[Significance of single photon emission computed tomography and akinetic mutism]

Rev Neurol (Paris). 1998 Dec;154(12):856-8.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Akinetic mutism is a reactive status with permanent opening of the eyes. The accountable lesions are always bilateral. The injured cerebral structures include the frontal gyri, the thalami or the mesencephalic areas. In one case of a 44-year-old patient, magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography were not contributive. Tc99m brain SPECT imaging was performed and displayed bilateral frontal hypoactivity. This case suggests that this technique could be helpful for diagnosis when clinical features and radiological pattern are opposite.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Akinetic Mutism / diagnostic imaging*
  • Brain / blood supply
  • Brain / diagnostic imaging*
  • Brain / pathology
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Tomography, Emission-Computed, Single-Photon*