Cerebellar and thalamic metabolic changes visualized by [18]-FDG-PET in olanzapine-induced acute akathisia.
OBJECTIVE
Akathisia is a clinical important symptom, frequently induced by neuroleptic treatment. Despite its clinical importance, less is known about its pathophysiology.


METHODS
Using [18]-FDG-PET, imaging patterns of cortical metabolic activity were obtained in a patient during olanzapine-induced akathisia and after recovery.


RESULTS
Akathisia was characterized by a reduced metabolic activity in thalamus and cerebellum. After discontinuing medication akathisia disappeared, reflected by a recovery of metabolic activity in these brain areas.


CONCLUSIONS
[18]-FDG-PET may be useful to identify cortical regions mediating clinical aspects of drug-induced akathisia, thereby offering a deeper insight into the pathophysiology of this serious side effect.
Landgrebe
Michael
M
Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, Germany.
Marienhagen
Jörg
J
Langguth
Berthold
B
Sand
Philipp
P
Eichhammer
Peter
P
Hajak
Göran
G
D000208:Acute Disease; D017109:Akathisia, Drug-Induced / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000378:metabolism; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001569:Benzodiazepines / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002531:Cerebellum / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D019788:Fluorodeoxyglucose F18; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D000077152:Olanzapine; D049268:Positron-Emission Tomography / Q000379:methods; D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy; D013788:Thalamus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals; D019788:Fluorodeoxyglucose F18; D001569:Benzodiazepines; D000077152:Olanzapine