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BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The structural basis of cognitive sequelae after bacterial meningitis in humans is still poorly understood. In animal models and human autopsy cases, neuronal apoptosis of the hippocampal formation in particular seems to play an important role. Here, we aimed to analyze if BM entails MR imaging structural consequences in humans in vivo. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We applied voxel-based morphometry in a cohort of BM survivors with normal conventional MR imaging after resolution of the acute inflammation to assess morphologic differences. RESULTS: We found clear gray matter volume loss in the limbic system including the hippocampal formation, thalamus, and cingulate gyri bilaterally as well as in the temporal lobe. These results were corroborated by an alternative atlas-based method. CONCLUSIONS: Even in patients with normal routine MR imaging results, clear-cut gray matter atrophy with a mesial temporal/limbic pattern was evident. The anatomic distribution is compatible with the neuropsychological deficit commonly observed in patients after BM. The similarity of the observed atrophy may point to causal link between BM and mesial temporal epilepsy.

Background and Purpose —Ischemic tolerance has been extensively studied in experimental models of heart and brain ischemia. While there is some clinical evidence of ischemic tolerance in the heart, it is not known whether the same is true for the human brain. Methods —We conducted a retrospective case-control study in 148 stroke patients with and without antecedent TIA. Results —Despite no significant differences in baseline characteristics, independence (Rankin scale score of 0 to 1) and favorable outcome (Glasgow Coma Scale score of 5) were significantly associated with prior TIA in univariate analysis. After correction for other cardiovascular risk factors, TIA before stroke also was an independent predictor of mild stroke (Canadian Neurological Scale score of ≥6.5) in multivariate models (absolute difference 21.6%; P =0.01). Conclusions —Assuming that a TIA represents an adequate stimulus to elicit ischemic tolerance, our results suggest that ischemic tolerance might occur in the human brain.

Cerebral microhemorrhages (MH) are diminutive focal bleedings which can be detected best by MRI using susceptibility-weighted imaging sequences (SWI). They can be found in a variety of neurologic diseases. The pattern of distribution can lead to the underlying pathomechanism [1]. Survivors of high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE) showed multiple MH, predominantly in the splenium of the corpus callosum. Mountaineers with a lack of acclimatization to high altitudes tend to suffer from HACE. Hypoxemia in great heights is discussed to be the main trigger of HACE [2]. Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ADRS) is characterized by oxygenation failure in mechanically ventilated patients. The severity is classified by the ratio of arterial oxygen tension to fraction of inspired oxygen [3]. In some patients suffering from severe ARDS, refractory to conventional therapy, venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation therapy is the therapeutic option to ensure oxygenation.

e12544 Background: Alkylating chemotherapy with CCNU is active in recurrent glioma, but may be antagonized by anti-alkylating MGMT. Here, we present feasibility and activity of a novel regimen aimi...