Brain atrophy in chronic alcoholic patients: a quantitative pathological study. Issue 3 (March 1985)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Harper, C; Kril, J
• Is Part Of: Journal of neurology, neurosurgery and psychiatry. Volume 48:Issue 3(1985)
• Page Start: 211
• Page End: 217
• Publication Date: 1985-03
• Subjects: Neurology -- Periodicals; Nervous system -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; 616.8
• DOI: 10.1136/jnnp.48.3.211
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-3050

Abstract

Abstract : There are essentially no objective neuropathological data on brain atrophy in chronic alcoholic patients despite numerous neuroradiological studies which show a high incidence of shrinkage or atrophy. Therefore measurements were made of the intracranial volume (ICV) and brain volume (BV) in a necropsy study of 25 chronic alcoholic patients and 44 controls. The pericerebral space (PICS) was calculated according to the formula (formula; see text) The PICS will increase in patients with brain atrophy since the ICV remains constant throughout life. The mean PICS value was 8.3% in controls, 11.3% in the alcoholic group, 14.7% in alcoholics with superimposed Wernicke's encephalopathy (thiamine deficiency) and 16.2% in those alcoholics with associated liver disease. Thus there was a statistically significant loss of brain tissue in chronic alcoholic patients which appeared to be more severe in those with associated nutritional vitamin deficiencies or alcoholic liver disease.