Proton magnetic resonance neurospectroscopy and EEG cartography in corticobasal degeneration: correlations with neuropsychological signs.
OBJECTIVE
To document the asymmetrical functional brain lesions in corticobasal degeneration (CBD) using proton magnetic resonance neurospectroscopy (MRS) and EEG cartography (EEGq).


METHODS
Eight patients with probable CBD were included in the study after full neurological examination and extensive neuropsychological testing, single photon emission computed tomography, anatomical x ray tomodensitometry (TDM), magnetic resonance imaging, and MRS examination.


RESULTS
MR spectra were abnormal in all seven patients in whom the examination could be completed. The EEG was also always modified in the CBD patients, and the abnormalities were enhanced by activation procedures. There was a good correlation between MRS anomalies and clinical presentation, between EEG modifications and neuropsychological patterns, and between metabolic (MRS) impairment and electrophysiological (EEG) slowing.


CONCLUSIONS
These results confirm the asymmetrical features of CBD. Combined EEGq/MRS examinations at disease onset and during its subsequent course could provide strong diagnostic evidence of CBD.
Vion-Dury
J
J
Service de Neurophysiologie Clinique, Hôpital de La Conception, 13005 Marseille, France. jvion-dury@ap-hm.fr
Rochefort
N
N
Michotey
P
P
Planche
D
D
Ceccaldi
M
M
D000368:Aged; D001479:Basal Ganglia / Q000473:pathology*; D001927:Brain Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology*; D001931:Brain Mapping; D018450:Disease Progression; D004569:Electroencephalography; D005260:Female; D007839:Functional Laterality; D006801:Humans; D009682:Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D010296:Parietal Lobe / Q000473:pathology*