Wernicke encephalopathy and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease

We assessed the prevalence of Wernicke encephalopathy (WE) in all 657 cases suspected of Creutzfeldt-Jakob (CJD) referred from 2001 to 2006 to the French Neuropathology Network of CJD. Clinical, biological and imaging data were reviewed when the diagnosis of WE was made at autopsy. No CJD was found in five cases suspected of sporadic CJD. In these five cases, myoclonus had been observed in four, CSF 14-3-3 protein in two. In 14 other cases, WE was combined with CJD, 13 of which were sporadic. These belonged mainly to the molecular variants of sporadic CJD associated with a long duration of disease. This stresses the necessity of remaining alert to the diagnosis of WE when CJD is suspected.     

EFNS guidelines on diagnosis and treatment of primary dystonias

Objectives: To provide a revised version of earlier guidelines published in 2006. Background: Primary dystonias are chronic and often disabling conditions with a widespread spectrum mainly in young people. Diagnosis: Primary dystonias are classified as pure dystonia, dystonia plus or paroxysmal dystonia syndromes. Assessment should be performed using a validated rating scale for dystonia. Genetic testing may be performed after establishing the clinical diagnosis. DYT1 testing is recommended for patients with primary dystonia with limb onset before age 30, and in those with an affected relative with early‐onset dystonia. DYT6 testing is recommended in early‐onset or familial cases with cranio‐cervical dystonia or after exclusion of DYT1. Individuals with early‐onset myoclonus should be tested for mutations in the DYT11 gene. If direct sequencing of the DYT11 gene is negative, additional gene dosage is required to improve the proportion of mutations detected. A levodopa trial is warranted in every patient with early‐onset primary dystonia without an alternative diagnosis. In patients with idiopathic dystonia, neurophysiological tests can help with describing the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the disorder. Treatment: Botulinum toxin (BoNT) type A is the first‐line treatment for primary cranial (excluding oromandibular) or cervical dystonia; it is also effective on writing dystonia. BoNT/B is not inferior to BoNT/A in cervical dystonia. Pallidal deep brain stimulation (DBS) is considered a good option, particularly for primary generalized or cervical dystonia, after medication or BoNT have failed. DBS is less effective in secondary dystonia. This treatment requires a specialized expertise and a multidisciplinary team.     

EFNS Guidelines on diagnosis and treatment of brain metastases: report of an EFNS Task Force

The objectives have been to establish evidence-based guidelines and identify controversies regarding the management of patients with brain metastases. The collection of scientific data was obtained by consulting the Cochrane Library, bibliographic databases, overview papers and previous guidelines from scientific societies and organizations. A tissue diagnosis is necessary when the primary tumor is unknown or the aspect on computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging is atypical. Dexamethasone is the corticosteroid of choice for cerebral edema. Anticonvulsants should not be prescribed prophylactically. Surgery should be considered in patients with up to three brain metastases, being effective in prolonging survival when the systemic disease is absent/controlled and the performance status is high. Stereotactic radiosurgery should be considered in patients with metastases of 3–3.5 cm of maximum diameter. Whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT) after surgery or radiosurgery is debated: in case of absent/controlled systemic cancer and Karnofsky Performance score of 70 or more, one can either withhold initial WBRT or deliver early WBRT with conventional fractionation to avoid late neurotoxicity. WBRT alone is the treatment of choice for patients with single or multiple brain metastases not amenable to surgery or radiosurgery. Chemotherapy may be the initial treatment for patients with brain metastases from chemosensitive tumors.     

EFNS guidelines on the diagnosis and management of orthostatic hypotension

Orthostatic (postural) hypotension (OH) is a common, yet under diagnosed disorder. It may contribute to disability and even death. It can be the initial sign, and lead to incapacitating symptoms in primary and secondary autonomic disorders. These range from visual disturbances and dizziness to loss of consciousness (syncope) after postural change. Evidence based guidelines for the diagnostic workup and the therapeutic management (non-pharmacological and pharmacological) are provided based on the EFNS guidance regulations. The final literature research was performed in March 2005. For diagnosis of OH, a structured history taking and measurement of blood pressure (BP) and heart rate in supine and upright position are necessary. OH is defined as fall in systolic BP below 20 mmHg and diastolic BP below 10 mmHg of baseline within 3 min in upright position. Passive head-up tilt testing is recommended if the active standing test is negative, especially if the history is suggestive of OH, or in patients with motor impairment. The management initially consists of education, advice and training on various factors that influence blood pressure. Increased water and salt ingestion effectively improves OH. Physical measures include leg crossing, squatting, elastic abdominal binders and stockings, and careful exercise. Fludrocortisone is a valuable starter drug. Second line drugs include sympathomimetics, such as midodrine, ephedrine, or dihydroxyphenylserine. Supine hypertension has to be considered.     

Diffusion-weighted MR findings in a reversible case of acute Wernicke encephalopathy

We report a case of acute Wernicke encephalopathy (WE) in which apparent diffusion coefficient maps showed areas of increased diffusion in the bilateral medial thalami that corresponded to the hyperintense lesions on T2-weighted imaging. The hyperintense lesions on T2-weighted imaging disappeared with full recovery from symptoms. These findings suggest that the hyperintense lesions of the acute changes of WE include reversible vasogenic edema and are not caused by acute ischemia.     

EFNS guidelines on diagnosis and management of neuromyelitis optica

Background and purpose: Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) or Devic′s disease is a rare inflammatory and demyelinating autoimmune disorder of the central nervous system (CNS) characterized by recurrent attacks of optic neuritis (ON) and longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis (LETM), which is distinct from multiple sclerosis (MS). The guidelines are designed to provide guidance for best clinical practice based on the current state of clinical and scientific knowledge. Search strategy: Evidence for this guideline was collected by searches for original articles, case reports and meta‐analyses in the MEDLINE and Cochrane databases. In addition, clinical practice guidelines of professional neurological and rheumatological organizations were studied. Results: Different diagnostic criteria for NMO diagnosis [Wingerchuk et al. Revised NMO criteria, 2006 and Miller et al. National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) task force criteria, 2008] and features potentially indicative of NMO facilitate the diagnosis. In addition, guidance for the work‐up and diagnosis of spatially limited NMO spectrum disorders is provided by the task force. Due to lack of studies fulfilling requirement for the highest levels of evidence, the task force suggests concepts for treatment of acute exacerbations and attack prevention based on expert opinion. Conclusions: Studies on diagnosis and management of NMO fulfilling requirements for the highest levels of evidence (class I–III rating) are limited, and diagnostic and therapeutic concepts based on expert opinion and consensus of the task force members were assembled for this guideline.     

EFNS guidelines for the diagnosis and management of Alzheimer’s disease

Background and objectives: In 2008 a task force was set up to develop a revision of the European Federation of the Neurological Societies (EFNS) guideline for the diagnosis and management of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and other disorders associated with dementia, published in early 2007. The aim of this revised international guideline was to present a peer‐reviewed evidence‐based statement for the guidance of practice for clinical neurologists, geriatricians, psychiatrists, and other specialist physicians responsible for the care of patients with AD. Mild cognitive impairment and non‐Alzheimer dementias are not included in this guideline. Methods: The task force working group reviewed evidence from original research articles, meta‐analysis, and systematic reviews, published before May 2009. The evidence was classified and consensus recommendations graded (A, B, or C) according to the EFNS guidance. Where there was a lack of evidence, but clear consensus, good practice points were provided. Results: The recommendations for clinical diagnosis, blood tests, neuropsychology, neuroimaging, electroencephalography, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, genetic testing, disclosure of diagnosis, treatment of AD, behavioural and psychological symptoms in dementia, legal issues, counselling and support for caregivers were all revised as compared with the previous EFNS guideline. Conclusion: A number of new recommendations and good practice points are made, namely in CSF, neuropsychology, neuroimaging and reviewing non‐evidence based therapies. The assessment, interpretation, and treatment of symptoms, disability, needs, and caregiver stress during the course of AD require the contribution of many different professionals. These professionals should adhere to these guideline to improve the diagnosis and management of AD.     

放射性脑病的诊断与治疗

目的观察头部放射治疗后放射性脑病（REP）的临床表现并探讨目前治疗方案的临床价值。方法对13例经临床或病理诊断为放射性脑病的患者手术或药物治疗效果进行回顾性分析。结果REP患者6例行手术全切病灶后药物治疗,2例患者症状明显好转,3例患者症状有缓解,1例患者无效,术后肢体无力较前有加重。7例患者未行手术仅用药物治疗,其中4例患者症状有缓解,3例患者无效,其中1例症状加重,放弃治疗。结论放射性脑病的诊断及治疗方案有待进一步完善,手术切除可能可以作为其治疗方案之一。     

非酒精性韦尼克脑病的临床与MRI影像特征

目的非酒精性韦尼克脑病(Wernicke encehalopathy,WE)易误诊,本文旨在提高对该病的认识。方法回顾性分析6例非酒精性WE患者临床及MRI特征。结果 6例患者均出现不同程度的意识障碍,其中仅2例表现为经典的三联征。6例患者均出现双侧对称性丘脑内侧、脑室及导水管周围、中脑顶盖异常信号典型表现,同时2例深昏迷患者分别表现出弥漫性皮层及面神经核受累。随访患者平均恢复时间为7.5个月,而MRI则为2.8个月。2例深昏迷患者预后较差,1例患者死亡,另1例2年后仍遗留严重四肢痉挛性瘫痪,并伴智能低下。2例深昏迷患者DWI上表现为广泛高信号。结论 MRI可为非酒精性WE提供早期诊断,而病变累及广泛皮层及颅神经核可能提示较差的预后,同时DWI序列可能有一定的预后作用。     

EFNS guidelines on the molecular diagnosis of channelopathies,epilepsies, migraine,stroke, and dementias

Objectives: These EFNS guidelines on the molecular diagnosis of channelopathies, including epilepsy and migraine, as well as stroke, and dementia are designed to summarize the possibilities and limitations of molecular genetic techniques and to provide diagnostic criteria for deciding when a molecular diagnostic work‐up is indicated. Search strategy: To collect data about planning, conditions, and performance of molecular diagnosis of these disorders, a literature search in various electronic databases was carried out and original papers, meta‐analyses, review papers, and guideline recommendations were reviewed. Results: The best level of evidence for genetic testing recommendation (B) can be found for a small number of syndromes, cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy, severe myoclonic epilepsy of infancy, familial recurrent hemorrhages, familial Alzheimer’s disease, and frontotemporal lobar degeneration. Good practice points can be formulated for a number of other disorders. Conclusion: These guidelines are provisional, and the future availability of molecular genetic epidemiological data about the neurogenetic disorders under discussion in our article will allow improved recommendation with an increased level of evidence.     

Peripheral Nerve Society Guideline on the classification, diagnosis, investigation, and immunosuppressive therapy of non-systemic vasculitic neuropathy: executive summary

Non-systemic vasculitic neuropathy (NSVN) is routinely considered in the differential diagnosis of progressive axonal neuropathies, especially those with asymmetric or multifocal features. Diagnostic criteria for vasculitic neuropathy, classification criteria for NSVN, and therapeutic approaches to NSVN are not standardized. The aim of this guideline was to derive recommendations on the classification, diagnosis, investigation, and treatment of NSVN based on the available evidence and, where evidence was not available, expert consensus. Experts on vasculitis, vasculitic neuropathy, and methodology systematically reviewed the literature for articles addressing diagnostic issues concerning vasculitic neuropathy and NSVN as well as treatment of NSVN and the small-to-medium vessel primary systemic vasculitides using MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library. The selected articles were analyzed and classified. The group initially reached consensus on a classification of vasculitides associated with neuropathy. Non-diabetic radiculoplexus neuropathy was incorporated within NSVN. The consensus definition of pathologically definite vasculitic neuropathy required that vessel wall inflammation be accompanied by vascular damage. Diagnostic criteria for pathologically probable vasculitic neuropathy included five predictors of definite vasculitic neuropathy: vascular deposits of IgM, C3, or fibrinogen by direct immunofluorescence; hemosiderin deposits; asymmetric nerve fiber loss; prominent active axonal degeneration; and myofiber necrosis, regeneration, or infarcts in peroneus brevis muscle biopsy (Good Practice Points from class II/III evidence). A case definition of clinically probable vasculitic neuropathy in patients lacking biopsy proof incorporated clinical features typical of vasculitic neuropathy: sensory or sensory-motor involvement, asymmetric/multifocal pattern, lower-limb predominance, distal-predominance, pain, acute relapsing course, and non-demyelinating electrodiagnostic features (Good Practice Points from class II/III evidence). Proposed exclusionary criteria for NSVN--favoring the alternate diagnosis of systemic vasculitic neuropathy--were clinicopathologic evidence of other-organ involvement; anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCAs); cryoglobulins; sedimentation rate ≥100 mm/h; and medical condition/drug predisposing to systemic vasculitis (Good Practice Points supported by class III evidence). Three class III studies on treatment of NSVN were identified, which were insufficient to permit a level C recommendation. Therefore, the group reviewed the literature on treatment of primary small-to-medium vessel systemic vasculitides prior to deriving Good Practice Points on treatment of NSVN. Principal treatment recommendations were: (1) corticosteroid (CS) monotherapy for at least 6 months is considered first-line; (2) combination therapy should be used for rapidly progressive NSVN and patients who progress on CS monotherapy; (3) immunosuppressive options include cyclophosphamide, azathioprine, and methotrexate; (4) cyclophosphamide is indicated for severe neuropathies, generally administered in IV pulses to reduce cumulative dose and side effects; (5) in patients achieving clinical remission with combination therapy, maintenance therapy should be continued for 18-24 months with azathioprine or methotrexate; and (6) clinical trials to address all aspects of treatment are needed.     

脑血管介入治疗所致造影剂脑病临床特点分析

造影剂脑病（contrast-induced encephalopathy, CIE）是一种罕见的急性且可逆的神经系统疾病,与动脉内注射碘化造影剂有关。该文收集了湖南省脑科医院进行脑血管介入术后出现的3例CIE患者。3例CIE患者中,2例出现精神症状,1例神志改变;3例患者均出现肢体乏力,1例肢体抽搐。3例影像学提示有新增梗死灶,1例有造影剂渗出,1例脑出血增多。对症治疗后,2例患者基本好转,1例患者有肢体无力后遗症。文献回顾发现,脑血管介入术后CIE的临床表现有精神行为异常、视力下降、偏瘫、失语等;影像学表现可能出现脑水肿、新发脑梗死、蛛网膜下腔高密度影和高信号影等,部分患者影像学无异常。经对症治疗后,大部分患者症状完全消失,少数患者有后遗症。     

The Italian guidelines for early intervention in schizophrenia: development and conclusions

Aim: The effectiveness of early intervention in schizophrenia is still under discussion. The guidelines described in the present paper were aimed at contributing to the current debate by providing Italian practitioners, families, patients and health managers with evidence‐based information on early intervention. They also examined the diagnostic tools that are currently available for assessing different stages of psychotic disorders. Methods: A multidisciplinary panel of experts (the Guidelines Development Group) used a set of key‐questions to develop an explicit search strategy to conduct a systematic review of the literature published from January 2000 to June 2006. Trained personnel then selected papers from those yielded by the literature search. The Guidelines Development Group's final recommendations were scaled according to the Italian National Guidelines System grading system. Results: The evidence available up to the time of the literature search does not allow for recommendation of early intervention targeting prodromal or at‐risk patients to prevent progression from the prodromal phase to acute, full‐blown psychosis, nor to improve prognosis. Conversely, identification and timely treatment of first‐episode psychotic patients through specific early intervention programmes are highly recommended. Conclusions: The Italian Guidelines on early intervention in schizophrenia are based on a comprehensive assessment of an updated, large‐scale body of literature. They draw specific, evidence‐based conclusions to assist clinicians and stakeholders in the planning and implementation of appropriate intervention programmes. Further research is needed to ascertain the effectiveness of early intervention in delaying or preventing the conversion to psychosis and improving prognosis in prodromal or at‐risk patients. Further investigation is also required for first‐episode and critical period patients.     

鼻咽癌术后放疗致放射性脑病1例报告并文献复习

目的探讨放射性脑病(REP)的临床、影像学特点、诊断与鉴别诊断和治疗方法,以及发病机制。方法回顾性分析1例放射性脑病患者的临床资料,包括临床症状、影像学表现、治疗经过及预后;并对相关文献进行复习。结果患者既往有鼻咽癌及放射治疗史;临床表现为癫痫失神发作;MRI示右侧颞叶类圆形病变,周围大片水肿;经手术切除病变及术后糖皮质激素、脱水、改善循环、营养神经药物治疗,病情明显改善;术后病理检查证实为放射性脑病。结论放射性脑病的临床和影像学表现无特异性,常易与脑胶质瘤等相混淆,确诊须依靠病史及病理检查;药物治疗效果不明显或高颅压症状明显时,应行手术切除病变。     

EFNS guidelines on the molecular diagnosis of neurogenetic disorders: general issues, Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease and dystonias

Background and purpose:  These EFNS guidelines on the molecular diagnosis of neurogenetic disorders are designed to provide practical help for the general neurologist to make appropriate use of molecular genetics in diagnosing neurogenetic disorders. Since the publication of the first two EFNS-guideline papers on the molecular diagnosis of neurological diseases in 2001, rapid progress has been made in this field, necessitating an updated series of guidelines.
Methods:  Literature searches were performed before expert members of the task force wrote proposals, which were discussed in detail until final consensus had been reached among all task force members.
Results and conclusion:  This paper provides updated guidelines for molecular diagnosis of Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease and dystonias as well as a general introduction to the topic. Possibilities and limitations of molecular genetic diagnosis of these disorders are evaluated and recommendations are provided.     

Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of neurological complications of HIV infection

The spectrum of neurological complications of HIV-infection has remained unchanged through the years, but its epidemiology changed remarkably as a result of the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of cerebral toxoplasmosis, cryptococcal meningitis, progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, CMV encephalitis, CMV polyradiculomyelitis, tuberculous meningitis, primary CNS lymphoma, HIV dementia, HIV myelopathy and HIV polyneuropathy are given with a grading of evidence and recommendations.     

EFNS guidelines on the molecular diagnosis of ataxias and spastic paraplegias

Background and purpose: These EFNS guidelines on the molecular diagnosis of neurogenetic disorders are designed to provide practical help for the general neurologist to make appropriate use of molecular genetics in diagnosing neurogenetic disorders. Methods: Literature searches were performed before expert members of the task force wrote proposals, which were discussed in detail until final consensus had been reached among all task force members. Results and conclusion: This paper provides updated guidelines for molecular diagnosis of two particularly complex groups of disorders, the ataxias and spastic paraplegias. Possibilities and limitations of molecular genetic diagnosis of these disorders are evaluated and recommendations are provided.     

EFNS guidelines on the diagnosis and management of European Lyme neuroborreliosis

Background:  Lyme neuroborreliosis (LNB) is a nervous system infection caused by Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato ( Bb ).
Objectives:  To present evidence-based recommendations for diagnosis and treatment.
Methods:  Data were analysed according to levels of evidence as suggested by EFNS.
Recommendations:  The following three criteria should be fulfilled for definite LNB, and two of them for possible LNB: (i) neurological symptoms; (ii) cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pleocytosis; (iii) Bb -specific antibodies produced intrathecally. PCR and CSF culture may be corroborative if symptom duration is <6 weeks, when Bb antibodies may be absent. PCR is otherwise not recommended. There is also not enough evidence to recommend the following tests for diagnostic purposes: microscope-based assays, chemokine CXCL13, antigen detection, immune complexes, lymphocyte transformation test, cyst formation, lymphocyte markers. Adult patients with definite or possible acute LNB (symptom duration <6 months) should be offered a single 14-day course of antibiotic treatment. Oral doxycycline (200 mg daily) and intravenous (IV) ceftriaxone (2 g daily) are equally effective in patients with symptoms confined to the peripheral nervous system, including meningitis (level A). Patients with CNS manifestations should be treated with IV ceftriaxone (2 g daily) for 14 days and late LNB (symptom duration >6 months) for 3 weeks (good practice points). Children should be treated as adults, except that doxycycline is contraindicated under 8 years of age (nine in some countries). If symptoms persist for more than 6 months after standard treatment, the condition is often termed post-Lyme disease syndrome (PLDS). Antibiotic therapy has no impact on PLDS (level A).