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01-05-2020 | Dystonia | Original Communication

White matter and cerebellar involvement in alternating hemiplegia of childhood

Authors: Mariasavina Severino, Livia Pisciotta, Domenico Tortora, Benedetta Toselli, Michela Stagnaro, Ramona Cordani, Giovanni Morana, Anna Zicca, Svetlana Kotzeva, Clelia Zanaboni, Giovanni Montobbio, Andrea Rossi, Elisa De Grandis, the IBAHC Consortium

Published in: Journal of Neurology | Issue 5/2020

Abstract

Objective

To determine whether brain volumetric and white matter microstructural changes are present and correlate with neurological impairment in subjects with alternating hemiplegia of childhood (AHC).

Methods

In this prospective single-center study, 12 AHC subjects (mean age 22.9 years) and 24 controls were studied with 3DT1-weighted MR imaging and high angular resolution diffusion imaging at 3T. Data obtained with voxel-based morphometry and tract-based spatial statistics were correlated with motor impairment using the International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale (ICARS) and Movement and Disability sub-scales of Burke-Fahn-Marsden Dystonia Rating Scale (BFMMS and BFMDS).

Results

Compared to healthy controls, AHC subjects showed lower total brain volume (P < 0.001) and white matter volume (P = 0.002), with reduced clusters of white matter in frontal and parietal regions (P < 0.001). No significant regional differences were found in cortical or subcortical grey matter volumes. Lower cerebellar subvolumes correlated with worse ataxic symptoms and global motor impairment in AHC group (P < 0.001). Increased mean and radial diffusivity values were found in the corpus callosum, corticospinal tracts, superior and inferior longitudinal fasciculi, subcortical frontotemporal white matter, internal and external capsules, and optic radiations (P < 0.001). These diffusion scalar changes correlated with higher ICARS and BFMDS scores (P < 0.001).

Interpretation

AHC subjects showed prevalent white matter involvement, with reduced volume in several cerebral and cerebellar regions associated with widespread microstructural changes reflecting secondary myelin injury rather than axonal loss. Conversely, no specific pattern of grey matter atrophy emerged. Lower cerebellar volumes, correlating with severity of neurological manifestations, seems related to disrupted developmental rather than neurodegenerative processes.

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Title: White matter and cerebellar involvement in alternating hemiplegia of childhood
Authors: Mariasavina Severino
Livia Pisciotta
Domenico Tortora
Benedetta Toselli
Michela Stagnaro
Ramona Cordani
Giovanni Morana
Anna Zicca
Svetlana Kotzeva
Clelia Zanaboni
Giovanni Montobbio
Andrea Rossi
Elisa De Grandis
the IBAHC Consortium
Publication date: 01-05-2020
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: Dystonia
Cranial MRI
Hemiplegia
Published in: Journal of Neurology / Issue 5/2020
Print ISSN: 0340-5354
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1459
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00415-020-09698-3

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

White matter and cerebellar involvement in alternating hemiplegia of childhood

Abstract

Objective

Methods

Results

Interpretation

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objective

Methods

Results

Interpretation

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