In the enchanting setting of Ponza, as every year, neuroradiologists and neurologists gather to talk about topics of fundamental importance.
To Dr. Gniuli again this year the task of a clinical framing focused on the physio-pathological mechanisms (those that induce pathology) related to toxic-metabolic diseases.
Rare pathologies, those genetically determined, but in constant increase those related to toxic factors such as alcohol and drugs, with important impact on the survival of the patient, his autonomy, his lifestyle and that of his whole family.
Because cellular metabolism affects the nervous system conspicuously and dramatically, and often the physician helplessly witnesses a set of symptoms he never wanted to see.
Therefore, in genetically determined metabolic disorders, the main elements involved are alterations in the metabolism of the digestive and respiratory organelles. The pathology consists of accumulation of substances (mainly lipids) or demyelination.
In contrast, in toxic pathologies, the damage is’ often direct toxic, in many cases (as in opiates) also mediated by an ischemic process, is conditioned by systemic pathologies (renal or hepatic failure), and very often the toxic substance “replaces” the metabolic support elements (Oxygen, glucose, water), inducing damage.
