Ganglia Volumes Research Articles

Structural brain abnormalities in children and adolescents with comorbid autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) share high rates of comorbidity, with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Fifth Edition now acknowledging the comorbid diagnosis of ASD and ADHD. Although structural abnormalities in the prefrontal cortex, cerebellum, and basal ganglia occur in both ASD and ADHD, no structural studies have focused exclusively on patients with comorbid ASD and ADHD. We thus aimed to clarify the structural features and developmental changes in patients with comorbid ASD and ADHD in a relatively large sample from two sites. Ninety-two patients were age-matched to 141 typically developing (TD) controls (age range: 5–16 years) and assessed for volumetric characteristics using structural magnetic resonance imaging (i.e. surface-based morphometry). While there were no significant differences in prefrontal cortex, cerebellum, and basal ganglia volumes, patients with ASD and ADHD exhibited significantly lower left postcentral gyrus volumes than TD controls. We observed significantly lower postcentral gyrus volumes exclusively in children and preadolescents, and not in adolescents. Our findings suggest that abnormal somatosensory, attributed to delayed maturation of the left postcentral gyrus, leads to the core symptoms experienced by patients with comorbid ASD and ADHD.

MR Neurography: Normative Values in Correlation to Demographic Determinants in Children and Adolescents.

To determine normative morphological and functional magnetic resonance (MR) neurography values in children and adolescents in correlation to demographic determinants. In this study 29 healthy underage subjects (mean age 13.9 years, range10-17 years) were examined using astandardized MR neurography protocol of the lumbosacral plexus and the right lower extremity at 3 T. Volumes of the dorsal root ganglia L3-S2, cross-sectional area of the sciatic and tibial nerves, as well as T2-weighted contrast nerve-muscle ratio and quantitative diffusion tensor imaging(DTI) values of the sciatic nerve were obtained and correlated with the demographic parameters sex, age, height and weight. While all obtained morphological and functional MR neurography values did not differ between male and female sex, dorsal root ganglia volume, sciatic and tibial nerve cross-sectional area correlated positively with age, height, and weight. The T2-weighted signal of the sciatic nerve was independent of demographic determinants. Negative correlation was found for fractional anisotropy (FA) with age, height, and weight, whereas radial diffusivity (RD) showed apositive correlation only with age. Mean diffusivity(MD) and axial diffusivity (AD) revealed no correlation with demographic determinants. The results of this study suggest that selection of sex-matched controls for further studies assessing peripheral nerve pathologies in underage patients may not be necessary; however, control subjects should be adapted to age, height, and weight of the patient population, especially if assessing dorsal root ganglia volume, nerve cross-sectional area andDTI.

Pore Scale Visualization of Drainage in 3D Porous Media by Confocal Microscopy

We visualize the dynamics of immiscible displacement of a high viscosity wetting phase by a low viscosity non-wetting phase in a three-dimensional (3D) glass bead packing using confocal microscopy. Both phases were doped with two different fluorescent dyes, which enabled visualization of both phases simultaneously and quantification of the phase volumes without the need of image subtraction operations. The transient results show details of the displacement process and how pores are invaded by the non-wetting displacing phase. The static images at the end of the displacement process reveal how the trapped ganglia volume and morphology change with capillary number. The wetting phase is trapped as pendular rings spanning one to multiple pore necks. Details of the pore scale flow of oil wet media revealed with the experimental methods presented here can lead to better fundamental understanding of the physical processes and optimized enhanced oil recovery methods, CO2 sequestration and aquifer remediation.

Previous contraceptive treatment relates to grey matter volumes in the hippocampus and basal ganglia

Oral contraceptive (OC) effects on the brain have gained increasing interest, but are highly controversial. Previous studies suggest that OC users have larger hippocampi, parahippocampi, fusiform gyri and Cerebelli. Preliminary evidence from one of those studies even suggests an effect of previous contraceptive use on the hippocampi of women who are not current users of OCs. Furthermore, more recent studies postulate an involvement of previous OC treatment in later development of mood disorders. To address the question whether previous OC treatment affects women’s brain structure later in life, high resolution structural images were obtained from 131 naturally cycling women. Among them, 52 women had never used OC before, 52 had previously used one OC for a continuous time period and 27 had previously used multiple contraceptives. The groups did not differ in gray matter volumes. Since endogenous sex hormones modulate gray matter volumes of the hippocampus and basal ganglia along the menstrual cycle, we hypothesize effects of OC use on these areas. Specifically, we hypothesize that a longer duration of previous OC treatment is related to larger hippocampi and larger basal ganglia. Indeed we found the duration of previous OC use to be positively correlated to hippocampal and basal ganglia volumes bilaterally. For the hippocampus, but not for the basal ganglia, this association disappeared after controlling for the time since discontinuation. These results suggest that for the hippocampus, but not for the basal ganglia, effects of previous contraceptive treatment are reversed after a time period comparable to treatment duration. These data question the immediate reversibility of OC effects on brain structure. Accordingly, some changes in the brain due to long-term contraceptive use, while subtle, may be long-lasting.

Peripheral nervous system alterations in infant and adult neurofibromatosis type 2.

To examine the involvement of dorsal root ganglia and peripheral nerves in children with neurofibromatosis type 2 compared to healthy controls and symptomatic adults by in vivo high-resolution magnetic resonance neurography. In this prospective multicenter study, the lumbosacral dorsal root ganglia and sciatic, tibial, and peroneal nerves were examined in 9 polyneuropathy-negative children diagnosed with neurofibromatosis type 2 by a standardized magnetic resonance neurography protocol at 3T. Volumes of dorsal root ganglia L3 to S2 and peripheral nerve lesions were assessed and compared to those of 29 healthy children. Moreover, dorsal root ganglia volumes and peripheral nerve lesions were compared to those of 14 adults with neurofibromatosis type 2. Compared to healthy controls, dorsal root ganglia hypertrophy was a consistent finding in children with neurofibromatosis type 2 (L3 +255%, L4 +289%, L5 +250%, S1 +257%, and S2 +218%, p < 0.001) with an excellent diagnostic accuracy. Moreover, peripheral nerve lesions occurred with a high frequency in those children compared to healthy controls (18.89 ± 11.11 vs 0.90 ± 1.08, p < 0.001). Children and adults with neurofibromatosis type 2 showed nonsignificant differences in relative dorsal root ganglia hypertrophy rates (p = 0.85) and peripheral nerve lesions (p = 0.28). Alterations of peripheral nerve segments occur early in the course of neurofibromatosis type 2 and are evident even in children not clinically affected by peripheral polyneuropathy. While those early alterations show similar characteristics compared to adults with neurofibromatosis type 2, the findings of this study suggest that secondary processes might be responsible for the development and severity of associated polyneuropathy.

Do Gulf War veterans with high levels of deployment-related exposures display symptoms suggestive of Parkinson’s disease?

Veterans of the 1991 Gulf War (GW) were exposed to a myriad of potentially hazardous chemicals during deployment. Epidemiological data suggest a possible link between chemical exposures and Parkinson’s disease (PD); however, there have been no reliable data on the incidence or prevalence of PD among GW veterans to date. This study included the following 2 questions: 1. Do deployed GW veterans display PD-like symptoms? and 2. Is there a relationship between the occurrence and quantity of PD-like symptoms, and the levels of deployment-related exposures in GW veterans? Self-reports of symptoms and exposures to deployment-related chemicals were filled out by 293 GW veterans, 202 of whom had undergone 3 Tesla volumetric measurements of basal ganglia volumes. Correlation analyses were used to examine the relationship between the frequency of the veterans’ self-reported exposures to deployment-related chemicals, motor and non-motor symptoms of PD, and the total basal ganglia volumes. Healthy deployed GW veterans self-reported few PD-like non-motor symptoms and no motor symptoms. In contrast, GW veterans with Gulf War illness (GWI) self-reported more PD-like motor and non-motor symptoms, and more GW-related exposures. Compared to healthy deployed veterans, those with GWI also had lower total basal ganglia volumes. Although little is known about the long-term consequences of GWI, findings from this study suggest that veterans with GWI show more symptoms as those seen in PD/prodromal PD, compared to healthy deployed GW veterans. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2019;32(4):503–26

Associations between rare microglia-linked Alzheimer's disease risk variants and subcortical brain volumes in young individuals

IntroductionRecent exome sequencing studies have identified three novel risk variants associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the mechanisms by which these variants confer risk are largely unknown. MethodsIn the present study, the impact of these rare coding variants (in ABI3, PLCG2, and TREM2) on all subcortical volumes is determined in a large sample of young healthy individuals (N = 756–765; aged 22–35 years). ResultsAfter multiple testing correction (PCORRECTED < .05), rare variants were associated with basal ganglia volumes (TREM2 and PLCG2 effects within the putamen and pallidum, respectively). Nominal associations between TREM2 and reduced hippocampal and thalamic volumes were also observed. DiscussionOur observations suggest that rare variants in microglia-mediated immunity pathway may contribute to the subcortical alterations observed in AD cases. These observations provide further evidence that genetic risk for AD may influence the volume of subcortical volumes and increase AD risk in early life processes.

Antipsychotic treatment and basal ganglia volumes: Exploring the role of receptor occupancy, dosage and remission status

Antipsychotic treatment may affect brain morphology, and enlargement of the basal ganglia (BG) is a replicated finding. Here we investigated associations between antipsychotic treatment and BG volumes in patients with psychotic and bipolar disorders. We hypothesized that current treatment and, among those medicated, higher dosage, estimated D2R occupancy and being in remission would predict larger BG volumes. Structural covariance analysis was performed to examine if correlations between BG volumes and cortical thickness differed by treatment status.224 patients treated with antipsychotics; 26 previously treated, 29 never treated and 301 healthy controls (HC) were included from the TOP study cohort (NORMENT, Norway). T1-weighted MR images were processed using FreeSurfer. D2R occupancy was estimated based on serum concentration measurements for patients receiving stable monotherapy. Statistical analyses were adjusted for age, gender and estimated intracranial volume (ICV).We found larger right (p < 0.003) and left putamen (p < 0.02) and right globus pallidus (GP) (p < 0.03) in currently medicated patients compared to HC. Bilateral regional cortical thinning was also observed in currently and previously medicated patients compared to HC. In medicated patients, higher chlorpromazine equivalent dose (CPZ) was associated with larger left GP (p < 0.04). There was no association with estimated D2R occupancy (n = 47) or remission status. Lower positive correlation between left putamen volume and cortical thickness of the left lateral occipital cortex was found in medicated patients compared to HC.We replicated the BG enlargement in medicated patients, but found no association with estimated D2R occupancy. Further studies are needed to clarify the underlying mechanisms.

Response control correlates of anomalous basal ganglia morphology in boys, but not girls, with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

Anomalous basal ganglia morphology may contribute to deficient motor response control in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This study expands upon recent evidence of sex differences in subcortical morphology and motor response control deficits among children with ADHD to examine basal ganglia volume and shape in relation to motor response control. Participants included 8–12 year-old children with ADHD (n = 52, 21 girls) and typically developing (TD) controls (n = 45, 19 girls). High resolution T1-weighted 3D MPRAGE images covering the whole brain were acquired for all participants on a 3 T scanner. Participants performed two computer-based go/no-go tasks that differed in the extent to which working memory was necessary to guide response selection. Shape-based morphometric analyses were performed in addition to traditional volumetric comparisons and correlations with measures of motor response control were examined. Boys with ADHD consistently demonstrated increased commission error rate and response variability, regardless of task demands, suggesting broad response control deficits. In contrast, response control deficits among girls with ADHD varied depending on task demands and performance measures. Volumetric reductions and inward deformation (compression) on the dorsal surface of the globus pallidus and within subregions of the putamen receiving projections from limbic, executive and motor cortices were observed in boys, but not girls, with ADHD relative to TD children. Mediation analyses revealed that putamen and globus pallidus volumes mediated the relationship between diagnosis and commission error rate. Furthermore, reduced volumes of these structures and localized inward deformation within executive and motor circuits correlated with poorer response control, particularly under conditions of increased cognitive load. These findings suggest that anomalous basal ganglia morphology is related to impaired motor response control among boys with ADHD.

Dorsal root ganglia volume is increased in patients with the Fabry-related GLA variant p.D313Y.

To examine dorsal root ganglia and proximal nerve segments in patients carrying the Fabry-related GLA-gene variant p.D313Y in comparison to patients with classical Fabry mutations and healthy controls by morphometric and functional magnetic resonance neurography. This prospective multicenter study examines the lumbosacral dorsal root ganglia and sciatic nerve in 11 female p.D313Y patients by a standardized magnetic resonance neurography protocol at 3T. Volumes of dorsal root ganglia L3 to S2, permeability of dorsal root ganglia L5 and S1, and spinal nerve L5 as well as cross-sectional area of the sciatic nerve were assessed and compared to 10 females carrying a classical Fabry mutation and 16healthy female controls. Compared to healthy controls, dorsal root ganglia volumes of p.D313Y females were enlarged by 53% (L3), 48% (L4), 43% (L5), 57% (S1)(p < 0.001), and 55% (S2) (p < 0.05), but less pronounced compared to females carrying a classical Fabry mutation. Compared to healthy controls, p.D313Y patients showed no changes of dorsal root ganglia vascular permeability, while patients with a classical Fabry mutation showed a distinct decrease (p < 0.05). Sciatic nerve cross-sectional area was mildly increased by 6% in p.D313Y as well as in classical Fabry patients (p < 0.05). Patients carrying the GLA-gene variant p.D313Y show distinctly enlarged dorsal root ganglia, while vascular permeability remains within normal limits. Overall, these alterations partially share characteristics commonly seen in patients with a mutation causing classical FD. This suggests that p.D313Y causes a potentially treatable condition resembling an early stage of Fabry disease.

Effects of tanezumab on satellite glial cells in the cervicothoracic ganglion of cynomolgus monkeys: A 26-week toxicity study followed by an 8-week recovery period.

Tanezumab, a humanized monoclonal anti-NGF antibody, has demonstrated efficacy and safety profiles in Phase III clinical trials of chronic pain. In a 24-week study in non-human primates, morphological observations of sympathetic ganglia showed decreased ganglia volume, decreased neuronal size, and increased glial cell density compared with controls after 3 tanezumab treatments. Using stereological techniques to quantify glial cells, the present 26-week study found no significant difference after weekly treatments in total cervicothoracic ganglia satellite glial cell number between placebo- or tanezumab-treated cynomolgus monkeys. These findings suggest that tanezumab treatment does not result in a true gliosis in sympathetic ganglia.

Visual system involvement in Alzheimer’s disease

To assess in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients the Visual System functioning through full field Visual Evoked Potentials (VEPs) and to measure neuro-retinal thickness through Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), in particular the peripapillary Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer (RNFL) thickness and macular Ganglion and Inner Plexiform Layers (GCL and IPL) volume, in order to find new reproducible diagnostic markers and outcome measures. 145 subjects were enrolled (49 with AD, 39 with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and 57 controls, HC), receiving an OCT scan acquisition and Visual Evoked Potentials (VEPs) in 36 AD, 25 MCI and 39 HC at baseline. Nineteen AD and 23 MCI underwent a follow up OCT scan. At baseline peripapillary RNFL, global and in superior quadrant, was significantly thinner in AD and MCI patients than in HC. Macular GCL was significantly thinner in AD than in MCI and HC. A positive association was found between OCT and neuropsychological tests. Over time AD patients showed a significantly higher decay in RNFL thickness than MCI subjects. Furthermore, RNFL, GCL and IPL thinning seemed to be associated with worsening in cognition. Our findings confirm that the Visual System is involved in AD and OCT is as a possible marker of disease severity.

Anatomy and neural remodeling of the renal sympathetic nerve in a canine model and patients with hypertension.

The role of renal sympathetic nerve (RSN) in hypertension should be better understood. We aimed to three-dimensionally reconstruct the renal nerves, and explore its anatomical and histochemical characteristics in hypertensive canine model and patients. Renal arteries with surrounding tissue were collected from canines and cadavers with or without hypertension. Serial renal artery hematoxylin-eosin sections were used for three-dimensional reconstruction, and morphological parameters were collected and analyzed. In hypertensive canines, the mean renal nerve number was 26.71 ± 5.68 versus 19.84 ± 5.68 in controls (P = 0.02), and the middle renal nerve volume was 5.31 ± 2.13 versus 2.60 ± 1.00 μl in controls (P = 0.01). Renal tissue norepinephrine concentrations, tyrosine hydroxylase and substance P immunoreactivity in RSN, and growth-associated protein 43 immunoreactivity in renal ganglion were significantly increased in hypertensive canines. In humans, the renal nerve was evenly distributed along the renal artery in a network pattern. The renal ganglion volume was 72.75 ± 33.43 in hypertensive patients versus 37.04 ± 23.95 μl in controls (P = 0.029) and the mean neuronal size in renal ganglion was 1187.3 ± 219.9 μm in patients versus 714.8 ± 142.7 μm in controls (P = 0.002). Tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity in the RSN was 0.153 ± 0.014 in patients versus 0.104 ± 0.019 in controls (P = 0.013). Growth-associated protein 43 immunoreactivity in the renal ganglion was 86 612.8 ± 14 642.0 in patients versus 33 469.8 ± 15 666.8 μm/mm in controls (P < 0.001). Our study suggests that RSN and renal ganglion histological remodeling occurs in individuals with hypertension and the distal segment or branches of renal artery might be a promising therapeutic target for RSN modulation therapy.

Dorsal root ganglia in vivo morphometry and perfusion in female patients with Fabry disease.

To examine dorsal root ganglia and the proximal nerve segments in female patients with Fabry disease by functional and morphometric magnetic resonance neurography. In this prospective multicenter study the lumbosacral dorsal root ganglia and proximal sciatic nerve were examined in ten female patients with Fabry disease by a standardized magnetic resonance neurography protocol at 3T. Volumes of dorsal root ganglia L3-S2, permeability of dorsal root ganglia L5 and S1 and the spinal nerve L5 as well as the cross-sectional area of the proximal sciatic nerve were compared to 16 gender-matched healthy controls. Dorsal root ganglia were symmetrically enlarged by 54% (L3), 79% (L4), 60% (L5), 94% (S1), and 106% (S2) (p < 0.001). Additionally, permeability of the blood-tissue interface was decreased by 47% (p < 0.001). This finding was most pronounced in the peripheral zone of the dorsal root ganglia, where the cell bodies of the primary sensory neurons are located (p < 0.001). While spinal nerve permeability showed no differences compared to healthy controls, proximal sciatic nerve cross-sectional area was mildly increased by 6% (p < 0.01). Although heterozygous, Fabry females show severe enlarged dorsal root ganglia with a concomitant dysfunctional perfusion, even in patients with minor disease progression and in patients who are not considered for enzyme replacement therapy yet. Alterations in dorsal root ganglia volume and perfusion might serve as a very early in vivo marker for involvement of the peripheral nervous system in Fabry disease, even in patients with residual enzyme activity.

Traffic-Related Air Pollution, APOEε4 Status, and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes among School Children Enrolled in the BREATHE Project (Catalonia, Spain).

Background:Traffic-related air pollution is emerging as a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD) and impaired brain development. Individual differences in vulnerability to air pollution may involve the allele of Apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene, the primary genetic risk factor for AD.Objective:We analyzed whether the association between traffic air pollution and neurodevelopmental outcomes is modified by APOE status in children.Methods:Data on parent-reported behavior problems (total difficulties scores, Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire), teacher-reported attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptom scores, cognitive performance trajectories (computerized tests of inattentiveness and working memory repeated 2–4 times during January 2012–March 2013), and APOE genotypes were obtained for 1,667 children age 7–11 y attending 39 schools in or near Barcelona. Basal ganglia volume (putamen, caudate, and globus pallidum) was measured in 163 of the children by MRI (October 2012–April 2014.) Average annual outdoor polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), elemental carbon (EC), and nitrogen dioxide () concentrations were estimated based on measurements at each school (two 1-wk campaigns conducted 6 months apart in 2012).Results:APOE allele carriers had significantly higher behavior problem scores than noncarriers, and adverse associations with PAHs and were stronger or limited to carriers for behavior problem scores (P-interaction 0.03 and 0.04), caudate volume (P-interaction 0.04 and 0.03), and inattentiveness trajectories (P-interaction 0.15 and 0.08, respectively). Patterns of associations with the same outcomes were similar for EC.Conclusion:PAHs, EC, and were associated with higher behavior problem scores, smaller reductions in inattentiveness over time, and smaller caudate volume in APOE allele carriers in our study population, and corresponding associations were weak or absent among noncarriers. These findings support a potential role of APOE in biological mechanisms that may contribute to associations between air pollution and neurobehavioral outcomes in children. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP2246

Interface tracking of an oil ganglion inside a cascade of pore bodies and pore throats: A quasistatic investigation

The study of the permeation of oil droplets through a network of pore bodies and pore throats is complicated because of the need to track both the advancing and the receding interfaces and the possible branching of the oil ganglion. For the sake of simplicity and to gain understanding of the features associated with the motion of a droplet in a network, in this work, we eliminate the possibility of branching. In other words, we consider the case in which the oil droplet moves through a cascade of pore bodies and pore throats. In this case only two interfaces need to be tracked; namely the receding and the advancing interfaces. While it was possible to derive analytical expressions to determine the critical entry pressures when the oil droplet is still at the surface of the cascade, it remains challenging to find such analytical expressions when the oil droplet completely enters it. In this case both the advancing and the receding interfaces play a role. When the oil droplet completely enters the cascade, it becomes an oil ganglion, the movement of which is determined by the entry pressure. The entry pressure depends on the curvatures of both the leading and receding interfaces. This implies that the entry pressure is changing along the cascade. The largest values of the entry pressure, however, are those obtained when the leading interface is in a pore throat and the receding interface is in a pore body. In this work, we estimate the entry pressure in two situations; namely, when the leading interface is at the entrance of a pore throat and, likewise, when it is at the end. One can then infer how the entry pressure changes along the pore throat length. To determine the curvature of the receding interface, we use the fact that, for incompressible fluids (which is our case), the volume of the oil ganglion is conserved and that the interfaces assume the static contact angle at the contact with the wall. A nonlinear algebraic equation is developed, the solution of which provides the radius of curvature of the receding interface. Interesting results are obtained including the entry pressure values at different locations, the distribution of the oil ganglion along the cascade, and the radius of curvatures of the leading and the receding interfaces.

Polygenic Risk and Neural Substrates of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms in Youths With a History of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

BackgroundAttention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a major sequela of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in youths. The objective of this study was to examine whether ADHD symptoms are differentially associated with genetic risk and brain structure in youths with and without a history of TBI. MethodsMedical history, ADHD symptoms, genetic data, and neuroimaging data were obtained from a community sample of youths. ADHD symptom severity was compared between those with and without TBI (TBI n = 418, no TBI n = 3193). The relationship of TBI history, genetic vulnerability, brain structure, and ADHD symptoms was examined by assessing 1) ADHD polygenic score (discovery sample ADHD n = 19,099, control sample n = 34,194), 2) basal ganglia volumes, and 3) fractional anisotropy in the corpus callosum and corona radiata. ResultsYouths with TBI reported greater ADHD symptom severity compared with those without TBI. Polygenic score was positively associated with ADHD symptoms in youths without TBI but not in youths with TBI. The negative association between the caudate volume and ADHD symptoms was not moderated by a history of TBI. However, the relationship between ADHD symptoms and structure of the genu of the corpus callosum was negative in youths with TBI and positive in youths without TBI. ConclusionsThe identification of distinct ADHD etiology in youths with TBI provides neurobiological insight into the clinical heterogeneity in the disorder. Results indicate that genetic predisposition to ADHD does not increase the risk for ADHD symptoms associated with TBI. ADHD symptoms associated with TBI may be a result of a mechanical insult rather than neurodevelopmental factors.

Brain MRI morphometric analysis in Parkinson\u2019s disease patients with sleep disturbances

BackgroundSleep disturbances are common in patients with advanced Parkinson disease (PD). The aim of this study was to evaluate a possible association of cortical thickness, cortical and subcortical volume with sleep disturbances in PD patients.MethodsTwenty-eight PD patients (14 men and 14 women, median age 58 years) were evaluated for sleep disturbances with PDSS and underwent brain MRI. Control group consisted of 28 healthy volunteers who were matched by age and gender. Automated voxel based image analysis was performed with the FreeSurfer software.ResultsPD patients when compared to controls had larger ventricles, smaller volumes of hippocampus and superior cerebellar peduncle, smaller grey matter thickness in the left fusiform, parahipocampal and precentral gyruses, and right caudal anterior cingulate, parahipocampal and precentral hemisphere gyruses, as well as smaller volume of left rostral middle frontal and frontal pole areas, and right entorhinal and transverse temporal areas. According to the Parkinson’s disease Sleep Scale (PDSS), 15 (53.58%) patients had severely disturbed sleep. The most frequent complaints were difficulties staying asleep during the night and nocturia. The least frequent sleep disturbances were distressing hallucinations and urine incontinence due to off symptoms. Patients who fidgeted during the night had thicker white matter in the left caudal middle frontal area and lesser global left hemisphere cortical surface, especially in the lateral orbitofrontal and lateral occipital area, and right hemisphere medial orbitofrontal area. Patients with frequent distressful dreams had white matter reduction in cingulate area, and cortical surface reduction in left paracentral area, inferior frontal gyrus and right postcentral and superior frontal areas. Nocturnal hallucinations were associated with volume reduction in the basal ganglia, nucleus accumbens and putamen bilaterally. Patients with disturbing nocturia had reduction of cortical surface on the left pre- and postcentral areas, total white matter volume decrease bilaterally as well in the pons.ConclusionsPD patients with nocturnal hallucinations had prominent basal ganglia volume reduction. Distressful dreams were associated with limbic system and frontal white matter changes, meanwhile nocturia was mostly associated with global white matter reduction and surface reduction of cortical surface on the left hemisphere pre- and postcentral areas.

Larger Gray Matter Volume in the Basal Ganglia of Heavy Cannabis Users Detected by Voxel-Based Morphometry and Subcortical Volumetric Analysis.

Background: Structural imaging studies of cannabis users have found evidence of both cortical and subcortical volume reductions, especially in cannabinoid receptor-rich regions such as the hippocampus and amygdala. However, the findings have not been consistent. In the present study, we examined a sample of adult heavy cannabis users without other substance abuse to determine whether long-term use is associated with brain structural changes, especially in the subcortical regions.Method: We compared the gray matter volume of 14 long-term, heavy cannabis users with non-using controls. To provide robust findings, we conducted two separate studies using two different MRI techniques. Each study used the same sample of cannabis users and a different control group, respectively. Both control groups were independent of each other. First, whole-brain voxel-based morphometry (VBM) was used to compare the cannabis users against 28 matched controls (HC1 group). Second, a volumetric analysis of subcortical regions was performed to assess differences between the cannabis users and a sample of 100 matched controls (HC2 group) obtained from a local database of healthy volunteers.Results: The VBM study revealed that, compared to the control group HC1, the cannabis users did not show cortical differences nor smaller volume in any subcortical structure but showed a cluster (p < 0.001) of larger GM volume in the basal ganglia, involving the caudate, putamen, pallidum, and nucleus accumbens, bilaterally. The subcortical volumetric analysis revealed that, compared to the control group HC2, the cannabis users showed significantly larger volumes in the putamen (p = 0.001) and pallidum (p = 0.0015). Subtle trends, only significant at the uncorrected level, were also found in the caudate (p = 0.05) and nucleus accumbens (p = 0.047).Conclusions: This study does not support previous findings of hippocampal and/or amygdala structural changes in long-term, heavy cannabis users. It does, however, provide evidence of basal ganglia volume increases.

183 - Prospective, Randomized, Double Blind Clinical Trial of Celiac Plexus Neurolysis and Celiac Ganglia Neurolysis for Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: Impact of Total Ganglia Volume on Pain, Quality of Life and Survival

183 - Prospective, Randomized, Double Blind Clinical Trial of Celiac Plexus Neurolysis and Celiac Ganglia Neurolysis for Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: Impact of Total Ganglia Volume on Pain, Quality of Life and Survival