Significance of abnormal brain perfusion in catatonia: a case report.
OBJECTIVE
In this case study, the significance of perfusion abnormalities in catatonia is examined.


BACKGROUND
Recurrent catatonic symptoms are frequently observed in psychiatric disorders, but the predictors of relapse of the catatonic symptoms remain unknown. Perfusion abnormalities have been reported during catatonic states; however, little is known about brain functioning of catatonic patients during remission.


METHODS
A catatonic patient was evaluated by clinical interview, behavioral examination, and functional neuroimaging (single photon emission computed tomography) to determine diagnosis and brain perfusion.


RESULTS
The patient exhibited persistent hypoperfusion of the basal ganglia even after achieving symptomatic remission.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings predict a secondary cause and may predict a chronic course.
Atre-Vaidya
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Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Finch University of Health Sciences, The Chicago Medical School, Illinois 60064, USA.
D000328:Adult; D001479:Basal Ganglia / Q000098:blood supply / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology; D001921:Brain / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D002389:Catatonia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D007839:Functional Laterality; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012039:Regional Blood Flow / Q000502:physiology; D019690:Technetium Tc 99m Exametazime; D015899:Tomography, Emission-Computed, Single-Photon / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*
D019690:Technetium Tc 99m Exametazime