The Day George Avellis Met Miller Fisher – About the Unsual Presentation of an Anti-GQ1b IgG Antibody Syndrome

Poster (2013, March)

Objective: OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical, laboratory and electrophysiological features of a patient who presented an Avellis syndrome as the initial feature of Miller Fisher syndrome (MFS ... [more ▼]

Objective: OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical, laboratory and electrophysiological features of a patient who presented an Avellis syndrome as the initial feature of Miller Fisher syndrome (MFS). Background: BACKGROUND: Anti-GQ1b Ig antibodies are associated with an increasing spectrum of neurological disorders, including MFS and Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS). Design/Methods: DESIGN/METHODS: Clinical case description. Results: RESULTS: A 67-year old woman was seen for subacute dysphagia and dysphonia, preceded by rapidly worsening paresthesia of the extremities and face, with a history of upper respiratory tract infection two weeks before admission. Nasotracheal examination showed a left velopalatine and left vocal cord paresis. Twelve hours later, sensory ataxia appeared and deep tendon reflexes weakened. Diffuse paresis affecting predominantly the axial muscles developped. Oculomotricity was preserved. Brain MRI was normal, while EMG suggested a mild sensory neuropathy. Within hours, dysphagia worsened and dyspnea appeared, prompting ICU admission for airway support. She developed a proximal paresis and dysautonomia, global areflexia. CSF findings were unremarkable. IVIg were administered at a dose of 0.2g/kg per day during five days. Control EMG showed signs of polyradiculoneuropathy. She gradually recovered and was discharged at home after 32 days, with only a slight velopalatal paresis and a mild fatigue. Anti-ganglioside antibodies screen was positive for IgG-GM3, GD1b, GD3, GQ1b, GT1a and GT1b. In front of this clinical and biological picture, the diagnosis of atypical MFS was retained. Thirty day after discharge, both clinical and electrophysiological parameters were normalised. Conclusions: CONCLUSIONS: This case highlights that (i) MFS can show atypical presentation (here a pure Avellis syndrome, never reported in the context of the anti-GQ1b syndrome to our knowledge) and should be considered in front of an isolated impaired cranial nerve function, even in the absence of the classical triad of ophtalmoplegia, areflexia and ataxia, and (ii) that the boundaries between MFS and GBS are usually neater in textbooks than in real life. [less ▲]

Detection and Quantification of Efficiency and Quality of Gait Impairment in Multiple Sclerosis through Foot Path Analysis

Poster (2012, October 11)

Introduction: Walking speed is generally considered as the best outcome measure in trials for people with multiple sclerosis (pMS). We recently designed a device based on range laser scanner capable to ... [more ▼]

Introduction: Walking speed is generally considered as the best outcome measure in trials for people with multiple sclerosis (pMS). We recently designed a device based on range laser scanner capable to track feet paths of walking subjects. Our purpose was to explore gait descriptors of pMS and compare them with those of healthy volunteers (HV). Methods: Fourty-four pMS (considered as moderatly or highly disabled according to a cut-off EDSS value of 3.0) and 28 HV performed 4 walking tasks along 2 trajectories in 3 walking modes. Twenty-six gait descriptors crudely dichotomized in « efficiency» and « quality » of gait were compared in the 2 populations using unpaired t-tests. Results: (i) apart from an older age in pMS, the two populations were comparable, (ii) efficiency of gait descriptors including walking speed distinguished HV from pMS, and pMS with moderate from pMS with high disability, (iii) quality of gait descriptors were also significantly altered in pMS, including in walking tasks where their walking speed was comparable to that of HV. Conclusions: RLS technology can distinguish pMS from HV according to (i) more efficiency of gait descriptors than the sole walking speed and (ii) quality of gait descriptors, including in subjects with a « normal » walking speed. [less ▲]

The earlier the smaller the better for natalizumab-associated PML: in MRI vigilance veritas ?

in Neurology (2012), 79

Natalizumab-associated progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (N-PML) in multiple sclerosis (MS) is due to CNS infection by the opportunistic JC virus (JCV). As of december 2011, 193 confirmed cases ... [more ▼]

Natalizumab-associated progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (N-PML) in multiple sclerosis (MS) is due to CNS infection by the opportunistic JC virus (JCV). As of december 2011, 193 confirmed cases of N-PML have been observed, giving rise to an overall risk of approximately 0,202%. N-PML pathogenesis remains partially elusive although risk factors have now been clearly delineated. In patients with prior JCV infection detected by serum anti-JCV antibodies, duration of therapy and prior use of immunosuppressants (IS) increase the risk of N-PML. The clinical outcome of MS patients who developed N-PML was highly variable, ranging from asymptomatic case to varying degrees of neurological disability or even death. It was also observed in real life setting that the earlier N-PML was diagnosed and treated, the better was the clinical outcome. Clinical vigilance is now considered as the established cornerstone of PML risk-management algorithm. Here we present early MRI features of 4 out of 8 N-PML cases, which were observed in Wallonia-Brussels and Northern France in more than 4 years of post-marketing utilization of natalizumab for both regions. We are not aware of the specific context and outcome of the 4 other N-PML cases, which were diagnosed and treated in other centers. The reported cases emphasize that (i) N-PML can have a long presymptomatic course while still being clearly detectable with MR imaging, (ii) N-PML can have a benign outcome provided it is diagnosed and treated early, (iii) a clinically symptomatic N-PML may be a further advanced infection with a poorer prognosis, and (iv) periodic brain MR scans, particularly in high risk situations, are likely to provide earlier detection of N-PML and better outcomes. [less ▲]

Pain perception in disorders of consciousness: Neuroscience, clinical care, and ethics in dialogue

in Neuroethics (2012)

Pain, suffering and positive emotions in patients in vegetative state/unresponsive wakefulness syndrome (VS/UWS) and minimally conscious states (MCS) pose clinical and ethical challenges. Clinically, we ... [more ▼]

Pain, suffering and positive emotions in patients in vegetative state/unresponsive wakefulness syndrome (VS/UWS) and minimally conscious states (MCS) pose clinical and ethical challenges. Clinically, we evaluate behavioural responses after painful stimulation and also emotionally-contingent behaviours (e.g., smiling). Using stimuli with emotional valence, neuroimaging and electrophysiology technologies can detect subclinical remnants of preserved capacities for pain which might influence decisions about treatment limitation. To date, no data exist as to how healthcare providers think about end-of-life options (e.g., withdrawal of artificial nutrition and hydration) in the presence or absence of pain in non-communicative patients. Here, we aimed to better clarify this issue by re-analyzing previously published data on pain perception (Prog Brain Res 2009 177, 329–38) and end-of-life decisions (J Neurol 2010 258, 1058–65) in patients with disorders of consciousness. In a sample of 2259 European healthcare professionals we found that, for VS/UWS more respondents agreed with treatment withdrawal when they considered that VS/UWS patients did not feel pain (77%) as compared to those who thought VS/UWS did feel pain (59%). This interaction was influenced by religiosity and professional background. For MCS, end-of-life attitudes were not influenced by opinions on pain perception. Within a contemporary ethical context we discuss (1) the evolving scientific understandings of pain perception and their relationship to existing clinical and ethical guidelines; (2) the discrepancies of attitudes within (and between) healthcare providers and their consequences for treatment approaches, and (3) the implicit but complex relationship between pain perception and attitudes toward life-sustaining treatments. [less ▲]

La vignette diagnostique de l'étudiant.Syndrome du trou déchiré postérieur(foramen jugulaire)

in Revue Médicale de Liège (2012), 67(4), 210-214

Cycling or not cycling: cell cycle regulatory molecules and adult neurogenesis.

in Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences : CMLS (2012), 69(9), 1493-1503

The adult brain most probably reaches its highest degree of plasticity with the lifelong generation and integration of new neurons in the hippocampus and olfactory system. Neural precursor cells (NPCs ... [more ▼]

The adult brain most probably reaches its highest degree of plasticity with the lifelong generation and integration of new neurons in the hippocampus and olfactory system. Neural precursor cells (NPCs) residing both in the subgranular zone of the dentate gyrus and in the subventricular zone of the lateral ventricles continuously generate neurons that populate the dentate gyrus and the olfactory bulb, respectively. The regulation of NPC proliferation in the adult brain has been widely investigated in the past few years. Yet, the intrinsic cell cycle machinery underlying NPC proliferation remains largely unexplored. In this review, we discuss the cell cycle components that are involved in the regulation of NPC proliferation in both neurogenic areas of the adult brain. [less ▲]

Functional neuroanatomy underlying the clinical subcategorization of minimally conscious state patients.

in Journal of Neurology (2012), 259(6), 1087-98

Patients in a minimally conscious state (MCS) show restricted signs of awareness but are unable to communicate. We assessed cerebral glucose metabolism in MCS patients and tested the hypothesis that this ... [more ▼]

Patients in a minimally conscious state (MCS) show restricted signs of awareness but are unable to communicate. We assessed cerebral glucose metabolism in MCS patients and tested the hypothesis that this entity can be subcategorized into MCS- (i.e., patients only showing nonreflex behavior such as visual pursuit, localization of noxious stimulation and/or contingent behavior) and MCS+ (i.e., patients showing command following).Patterns of cerebral glucose metabolism were studied using [(18)F]-fluorodeoxyglucose-PET in 39 healthy volunteers (aged 46 +/- 18 years) and 27 MCS patients of whom 13 were MCS- (aged 49 +/- 19 years; 4 traumatic; 21 +/- 23 months post injury) and 14 MCS+ (aged 43 +/- 19 years; 5 traumatic; 19 +/- 26 months post injury). Results were thresholded for significance at false discovery rate corrected p < 0.05.We observed a metabolic impairment in a bilateral subcortical (thalamus and caudate) and cortical (fronto-temporo-parietal) network in nontraumatic and traumatic MCS patients. Compared to MCS-, patients in MCS+ showed higher cerebral metabolism in left-sided cortical areas encompassing the language network, premotor, presupplementary motor, and sensorimotor cortices. A functional connectivity study showed that Broca's region was disconnected from the rest of the language network, mesiofrontal and cerebellar areas in MCS- as compared to MCS+ patients.The proposed subcategorization of MCS based on the presence or absence of command following showed a different functional neuroanatomy. MCS- is characterized by preserved right hemispheric cortical metabolism interpreted as evidence of residual sensory consciousness. MCS+ patients showed preserved metabolism and functional connectivity in language networks arguably reflecting some additional higher order or extended consciousness albeit devoid of clinical verbal or nonverbal expression. [less ▲]

Vitamin D tweets light to genes in multiple sclerosis

in Revue Médicale de Liège (2012), 67(5-6), 359-365

The relationship between sunlight exposure and the incidence of multiple sclerosis and the understanding of immunomodulatory effects of vitamin D triggered, in recent years, a broad range of ... [more ▼]

The relationship between sunlight exposure and the incidence of multiple sclerosis and the understanding of immunomodulatory effects of vitamin D triggered, in recent years, a broad range of investigations. Immunological studies performed in vitro and in vivo have demonstrated how tolerogenic vitamin D can be. Epidemiological studies confirmed an increased incidence of multiple sclerosis in vitamin D deficient subjects and signs of increased disease activity in such MS patients. Although small-scale observational studies have suggested a beneficial impact of vitamin D supplementation on the incidence and severity of multiple sclerosis, large scale clinical trials remain warranted to confirm these preliminary results. [less ▲]

MRI preclinical detection and asymptomatic course of a progressive multifocal leucoencephalopathy (PML) under natalizumab therapy.

in Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry (2012), 83

Early detection of progressive multifocal leucoencephalopathy (PML) in the setting of natalizumab therapy currently is performed by rapid evaluation of new symptoms occurring in treated patients. The role ... [more ▼]

Early detection of progressive multifocal leucoencephalopathy (PML) in the setting of natalizumab therapy currently is performed by rapid evaluation of new symptoms occurring in treated patients. The role of MR scanning has not been investigated but holds promise since MR detection is highly sensitive for PML lesions. The authors report a case of presymptomatic PML of the posterior fossa detected by MR scans. Immediate suspension of natalizumab and plasma exchanges resulted in a rapid decline of natalizumab serum concentration. Intravenous steroids started together with plasma exchanges followed by an oral tapering course were used to minimise the immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome. No symptoms (beyond mild headache) developed, and the repeat PCR for JC Virus (JCV) DNA detection performed 10 weeks later was negative. This case suggests that: (1) periodic brain MR scans may detect signs of presymptomatic PML in MS patients treated with natalizumab, (2) corticosteroid management of inflammatory reaction may contribute to optimal control of the immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome routinely seen with natalizumab-associated PML and (3) early radiological detection of PML can have an excellent outcome even in a clinically critical region and despite prior immunosuppressant exposure. The potential benefit of regular MR scanning just using the T2/FLAIR modalities could be further investigated in order to detect early natalizumab-associated PML, leading to benign outcomes. [less ▲]

Automated EEG entropy measurements in coma, vegetative state/unresponsive wakefulness syndrome and minimally conscious state

in Functional Neurology (2011)

Monitoring the level of consciousness in brain injured patients with disorders of consciousness is crucial as it provides diagnostic and prognostic information. Behavioral assessment remains the gold ... [more ▼]

Monitoring the level of consciousness in brain injured patients with disorders of consciousness is crucial as it provides diagnostic and prognostic information. Behavioral assessment remains the gold standard for assessing consciousness but previous studies have shown a high rate of misdiagnosis. This study aimed to investigate the usefulness of electroencephalography (EEG) entropy measurements in differentiating unconscious (coma or vegetative) from minimally conscious patients. Left fronto-temporal EEG recordings (10-minute resting state epochs) were prospectively obtained in 56 patients and 16 age-matched healthy volunteers. Patients were assessed in the acute (≤1 month post-injury;n=29) or chronic (>1 month post-injury; n=27) stage. The etiology was traumatic in 23 patients. Automated online EEG entropy calculations (providing an arbitrary value ranging from 0 to 91) were compared with behavioral assessments (Coma Recovery Scale-Revised) and outcome. EEG entropy correlated with Coma Recovery Scale total scores (r=0.49). Mean EEG entropy values were higher in minimally conscious (73±19; mean and standard deviation) than in vegetative/unresponsive wakefulness syndrome patients (45±28). Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed an entropy cut-off value of 52 differentiating acute unconscious from minimally conscious patients (sensitivity 89% and specificity 90%). In chronic patients, entropy measurements offered no reliable diagnostic information. EEG entropy measurements did not allow prediction of outcome. User-independent time-frequency balanced spectral EEG entropy measurements seem to constitute an interesting diagnostic – albeit not prognostic – tool for assessing neural network complexity in disorders of consciousness in the acute setting. Future studies are needed before using this tool in routine clinical practice, and these should seek to improve automated EEG quantification paradigms in order to reduce the remaining false negative and false positive findings. [less ▲]