Brain SPECT in Sydenham's chorea in remission.

BACKGROUND

Sydenham's chorea, a major manifestation of rheumatic fever, is characterized by chorea, behavioral changes, and cognitive dysfunction. Perfusion changes in the basal ganglia are the most frequent imaging findings observed in patients with Sydenham's chorea.

METHODS

Twelve adult women with Sydenham's chorea in remission underwent brain single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). Their scans underwent a quantification process to evaluate the perfusion of Brodmann's areas of the frontal lobes and basal ganglia. The results were compared with the findings from a control group that was matched by age.

RESULTS

A pattern of hyperperfusion in the left putamen was observed in the patient group (P = 0.02). No significant difference was observed in relation to other brain regions.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of brain SPECT suggest that perfusion abnormalities of the basal ganglia may persist even after the remission of abnormal movements in patients with Sydenham's chorea.