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Sydenham's chorea: positron emission tomographic (PET) scan studies
1Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Mount Sinai Hospital, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY 10029, USA. alan.aron@mountsinai.org
Journal of Child Neurology
|January 19, 2006
Summary
Positron emission tomographic (PET) scans revealed hypermetabolic changes in the basal ganglia during active Sydenham's chorea. These brain scan abnormalities normalized upon recovery, offering a basis for correlating with antibody studies.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neuroimaging
- Immunology
Background:
- Sydenham's chorea is a childhood disorder characterized by involuntary movements.
- The pathophysiology involves basal ganglia dysfunction, but in vivo imaging findings are limited.
- Understanding neuroinflammation in Sydenham's chorea is crucial for targeted therapies.
Observation:
- Positron emission tomographic (PET) scans were performed on two patients with active Sydenham's chorea.
- One patient underwent repeat scanning during the recovery phase.
- PET imaging focused on metabolic activity within the brain's basal ganglia.
Findings:
- Active Sydenham's chorea demonstrated hypermetabolic activity in the caudate nuclei and putamen.
- These hypermetabolic changes resolved, with scans returning to normal in the recovery phase.
- The observed PET findings correlate with the clinical course of the disease.
Implications:
- PET imaging can visualize active neuroinflammation in Sydenham's chorea.
- These findings provide a neurobiological basis for concurrent serum antibody studies.
- This imaging approach may aid in monitoring treatment efficacy and disease progression.