on new clinical diagnostic criteria for CTE. Utilizing these new diagnostic criteria, two cases of neuropathologically confirmed CTE, one in a professional football player and one in a professional boxer, are reported. Differences in cerebellar pathology in CTE confirmed cases in boxing and football are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip H. Montenigro
- Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy CenterBoston University School of MedicineBostonMA
- Department of Anatomy and NeurobiologyBoston University School of MedicineBostonMA
| | | | - Robert C. Cantu
- Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy CenterBoston University School of MedicineBostonMA
- Department of Neurology and NeurosurgeryBoston University School of MedicineBostonMA
- Department of NeurosurgeryEmerson HospitalConcordMA
- Sports Legacy InstituteWalthamMA
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Bernick C, Banks SJ, Shin W, Obuchowski N, Butler S, Noback M, Phillips M, Lowe M, Jones S, Modic M. Repeated head trauma is associated with smaller thalamic volumes and slower processing speed: the Professional Fighters' Brain Health Study. Br J Sports Med 2015; 49:1007-11. [PMID: 25633832 PMCID: PMC4518758 DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2014-093877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/08/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Objectives Cumulative head trauma may alter brain structure and function. We explored the relationship between exposure variables, cognition and MRI brain structural measures in a cohort of professional combatants. Methods 224 fighters (131 mixed martial arts fighters and 93 boxers) participating in the Professional Fighters Brain Health Study, a longitudinal cohort study of licensed professional combatants, were recruited, as were 22 controls. Each participant underwent computerised cognitive testing and volumetric brain MRI. Fighting history including years of fighting and fights per year was obtained from self-report and published records. Statistical analyses of the baseline evaluations were applied cross-sectionally to determine the relationship between fight exposure variables and volumes of the hippocampus, amygdala, thalamus, caudate, putamen. Moreover, the relationship between exposure and brain volumes with cognitive function was assessed. Results Increasing exposure to repetitive head trauma measured by number of professional fights, years of fighting, or a Fight Exposure Score (FES) was associated with lower brain volumes, particularly the thalamus and caudate. In addition, speed of processing decreased with decreased thalamic volumes and with increasing fight exposure. Higher scores on a FES used to reflect exposure to repetitive head trauma were associated with greater likelihood of having cognitive impairment. Conclusions Greater exposure to repetitive head trauma is associated with lower brain volumes and lower processing speed in active professional fighters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles Bernick
- Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, Cleveland Clinic, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
| | - Sarah J Banks
- Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, Cleveland Clinic, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
| | - Wanyong Shin
- Department of Radiology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Nancy Obuchowski
- Department of Qualitative Health Sciences, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Sam Butler
- Department of Qualitative Health Sciences, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Michael Noback
- Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, Cleveland Clinic, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
| | | | - Mark Lowe
- Department of Radiology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Stephen Jones
- Department of Radiology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Michael Modic
- Department of Radiology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
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42
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Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of death and disability, and therefore an important health and socioeconomic problem for our society. Individuals surviving from a moderate to severe TBI frequently suffer from long-lasting cognitive deficits. Such deficits include different aspects of cognition such as memory, attention, executive functions, and awareness of their deficits. This chapter presents a review of the main neuropsychological and neuroimaging studies of patients with TBI. These studies found that patients evolve differently according to the severity of the injury, the mechanism causing the injury, and the lesion location. Further research is necessary to develop rehabilitation methods that enhance brain plasticity and recovery after TBI. In this chapter, we summarize current knowledge and controversies, focusing on cognitive sequelae after TBI. Recommendations from the Common Data Elements are provided, with an emphasis on diagnosis, outcome measures, and studies organization to make data more comparable across studies. Final considerations on neuroimaging advances, rehabilitation approaches, and genetics are described in the final section of the chapter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Cristofori
- Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Harvey S Levin
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
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43
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Martínez-Pérez R, Paredes I, Munarriz PM, Paredes B, Alén JF. Chronic traumatic encephalopathy: The unknown disease. Neurologia 2014; 32:185-191. [PMID: 25534950 DOI: 10.1016/j.nrl.2014.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2014] [Revised: 06/06/2014] [Accepted: 08/08/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic traumatic encephalopathy is a neurodegenerative disease produced by accumulated minor traumatic brain injuries; no definitive premortem diagnosis and no treatments are available for chronic traumatic encephalopathy. Risk factors associated with chronic traumatic encephalopathy include playing contact sports, presence of the apolipoprotein E4, and old age. Although it shares certain histopathological findings with Alzheimer disease, chronic traumatic encephalopathy has a more specific presentation (hyperphosphorylated tau protein deposited as neurofibrillary tangles, associated with neuropil threads and sometimes with beta-amyloid plaques). Its clinical presentation is insidious; patients show mild cognitive and emotional symptoms before progressing to parkinsonian motor signs and finally dementia. Results from new experimental diagnostic tools are promising, but these tools are not yet available. The mainstay of managing this disease is prevention and early detection of its first symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Martínez-Pérez
- Servicio de Neurocirugía, Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, España; Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, España.
| | - I Paredes
- Servicio de Neurocirugía, Hospital Virgen de la Salud, Toledo, España
| | - P M Munarriz
- Servicio de Neurocirugía, Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, España; Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, España
| | - B Paredes
- Departamento de Psicología, Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia (UNED), España
| | - J F Alén
- Servicio de Neurocirugía, Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, España; Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, España
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44
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Ottoboni G, Russo G, Tessari A. What boxing-related stimuli reveal about response behaviour. J Sports Sci 2014; 33:1019-27. [DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2014.977939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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45
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Pearce AJ, Hoy K, Rogers MA, Corp DT, Maller JJ, Drury HGK, Fitzgerald PB. The long-term effects of sports concussion on retired Australian football players: a study using transcranial magnetic stimulation. J Neurotrauma 2014; 31:1139-45. [PMID: 24579780 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2013.3219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This study investigated corticomotor excitability and inhibition, cognitive functioning, and fine motor dexterity in retired elite and amateur Australian football (AF) players who had sustained concussions during their playing careers. Forty male AF players who played at the elite level (n=20; mean age 49.7±5.7 years) or amateur level (n=20; mean age 48.4±6.9 years), and had sustained on average 3.2 concussions 21.9 years previously, were compared with 20 healthy age-matched male controls (mean age 47.56±6.85 years). All participants completed assessments of fine dexterity, visuomotor reaction time, spatial working memory (SWM), and associative learning (AL). Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) was used to measure corticospinal excitability: stimulus-response (SR) curves and motor evoked potential (MEP) 125% of active motor threshold (aMT); and intracortical inhibition: cortical silent period (cSP), short-interval intracortical inhibition (SICI), and long-interval intracortical inhibition (LICI). Healthy participants performed better in dexterity (p=0.003), reaction (p=0.003), and movement time (p=0.037) than did both AF groups. Differences between AF groups were found in AL (p=0.027) and SWM (p=0.024). TMS measures revealed that both AF groups showed reduced cSP duration at 125% aMT (p>0.001) and differences in SR curves (p>0.001) than did healthy controls. Similarly, SICI (p=0.012) and LICI (p=0.009) were reduced in both AF groups compared with controls. Regression analyses revealed a significant contribution to differences in motor outcomes with the three measures of intracortical inhibition. The measures of inhibition differed, however, in terms of which performance measure they had a significant and unique predictive relationship with, reflecting the variety of participant concussion injuries. This study is the first to demonstrate differences in motor control and intracortical inhibition in AF players who had sustained concussions during their playing career two decades previously.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan J Pearce
- 1 Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, School of Psychology, Deakin University , Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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46
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Karantzoulis S, Randolph C. Modern chronic traumatic encephalopathy in retired athletes: what is the evidence? Neuropsychol Rev 2013; 23:350-60. [PMID: 24264648 DOI: 10.1007/s11065-013-9243-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2013] [Accepted: 11/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
It has been theorized that a career in contact sports may be associated with long-term neurodegenerative changes. This idea dates as far back as the 1920s, was initially reported in boxers, colloquially termed 'punch drunk,' later more formally termed dementia pugilistica (DP), and now coined chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Despite considerable ongoing interest on this topic, there is so far only limited evidence showing an association between sport-related concussion (SRC) and increased risk for late-life cognitive and neuropsychiatric impairment, with no causality or risk factors yet determined. The modern CTE description is nevertheless proposed as a unique tauopathy with characteristic pathological stages occurring in retired athletes who have experienced previous repetitive brain trauma. This review highlights the principal issues that so far preclude firm conclusions about the association of athletic head trauma and neurodegenerative diseases of any type. We consider alternative interpretations that may contribute to the clinical progressive neurological findings in some athletes and recommend carefully-controlled epidemiological work to overcome current limitations in this area of research and stimulate future research.
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Banks SJ, Obuchowski N, Shin W, Lowe M, Phillips M, Modic M, Bernick C. The Protective Effect of Education on Cognition in Professional Fighters. Arch Clin Neuropsychol 2013; 29:54-9. [DOI: 10.1093/arclin/act079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Wortzel HS, Brenner LA, Arciniegas DB. Traumatic brain injury and chronic traumatic encephalopathy: a forensic neuropsychiatric perspective. BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES & THE LAW 2013; 31:721-738. [PMID: 24019038 DOI: 10.1002/bsl.2079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2013] [Revised: 07/16/2013] [Accepted: 07/24/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Recent scientific reports and popular press describing chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) collectively link this condition to a broad array of neuropsychiatric symptoms, including extremely rare and multi-determined behaviors such as murder-suicide. These reports are difficult to reconcile with several decades of research on the science of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and its consequences, especially the natural history and prognosis of mild TBI. This article attempts to reconcile these sources by reviewing the state of the science on CTE, with particular attention to case definitions and neuropathological criteria for this diagnosis. The evidence for links between TBI, CTE, and catastrophic clinical events is explored, and the complexity of attributing rare frequency behavioral events to CTE is highlighted. The clinical and medicolegal implications of the best available evidence are discussed, concluding with a cautionary note against prematurely generalizing current findings on CTE to entire populations of persons with, or at risk for, concussion exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hal S Wortzel
- Neuropsychiatry Service, Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO; Division of Forensic Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO; Behavioral Neurology Section, Department of Neurology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO; Beth K. and Stuart C. Yudofsky Division of Neuropsychiatry, Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
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Abstract
Alzheimer disease (AD) and Parkinson disease (PD) are the two most common age-related neurodegenerative diseases characterized by prominent neurodegeneration in selective neural systems. Although a small fraction of AD and PD cases exhibit evidence of heritability, among which many genes have been identified, the majority are sporadic without known causes. Molecular mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration and pathogenesis of these diseases remain elusive. Convincing evidence demonstrates oxidative stress as a prominent feature in AD and PD and links oxidative stress to the development of neuronal death and neural dysfunction, which suggests a key pathogenic role for oxidative stress in both AD and PD. Notably, mitochondrial dysfunction is also a prominent feature in these diseases, which is likely to be of critical importance in the genesis and amplification of reactive oxygen species and the pathophysiology of these diseases. In this review, we focus on changes in mitochondrial DNA and mitochondrial dynamics, two aspects critical to the maintenance of mitochondrial homeostasis and function, in relationship with oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of AD and PD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Xinglong Wang
- Department of Pathology; Department of Neurology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA.
| | - Xiongwei Zhu
- Department of Pathology; Department of Neurology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA.
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Shin W, Mahmoud SY, Sakaie K, Banks SJ, Lowe MJ, Phillips M, Modic MT, Bernick C. Diffusion measures indicate fight exposure-related damage to cerebral white matter in boxers and mixed martial arts fighters. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2013; 35:285-90. [PMID: 23928146 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a3676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Traumatic brain injury is common in fighting athletes such as boxers, given the frequency of blows to the head. Because DTI is sensitive to microstructural changes in white matter, this technique is often used to investigate white matter integrity in patients with traumatic brain injury. We hypothesized that previous fight exposure would predict DTI abnormalities in fighting athletes after controlling for individual variation. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 74 boxers and 81 mixed martial arts fighters were included in the analysis and scanned by use of DTI. Individual information and data on fight exposures, including number of fights and knockouts, were collected. A multiple hierarchical linear regression model was used in region-of-interest analysis to test the hypothesis that fight-related exposure could predict DTI values separately in boxers and mixed martial arts fighters. Age, weight, and years of education were controlled to ensure that these factors would not account for the hypothesized effects. RESULTS We found that the number of knockouts among boxers predicted increased longitudinal diffusivity and transversal diffusivity in white matter and subcortical gray matter regions, including corpus callosum, isthmus cingulate, pericalcarine, precuneus, and amygdala, leading to increased mean diffusivity and decreased fractional anisotropy in the corresponding regions. The mixed martial arts fighters had increased transversal diffusivity in the posterior cingulate. The number of fights did not predict any DTI measures in either group. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that the history of fight exposure in a fighter population can be used to predict microstructural brain damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Shin
- From the Imaging Institute (W.S., S.Y.M., K.S., M.J.L., M.P.)
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