Subcortical gray matter N-acetylaspartate reduction in two cases of vascular dementia

Clin Imaging. 2003 Jan-Feb;27(1):14-7. doi: 10.1016/s0899-7071(02)00483-7.

Abstract

Many of the previous studies of vascular dementia using proton magnetic resonance (MR) spectroscopy had been carried out on white matter. However, no proton spectroscopic data of the subcortical gray matter are available in such disease. We report two cases suffering from vascular dementia, with an unilateral N-acetylaspartate (NAA) decrease on subcortical gray matter. This significant reduction in NAA ratios was associated with an increase of choline on the ipsilateral centrum semiovale. We discuss the pathophysiology of these cases.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aspartic Acid / analogs & derivatives*
  • Aspartic Acid / analysis
  • Aspartic Acid / metabolism*
  • Brain Chemistry
  • Dementia, Vascular / diagnosis*
  • Dementia, Vascular / metabolism*
  • Disease Progression
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy / methods*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Periaqueductal Gray / pathology*
  • Prognosis
  • Risk Assessment
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Severity of Illness Index

Substances

  • Aspartic Acid
  • N-acetylaspartate