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Background and purpose: Mutations in the leucine-rich repeat kinase gene ( LRRK2) have been shown to be the most common genetic cause of both familial and sporadic Parkinson’s disease. Patients harboring LRRK2 mutations develop late onset PD that in most cases cannot be clinically distinguished from idiopathic PD. Furthermore, LRRK2 mutations have been reported to result in a broad spectrum of neuropathological alterations including progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP)-like Tau pathology. Methods: We screened a cohort of 88 clinically confirmed PSP patients for mutations in exon 31. Results: We did not find any of the known mutations or any new variants. Conclusions: Thus, there is no evidence that mutations in exon 31 of LRRK2 are a major risk factor for PSP. Our study, however, cannot rule out that other genetic variations in LRRK2 may be associated with PSP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Delayed cerebral infarction (DCI) has a significant impact on mortality and morbidity of patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). The aim of this study was to define quantitative EEG (qEEG) parameters for the early and reliable prediction of DCI and compare the validity and time course of qEEG to standard procedures. Methods 12 consecutive unselected SAH patients (8 female, mean age 52 years, Hunt-and-Hess grade I–IV) were prospectively examined. Continuous six channel EEG monitoring was started within 48 h after admission (mean duration 5.2 days; range: 2–12 days). All raw and unselected EEG signal underwent automated artifact rejection, Short Time Fast Fourier Transformation and a detrending procedure in order to analyze regional spectral power changes in different frequency bands. According to clinical standards, transcranial Doppler sonography (TCD) was performed at least on alternate days and repeat cerebral computer tomography (CCT) as needed. Results 6 patients (50%) developed vasospasm/DCI. Decrease of ⩾40% in power persisting over ⩾5 h in the alpha band and ⩾6 h in the theta band marked the optimal cut-off to detect DCI (sensitivity 89%, specificity 77% for alpha). EEG changes preceded detection of vasospasm/DCI in standard procedures by 2.3 days. Changes in the beta and delta band as well as in the alpha/delta ratio demonstrated lower correlation with imminent DCI. Conclusions Focal reduction in alpha power may represent a valid, observer independent, non-invasive and continuous marker for vasospasm/DCI in SAH patients. Significance qEEG indicates imminent ischemia earlier than established diagnostic tools, such as TCD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]