Cerebral proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy in infantile Alexander disease

2003 | journal article. A publication of Göttingen

Jump to: Cite & Linked | Documents & Media | Details | Version history

Cite this publication

​Cerebral proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy in infantile Alexander disease​
Brockmann, K. ; Dechent, P. ; Meins, M.; Haupt, M.; Sperner, J.; Stephani, U. & Frahm, J.  et al.​ (2003) 
Journal of Neurology250(3) pp. 300​-306​.​ DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00415-003-0995-2 

Documents & Media

License

GRO License GRO License

Details

Authors
Brockmann, Knut ; Dechent, Peter ; Meins, Moritz; Haupt, Mechthild; Sperner, Jürgen; Stephani, Ulrich; Frahm, Jens ; Hanefeld, Folker
Abstract
Alexander disease (AD) is a rare genetic disorder of the central nervous system due to a dysfunction of astrocytes. The most common infantile form presents as a progressive leukodystrophy with macrocephalus. Recently, heterozygous de novo mutations in the gene encoding glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) have been demonstrated to be associated with AD. We used localized proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) to assess metabolic abnormalities in grey and white matter, basal ganglia, and cerebellum of 4 patients with infantile AD and GFAP mutations. Strongly elevated concentrations of myo-inositol in conjunction with normal or increased choline-containing compounds in all regions investigated point to astrocytosis and demyelination. Neuroaxonal degeneration, as reflected by a reduction of N-acetylaspartate, was most pronounced in cerebral and cerebellar white matter. The accumulation of lactate in affected white matter is in line with infiltrating macrophages. Metabolic alterations demonstrated by in vivo proton MRS are in excellent agreement with known neuropathological features of AD.
Issue Date
2003
Journal
Journal of Neurology 
ISSN
0340-5354
Language
English

Reference

Citations


Social Media