Cerebellar and thalamic metabolic changes visualized by [18]-FDG-PET in olanzapine-induced acute akathisia.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES:

Akathisia is a clinical important symptom, frequently induced by neuroleptic treatment. Despite its clinical importance, less is known about its pathophysiology.

METHODS:

Using [18]-FDG-PET, imaging patterns of cortical metabolic activity were obtained in a patient during olanzapine-induced akathisia and after recovery.

RESULTS:

Akathisia was characterized by a reduced metabolic activity in thalamus and cerebellum. After discontinuing medication akathisia disappeared, reflected by a recovery of metabolic activity in these brain areas.

CONCLUSION:

[18]-FDG-PET may be useful to identify cortical regions mediating clinical aspects of drug-induced akathisia, thereby offering a deeper insight into the pathophysiology of this serious side effect.

• Authors: Michael Landgrebe, Jörg Marienhagen, Berthold Langguth, Philipp Sand, Peter Eichhammer, Göran Hajak
• Journal: Neuro endocrinology letters (Neuro Endocrinol Lett) Vol. 27 Issue 6 Pg. 737-9 (Dec 2006) ISSN: 0172-780X [Print] Sweden
• PMID: 17187000 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Antipsychotic Agents
• Radiopharmaceuticals
• Fluorodeoxyglucose F18
• Benzodiazepines
• Olanzapine

Topics

• Acute Disease
• Akathisia, Drug-Induced (diagnostic imaging, metabolism)
• Antipsychotic Agents (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Benzodiazepines (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Cerebellum (diagnostic imaging, drug effects, metabolism)
• Fluorodeoxyglucose F18
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Olanzapine
• Positron-Emission Tomography (methods)
• Radiopharmaceuticals
• Schizophrenia (complications, diagnostic imaging, drug therapy)
• Thalamus (diagnostic imaging, drug effects, metabolism)