Abstract Background The percentage of brain volume loss (PBVL) has been classically considered as a biomarker in multiple sclerosis (MS). Objective The objective of the present study was to analyze if the PBVL during the 1st year after the onset of the disease predicts physical and cognitive impairment (CI). Methods Prospective study that included naïve patients without cognitive impairment who initiated MS treatment with fingolimod. Patients were followed for 3 years and relapses, expanded disability status scale (EDSS) progression (defined as worsening of 1 point on the EDSS), the annual PBVL (evaluated by structural image evaluation using normalization of atrophy [SIENA]), and the presence of CI were evaluated. Cognitive impairment was defined in patients who scored at least 2 standard deviations (SDs) below controls on at least 2 domains. The PBVL after 1 year of treatment with fingolimod was used as an independent variable, while CI and EDSS progression at the 3rd year of follow-up as dependent variables. Results A total of 71 patients were included, with a mean age of 35.4 ± 3 years old. At the 3rd year, 14% of the patients were classified as CI and 6.2% had EDSS progression. In the CI group, the PBVL during the 1st year was-0.52 (± 0.07) versus-0.42 (± 0.04) in the no CI group (p < 0.01; odds ratio [OR] = 2.24; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.72–2.44). In the group that showed EDSS progression, the PBVL during the 1st year was - 0.59 (± 0.05) versus - 0.42 (± 0.03) (p < 0.01; OR = 2.33; 95%CI: 1.60-2.55). Conclusions A higher PBVL during the 1st year in naïve MS patients was independently associated with a significant risk of CI and EDSS progression.

Resumo Antecedentes A porcentagem de perda de volume cerebral (PPVC) é um biomarcador na esclerose múltipla (EM). Objetivo Analisar se a PPVC durante o 1° ano após o início da doença prediz deterioração física (DF) e cognitiva (DC) em pacientes com EM. Métodos Estudo de coorte prospectivo que incluiu pacientes recém-diagnosticados sem comprometimento cognitivo que iniciaram tratamento com fingolimode. Os pacientes foram acompanhados por 3 anos, sendo avaliados a presença de recidivas, progressão da Escala Expandida do Estado de Incapacidade (EDSS, na sigla em inglês) (definida como agravamento de 1 ponto na EDSS), o PPVC anual (avaliado pela avaliação de imagem estrutural de atrofia normalizada [SIENA, na sigla em inglês) e a presença de DC (avaliada no início do estudo e nos 2° e 3° anos). O PPVC no 1° ano de tratamento com fingolimode foi utilizado como variável independente. Resultados foram incluídos 71 pacientes com idade média de 35,4 ± 3 anos. No 3° ano, 14% dos pacientes tiveram DC e 6,2% tiveram progressão de EDSS. No grupo DC, o PPVC durante o 1o ano foi - 0,52 (± 0,07) versus - 0,42 (± 0,04) no grupo sem DC (p<0,01; razão de probabilidades [OR, na sigla em inglês] =2,24; intervalo de confiança [IC] de 95%: 1,72-2,44). No grupo que apresentou progressão da EDSS, o PPVC durante o 1° ano foi de - 0,59 (± 0,05) versus - 0,42 (± 0,03) (p < 0,01; OR = 2,33; IC95%: 1,60-2,55). Conclusões Um maior PPVC durante o 1° ano foi associado a um risco significativo de progressão de DC e EDSS durante o seguimento.

Abstract. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between glutamate (Glu) levels in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) at disease onset and disease progression during follow up in a cohort of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Glu level was measured at disease onset (first relapse). MRI was obtained at baseline and follow-up (every 12 months) to determine the percent of brain volume change (PBVC), cortical thickness (CT), and T2 lesion volume (T2LV). The primary predictors of interest were baseline CSF Glu levels, PBVC and CT, as well as clinical disease progression [measured by Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and annualized relapse rate] during follow-up. A total of 26 MS patients were included. Mean concentration of Glu in CSF at diagnosis was 5.3 ± 0.4 μM/l. A significant association was observed between higher baseline levels of Glu and an increase in EDSS during follow up (b = 1.06, 95%CI 0.47-1.66, p = 0.003) as well as PBVC (b = -0.71 95%CI -0.56-1.38, p = 0.002) and CT (b = -0.15, 95%CI -0.06-0.33, p = 0.01). We did not observe an association between baseline Glu levels and relapse rate or T2LV during follow-up (b = 0.08, 95%CI -0.11-0.43, p = 0.11 and b = 195, 95%CI -39-330, p = 0.22, respectively). Higher Glu concentrations at disease onset were associated with an increase in PBVC and EDSS progression during follow-up in MS patients.

Resumen El objetivo del trabajo fue evaluar la asociación entre el nivel de glutamato en el líquido cefalorraquídeo (LCR) al inicio de la enfermedad y la progresión de la enfermedad durante el seguimiento en una cohorte de pacientes con esclerosis múltiple (EM). Se determinaron niveles de glutamato (Glu) en LCR al inicio de la enfermedad. Se realizó una resonancia basal y durante el seguimiento cada 12 meses con el objeto de determinar el porcentaje de cambio de volumen cerebral (PCVC), grosor cortical (GC) y volumen le sional cerebral en secuencia T2 (VLT2). Los predictores primarios de interés fueron los niveles basales de Glu en LCR, PCVC Y GC, así como la progresión clínica de la enfermedad [medida por Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) y tasa anual de recaídas]. Un total de 26 pacientes fueron incluidos. La concentración media de Glu fue de 5.3 ± 0.4 μM/l. Se encontró una asociación significativa entre concentraciones basales elevadas de Glu y la progresión del EDSS (b = 1.06, IC 95% 0.47-1.66, p = 0.003), así como también el PCVC (b = -0.71, IC 95% -0.56-1.38, p = 0.002) y CG (b = -0.15, IC 95% -0.06-0.33, p = 0.01). No se encontró asociación entre los niveles de Glu y la tasa anual de recaídas como tampoco el VLT2 (b = 0.08, IC 95% -0.11-0.43, p = 0.11 y b = 195, IC -39-330, p = 0.22, respectivamente). Los niveles aumentados de Glu se asociaron con un mayor cambio en el PCVC y progresión del EDSS durante el seguimiento.

Abstract The objective of the study was to describe the clinical and demographic aspects of patients with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS) included in the Argentine MS Registry (RelevarEM, Clinical Trials registry number 03375177). RelevarEM is a longitudinal, strictly observational registry of patients with MS and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders. Clinical and demographic aspects were described in patients with SPMS and compared with relapsing remitting MS patients (RRMS). A total of 1723 patients with MS were included (1605, 93.2% RRMS and 118, 6.8%, SPMS). In SPMS, the median age was 53 (inter quartile range [IQR] 47-62) years, 67% were women, median disease duration of 19.5 (IQR 14-26) years, median EDSS (expanded disability status scale) 6.5 and 48.3% were under treatment for their MS. Only 23.7% of patients with SPMS were actively working and 86% had a disability certificate; 35.6% of patients with SPMS presented new lesions in MRI and 5% had clinical relapses during the past 12 months of the registry entry showing a significantly lower disease activity compared with RRMS (p < 0.01).

Resumen El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar los aspectos clínicos y demográficos de los pacientes con esclerosis múltiple (EM) secundaria progresiva (EMSP) en los pacientes incluidos en el Registro Argentino de EM (RelevarEM, número de registro de Clinical Trials 03375177). RelevarEM es un registro longitudinal, estrictamente observacional, de pacientes con EM y trastornos del espectro de neuromielitis óptica. Los aspectos clínicos y demográficos fueron descriptos en pacientes con EMSP respecto a aquellos con EM recaída en remisión (EMRR). Se incluyeron 1723 pacientes con EM (1605, 93.2% EMRR y 118, 6.8%, EMSP). En el grupo con EMSP la mediana de edad fue de 53 (intervalo inter-cuartil [IIQ] 47-62) años, 67% eran mujeres, mediana de tiempo de evolución de enfermedad 19.5 (IIQ 14-26) años, EDSS (expanded disability status scale), 6.5 y 48.3% estaban en tratamiento para su EM. Solo el 23.7% con EMSP estaban trabajando activamente y el 86% tenía certificado de discapacidad. Un 35.6% con EMSP presentaron nuevas lesiones en resonancia magnética y 5% tuvo recaídas clínicas en los 12 meses previos al análisis, mostrando una actividad de la enfermedad significativamente menor respecto a la forma EMRR (p < 0.01).

Abstract Neurological complications in orthotopic heart transplantation represent amajor cause of morbidity and mortality despite successful transplantation. The aim of our study was to evaluate neurological complications on the outcome of patients with heart transplantation. We retrospectively studied 193 adult patients (aged ≥ 18 years) who underwent heart transplant at Hospital Italiano in Buenos Aires from November 2014 to August 2018. We evaluated demographic and clinical variables and outcome of patients with and without neurological complications. We included 193 patients with a mean age of 51 ± 12 years of which 74% (n = 143) were men. The two most frequent causes that led to heart transplantation were idiopathic cardiomyopathy in 34% (n = 65) and ischemic cardiomyopathy in 29% (n = 56). Hemodynamic instability was present at the moment of transplant in 92% (n = 176) of the cases. Central neurological complications in the first week post-transplant occurred in 12% (n = 23). The most frequent were: encephalopathy (5%), subdural hematoma (2%), subarachnoid hemorrhage (2%), seizures (2%) and ischemic stroke (1%). Peripheral neuropathy was observed in 4% of cases. Hospital mortality was 11% (n = 22) and 88% (n = 170) was discharged at home. Those who presented central neurological complications had higher in-hospital mortality compared to those who did not (32% vs. 9%, p = 0.002).

Resumen Las complicaciones neurológicas posteriores al trasplante cardíaco representan una causa importante de morbimortalidad. La meta del presente estudio fue evaluar las complicaciones neurológicas (CN) en la evolución clínica de pacientes sometidos a trasplante cardíaco. Se evaluaron retrospectivamente todos los trasplantados cardíacos en el Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires de noviembre del 2014 hasta agosto del 2018. Se evaluaron variables demográficas y clínicas, y se compararon entre los pacientes con y sin CN. Se incluyeron 193 adultos (edad ≥ 18 años). La edad media fue de 51±12 años, y 74% (n = 143) fueron varones. Las dos causas más frecuentes que llevaron a la indicación de trasplante fueron la miocardiopatía idiopática en 34% (n = 65) y la isquémica en 29% (n = 56). El 92% (n = 176) presentó inestabilidad hemodinámica al momento del trasplante. El 12% (n = 23) presentó CN centrales en la primer semana post-trasplante. Las más frecuentes fueron encefalopatía (5%), hematoma subdural (2%), hemorragia subaracnoidea (2%), convulsiones (2%), y accidente cerebrovascular isquémico (1%). En 4% se observó neuropatía periférica. La mortalidad hospitalaria fue del 11%, y 88% de los pacientes fueron dados de alta a domicilio. Los que presentaron CN centrales tuvieron mayor mortalidad intrahospitalaria en comparación a quienes no las presentaron (32% vs. 9%, p = 0.002).

Abstract One in 10 patients with ischemic stroke has comorbid cancer. Our goal was to compare stroke patients with cancer against those without cancer in terms of clinical and radiological features, and the underlying mechanism. We conducted a retrospective case-control study in patients admitted with ischemic stroke between July 2013 and September 2018. Cases had a concomitant diagnosis of cancer and acute ischemic stroke, controls only of ischemic stroke. Age, gender, vascular risk factors (VRF), pattern of ischemic lesion in neuroimaging, etiology and clinical outcome were compared between groups. Fifty-seven cases were identified, 61% were male (n = 35), and mean age was 75 ± 11. Fiftytwo had known oncologic disease at the onset of stroke. Most of them had solid tumors (91%, n = 52), and 54% (n = 31) had a non-metastatic tumor at the time of stroke. Prevalence of common VRF between groups was not significantly different. Previous deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary thromboembolism were more frequent in the cancer cohort (8% vs. 1%, p = 0.01). The average NIHSS was 3.8 ± 4 in the cancer group and 9±7 in the control group (p = 0.01). Small artery disease as the etiology of stroke was significantly less common in the cancer group (2% vs. 26%, p = 0.001). Regarding neuroimaging, the embolic pattern was more frequent in patients with cancer (82% vs. 35%, p = 0.001). In these patients recurrence and mortality at 90 days was three and six times higher (10% vs. 3%, and 18% vs. 3%. p = 0.08 and 0.001, respectively).

Resumen Aproximadamente uno de cada 10 pacientes que sufre un accidente cerebrovascular isquémico (ACVi) padece cáncer concomitantemente. Nuestro objetivo fue evaluar características clínicoradiológicas del ACVi en pacientes con cáncer y compararlas con otros sin cáncer. Fue un estudio caso-control retrospectivo que incluyó pacientes con ACVi entre julio 2013 y septiembre 2018. Los casos tenían diagnóstico de cáncer y ACVi, y los controles solamente ACVi. Se comparó edad, sexo, factores de riesgo vascular, patrones radiológicos de lesiones, etiología y evolución clínica entre ambos grupos. Hubo 57 casos, 61% (n = 35) eran varones. La edad media fue 75 ± 11 años, sin diferencias en prevalencia de factores de riesgo vascular. En los casos hubo más pacientes con antecedentes de trombosis venosa profunda y/o tromboembolismo pulmonar (8% vs. 1%, p = 0.01). En 52 se conocía la presencia del cáncer antes del ACVi. El 91% se trató de tumores sólidos (n = 52) y en 54% el tumor no presentaba metástasis. El puntaje NIHSS promedio fue 3.8 ± 4 en los casos, y 9 ± 7 en los controles (p = 0.01). Las lesiones de pequeña arteria fueron menos frecuentes en los casos (2% vs. 26%, p = 0.001). Las lesiones de aspecto embólico fueron más comunes entre los casos (82% vs. 35%, p = 0.001). Aquellos con cáncer tuvieron menor NIHSS, menor frecuencia de lesiones de pequeña arteria, y mayor frecuencia de lesiones de aspecto embólico. La recurrencia a 90 días fue 3 veces mayor y la mortalidad 6 veces mayor en pacientes con cáncer (10% vs. 3%, y 18% vs. 3%. p = 0.08 y 0.001 respectivamente).

Optic neuromyelitis spectrum diseases are inflammatory disorders of the central nervous system characterized by severe demyelination and immunomediated axonal damage that mainly affects the optic nerves and spinal cord. They usually appear at an early age, although there are some reports in the literature of patients with late presentations. We present the case of a 78-year-old woman who consulted for severe paraparesis, sensory disorders, and urinary retention. An MRI of the cervicodorsal spine was performed, showing extensive longitudinal spinal injury. Secondary causes based on clinical observations and laboratory studies were ruled out. The dosage of anti-aquaporin 4 antibodies was positive. Acute treatment with high-dose glucocorticoids and plasmapheresis was indicated, and maintenance with rituximab, obtaining little clinical response. In patients with extensive spinal injuries, multiple differential diagnoses should be considered according to the clinical presentation, findings through imaging studies and epidemiology. Likewise, it should include the search for anti-aquaporin 4 antibodies and against the oligodendrocyte myelin glycoprotein, since the functional prognosis of these patients is usually unfavourable due to the large destructive component of the lesions. Consequently, early treatment is essential in order to limit acute damage and prevent future relapses, which is especially important in late presentations of this entity due to the low functional reserve and low remyelination capacity.

Las enfermedades del espectro neuromielitis óptica son trastornos inflamatorios del sistema nervioso central caracterizados por una grave desmielinización y daño axonal inmunomediado que afecta principalmente a los nervios ópticos y médula espinal. Suelen presentars e en edades tempranas, aunque existen algunas comunicaciones en la literatura de pacientes con presentaciones tardías. Presentamos el caso de una mujer de 78 años que consultó por un cuadro de paraparesia grave, trastornos sensitivos y retención urinaria. Se realizó una resonancia magnética de columna cervicodorsal que evidenció una lesión medular longitudinal extensa. Se descartaron otras causas secundarias, basadas en la clínica y en resultados de laboratorio. El dosaje de anticuerpos anti-acuaporina 4 resultó positivo. Se indicó tratamiento con glucocorticoides a altas dosis y plasmaféresis, y mantenimiento con rituximab, obteniendo escasa respuesta clínica. En pacientes con lesiones medulares extensas se deben contemplar múltiples diagnósticos diferenciales según la presentación clínica, hallazgos mediante estudios por imágenes y epidemiología. Asimismo, debe incluir la búsqueda de anticuerpos anti-acuaporina 4 y contra la glicoproteína de la mielina del oligodendrocito, ya que el pronóstico funcional de estos pacientes suele ser desfavorable debido al gran componente destructivo de las lesiones. En consecuencia, el tratamiento temprano es fundamental a fin de limitar el daño agudo y prevenir futuras recaídas, lo cual es especialmente importante en presentaciones tardías de esta entidad debido a la escasa reserva funcional y baja capacidad de remielinización.