2018 AANS Annual Scientific Meeting-580. CSF biomarkers correlate with results of neuropsychological testing in patients with chronic traumatic brain injury

580. CSF biomarkers correlate with results of neuropsychological testing in patients with chronic traumatic brain injury

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Video Summary

In this video, Ross Puffer discusses the correlation between CSF biomarkers and neuropsychological testing in patients with chronic traumatic brain injury (TBI). The term "TBI-related neurodegeneration" is used to describe a neurodegenerative syndrome in patients with a history of repetitive concussive and subconcussive TBI. While chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is commonly associated with this syndrome, it can only be diagnosed post-mortem. The study aims to accurately define and diagnose TBI-related neurodegeneration, distinguishing it from other conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinsonism. The study analyzes CSF levels of phosphorylated tau and beta amyloid and correlates them with neuropsychological test results. The results show an inverse correlation between CSF beta amyloid and short delay free recall memory testing, as well as an inverse correlation between CSF beta amyloid and long delay free recall memory testing. Moreover, phosphorylated tau in CSF is inversely correlated with running memory CPT, a test evaluating sustained and selective attention. The study highlights the potential role of CSF biomarkers in evaluating TBI-related neurodegeneration. However, the limitations include a small cohort and difficulty in defining the diagnosis. Future steps involve expanding the cohort and including healthy controls and chronic TBI subjects without clinical neurodegeneration for comparison.

Asset Caption

Ross C. Puffer, MD

Keywords

CSF biomarkers

neuropsychological testing

TBI-related neurodegeneration

phosphorylated tau

beta amyloid