Generalised epileptic seizures and syncope are two syndromes with similar clinical manifestation and their differentiation can be quite challenging. The aim of this review is to use an evidence-based approach in differentiating these two syndromes through the comprehension of the pathophysiological mechanisms involved and their clinical signs. Both syndromes affect regions of the forebrain and consciousness level, although, different mechanisms are involved. Syncope is a paroxysmal event secondary to a short-term decrease in cerebral perfusion, oxygenation or essential nutrients delivery. Generalised epileptic seizure activity is defined as the clinical manifestation of transient paroxysmal disturbances in brain function secondary to an imbalance between excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters. Clinical criteria, including precipitating events, clinical signs preceding, during and following the episodes and event duration, can be used to differentiate the two syndromes. Although these criteria might be useful for the practitioner, definite conclusions should be precluded due to the lack of original research articles and weak evidence on this specific field. Application:The review might be a useful tool for the general practitioner and clinical scientist as it will aid towards the differentiation of two syndromes, i.e. generalised epileptic seizures and syncope, with similar clinical presentation.
Background Arterial spin labeling (ASL) is a noninvasive brain perfusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique that has not been assessed in clinical veterinary medicine. Hypothesis/Objectives To test the feasibility of ASL using a 1.5 Tesla scanner and provide recommendations for optimal quantification of cerebral blood flow (CBF) in dogs and cats. Animals Three hundred fourteen prospectively selected client‐owned dogs and cats. Methods Each animal underwent brain MRI including morphological sequences and ≥1 ASL sequences using different sites of blood labeling and postlabeling delays (PLD). Calculated ASL success rates were compared. The CBF was quantified in animals that had morphologically normal brain MRI results and parameters of ASL optimization were investigated. Results Arterial spin labeling was easily implemented with an overall success rate of 95% in animals with normal brain MRI. Technical recommendations included (a) positioning of the imaging slab at the foramen magnum and (b) selected PLD of 1025 ms in cats and dogs <7 kg, 1525 ms in dogs 7 to 38 kg, and 2025 ms in dogs >38 kg. In 37 dogs, median optimal CBF in the cortex and thalamic nuclei were 114 and 95 mL/100 g/min, respectively. In 28 cats, median CBF in the cortex and thalamic nuclei were 113 and 114 mL/100 g/min, respectively. Conclusions and Clinical Importance Our survey of brain perfusion ASL‐MRI demonstrated the feasibility of ASL at 1.5 Tesla, suggested technical recommendations and provided CBF values that should be helpful in the characterization of various brain diseases in dogs and cats.
Background Suspected immune‐mediated polyneuropathy has been increasingly reported in cats, especially in the last decade, but the condition remains poorly understood. Objectives Refine the clinical description and review the classification of this condition based on electrodiagnostic investigation and evaluate the benefit of corticosteroid treatment and L‐carnitine supplementation. Animals Fifty‐five cats presented with signs of muscular weakness and electrodiagnostic findings consistent with polyneuropathy of unknown origin. Methods Retrospective, multicenter study. Data from the medical records were reviewed. The owners were contacted by phone for follow‐up at the time of the study. Results The male‐to‐female ratio was 2.2. The median age of onset was 10 months, with 91% of affected cats being <3 years of age. Fourteen breeds were represented in the study. The electrodiagnostic findings supported purely motor axonal polyneuropathy. Histological findings from nerve biopsies were consistent with immune‐mediated neuropathy in 87% of the tested cats. The overall prognosis for recovery was good to excellent, as all but 1 cat achieved clinical recovery, with 12% having mild sequelae and 28% having multiple episodes during their lifetime. The outcome was similar in cats with no treatment when compared with cats receiving corticosteroids or L‐carnitine supplementation. Conclusions and Clinical Importance Immune‐mediated motor axonal polyneuropathy should be considered in young cats with muscle weakness. This condition may be similar to acute motor axonal neuropathy in Guillain‐Barré syndrome patients. Based on our results, diagnostic criteria have been proposed.
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