Bilateral diaphragmatic paralysis due to cervical chiropractic manipulation

Cervical Spine Stenosis Causing Diaphragmatic Paralysis: A Case Study and Narrative Review of Clinical Presentations and Outcomes

STUDY DESIGN

Case report and narrative review.

OBJECTIVE

To explore the therapeutic role of surgical and nonsurgical treatment of diaphragmatic paralysis secondary to spinal cord and nerve root compression.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Phrenic nerve dysfunction due to central or neuroforaminal stenosis is a rare yet unappreciated etiology of diaphragmatic paralysis and chronic dyspnea. Surgical spine decompression, diaphragmatic pacing, and intensive physiotherapy are potential treatment options with varying degrees of evidence.

METHODS

The case of a 70-year-old male with progressive dyspnea, reduced hemi-diaphragmatic excursion, and C3-C7 stenosis, who underwent a microscopic foraminotomy is discussed. Literature review (MEDLINE, PubMed, Google Scholar) identified 19 similar reports and discussed alternative treatments and outcomes.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

Phrenic nerve root decompression and improvement in neuromonitoring signals were observed intraoperatively. The patient's postoperative course was uncomplicated, and after 15 months, he experienced significant symptomatic improvement and minor improvement in hemi-diaphragmatic paralysis and pulmonary function tests. All case reports of patients treated with spinal decompression showed symptomatic and/or functional improvement, while one of the 2 patients treated with physiotherapy showed improvement. More studies are needed to further describe the course and outcomes of these interventions, but early identification and spinal decompression can be an effective treatment.

OCEBM LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level-4.

Dyspnea Associated with Cervical Spondylotic Radiculopathy: A Case Report and Review of Literatures

When a patient presents with dyspnea, most physicians immediately associate it with cardiopulmonary diseases but not with the neurologic ones. Dyspnea due to cervical spondylosis rarely occurs, making it under-recognized. We report a case of a 57-year-old man who complained of dyspnea a month after his traffic accident. Chest X-ray showed a left diaphragm elevation, and cervical computed tomography (CT) revealed foraminal stenoses at C3/4, C4/5, and C5/6 on both sides, especially C3/4 on the left side. Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion at C3/4 and C4/5 were performed via a standard anterior cervical approach. Foraminal stenoses due to osteophyte were found to be more severe in the left side; therefore, thorough foraminotomies were performed. Titanium-coated polyether-ether-ketone (PEEK) cages filled with an artificial bone graft were inserted into both intervertebral spaces. His dyspnea improved immediately after the operation. Postoperative spirometry showed a gradually improving respiratory function. Therefore, cervical spondylosis should be considered to cause dyspnea, although it is an atypical symptom. Considering previous reports, outcomes achieved with surgical treatment were better than that with conservative therapy for cervical spondylotic radiculopathy-related dyspnea.

Immediate Effects of Diaphragmatic Breathing with Cervical Spine Mobilization on the Pulmonary Function and Craniovertebral Angle in Patients with Chronic Stroke

Background and Objectives: Patients with stroke have a forward neck posture due to neurological damage and often have impaired pulmonary function. This study investigated the effect of diaphragmatic breathing with cervical mobilization to improve pulmonary function cervical alignments. Materials and Methods: This study used a one-group pre-test-post-test design including 20 patients with stroke. Two types of cervical joint mobilization techniques, consisting of left and right lateral glide mobilization and posterior-anterior mobilization, were utilized. During joint mobilization, the patients performed diaphragmatic breathing. The measurements were performed immediately after the intervention. Pulmonary function was evaluated using a spirometer to measure the forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), and peak expiratory flow (PEF). The craniovertebral angle (CVA) was measured using lateral photographs. Results: After diaphragm breathing with cervical joint mobilization, subjects had significantly increased FEV1, FVC, PEF and CVA. Conclusion: Diaphragm breathing with cervical joint mobilization are possible interventions to increase pulmonary function and improve the craniovertebral angle in patients with stroke. However, a complete conclusion can be reached only after a follow-up study has been conducted with a comparison of more subjects and controls.

Phrenic nerve palsy after cervical laminectomy and fusion

Background

Outcome

Conclusions

Novel Use of Biphasic Cuirass Ventilation During Definitive Radiation Therapy: A Technical Report

The use of biphasic cuirass ventilator supported radiation therapy has never been documented. We present the first technical report here. A 57-year-old man with obstructive sleep apnea presented with a T0N1M0 right sided, human papillomavirus related head and neck cancer diagnosed on excisional lymph node biopsy. On further workup, the cancer was found to have originated in the right tonsil and was staged as T1N1. The patient started definitive treatment with concurrent chemo-radiation therapy, but after 5 treatments was no longer able to lay in a supine position for treatment. Diagnostic imaging workup eventually revealed an idiopathic right sided hemi-diaphragm eventration. After consultation with cardiology, pulmonology, and head and neck surgery, recommendation was made for tracheostomy to tolerate supine radiotherapy position, but the patient refused. Instead, computed tomography simulation for radiotherapy replanning was performed using a combination of biphasic cuirass ventilation, home continuous positive airway pressure and oxygen. The patient then tolerated definitive treatment to a dose of 69.96 Gray in 33 fractions with concurrent chemotherapy and experienced no unexpected side effects. Although complex, daily treatment setup was consistent. Daily onboard imaging was precise and accurate. The patient continues to follow up with radiation oncology, medical oncology, and pulmonology. This is the first use of biphasic cuirass ventilator supported radiotherapy reported in the scientific literature. Although daily treatment setup is complex, its use could be considered in patients unable to tolerate radiation therapy treatment positioning as an alternative to tracheostomy.

Effects of Cervical Rotatory Manipulation (CRM) on Carotid Atherosclerosis Plaque in Vulnerability: A Histological and Immunohistochemical Study Using Animal Model

Background

The safety of cervical rotatory manipulation (CRM) is still controversial, especially in patients with carotid artery atherosclerosis (CAS). The study aimed to investigate the effects of CRM on carotid plaques in vulnerability.

Methods

50 rabbits were randomly divided into four groups: model rabbits with CRM [CAS-CRM (n=15)]; model rabbits without CRM [CAS (n=15)]; normal rabbits with CRM [Normal-CRM (n=10)]; and Blank-control group (n=10). CAS disease models were induced by carotid artery balloon injury combined with a high-fat diet for 12 weeks. Then, CRM technique was performed in CAS-CRM and Normal-CRM groups for 3 weeks. In the end, determination of serum level of hs-CRP and Lp-PLA2, histological analysis under HE and Masson trichromic staining, and immunohistochemical analysis with CD34 and CD68 antibody were completed in order.

Results

Carotid stenosis rates on successful model rabbits ranged from 70% to 98%. The CAS-CRM group had an increased level of hs-CRP (P<0.05), in comparison with the CAS group, whereas effects were not significant between the Normal-CRM group and Blank-control group. In comparison with the CAS group, the positive expression of CD34 and CD68 in the CAS-CRM group increased significantly (P<0.05).

Conclusion

CRM therapy may increase the vulnerability of carotid plaque in rabbits with severe CAS.

Approach to cervicogenic dizziness: a comprehensive review of its aetiopathology and management

PURPOSE

Though there is abundant literature on cervicogenic dizziness with at least half a dozen of review articles, the condition remains to be enigmatic for clinicians dealing with the dizzy patients. However, most of these studies have studied the cervicogenic dizziness in general without separating the constitute conditions. Since the aetiopathological mechanism of dizziness varies between these cervicogenic causes, one cannot rely on the universal conclusions of these studies unless the constitute conditions of cervicogenic dizziness are separated and contrasted against each other.

METHODS

This narrative review of recent literature revisits the pathophysiology and the management guidelines of various conditions causing the cervicogenic dizziness, with an objective to formulate a practical algorithm that could be of clinical utility. The structured discussion on each of the causes of the cervicogenic dizziness not only enhances the readers' understanding of the topic in depth but also enables further research by identifying the potential areas of interest and the missing links.

RESULTS

Certain peculiar features of each condition have been discussed with an emphasis on the recent experimental and clinical studies. A simple aetiopathological classification and a sensible management algorithm have been proposed by the author, to enable the identification of the most appropriate underlying cause for the cervicogenic dizziness in any given case. However, further clinical studies are required to validate this algorithm.

CONCLUSIONS

So far, no single clinical study, either epidemiological or interventional, has incorporated and isolated all the constitute conditions of cervicogenic dizziness. There is a need for such studies in the future to validate either the reliability of a clinical test or the efficacy of an intervention in cervicogenic dizziness.

Respiratory failure because of neuromuscular disease

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Understanding the mechanisms and abnormalities of respiratory function in neuromuscular disease is critical to supporting the patient and maintaining ventilation in the face of acute or chronic progressive impairment.

RECENT FINDINGS

Retrospective clinical studies reviewing the care of patients with Guillain-Barré syndrome and myasthenia have shown a disturbingly high mortality following step-down from intensive care. This implies high dependency and rehabilitation management is failing despite evidence that delayed improvement can occur with long-term care. A variety of mechanisms of phrenic nerve impairment have been recognized with newer investigation techniques, including EMG and ultrasound. Specific treatment for progressive neuromuscular and muscle disease has been increasingly possible particularly for the treatment of myasthenia, metabolic myopathies, and Duchenne muscular dystrophy. For those conditions without specific treatment, it has been increasingly possible to support ventilation in the domiciliary setting with newer techniques of noninvasive ventilation and better airway clearance. There remained several areas of vigorous debates, including the role for tracheostomy care and the place of respiratory muscle training and phrenic nerve/diaphragm pacing.

SUMMARY

Recent studies and systematic reviews have defined criteria for anticipating, recognizing, and managing ventilatory failure because of acute neuromuscular disease. The care of patients requiring long-term noninvasive ventilatory support for chronic disorders has also evolved. This has resulted in significantly improved survival for patients requiring domiciliary ventilatory support.

What are the risks of manual treatment of the spine? A scoping review for clinicians

Background

Communicating to patients the risks of manual treatment to the spine is an important, but challenging element of informed consent. This scoping review aimed to characterise and summarise the available literature on risks and to describe implications for clinical practice and research.

Method

A methodological framework for scoping reviews was followed. Systematic searches were conducted during June 2017. The quantity, nature and sources of literature were described. Findings of included studies were narratively summarised, highlighting key clinical points.

Results

Two hundred and fifty articles were included. Cases of serious adverse events were reported. Observational studies, randomised studies and systematic reviews were also identified, reporting both benign and serious adverse events.Benign adverse events were reported to occur commonly in adults and children. Predictive factors for risk are unclear, but for neck pain patients might include higher levels of neck disability or cervical manipulation. In neck pain patients benign adverse events may result in poorer short term, but not long term outcomes.Serious adverse event incidence estimates ranged from 1 per 2 million manipulations to 13 per 10,000 patients. Cases are reported in adults and children, including spinal or neurological problems as well as cervical arterial strokes. Case-control studies indicate some association, in the under 45 years age group, between manual interventions and cervical arterial stroke, however it is unclear whether this is causal. Elderly patients have no greater risk of traumatic injury compared with visiting a medical practitioner for neuro-musculoskeletal problems, however some underlying conditions may increase risk.

Conclusion

Existing literature indicates that benign adverse events following manual treatments to the spine are common, while serious adverse events are rare. The incidence and causal relationships with serious adverse events are challenging to establish, with gaps in the literature and inherent methodological limitations of studies. Clinicians should ensure that patients are informed of risks during the consent process. Since serious adverse events could result from pre-existing pathologies, assessment for signs or symptoms of these is important. Clinicians may also contribute to furthering understanding by utilising patient safety incident reporting and learning systems where adverse events have occurred.

The neurology of acutely failing respiratory mechanics

Forces involved in breathing-which effectively pull in air-are the diaphragmatic, intercostal, spine, and neck muscles. Equally important is the bulbar musculature maintaining the architecture of a patent airway conduit and abdominal wall and internal intercostal muscles providing cough. Acute injury along a neural trajectory from brainstem to muscle will impair the coordinated interaction between these muscle groups. Acutely failing respiratory mechanics can be caused by central and peripheral lesions. In central lesions, the key lesion is in the nucleus ambiguus innervating the dilator muscles of the soft palate, pharynx, and larynx, but abnormal respiratory mechanics rarely coincide with abnormalities of the respiratory pattern generator. In peripheral lesions, diaphragmatic weakness is a main element, but in many neuromuscular disorders mechanical upper airway obstruction from oropharyngeal weakness contributes equally to an increased respiratory load. The neurology of breathing involves changes in respiratory drive, rhythm, mechanics, and dynamics. This review focuses on the fundamentals of abnormal respiratory mechanics in acute neurologic conditions, bedside judgment, interpretation of additional laboratory tests, and initial stabilization, with practical solutions provided. Many of these respiratory signs are relevant to neurologists, who in acute situations may see these patients first. Ann Neurol 2017;81:485-494.

An unusual case of orthopnea

Bilateral diaphragmatic paralysis is a known cause of respiratory failure. Diagnosis can be difficult, particularly in the acute setting. We present the case of a gentleman diagnosed with bilateral diaphragmatic paralysis secondary to phrenic neuropathy in the setting of cervical spondylosis.

A Case Report of Locked-in Syndrome Due to Bilateral Vertebral Artery Dissection After Cervical Spine Manipulation Treated by Arterial Embolectomy

Cervical spine manipulation (CSM) is a commonly spinal manipulative therapies for the relief of cervical spine-related conditions worldwide, but its use remains controversial. CSM may carry the potential for serious neurovascular complications, primarily due to vertebral artery dissection (VAD) and subsequent vertebrobasilar stroke. Here, we reported a rare case of locked-in syndrome (LIS) due to bilaterial VAD after CSM treated by arterial embolectomy.A 36-year-old right-handed man was admitted to our hospital with numbness and weakness of limbs after treating with CSM for neck for half an hour. Gradually, although the patient remained conscious, he could not speak but could communicate with the surrounding by blinking or moving his eyes, and turned to complete quadriplegia, complete facial and bulbar palsy, dyspnea at 4 hours after admission. He was diagnosed with LIS. Then, the patient was received cervical and brain computed tomography angiography that showed bilateral VAD. Aortocranial digital subtraction angiography showed vertebrobasilar thrombosis, blocking left vertebral artery, and stenosis of right vertebral artery. The patient was treated by using emergency arterial embolectomy and followed by antiplatelet therapy and supportive therapy in the intensive care unit and a general ward. Twenty-seven days later, the patient's physical function gradually improved and discharged but still left neurological deficit with muscle strength grade 3/5 and hyperreflexia of limbs.Our findings suggested that CSM might have potential severe side-effect like LIS due to bilaterial VAD, and arterial embolectomy is an important treatment choice. The practitioner must be aware of this complication and should give the patients informed consent to CSM, although not all stroke cases temporally related to SCM have pre-existing craniocervical artery dissection.