Rinsho Shinkeigaku
Online ISSN : 1882-0654
Print ISSN : 0009-918X
ISSN-L : 0009-918X
Volume 54, Issue 9
Displaying 1-13 of 13 articles from this issue
Notice
Case Reports
  • Risa Maekawa, Hideki Shibuya, Takuto Hideyama, Yasushi Shiio
    2014 Volume 54 Issue 9 Pages 703-708
    Published: September 01, 2014
    Released on J-STAGE: October 03, 2014
    JOURNAL FREE ACCESS
    A 43-year-old man was admitted to our hospital because of diplopia, ptosis, and dysphagia that had begun three years previously. He was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis (MG) and invasive thymoma and treated with corticosteroid, thymectomy, and radiation therapy. Ten years after the thymectomy, computed tomography (CT) showed metastasis of the thymoma in the left lower lobe of the lung. Two years after this recurrence, when the patient was 55, respiratory symptoms such as wheezing, persistent cough, and dyspnea appeared. Chronic sinusitis, diffuse centrilobular opacities on CT, and positivity for HLA-B54 led to a diagnosis of diffuse panbronchiolitis (DPB). Despite treatment with clarithromycin, the respiratory symptoms worsened. The patient developed alopecia and body hair loss at the age of 56 followed by dysgeusia, cholangitis, and myositis with positivity for anti-Kv1.4 antibodies. Although treatment with an increased dose of corticosteroid improved hair loss, dysgeusia, cholangitis, and myositis, he died of progression of DPB and serious respiratory infection at the age of 58. In this case, various autoimmune disorders occurred together with MG as complications of thymoma. Although alopecia, dysgeusia, and myositis are already known as complications of MG associated with thymoma, cholangitis is not well-recognized since there have been few reports suggesting a causal relationship between cholangitis and thymoma. Furthermore, DPB caused by immunodeficiency and respiratory tract hypersensitivity associated with thymoma and HLA-B54, respectively, is the distinctive feature of our case. Neurologists should be aware that various organs can be damaged directly and indirectly by abnormal T cells from thymoma in patients with MG.
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  • Taro Okunomiya, Takashi Kageyama, Kanta Tanaka, Daisuke Kambe, Akiyo S ...
    2014 Volume 54 Issue 9 Pages 709-714
    Published: September 01, 2014
    Released on J-STAGE: October 03, 2014
    JOURNAL FREE ACCESS
    We report a case of lymphocytic primary angiitis of the central nervous system (PACNS) with a characteristic gadolinium-enhancement pattern on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A 48-year-old, right-handed man presented with a 3-month history of tremor and progressing dementia. Neurologic examination revealed cognitive decline with anterograde amnesia and postural tremor of the fingers. Except for the positive result of serum antinuclear antibody, intense investigations for infectious, rheumatic and neoplastic diseases were negative. Analysis of cerebrospinal fluid showed mild pleocytosis (14 cells/μl). Brain MRI revealed diffuse hyperintense areas in the deep cerebral white matter on T2-weighted images. Gadolinium-enhanced T1-weighted images demonstrated fan-shaped multiple linear enhancements converging to the body of the lateral ventricles. Brain biopsy showed intense infiltration of small lymphocytes without atypia or granuloma mainly within the vessel walls and perivascular spaces. The diagnosis of lymphocytic PACNS was made. Administration of corticosteroid markedly improved the tremor and cognitive dysfunction. MRI after the treatment showed resolution of the abnormal fan-shaped linear enhancement. He returned to his previous occupation. PACNS should be included in the differential diagnosis for fan-shaped linear enhancement converging to the lateral ventricles on MRI in patients with unexplained progressing dementia.
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  • Daisuke Yamamoto, Tsuyoshi Uchiyama, Tomoyasu Bunai, Keishiro Sato, Ta ...
    2014 Volume 54 Issue 9 Pages 715-720
    Published: September 01, 2014
    Released on J-STAGE: October 03, 2014
    JOURNAL FREE ACCESS
    We describe a patient of acute encephalitis with refractory partial status epilepticus who was successfully treated with early immunotherapy. A 35-year-old male presented with generalized seizures a week after febrile upper respiratory illness. He developed refractory multifocal and generalized seizures despite multiple antiepileptic drug therapies, thereby requiring intubation on the 8th day after admission. No significant improvement was observed after steroid pulse and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapies. On the 18th day, he received plasma exchange (PE) therapy in combination with intravenous thiamylal and lidocaine to achieve burst-suppression coma. This multidisciplinary treatment led to remission of refractory status epilepticus and subsequent withdrawal from general anesthesia. Although anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antibodies in cerebrospinal fluid were negative, other neural surface antibodies may responsible for the development of status epilepticus in this case. Clinical features in this case, including previous good health, an antecedent febrile illness, and prolonged treatment-resistant status epilepticus, were similar to those of the acute phase of new-onset refractory status epilepticus (NORSE) syndrome. Consecutive use of glucocorticoids, IVIG, and PE in the early phase was speculated to ameliorate seizures by suppressing abnormal activation of humoral immunity. This indicates that early aggressive immunotherapy may prevent complications resulting from immune-mediated treatment-resistant status epilepticus.
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  • Hiroaki Sekiya, Michi Kawamoto, Masaya Togo, Hajime Yoshimura, Yukihir ...
    2014 Volume 54 Issue 9 Pages 721-725
    Published: September 01, 2014
    Released on J-STAGE: October 03, 2014
    JOURNAL FREE ACCESS
    A 57-year-old man presented with subacute progression of cognitive impairment (MMSE 22/30). He had been diagnosed as AIDS two years before and taking atazanavir, abacavir, and lamivudine. HIV RNA of plasma had been negative. On admission, HIV RNA was 4,700 copy/ml and 5,200 copy/ml in plasma and in cerebrospinal fluid respectively, suggesting treatment failure of cART. The brain magnetic resonance imaging showed high intensity areas in the white matter of the both frontal lobes and brain stem. The drug-resistance test revealed the resistance of lamivudine and abacavir. We introduced the CNS penetration effectiveness (CPE) score to evaluate the drug penetration of HIV drugs. As the former regimen had low points (7 points), we optimized the regimen to raltegravir, zidovudine, and darunavir/ritonavir (scoring 10 points). His cognitive function improved as normal (MMSE 30/30) in 2 weeks and HIV-RNA became undetectable both in plasma and CSF in a month. In spite of the cognitive improvement, the white matter hyperintensity expanded. To rule out malignant lymphoma or glioblastoma, the brain biopsy was performed from the right frontal lobe. It revealed microglial hyperplasia and diffuse perivascular infiltration by CD8+/CD4− lymphocytes. No malignant cells were found and the polymerase chain reaction analyses excluded other viruses. Considering the drug penetration to the central nervous system is important for treating HIV encephalopathy.
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  • Tomomi Shijo, Shigenori Kanno, Satoshi Shibuya, Takanori Oikawa, Ayumu ...
    2014 Volume 54 Issue 9 Pages 726-731
    Published: September 01, 2014
    Released on J-STAGE: October 03, 2014
    JOURNAL FREE ACCESS
    We describe a 31-year-old, right-handed man who exhibited pure word deafness (PWD) due to a localization-related seizure. The patient was suddenly unable to comprehend spoken words, whereas he had no difficulty in speaking, comprehending written language, or discriminating non-verbal sounds. Diffusion-weighted imaging and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery on brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed hyperintense lesions in the left superior temporal gyrus (STG) and left superior marginal gyrus (SMG). Furthermore, brain single-photon emission computed tomography showed that these lesions were hyperperfused. An electroencephalogram (EEG) showed multiple spike-and-slow-wave complexes spreading to the left temporal regions. Immediately after administering midazolam intravenously, the patient was able to comprehend spoken words, and the epileptiform discharges in the left temporal regions disappeared. These findings indicate that he suffered from PWD resulting from a dysfunction of the left hemisphere alone. Furthermore, they suggest that the left STG and left SMG play an important role in the recognition of spoken words.
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  • Masahiro Hatakeyama, Masato Kanazawa, Ayako Ishihara, Yoshinari Tanabe ...
    2014 Volume 54 Issue 9 Pages 732-737
    Published: September 01, 2014
    Released on J-STAGE: October 03, 2014
    JOURNAL FREE ACCESS
    Pyogenic ventriculitis is an uncommon and potentially fatal central nervous system infection. Delayed treatment due to non specific clinical symptoms may lead to an unfavorable outcome. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) plays an important role in the diagnosis of pyogenic ventriculitis. We describe two patients with pyogenic ventriculitis presenting with a pathognomonic MRI finding. The first patient, a 77-year-old female, developed high fever and consciousness disturbance. MR images revealed hyperintense lesions with a fluid-fluid level in the bilateral lateral ventricles on diffusion-weighted images (DWIs) and hypointense lesions on T2-weighted images (T2WIs). MR images also revealed findings of left otitis media. The second patient, a 63-year-old male, who had a past history of multiple myeloma and had received chemotherapy, developed high fever and left hemiparesis. MR images revealed a hyperintense lesion with a fluid-fluid level in the right lateral ventricle on DWIs and a hypointense lesion on T2WIs, multiple ring-enhancing lesions on gadolinium enhanced T1-weighted images, and pontine infarction on DWIs. Chest computed tomography revealed an infiltrative shadow in the lower lobe of the left lung. On the basis of MRI findings, both patients were diagnosed as having pyogenic ventriculitis and were administered high-dose meropenem intravenously. The second patient was also administered sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim orally. Intraventricular abnormalities disappeared and the patients achieved complete remission after the antibacterial treatment. Intraventricular hyperintense lesions on DWIs and hypointense ones on T2WIs with a fluid-fluid level is a pathognomonic finding of pyogenic ventriculitis and has not been previously reported in other diseases. Recognition of the characteristic MRI features and initiation of high-dose and appropriate antibiotics in an early stage may lead to a favorable outcome of the disease.
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  • Akiko Hamauchi, Takenori Abe, Atsuko Nihira, Masahiro Mizobuchi, Kazuy ...
    2014 Volume 54 Issue 9 Pages 738-742
    Published: September 01, 2014
    Released on J-STAGE: October 03, 2014
    JOURNAL FREE ACCESS
    We report a case of young immunocompetent woman who was presented with a left parieto-temporal mass as the first and single manifestation of syphilis. A 23 year-old woman with no significant past medical history was reffered to our hospital due to 3 month history of headache. She had a single unprotected sexual intercourse with a promiscuous man 6 month before the time of admission. Physical and neurological examinations revealed no obvious abnormalities. A brain tumor was firstly suggested according to the findings of brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). However, the serologic and cerebrospinal fluid test of syphilis proved to be positive, syphilitic gumma was most likely suspected. She responded dramatically to benzylpenicillin potassium. Cerebral syphilitic gumma is a rare manifestations of the neurosyphilis. Treponemal invasion of the cerebrospinal fluid occurs in approximately 25 to 60% of patients after the infection, but most cases spend asymptomatic. Cerebral gumma should be considered in differential diagnosis of any intracranial mass lesions, even in the early syphilitic stages.
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Brief Clinical Notes
  • Naohiko Togashi, Kenichi Kaida, Yu Hongo, Go Ogawa, Yukinobu Ishikawa, ...
    2014 Volume 54 Issue 9 Pages 743-746
    Published: September 01, 2014
    Released on J-STAGE: October 03, 2014
    JOURNAL FREE ACCESS
    We experienced a right-handed 53-year-old man who presented with disturbance of consciousness and fever. Herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE) was diagnosed based on the detection of herpes simplex virus DNA in the cerebrospinal fluid. The administration of acyclovir for 42 days improved his consciousness level. Drowsiness, fever and seizures reappeared 20 days after stopping acyclovir treatment (day 67) and he responded well to vidarabine and methylprednisolone pulse therapy. An assessment of aphasia on day 98 revealed transcortical sensory aphasia. Brain MRI showed lesion in the left temporal lobe, bilateral insular cortexes and bilateral frontal lobe. His higher brain dysfunction continued. On day 156, he underwent hip replacement arthroplasty under general anesthesia sevoflurane. His higher brain dysfunction rapidly improved thereafter. We concluded that the accelerated improvement in our patient’s higher brain function was related to the protective effect of sevoflurane. Some reports also show the protective effects of sevoflurane in experimental allergic encephalomyelitis by inhibition of T cell activation. These protective and anti-inflammatory effects may explain the accelerated improvement in higher brain function after general anesthesia.
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  • Masayoshi Yamasaki, Takuya Shimada, Shima Hamaoka, Masunari Shibata, Y ...
    2014 Volume 54 Issue 9 Pages 747-750
    Published: September 01, 2014
    Released on J-STAGE: October 03, 2014
    JOURNAL FREE ACCESS
    A 43-year-old male presented with abnormal behavior and consciousness disturbance on the day after traveling abroad and was admitted to our hospital. Laboratory tests showed hyperammonemia and hypercitrullinemia. The electro-encephalogram showed frontal dominant bilateral slow δ burst. He had a peculiar taste for nuts. But he didn’t take nuts during the overseas travel for 3 days. The family history revealed that his younger brother died of a status epilepticus of unknown cause at the age of 29. These findings were compatible with hepatic encephalopathy due to adult-onset type II citrullinemia (CTLN2). Gene analysis provided a definite diagnosis of CTLN2. Diet and drug therapy have improved his condition. He is due to have liver transplantation which is the only established radical treatment for CTLN2 if his condition becomes worse. The present case shows that cessation of the habitual intake of nuts only for 3 days could lead to onset of CTLN2.
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  • Nozomu Matsuda, Shunsuke Kobayashi, Yoshikazu Ugawa
    2014 Volume 54 Issue 9 Pages 751-754
    Published: September 01, 2014
    Released on J-STAGE: October 03, 2014
    JOURNAL FREE ACCESS
    A 63-year-old man with type 2 diabetes mellitus developed deep aching and numbness in the right hip and lower extremity with rapid body weight loss. Neurological examination revealed weakness of the right hamstrings, tibialis anterior, and peroneus longus muscles with diminished ankle tendon reflex. We diagnosed him with diabetic lumbosacral radicuoloplexus neuropathy (DLRPN) based on neurological, radiological, and neurophysiological findings. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of skeletal muscles showed high intensity signals on T2-weighted images in bilateral hamstrings, adductor magnus and right tensor fasciae latae, and lower leg extensor muscles. The MRI findings suggested muscle edema caused by acute denervation. DLRPN, or diabetic amyotrophy, is known to be caused by ischemic axonal degeneration. Our patient showed good functional recovery, and abnormal MRI signals in the involved muscles mostly disappeared in parallel to the clinical course. Distribution of the denervated muscles suggested that our patient had either patchy lesions in the lumbosacaral plexus or mononeuropathy multiplex in the nerve branches. The current study highlights the potential of skeletal muscle MRI for clinical evaluation of DLRPN.
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Proceedings of the Regional Meeting
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