Citations

ABSTRACTIntroductionQuantitative EEG features have been identified as surrogates and predictors of cognitive decline/dementia, a common feature of progressive PD. The biochemical correlates for altered quantitative EEG features are unknown. Our primary objective was to test the hypothesis that quantitative EEG measures correlate with cortical levels of phosphorylated α‐synuclein, a modified form of the synaptic protein α‐synuclein, in PD cases, in contrast to other pathology‐associated proteins. A secondary objective was to explore the same correlations among cellular fractions of these proteins.MethodsWe used posterior cingulate cortex autopsy tissue from 44 PD subjects with various degrees of cognitive decline, who had undergone EEG. In this brain region, which is a major hub of the default mode network, biochemical measurements for levels of phosphorylated α‐synuclein, unmodified α‐synuclein, amyloid beta peptide, phosphorylated tau, and key synaptic proteins were analyzed and data correlated with spectral EEG measures.ResultsFindings revealed significant correlations between background rhythm peak frequency and all bandpower values (highest in delta bandpower) with total phosphorylated α‐synuclein, but not any correlation with total α‐synuclein, phosphorylated tau protein, amyloid beta peptide, or synaptic proteins. Certain fractions of synaptosomal‐associated protein 25 showed correlation with some quantitative EEG measures.ConclusionsThese data show an association between increased phosphorylation of α‐synuclein and the abnormal EEG signatures of cognitive decline. Results suggest that quantitative EEG may provide an in vivo approximation of phosphorylated α‐synuclein in PD cortex. This adds to previous evidence that quantitative EEG measures can be considered valid biomarkers of PD cognitive decline. © 2016 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society

ObjectiveNumerous factors can impede or facilitate patients’ medication decision‐making and adherence to physicians’ recommendations. Little is known about how patients and physicians jointly view issues that affect the decision‐making process. Our objective was to derive an empirical framework of patient‐identified facilitators to lupus medication decision‐making from key stakeholders (including 15 physicians, 5 patients/patient advocates, and 8 medical professionals) using a patient‐centered cognitive mapping approach.MethodsWe used nominal group patient panels to identify facilitators to lupus treatment decision‐making. Stakeholders independently sorted the identified facilitators (n = 98) based on their similarities and rated the importance of each facilitator in patient decision‐making. Data were analyzed using multidimensional scaling and hierarchical cluster analysis.ResultsA cognitive map was derived that represents an empirical framework of facilitators for lupus treatment decisions from multiple stakeholders’ perspectives. The facilitator clusters were 1) hope for a normal/healthy life, 2) understand benefits and effectiveness of taking medications, 3) desire to minimize side effects, 4) medication‐related data, 5) medication effectiveness for “me,” 6) family focus, 7) confidence in physician, 8) medication research, 9) reassurance about medication, and 10) medication economics.ConclusionConsideration of how different stakeholders perceive the relative importance of lupus medication decision‐making clusters is an important step toward improving patient‐physician communication and effective shared decision‐making. The empirically derived framework of medication decision‐making facilitators can be used as a guide to develop a lupus decision aid that focuses on improving physician‐patient communication.

Purpose To compare clinical and functional outcomes of surgically treated medial and lateral knee dislocations. Methods A retrospective review of the medical records of patients who presented with knee dislocations was conducted. We identified patients who underwent surgical treatment of KDIII‐M (anterior cruciate ligament/posterior cruciate ligament/medial collateral ligament) or KDIII‐L (anterior cruciate ligament/posterior cruciate ligament/lateral collateral ligament) knee dislocation as documented by the Schenck classification. Minimum 2‐year follow‐up with Lysholm and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) outcome scores was required for inclusion. Postoperative range of motion, ligamentous examination, and conversion to total knee arthroplasty were also collected. Data were analyzed using univariate and multivariate statistical models with P < .05 considered significant. Results A total of 56 patients met the inclusion criteria, 24 with the KDIII‐M injury pattern (43%) and 32 with the KDIII‐L injury pattern (57%), with a mean age of 34 years (range, 16 to 62 years) and a mean follow‐up of 6.5 years (range, 2 to 20 years). Patients undergoing medial repairs had worse outcomes for both the Lysholm score ( P = .008) and IKDC score ( P = .003). In addition, female sex was linked to worse outcomes (Lysholm score, 58.8 ± 21.5 v 77.8 ± 21.1, P < .01; IKDC score, 54.9 ± 23.7 v 75.2 ± 20.2, P < .01). No differences in outcome were found between patients with and patients without peroneal nerve injury (Lysholm score, P = .81; IKDC score, P = .77). No difference in laxity testing was found between the 2 groups. Conclusions In patients undergoing multiligament knee reconstruction, our data suggest that those who undergo medial repair for knee dislocations are not as likely to achieve positive results as those who undergo reconstruction or lateral reconstruction/repair, regardless of the status of the peroneal nerve. In addition, medial reconstruction had comparable outcomes to those in patients treated with lateral reconstruction/repair. Lastly, female patients showed less favorable clinical outcomes than male patients. Level of Evidence Level III, retrospective comparative study.

OBJECTIVE Successful stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for the treatment of arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) results in nidus obliteration without new neurological deficits related to either intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) or radiation-induced complications (RICs). In this study the authors compared 5 AVM grading scales (Spetzler-Martin grading scale, radiosurgery-based AVM score [RBAS], Heidelberg score, Virginia Radiosurgery AVM Scale [VRAS], and proton radiosurgery AVM scale [PRAS]) at predicting outcomes after SRS. METHODS The study group consisted of 381 patients with sporadic AVMs who underwent Gamma Knife SRS between January 1990 and December 2009; none of the patients underwent prior radiation therapy. The primary end point was AVM obliteration without a decline in modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score (excellent outcome). Comparison of the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and accuracy was performed between the AVM grading scales and the best linear regression model (generalized linear model, elastic net [GLMnet]). RESULTS The median radiological follow-up after initial SRS was 77 months; the median clinical follow-up was 93 months. AVM obliteration was documented in 297 patients (78.0%). Obliteration was 59% at 4 years and 85% at 8 years. Fifty-five patients (14.4%) had a decline in mRS score secondary to RICs (n = 29, 7.6%) or ICH (n = 26, 6.8%). The mRS score declined by 10% at 4 years and 15% at 8 years. Overall, 274 patients (71.9%) had excellent outcomes. There was no difference between the AUC for the GLMnet (0.69 [95% CI 0.64–0.75]), RBAS (0.68 [95% CI 0.62–0.74]), or PRAS (0.69 [95% CI 0.62–0.74]). Pairwise comparison for accuracy showed no difference between the GLMnet and the RBAS (p = 0.08) or PRAS (p = 0.16), but it did show a significant difference between the GLMnet and the Spetzler-Martin grading system (p < 0.001), Heidelberg score (p < 0.001), and the VRAS (p < 0.001). The RBAS and the PRAS were more accurate when compared with the Spetzler-Martin grading scale (p = 0.03 and p = 0.01), Heidelberg score (p = 0.02 and p = 0.02), and VRAS (p = 0.03 and p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS SRS provides AVM obliteration without functional decline in the majority of treated patients. AVM grading scales having continuous scores (RBAS and PRAS) outperformed integer-based grading systems in the prediction of AVM obliteration without mRS score decline after SRS.

Benign chondroblastoma is a rare tumor in the temporal bone. It occurs preponderantly in middle‐aged men as a mass in the posterosuperior region of the ear canal and is accompanied by hearing loss. On pathologic examination, giant cells and focal regions of chondroid differentiation are noted. After the extent of the tumor has been determined, the treatment is surgical removal. Preoperative irradiation may be helpful. Long‐term follow‐up is essential.

A healthy 27‐year‐old man with a lump in the lateral midneck was examined. Results of a recent biopsy performed elsewhere indicated amelanotic melanoma. A careful search for a primary integumentary or upper respiratory site of origin, including appropriate roentgenograms and a thyroid scan, was negative.At right radical neck dissection, the pathologic diagnosis was expanded to include anaplastic carcinoma. Subsequent examinations of the head and neck were negative. The neck and upper aerodigestive system were subjected to a full course of radiotherapy.Pathologic study of this tumor was continued. Electron microscopy indicated the tumor was epithelial, possibly of glandular epithelial origin.A tumor nodule reappeared in the right tracheoesophageal groove. Surgery was performed and the nodule was removed. The right thyroid lobe was removed also and submitted for histopathologic study. A solitary microscopic tumor focus, presumably anaplastic thyroid carcinoma, was found within the thyroid. Further pathologic studies were undertaken. Eventually, amyloid deposits were discovered, and a final diagnosis of cellular medullary thyroid carcinoma was established. Further studies of this patient and his family for multiple endocrine adenoma have been negative.

Review of 112 patients with Wegener's granulomatosis showed that 21 (19%) had ear involvement. Conductive deafness, which was present in all 21 patients, was due to serous middle ear fluid, suppurative otitis media with thickening of the tympanic membrane, perforation of the tympanic membrane, or granulation tissue in the middle ear space. Nine patients also had sensorineural hearing loss. Sensorineural hearing loss was improved in five of the nine patients after control of the disease with prednisone and cyclophosphamide.

Patients with chronic otitis media that did not respond to conventional treatment were studied for the types and incidence of complications from the use of large‐bore tubes inserted into their ears. The most common complication was otorrhea (41%, 50 of 123 ears). Permanent perforation occurred in 25% (17/68 ears). Use of large‐bore tubes proved effective and continues to be indicated in certain conditions of chronic otitis media that are refractory to other forms of treatment.