Explainable machine learning on baseline MRI predicts multiple sclerosis trajectory descriptors.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a multifaceted neurological condition characterized by challenges in timely diagnosis and personalized patient management. The application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to MS holds promises for early detection, accurate diagnosis, and predictive modeling. The objectives of this study are: 1) to propose new MS trajectory descriptors that could be employed in Machine Learning (ML) regressors and classifiers to predict patient evolution; 2) to explore the contribution of ML models in discerning MS trajectory descriptors using only baseline Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) studies. This study involved 446 MS patients who had a baseline MRI, at least two measurements of Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), and a 1-year follow-up. Patients were divided into two groups: 1) for model development and 2) for evaluation. Three descriptors: ß1, ß2, and EDSS(t), were related to baseline MRI parameters using regression and classification XGBoost models. Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP) analysis enhanced model transparency by identifying influential features. The results of this study demonstrate the potential of AI in predicting MS progression using the proposed patient trajectories and baseline MRI scans, outperforming classic Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) methods. In conclusion, MS trajectory descriptors are crucial; incorporating AI analysis into MRI assessments presents promising opportunities to advance predictive capabilities. SHAP analysis enhances model interpretation, revealing feature importance for clinical decisions.

What could posturography tell us about balance in essential tremor?

BACKGROUND: Essential tremor (ET) is a neurological disorder characterized primarily by action tremor. Balance impairments in ET patients were formerly considered to be uncommon and simply age-related. However quantitative assessment with posturography has revealed impairments in control of both static and dynamic balance. RESEARCH QUESTION: The aim of the present study is to assess postural stability with different posturographic techniques in ET patients. METHODS: A prospective cross-sectional study conducted in two University Hospitals. Eleven patients diagnosed with essential tremor and twelve healthy controls were included. Balance assessment were performed with: sensory organization test (SOT) and limits of stability (LOS) of the computer dynamic posturography (CDP), results of free-field body sway analysis with mobile posturography (Vertiguard®), modified timed up and go test (TUG), Dizziness handicap inventory (DHI) and activities-specific balance confidence scale (ABC). RESULTS: Patients with ET showed poorer scores in the SOT than controls for composite balance and somatosensory input. They also performed worse in LOS tests and Vertiguard® device indicated a higher risk of falling. There were no differences in the modified TUG. The mean score of DHI was 15.64 and 85.16 for ABC. SIGNIFICANCE: Posturography assessment (CDP and Vertiguard®) is more accurate in showing balance impairment in ET patients than clinical evaluation (modified TUG). Balance impairment involves deteriorated processing of somatosensory input which could be explained by cerebellar dysfunction. Balance deficits could be included into future diagnostic criteria.

MAB-MIG: registry of the spanish neurological society of erenumab for migraine prevention.

BACKGROUND: Erenumab was approved in Europe for migraine prevention in patients with ≥ 4 monthly migraine days (MMDs). In Spain, Novartis started a personalized managed access program, which allowed free access to erenumab before official reimbursement. The Spanish Neurological Society started a prospective registry to evaluate real-world effectiveness and tolerability, and all Spanish headache experts were invited to participate. We present their first results. METHODS: Patients fulfilled the ICHD-3 criteria for migraine and had ≥ 4 MMDs. Sociodemographic and clinical data were registered as well as MMDs, monthly headache days, MHDs, prior and concomitant preventive treatment, medication overuse headache (MOH), migraine evolution, adverse events, and patient-reported outcomes (PROs): headache impact test (HIT-6), migraine disability assessment questionnaire (MIDAS), and patient global improvement change (PGIC). A > 50% reduction of MMDs after 12 weeks was considered as a response. RESULTS: We included 210 patients (female 86.7%, mean age 46.4 years old) from 22 Spanish hospitals from February 2019 to June 2020. Most patients (89.5%) suffered from chronic migraine with a mean evolution of 8.6 years. MOH was present in 70% of patients, and 17.1% had migraine with aura. Patients had failed a mean of 7.8 preventive treatments at baseline (botulinum toxin type A-BoNT/A-had been used by 95.2% of patients). Most patients (67.6%) started with erenumab 70 mg. Sixty-one percent of patients were also simultaneously taking oral preventive drugs and 27.6% were getting simultaneous BoNT/A. Responder rate was 37.1% and the mean reduction of MMDs and MHDs was -6.28 and -8.6, respectively. Changes in PROs were: MIDAS: -35 points, HIT-6: -11.6 points, PIGC: 4.7 points. Predictors of good response were prior HIT-6 score < 80 points (p = 0.01), ≤ 5 prior preventive treatment failures (p = 0.026), absence of MOH (p = 0.039), and simultaneous BoNT/A treatment (p < 0.001). Twenty percent of patients had an adverse event, but only two of them were severe (0.9%), which led to treatment discontinuation. Mild constipation was the most frequent adverse event (8.1%). CONCLUSIONS: In real-life, in a personalized managed access program, erenumab shows a good effectiveness profile and an excellent tolerability in migraine prevention in our cohort of refractory patients.

Cerebral hypoperfusion as assessed by transcranial duplex in posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome.

.

Eliseo y el hijo de la sunamita: una cefalea de proporciones bíblicas / Elisha and the Shunammite child: a headache of biblical proportions

No disponible

Safety of Intravenous Thrombolysis for Acute Stroke in Patients with an Active Malignancy: Case Series and Review of the Literature.

INTRODUCTION: Evidence is scarce regarding the safety of alteplase for acute stroke in patients with an active malignancy. METHODS: We reviewed medical records for patients with both conditions treated at our institution over a 2-year period. RESULTS: Five patients were identified, of which only one developed an asymptomatic intracerebral haemorrhage, and no systemic bleedings occurred. Functional outcomes and stroke severity, as measured by National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale and modified Rankin Scale, were favourable upon discharge. CONCLUSION: In the absence of active bleeding or known malignancy of the central nervous system, intravenous alteplase seems a reasonable option for patients with an active cancer and acute stroke.

What Could Posturography Tell Us About Balance Problems in Parkinson's Disease?

OBJECTIVE: Impaired balance in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) leads to loss of balance and frequent falls. Computerized dynamic posturography allows the assessment of stance tasks whereas mobile posturography analyzes the balance in free-field conditions, where falls among PD patients commonly occur (e.g. sitting down or standing up). The aim of the present study is to assess postural stability in PD patients with both techniques. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective study. SETTING: University Hospitals, ambulatory care (outpatient clinic). PATIENTS: Thirty-three patients diagnosed with idiopathic PD. INTERVENTION: Balance assessment. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Dizziness handicap inventory (DHI), activities-specific balance confidence scale (ABC), composite score of sensory organization test (SOT), results of free-field body sway analysis (standard balance deficit test (SBDT)), or geriatric SBDT. RESULTS: PD patients showed a significantly higher sway in the roll direction in almost all of the SBDT conditions. Also, pathological sway compared with normative values was more prominent in complex tasks. There is a significant correlation between the different objective variables of the postural study (SOT and SBDT) and the ABC, but not with the DHI. Finally, the percentage of PD patients with a pathological score in SOT-composite score was 54.5% whereas in SBDT-composite score it was significantly higher (93.9%). CONCLUSION: Mobile posturography is more accurate in depicting the reality of balance impairment in PD patients than platform posturography. Also, ABC relates better than DHI to the significant psychological consequences of balance impairments. An increased lateral trunk sway seems to be a key factor of postural instability in PD patients.

Is posturography able to identify fallers in patients with Parkinson's disease?

INTRODUCTION: Parkinson' disease (PD) is one of the most prevalent neurodegenerative diseases, and more than half of patients with PD experience falls. Research for clinically useful risk factors predicting falls has yielded inconsistent findings so far. Hence the aim of the study is to validate two different posturography techniques and one modified-timed up and go test (TUG) in discriminating fallers and non-fallers among PD patients. METHODS: 32 patients diagnosed with idiopathic PD were assessed with: Dizziness handicap inventory, Activities-specific balance confidence scale, modified-TUG, sensorial organization test (SOT) and limits of stability (LOS) of computer dynamic posturography, results of free-field body sway analysis with Vertiguard device and number of falls. RESULTS: Fallers had longer time to perform modified-TUG and required more steps. On average, fallers performed SOT and LOS significantly worse and Vertiguard device indicated a higher risk of falling. Based on the area under the curve of receiver operating characteristics analyses, the overall accuracy of directional control of LOS and steps in modified-TUG are close to 0.9 (high accuracy). Also assessment with Vertiguard device is more efficient in identifying fallers than the parameters of SOT. DISCUSSION: Our results indicate that LOS, mobile posturography (Vertiguard), vestibular input of SOT and number of steps taken in modified-TUG are very useful to identify fallers in PD patients.

Primary malignant meningeal melanomatosis: a clinical, radiological and pathologic case study.

A 40 year-old woman with subacute headache and visual impairment was admitted. Neurological examination revealed meningismus, diminished visual acuity, bilateral sixth cranial nerve palsy, and papillary edema. Dermatologic examination was normal. The brain CT scan showed hydrocephalus and hyperdense edging around fissures and sulci. The CSF study showed an increased protein level, with persistently negative microbiologic and cytological studies. Prior to Gd-DPTA injection, the brain T1-WI MRI revealed leptomeningeal hyperintensity. A dark subpial substance became evident at cerebral biopsy. The histopatological diagnosis was diffuse leptomeningeal melanomatosis. This case report highlights the diagnostic value of the brain MRI findings in primary leptomeningeal melanomatosis, a rare pathologic condition diagnosed in most published cases only after necropsy. Meningeal T1-WI hyperintensity prior to contrast injection is not caused by sarcoidosis or meningeal carcinomatosis, lymphomatosis or gliomatosis.