[Cognitive function, cerebral blood flow and brain atrophy in olivo-ponto-cerebellar atrophy]

Eighteen cases of OPCA (9 males and 9 females, age 39-70, mean 57.8 +/- 8.1 years). Mean duration of illness was 65.7 +/- 36 months. Age-matched controls for Brain-CT were 34 cases (13 males and 21 females) (age 39-70, mean 56.8 +/- 9.4 years), in which CT was examined because of functional disorders, and 50 healthy volunteers (25 males and 25 females) (age 36-72, mean 56.6 +/- 7.9 years) for regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) and mental function. Brain Atrophy Index (BAI) and Ventricular Atrophy Index (VAI) were calculated by digitizer (PCPAD) on CT films in the slice of lateral ventricle level, basal ganglia level and cerebello-pontine level. There were 10 patients of OPCA who examined CT prior to this study. Interval of the two examinations was 21-76 months, mean 53 months. Regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) were measured by 133 Xe inhalation methods. Intelligence were evaluated with Okabe's Intelligence Scale (Shortened and modified Wechsler's Memory Scale for Japanese Aged) and Kohs' Block Design Test. Depressive state was evaluated with Zung's Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS).

1) Cerebello-pontine atrophy was significantly prominent but no cerebral atrophy was observed in OPCA. 2) The rCBF was mildly but significantly reduced in OPCA. 3) Performance and verbal intelligence were significantly low in OPCA. 4) OPCA patients showed significant depressive state. 5) Grade of ADL did not show significant participation in the rCBF, intelligence and depressive state. 6) There was no significant correlation between duration of illness and rCBF or mental functions. 7) Cerebello-pontine atrophy significantly progressed in OPCA patients followed-up.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)