Relationship between Cognitive Function and Regional Cerebral Blood Flow in Stroke Patients Using Tc-ECD SPECT 3DSRT

The purpose of this study was to investigate the associations between regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) and cognitive function in patients having a local stroke within the thalamus or putamen. The Mini-Mental State Examination(MMSE)and the Kohs Block Design Test(KBDT) were used to evaluate cognitive function. Brain single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)was performed with Tc-ethyl cysteinate dimer and analyzed with a 3-dimensional stereotactic region-of-interest template. Subjects were divided into subgroups according to the total MMSE score (D[Dementia:23 points or less]and N[Normal:24 points or more])and according to KBDT scores(B[Bad:less than IQ 70]and G[Good:IQ 70 or more]). The rCBF was decreased in the MMSE D subgroup,especially in patients with a left putamen lesion,and in the KBDT B subgroup,especially in patients with a left thalamus lesion. When the lesion was in the right hemisphere,no significant difference in rCBF was found between the MMSE D and N subgroups or between the KBDT B and G subgroups. SPECT is useful for clinical evaluation of cerebral vascular disease,especially in patients with left hemispheric lesions. Additional data and further detailed evaluations are needed. (Jikeikai Med J 2006;53:151-8)