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Souza SPM, Colet N, Fujiwara M, Fernandes AP, Tobar N, Dertkigil SSJ, Takahashi MES, Amorim BJ, Silva LS, Yasuda CL, Cendes F, de Souza TF, Rodrigues JT, Zantut-Wittmann DE, Ramos CD. Evidence of brain metabolism redistribution from neocortex to primitive brain structures in early acute COVID-19 respiratory syndrome. EJNMMI Res 2024; 14:28. [PMID: 38472569 DOI: 10.1186/s13550-024-01089-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuropsychiatric sequelae of COVID-19 have been widely documented in patients with severe neurological symptoms during the chronic or subacute phase of the disease. However, it remains unclear whether subclinical changes in brain metabolism can occur early in the acute phase of the disease. The aim of this study was to identify and quantify changes in brain metabolism in patients hospitalized for acute respiratory syndrome due to COVID-19 with no or mild neurological symptoms. RESULTS Twenty-three non-intubated patients (13 women; mean age 55.5 ± 12.1 years) hospitalized with positive nasopharyngeal swab test (RT-PCR) for COVID-19, requiring supplemental oxygen and no or mild neurological symptoms were studied. Serum C-reactive protein measured at admission ranged from 6.43 to 189.0 mg/L (mean: 96.9 ± 54.2 mg/L). The mean supplemental oxygen demand was 2.9 ± 1.4 L/min. [18F]FDG PET/CT images were acquired with a median of 12 (4-20) days of symptoms. After visual interpretation of the images, semiquantitative analysis of [18F]FDG uptake in multiple brain regions was evaluated using dedicated software and the standard deviation (SD) of brain uptake in each region was automatically calculated in comparison with reference values of a normal database. Evolutionarily ancient structures showed positive SD mean values of [18F]FDG uptake. Lenticular nuclei were bilaterally hypermetabolic (> 2 SD) in 21/23 (91.3%) patients, and thalamus in 16/23 (69.6%), bilaterally in 11/23 (47.8%). About half of patients showed hypermetabolism in brainstems, 40% in hippocampi, and 30% in cerebellums. In contrast, neocortical regions (frontal, parietal, temporal and occipital lobes) presented negative SD mean values of [18F]FDG uptake and hypometabolism (< 2 SD) was observed in up to a third of patients. Associations were found between hypoxia, inflammation, coagulation markers, and [18F]FDG uptake in various brain structures. CONCLUSIONS Brain metabolism is clearly affected during the acute phase of COVID-19 respiratory syndrome in neurologically asymptomatic or oligosymptomatic patients. The most frequent finding is marked hypermetabolism in evolutionary ancient structures such as lenticular nucleus and thalami. Neocortical metabolism was reduced in up to one third of patients, suggesting a redistribution of brain metabolism from the neocortex to evolutionary ancient brain structures in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan P M Souza
- Nuclear Medicine Division, Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Nicoli Colet
- Nuclear Medicine Division, Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mariana Fujiwara
- Endocrinology Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alins P Fernandes
- Nuclear Medicine Division, Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Natalia Tobar
- Nuclear Medicine Division, Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sergio S J Dertkigil
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Bárbara J Amorim
- Nuclear Medicine Division, Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lucas S Silva
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Clarissa L Yasuda
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fernando Cendes
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Thiago F de Souza
- Nuclear Medicine Division, Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Juliano T Rodrigues
- Nuclear Medicine Division, Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Denise E Zantut-Wittmann
- Endocrinology Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Celso Dario Ramos
- Nuclear Medicine Division, Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Saha E, Shimochi S, Keller T, Eskola O, López-Picón F, Rajander J, Löyttyniemi E, Forsback S, Solin O, Grönroos TJ, Parikka V. Evaluation of PET imaging as a tool for detecting neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy in a preclinical animal model. Exp Neurol 2024; 373:114673. [PMID: 38163475 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2023.114673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy due to insufficient oxygen delivery to brain tissue is a leading cause of death or severe morbidity in neonates. The early recognition of the most severely affected individuals remains a clinical challenge. We hypothesized that hypoxic-ischemic injury can be detected using PET radiotracers for hypoxia ([18F]EF5), glucose metabolism ([18F]FDG), and inflammation ([18F]F-DPA). METHODS A preclinical model of neonatal hypoxic-ischemic brain injury was made in 9-d-old rat pups by permanent ligation of the left common carotid artery followed by hypoxia (8% oxygen and 92% nitrogen) for 120 min. In vivo PET imaging was performed immediately after injury induction or at different timepoints up to 21 d later. After imaging, ex vivo brain autoradiography was performed. Brain sections were stained with cresyl violet to evaluate the extent of the brain injury and to correlate it with [18F]FDG uptake. RESULTS PET imaging revealed that all three of the radiotracers tested had significant uptake in the injured brain hemisphere. Ex vivo autoradiography revealed high [18F]EF5 uptake in the hypoxic hemisphere immediately after the injury (P < 0.0001), decreasing to baseline even 1 d postinjury. [18F]FDG uptake was highest in the injured hemisphere on the day of injury (P < 0.0001), whereas [18F]F-DPA uptake was evident after 4 d (P = 0.029), peaking 7 d postinjury (P < 0.0001), and remained significant 21 d after the injury. Targeted evaluation demonstrated that [18F]FDG uptake measured by in vivo imaging 1 d postinjury correlated positively with the brain volume loss detected 21 d later (r = 0.72, P = 0.028). CONCLUSION Neonatal hypoxic-ischemic brain injury can be detected using PET imaging. Different types of radiotracers illustrate distinct phases of hypoxic brain damage. PET may be a new useful technique, worthy of being explored for clinical use, to predict and evaluate the course of the injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Saha
- Preclinical Imaging Laboratory, Turku PET Centre, University of Turku, Turku, Finland; MediCity Research Laboratories, University of Turku, Turku, Finland; Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland.
| | - Saeka Shimochi
- Preclinical Imaging Laboratory, Turku PET Centre, University of Turku, Turku, Finland; MediCity Research Laboratories, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Thomas Keller
- Radiopharmaceutical Chemistry Laboratory, Turku PET Centre, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Olli Eskola
- Radiopharmaceutical Chemistry Laboratory, Turku PET Centre, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Francisco López-Picón
- Preclinical Imaging Laboratory, Turku PET Centre, University of Turku, Turku, Finland; MediCity Research Laboratories, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Johan Rajander
- Accelerator Laboratory, Turku PET Centre, Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
| | | | - Sarita Forsback
- Radiopharmaceutical Chemistry Laboratory, Turku PET Centre, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Olof Solin
- Radiopharmaceutical Chemistry Laboratory, Turku PET Centre, University of Turku, Turku, Finland; Accelerator Laboratory, Turku PET Centre, Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland; Department of Chemistry, University of Turku, Finland
| | - Tove J Grönroos
- Preclinical Imaging Laboratory, Turku PET Centre, University of Turku, Turku, Finland; MediCity Research Laboratories, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Vilhelmiina Parikka
- Preclinical Imaging Laboratory, Turku PET Centre, University of Turku, Turku, Finland; MediCity Research Laboratories, University of Turku, Turku, Finland; Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland; InFLAMES Research Flagship Center, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
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Al-Ibraheem A, Abdulrahman M, Abdlkadir A, Abu Shattal M, Al-Hussaini M. Flares of Confusion: A Case Report of Uterine Leiomyoma and Angiomatosis Complexity on Imaging. Cureus 2023; 15:e50921. [PMID: 38259377 PMCID: PMC10801274 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.50921] [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] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Over the past decade, a series of rare and extraordinary uterine tumors have been discovered, with some featuring exceptionally uncommon tumor types. This highlights the growing recognition of these rare tumors due to evolutionary radiologic advancements. However, evaluating these patients requires adequate understanding to avoid misinterpretation and potential confusion with alternative differential diagnoses. This case is the first documented instance of two coexistent uterine benign tumors in a 45-year-old unmarried female patient. The patient's medical, gynecological, and surgical histories were unremarkable. Conventional abdominopelvic imaging via computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed significant uterine expansion, indicating an atypical leiomyomatous or potentially leiomyosarcomatous mass. Subsequently, [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose ([18F]FDG) positron emission tomography (PET)/CT revealed hypermetabolic uterine enlargement, suggesting further evaluation. The patient underwent radical hysterectomy, and histopathological analysis revealed multiple uterine fibroids concurrently existing against the uterine angiomatosis. This case is the first documented instance of intricate pathological interplay within the uterus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akram Al-Ibraheem
- Nuclear Medicine and PET/CT, King Hussein Cancer Center (KHCC), Amman, JOR
| | - Marwah Abdulrahman
- Nuclear Medicine and PET/CT, King Hussein Cancer Center (KHCC), Amman, JOR
| | - Ahmed Abdlkadir
- Nuclear Medicine and PET/CT, King Hussein Cancer Center (KHCC), Amman, JOR
| | | | - Maysa Al-Hussaini
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, King Hussein Cancer Center (KHCC), Amman, JOR
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Giraudo C, Carraro S, Zucchetta P, Cecchin D. Pediatric Imaging Using PET/MR Imaging. Magn Reson Imaging Clin N Am 2023; 31:625-636. [PMID: 37741646 DOI: 10.1016/j.mric.2023.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/25/2023]
Abstract
PET/MR imaging is a one-stop shop technique for pediatric diseases allowing not only an accurate clinical assessment of tumors at staging and restaging but also the diagnosis of neurologic, inflammatory, and infectious diseases in complex cases. Moreover, applying PET kinetic analyses and sequences such as diffusion-weighted imaging as well as quantitative analysis investigating the relationship between disease metabolic activity and cellularity can be applied. Complex radiomics analysis can also be performed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Giraudo
- Complex Unit of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University Hospital of Padova, Via Nicolo' Giustiniani 2, 35128, Padova, Italy
| | - Silvia Carraro
- Unit of Pediatric Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, Women's and Children's Health Department, University Hospital of Padova, Via Nicolo' Giustiniani 2, 35128, Padova, Italy
| | - Pietro Zucchetta
- Complex Unit of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University Hospital of Padova, Via Nicolo' Giustiniani 2, 35128, Padova, Italy
| | - Diego Cecchin
- Complex Unit of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University Hospital of Padova, Via Nicolo' Giustiniani 2, 35128, Padova, Italy.
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Balfroid T, Warren AE, Dalic LJ, Aeby A, Berlangieri SU, Archer JS. Frontoparietal 18F-FDG-PET hypo-metabolism in Lennox-Gastaut syndrome: further evidence highlighting the key network. Epilepsy Res 2023; 192:107131. [PMID: 37054522 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2023.107131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Lennox Gastaut syndrome (LGS) can be conceptualised as a "secondary network epilepsy", in which the shared electroclinical manifestations reflect epileptic recruitment of a common brain network, despite a range of underlying aetiologies. We aimed to identify the key networks recruited by the epileptic process of LGS using interictal 2-deoxy-2-(18F)fluoro-D-glucose positron emission tomography (18F-FDG-PET). METHODS Group analysis of cerebral 18F-FDG-PET, comparing 21 patients with LGS (mean age = 15 years) and 18 pseudo-controls (mean age = 19 years), studied at Austin Health Melbourne, between 2004 and 2015. To minimise the influence of individual patient lesions in the LGS group, we only studied brain hemispheres without structural MRI abnormalities. The pseudo-control group consisted of age- and sex-matched patients with unilateral temporal lobe epilepsy, using only the hemispheres contralateral to the side of epilepsy. Voxel-wise permutation testing compared 18F-FDG-PET uptake between groups. Associations were explored between areas of altered metabolism and clinical variables (age of seizure onset, proportion of life with epilepsy, and verbal/nonverbal ability). Penetrance maps were calculated to explore spatial consistency of altered metabolic patterns across individual patients with LGS. RESULTS Although not always readily apparent on visual inspection of individual patient scans, group analysis revealed hypometabolism in a network of regions including prefrontal and premotor cortex, anterior and posterior cingulate, inferior parietal lobule, and precuneus (p < 0.05, corrected for family-wise error). These brain regions tended to show a greater reduction in metabolism in non-verbal compared to verbal LGS patients, although this difference was not statistically significant. No areas of hypermetabolism were detected on group analysis, although ∼25 % of individual patients showed increased metabolism (relative to pseudo-controls) in the brainstem, putamen, thalamus, cerebellum, and pericentral cortex. DISCUSSION Interictal hypometabolism in frontoparietal cortex in LGS is compatible with our previous EEG-fMRI and SPECT studies showing that interictal bursts of generalised paroxysmal fast activity and tonic seizures recruit similar cortical regions. This study provides further evidence that these regions are central to the electroclinical expression of LGS.
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Abstract
The brain is a highly energy-demanding organ and requires bioenergetic adaptability to balance normal activity with pathophysiological fuelling of spontaneous recurrent seizures, the hallmark feature of the epilepsies. Recurrent or prolonged seizures have long been known to permanently alter neuronal circuitry and to cause excitotoxic injury and aberrant inflammation. Furthermore, pathological changes in bioenergetics and metabolism are considered downstream consequences of epileptic seizures that begin at the synaptic level. However, as we highlight in this Review, evidence is also emerging that primary derangements in cellular or mitochondrial metabolism can result in seizure genesis and lead to spontaneous recurrent seizures. Basic and translational research indicates that the relationships between brain metabolism and epileptic seizures are complex and bidirectional, producing a vicious cycle that compounds the deleterious consequences of seizures. Metabolism-based treatments such as the high-fat, antiseizure ketogenic diet have become mainstream, and metabolic substrates and enzymes have become attractive molecular targets for seizure prevention and recovery. Moreover, given that metabolism is crucial for epigenetic as well as inflammatory changes, the idea that epileptogenesis can be both negatively and positively influenced by metabolic changes is rapidly gaining ground. Here, we review evidence that supports both pathophysiological and therapeutic roles for brain metabolism in epilepsy.
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Abstract
Limbic encephalitis (LE) is a clinical syndrome defined by subacutely evolving limbic signs and symptoms with structural and functional evidence of mediotemporal damage in the absence of a better explanation than an autoimmune (or paraneoplastic) cause. There are features common to all forms of LE. In recent years, antibody(ab)-defined subtypes have been established. They are distinct regarding underlying pathophysiologic processes, clinical and magnetic resonance imaging courses, cerebrospinal fluid signatures, treatment responsivity, and likelihood of a chronic course. With immunotherapy, LE with abs against surface antigens has a better outcome than LE with abs to intracellular antigens. Diagnostic and treatment challenges are, on the one hand, to avoid overlooking and undertreatment and, on the other hand, to avoid overdiagnoses and overtreatment. LE can be conceptualized as a model disease for the consequences of new onset mediotemporal damage by different mechanisms in adult life. It may be studied as an example of mediotemporal epileptogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian G Bien
- Department of Epileptology (Krankenhaus Mara), Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany; Laboratory Krone, Bad Salzuflen, Germany.
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