Prediction of language and neurologic recovery after cerebral infarction with SPECT imaging using N-isopropyl-p-(I 123) iodoamphetamine
D. L. Bushnell, S. Gupta, A. G. Mlcoch and W. E. Barnes
Nuclear Medicine Service, Hines Veterans Administration Hospital, IL 60141.
Fourteen patients (10 with left-sided and 4 with right-sided cerebral
infarction) were prospectively studied with single-photon emission computed
tomography (SPECT) using N-isopropyl-p-(I 123) iodoamphetamine (IMP,
SPECTamine) to determine its usefulness in predicting neurologic/language
recovery after cerebral infarction. All neuro-SPECT imaging was performed
within 30 days after infarction. Detailed assessment of neurologic and/or
language recovery (after 3 months) was carried out prospectively in each
patient. Patients with smaller volume IMP defects in the region of
infarction demonstrated significantly better neurologic and language
recovery than patients with large IMP defects. Analysis of the IMP
"redistribution" phenomenon failed to demonstrate definitively a
relationship with clinical recovery. It was concluded that the volume of
the IMP defect can aid in predicting recovery potential after cerebral
infarction.
