Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy of primary pediatric brain tumors: neuropathological correlation

Forty-five children with primary brain tumors were evaluated by in vivo proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) with the aim of detecting correlations between the obtained spectra and tumor malignancy and histology. All investigations were performed using a 1.5 T MR scanner (Picker) with point-resolved spectroscopic (PRESS) sequence (TR 1600 ms, TE 270 ms, NEX 256). Spectra were analyzed for N-acetylaspartate (NAA), choline containing-compounds (Cho), creatine and phosphocreatine (Cr) and lactate (Lac). The Cho/NAA ratio was the most useful parameter for differentiating between normal brain, benign and malignant tumors as well as discriminating the three main groups of pediatric brain tumors namely pilocytic astrocytoma, ependymoma and medulloblastoma. Proton MRS appears to be an important noninvasive technique in the differential diagnosis of pediatric brain tumors.     

Immunological markers of disease activity in the course of 2-CDA treatment of multiple sclerosis

52 clinically definite multiple sclerosis (MS) patients were treated with subcutaneous injection of 5 mg 2-CDA in 5 consecutive days. The injection courses were repeated 6 times in one month interval. The MRI pattern and immunological markers were studied in serum and CSF before and after 6 months of treatment. The obtained results suggest that treatment with 2-CDA has not any significant effect on humoral immunological events in multiple sclerosis, what is in contrast to some normalization of cellular immunopathological processes.     

Myelin basic protein stimulation index of CD 2 cells in the course of steroid treatment

Myelin basic protein CD 2 lymphocyte stimulation index calculated as the proportion of percentage of myelin basic protein stimulated CD 2 lymphocytes to unstimulated CD 2 lymphocytes was evaluated in a group of 23 multiple sclerosis patients in the course of prednisone or methylprednisolone treatment. After both treatments a decrease of myelin basic protein CD 2 lymphocyte stimulation index was observed, statistically significant after methyloprednisolone medication.     

The effect of large dose prednisone therapy on immunological markers in multiple sclerosis

The effect of large-dose prednisone therapy (3960 mg over 56 days) on humoral immunological markers and MRI pattern was studied in 25 patients with clinically definite multiple sclerosis. There was a decrease in levels of some studied markers (TNF in CSF, MBP level, IgG index, kappa chains in urine and kappa/creatinine ratio) after the treatment, but the differences reached statistical significance in some groups only. The decrease of total lesion area in MRI was not statistically significant. The obtained results proved clearly, that the above mentioned immunological markers might be helpful for monitoring of therapy in MS patients.     

The evaluation of the use of antineoplaston AS2-1 treatment in subacute sclerosing panencephalitis

A follow-up study was carried out of 16 SSPE patients two years after completion of 6-month treatment with Antineoplaston. The study was based on an inquiry sent to the families of the patients and on control examinations at the clinic. In the period of follow-up 6 patients died, all had the downhill type of disease course and their mean survival was 18 months. Out of the remaining 10 patients 4 are in stationary condition and the remaining ones had minimal worsening. A more detailed clinical analysis showed that half the patients were in contact with and general orientation in the environment, but impairment of motor functions made difficult in most cases self-care and self-dependent functioning. All patients had evident changes in brain MRI. The survival time of the patients has been as yet from 2.5 to 5.5 years (mean 3.9 years). The results of the treatment with Antineoplaston AS2-1 + isoprinosine are comparable with those observed during isoprinosine alone treatment but significantly worse than those after administration of Propionibacterium granulosum with isoprinosine. This suggests that Antineoplaston AS2-1 fails to modify importantly the natural course of SSPE.     

Cervical cord damage caused by discopathy coexistent with borreliosis (diagnostic difficulties)

Borreliosis is a systemic disease proceeding chronically, in stages and with dermatological, rheumatological and cardiological manifestations. In international terminology the name Lyme borreliosis is most commonly used. Recently the number of the incidents of this disease has increased in Poland as well, particularly among those employed in forests located in endemic regions, which has been confirmed in publications. In this article we present an unusual case of the coexistence of Borrelia burgdorferi infection with cervical medulla injury resulting from discopathy observed in a 65-year-old patient, who additionally suffered from arterial hypertension and diabetes.     

Neurological status improvement in central pontine myelinolysis in alcohol-dependent patient

The authors report a case of central pontine myelinolysis in a woman aged 30 years addicted to alcohol since at least 30 years. In the diagnosis the principal role was played by MRI. Attention is called to the disproportion between massive brainstem lesion and relatively low extent of neurological symptoms and signs. The patient had a several-weeks alcohol detoxication treatment and general supportive treatment. During that tine the neurological signs regressed nearly completely which suggests considerable reversibility or compensation of brainstem lesions in this syndrome.     

The costs of Alzheimer's disease treatment: the rationale of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors use?

The costs of Alzheimer's disease treatment in the era of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors use are critically discussed.