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Biomedical subjects

R Dierckx

Publications and source records attributed to R Dierckx.

60 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

An infected hip prosthesis in a dog diagnosed with a 99mTc-ciprofloxacin (infecton) scan.

This case report describes the use of the 99mTc-labeled radiopharmaceutical ciprofloxacin (Infecton) in a case of hip prosthesis loosening in a dog. Serial planar radiographs were not conclusive, and culture of the synovial fluid was negative. Antibiotic treatment did not result in improvement of the lameness. Scintigraphy was performed with 99-Tc-Infecton, a tracer claimed to be specific for infection. Antibiotic treatment was interrupted 6 weeks prior to the examination. Planar and tomographic images at 3 h and at 24 h postinjection showed increased activity along the acetabulum and the proximal femoral bone surrounding the femoral prosthesis, indicating focal infection. Bacteriology performed after removal of the implant revealed Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Animals↗

Regional binding index of the radiolabeled selective 5-HT2A antagonist 123I-5-I-R91150 in the normal canine brain imaged with single photon emission computed tomography.

The pattern of the specific 5-HT2A (5-hydroxytryptamine 2A receptor) antagonist 123I-5-I-R91150 was measured in 10 healthy dogs without neurologic and behavior abnormalities. Eight cortical regions (left and right fronto-, temporo-, parieto-, and occipitocortical area), one global subcortical region (including the thalamic system) were compared with a reference region lacking receptors; that is, the cerebellum. The 123I labeled radioligand was injected intravenously 100-200 minutes before acquisition. Both transmission and emission data were obtained with a triple head gamma camera equipped with high-resolution fanbeam collimators. The emission data were corrected for scatter and attenuation. To delineate different cerebral regions more accurately, the regions of interest (ROI) defined in a former study on brain perfusion measured with 99mTc-ethyl cysteinate dimer (ECD) in the same dogs were used. The co-registration of the 99mTc-ECD and the 123I-5-I-R91150, obtained from each dog, was realized with the help of corresponding transmission maps. By normalizing each regional cerebral activity to the activity observed in the cerebellum, the regional radioactivity (binding index) could be relatively quantified. Highest brain uptake was noted in the frontocortical brain areas (right: 1.85, left: 1.89), followed by the temporocortical region (right: 1.58, left: 1.56). Least uptake was noted in the more caudal and middle brain regions [occipito- (right: 1.46, left: 1.41), parietocortical (right: 1.30, left: 1.26), and striatal region (1.19)]. No gender nor age influence was noted in this series. The 123I labeled serotonin-2A receptor ligand seems to have similar cortical binding in the normal canine brain, as shown in humans and other animal species. A frontocortical to occipitocortical (rostrocaudal) binding index gradient was identified within the dog, which has not been seen in imaging studies from humans and other animal species. The significance of these results will need further investigation. This normative data can be used to compare regional brain uptake of the 123I-radioligand to dogs with behavioral disorders related to the serotonergic system, in future studies.

Animals↗

Paroxysmal appearing palsy of epileptic origin.

Higier first reported on "Paroxysmal appearing palsy of epileptic origin". This syndrome has only rarely been described under a variety of names such as: "focal inhibitory seizures, unilateral atonic seizures, hemiparetic seizures, ictal hemiparesis". The case report we present regards a 34-year-old woman who complained of sudden loss of tone accompanied by a left-sided hemiplegia lasting for several minutes. Treatment with carbamazepine was successful in reducing the attacks as might be expected in partial seizures. An inhibitory discharge may be causative of this syndrome in agreement with Higier's original theory.

Adult↗

Transient ischemic attacks associated with amfepramone therapy: a case report.

A 33-year-old man was prescribed amfepramone 75 mg o.i.d. for the treatment of obesity. One week after onset of therapy, he suddenly became agitated and aphasic for several h. A CT scan of the brain was normal. Amfepramone was discontinued. Three days later, there was a second period of agitation and aphasia with a discrete right hemiparesis lasting 12 h. A repeat CT scan and a MRI of the brain were normal. On EEG and brain mapping, alpha-activity was absent over the left hemisphere and a left fronto-temporal delta-focus was found. A Tc-99m HMPAO brain SPECT showed a severe hypoperfusion of the left hemisphere. The next day, the neurological examination was completely normal. Two weeks later, EEG and SPECT had completely normalized. Transient ischemic attacks due to vasospasm were considered to be the most probable clinical diagnosis.

Adult↗