Rabbit syndrome, antidepressant use, and cerebral perfusion SPECT scan findings

J Psychiatry Neurosci. 1991 Nov;16(4):227-9.

Abstract

The rabbit syndrome is an extrapyramidal side effect associated with chronic neuroleptic therapy. Its occurrence in a patient being treated with imipramine is described, representing the first reported case of this syndrome in conjunction with antidepressants. Repeated cerebral perfusion SPECT scans revealed decreased basal ganglia perfusion while the movement disorder was present, and a return to normal perfusion when the rabbit syndrome resolved.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Basal Ganglia Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Basal Ganglia Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Basal Ganglia Diseases / physiopathology
  • Cerebrovascular Circulation / physiology
  • Depressive Disorder / complications
  • Depressive Disorder / drug therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Imipramine / adverse effects*
  • Imipramine / therapeutic use
  • Middle Aged
  • Syndrome
  • Tomography, Emission-Computed, Single-Photon

Substances

  • Imipramine