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Positron emission tomography in patients with benign essential blepharospasm
B Esmaeli-Gutstein1, C Nahmias, M Thompson
1Department of Ophthalmology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
|February 9, 1999
Summary
Positron emission tomography (PET) revealed elevated glucose metabolism in the striatum and thalami of patients with benign essential blepharospasm or Meige syndrome. These findings suggest potential overactivity in these brain regions for these conditions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Medical Imaging
- Neurology
Background:
- Benign essential blepharospasm (BEB) and Meige syndrome are movement disorders characterized by involuntary muscle contractions in the face and eyelids.
- The underlying neurobiological mechanisms of BEB and Meige syndrome are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate regional cerebral glucose metabolism in patients with BEB or Meige syndrome.
- To identify potential abnormalities using positron emission tomography (PET).
Main Methods:
- PET scans with fluorine-18 deoxyglucose were performed on 11 patients (10 with BEB, 1 with Meige syndrome).
- Muscle spasm severity was recorded, and some patients underwent repeat scans after botulinum toxin treatment.
- Analysis focused on glucose metabolism in various brain regions, including the striatum and thalami.
Main Results:
- Significantly elevated fluorodeoxyglucose F18 metabolism was observed in the striatum and thalami compared to other brain regions.
- No correlation was found between symptom severity and striatal hyperactivity.
- Repeat PET scans showed reproducible findings, indicating the reliability of the method.
Conclusions:
- Findings support the hypothesis that BEB and Meige syndrome are associated with overactivity in the striatum and thalamus.
- PET may serve as a valuable research tool for these conditions.
- PET could potentially be an adjunct diagnostic technique for BEB and Meige syndrome.