technetium-tc-99m-exametazime and Friedreich-Ataxia

Three cases of Friedreich's ataxia were submitted to diverse neuroradiological procedures in order to determine the extent of atrophic processes in the central nervous system. All patients underwent computerized-tomography scan, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, and HMPA-single Photon emission computerized tomography studies, focusing in cerebellar lobes. A slight atrophy was observed in the vermis and the cerebellar lobes with CT scan and MRI. In contrast a significant decrease in cerebellar blood flow was shown by TC-HMPAE SPECT study. The significance of these findings in understanding physiopathological mechanisms in Friedreich's ataxia is discussed.

Topics: Adult; Atrophy; Cerebellum; Female; Friedreich Ataxia; Humans; Male; Organotechnetium Compounds; Oximes; Regional Blood Flow; Technetium Tc 99m Exametazime; Tomography, Emission-Computed, Single-Photon