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Singh DK, Kumar N, Bhayana A, Altamash M, Sharma A, Agarwal A. A pentavalent approach for the evaluation of traumatic brachial plexopathy on MRI: correlation of macropattern and micropattern. Br J Radiol 2023; 96:20220913. [PMID: 36752595 PMCID: PMC10230398 DOI: 10.1259/bjr.20220913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Macropattern analysis of traumatic brachial plexopathy (TBP) by Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) encompasses localization of injured segments and determination of the severity of injury. The micropattern analysis implies the correlation of the MRI features of TBP with Sunderland's grading of the nerve injury, thereby guiding the management protocol. This review article presents a simplified novel pentavalent approach for the radiological anatomy of brachial plexus, MRI acquisition protocol for the evaluation of brachial plexus, cardinal imaging signs of TBP, and their correlation with Sunderland's microanatomical grading.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dharmendra Kumar Singh
- Department of Radiodiagnosis, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Nishith Kumar
- Department of Radiodiagnosis, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Aanchal Bhayana
- Department of Radiodiagnosis, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Mohd. Altamash
- Department of Radiodiagnosis, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Anuradha Sharma
- Department of Radiodiagnosis, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Anuj Agarwal
- Department of Radiodiagnosis, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, India
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Management of the brachial plexus in head and neck cancer. Curr Opin Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2023; 31:105-110. [PMID: 36912222 DOI: 10.1097/moo.0000000000000869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/14/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The brachial plexus is an important anatomical structure that is regularly encountered by head and neck surgeons and radiation oncologists. Surgical or radiation-induced brachial plexus injury have great impact on arm function and quality of life. Anatomical variations and management of the brachial plexus in head and neck cancer treatment are discussed. RECENT FINDINGS The brachial plexus consists of spinal roots from C5-C8 and T1. The most prevalent anatomical variations in brachial plexus anatomy include the prefixed brachial plexus (additional contribution from C4) in 11%, the roots of C5 and C6 piercing the belly of the anterior scalene muscle in 6.8%, and presence of the scalenus minimus muscle in 4.1-46%. Due to its location, the brachial plexus is at risk of inadvertent division or neuropraxia during surgical procedures such as neck dissection or robot-assisted transaxillary thyroid surgery (RATS). In case of inadvertent division, nerve reconstruction surgery is warranted and may lead to improved function. The risk of radiation-induced brachial plexus injury is dose-dependent and occurs in approximately 12-22%. Currently, no successful treatment options exist for radiation-induced injury. SUMMARY Knowledge of anatomical variations is important for head and neck surgeons to minimize the risk of brachial plexus injury. Limiting radiation therapy dose to the brachial plexus is desirable to decrease the risk of brachial plexus injury.
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Antil N, ElGuindy Y, Lutz AM. Do not forget the brachial plexus-prevalence of distal brachial plexus pathology on routine shoulder MRI. Eur Radiol 2020; 31:3555-3563. [PMID: 33236205 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-020-07476-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Most of the shoulder magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination focuses on internal joint structures but disregarding other structures like the distal brachial plexus, which may miss important findings. Hereby, we attempt to evaluate the prevalence of distal brachial plexus abnormalities and/or muscular denervation changes seen on routine shoulder MRI examinations and discuss common pathologies affecting the distal brachial plexus. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 701 routine shoulder MRI studies were evaluated. The evaluation of each exam was focused on the visualized brachial plexus elements and musculature abnormalities in each case. If any abnormalities of plexus and/or musculature were found, potential underlying etiologies such as paralabral or spinoglenoid notch cysts, infiltrative/primary masses on imaging, history of prior viral illness, and radiation therapy were searched. It was then confirmed whether the abnormal findings were mentioned in the exam reports or not. RESULTS Thirty-four cases (4.85%) demonstrated abnormal findings of the visualized brachial plexus cords or branches and/or musculature. It was observed that in 35.3% of exam reports these findings were not mentioned, mainly missing subtle nerve abnormalities, but correctly reporting and interpreting the encountered muscle abnormalities. CONCLUSION The distal brachial plexus and its branches should be included in the search pattern for shoulder MRI examinations. KEY POINTS • Normal T2 signal of the brachial plexus is iso- to slightly hyperintense to muscle but less signal intense than fluid. • Diffuse, geographic muscle edema is an indirect sign of brachial plexus pathology. • Increased T2-weighted nerve signal with or without caliber or course change should be reported and followed up to find the underlying etiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neha Antil
- Department of Radiology, Stanford University, School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Yehia ElGuindy
- Department of Radiology, Stanford University, School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Amelie M Lutz
- Department of Radiology, Stanford University, School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA. .,Division of Musculoskeletal Radiology, Department of Radiology, Stanford University, School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
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Brachial Plexopathy as an Unusual First Sign of a Head and Neck Cancer: Case Report. ACTA MEDICA MARTINIANA 2020. [DOI: 10.2478/acm-2020-0005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Malignancies in the ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) area are mostly manifested by dysphagia, dysphonia, dyspnea, throat swelling, and other “traditional” head and neck symptoms. Sporadically, a primary tumor or metastasis can reach such a size and it can be localized in such an area in which it can cause the pathology of the brachial plexus. If this appears first, differential diagnosis may be more difficult.
In this article the authors review current literature knowledge and present the case of this unusual sign of a head and neck cancer at the Clinic of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, and Martin University Hospital, Martin, Slovakia.
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Zdilla MJ, Aldawood AM, Plata A, Vos JA, Lambert HW. Troisier sign and Virchow node: the anatomy and pathology of pulmonary adenocarcinoma metastasis to a supraclavicular lymph node. AUTOPSY AND CASE REPORTS 2019; 9:e2018053. [PMID: 30863728 PMCID: PMC6394356 DOI: 10.4322/acr.2018.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2018] [Accepted: 10/02/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Metastatic spread of cancer via the thoracic duct may lead to an enlargement of the left supraclavicular node, known as the Virchow node (VN), leading to an appreciable mass that can be recognized clinically - a Troisier sign. The VN is of profound clinical importance; however, there have been few studies of its regional anatomical relationships. Our report presents a case of a Troisier sign/VN discovered during cadaveric dissection in an individual whose cause of death was, reportedly, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The VN was found to arise from an antecedent pulmonary adenocarcinoma. Our report includes a regional study of the anatomy as well as relevant gross pathology and histopathology. Our anatomical findings suggest that the VN may contribute to vascular thoracic outlet syndrome as well as the brachial plexopathy of neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome. Further, the VN has the potential to cause compression of the phrenic nerve, contributing to unilateral phrenic neuropathy and subsequent dyspnea. Recognition of the Troisier sign/VN is of great clinical importance. Similarly, an appreciation of the anatomy surrounding the VN, and the potential for the enlarged node to encroach on neurovascular structures, is also important in the study of a patient. The presence of a Troisier sign/VN should be assessed when thoracic outlet syndrome and phrenic neuropathy are suspected. Conversely, when a VN is identified, the possibility of concomitant or subsequent thoracic outlet syndrome and phrenic neuropathy should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Zdilla
- West Liberty University, Department of Natural Sciences & Mathematics and Graduate Health Sciences. West Liberty, West Virginia, USA.,West Virginia University School of Medicine, Department of Pathology, Anatomy & Laboratory Medicine.Morgantown, West Virginia, USA.,West Liberty University, Department of Graduate Health Sciences. West Liberty, West Virginia, USA
| | - Ali M Aldawood
- West Virginia University School of Medicine, Department of Pathology, Anatomy & Laboratory Medicine.Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
| | - Andrew Plata
- West Virginia University School of Medicine, Department of Pathology, Anatomy & Laboratory Medicine.Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
| | - Jeffrey A Vos
- West Virginia University School of Medicine, Department of Pathology, Anatomy & Laboratory Medicine.Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
| | - H Wayne Lambert
- West Virginia University School of Medicine, Department of Pathology, Anatomy & Laboratory Medicine.Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
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Neurolymphomatosis of the Brachial Plexus and its Branches: Case Series and Literature Review. Can J Neurol Sci 2018; 45:137-143. [PMID: 29307326 DOI: 10.1017/cjn.2017.282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurolymphomatosis is a process of neoplastic endoneurial invasion, most strongly associated with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. It must be distinguished from paraneoplastic, metabolic, nutritional and treatment-related causes of neuropathy that are common in this patient population. METHODS This brief case series illustrates the protean manifestations of neurolymphomatosis of the brachial plexus, ranging from focal distal mononeuropathy to multifocal brachial plexopathy, either as the index manifestation of lymphoma or as a complication of relapsing disease. RESULTS Prominent asymmetry, pain and nodular involvement on neuroimaging may help distinguish neurolymphomatosis from paraneoplastic immune demyelinating radiculoneuropathy. MR neurography criteria for the diagnosis of neurolymphomatosis include hyperintensity on T2 and STIR sequences, focal and diffuse nerve enlargement with fascicular disorganization and gadolinium enhancement. No specific anatomical distribution within the brachial plexus has, however, been found to be characteristic. Fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) imaging is the imaging modality with the highest sensitivity for detection of nodal or extranodal spread in lymphoma. CONCLUSIONS Brachial plexus neuropathy in neurolymphomatosis is highly protean in its distribution, semiology and relation to lymphoma staging. Dedicated MRI and PET-CT imaging are leading diagnostic modalities.
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Aran S, Duran GS, Potigailo V, Kim AE. Radiologic manifestation of the malignant peripheral nerve sheet tumor involving the brachial plexus. Radiol Case Rep 2017; 12:615-619. [PMID: 28828137 PMCID: PMC5551918 DOI: 10.1016/j.radcr.2017.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2016] [Revised: 02/17/2017] [Accepted: 02/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
A 63-year-old African American female with history of bilateral breast cancer status after lumpectomy and radiation therapy presented with right hand, wrist, and arm pain. She was found to have a right axillary mass and a large lesion in the right brachial plexus. A biopsy of the brachial plexus mass came back as a malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor. This case report illustrates the critical value of multiple imaging modalities in definitive diagnosis of this rare pathologic entity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shima Aran
- Department of Radiology, Hahnemann University Hospital, Drexel University, 230 N Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA
| | - Gloria Suarez Duran
- Department of Radiology, Hahnemann University Hospital, Drexel University, 230 N Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA
| | - Valeria Potigailo
- Department of Radiology, Hahnemann University Hospital, Drexel University, 230 N Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA
| | - Andrew E Kim
- Department of Radiology, Hahnemann University Hospital, Drexel University, 230 N Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA
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Coulier B, Van Cutsem O, Mailleux P, Richelle F. Brachial metastatic plexopathy as the inaugural manifestation of lung cancer: multimodality imaging. BJR Case Rep 2016; 2:20150410. [PMID: 30460024 PMCID: PMC6243311 DOI: 10.1259/bjrcr.20150410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2015] [Revised: 04/17/2016] [Accepted: 04/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Metastatic infiltration of a peripheral plexus, also named metastatic plexopathy (MP), often results in severe pain and muscular weakness. This rather rare event may have a dramatic impact on the quality of life of patients affected by cancer. We hereby report a rare case of painful MP of the left cervicobrachial plexus presenting as the inaugural manifestation of poorly differentiated large-cell lung carcinoma in a 53-year-old patient. This responsible lung carcinoma was fortuitously diagnosed during MRI of the brachial plexus (BP). Complementary cancer staging was completed by contrast-enhanced multidetector CT, 18-fludeoxyglucose–positron emission tomography/CT and colour Doppler ultrasound of the BP. Although MRI remains the gold standard method for imaging the BP, our reported case emphasizes the alternative diagnostic capabilities of contrast-enhanced multidetector CT and ultrasound and confirms the high specificity of 18-fludeoxyglucose–positron emission tomography/CT in distinguishing brachial MP from secondary radiation plexopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Coulier
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Clinique St Luc, Namur, Belgium
| | | | - Patrick Mailleux
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Clinique St Luc, Namur, Belgium
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Grisold W, Grisold A, Löscher WN. Neuromuscular complications in cancer. J Neurol Sci 2016; 367:184-202. [PMID: 27423586 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2016.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2016] [Revised: 05/08/2016] [Accepted: 06/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is becoming a treatable and even often curable disease. The neuromuscular system can be affected by direct tumor invasion or metastasis, neuroendocrine, metabolic, dysimmune/inflammatory, infections and toxic as well as paraneoplastic conditions. Due to the nature of cancer treatment, which frequently is based on a DNA damaging mechanism, treatment related toxic side effects are frequent and the correct identification of the causative mechanism is necessary to initiate the proper treatment. The peripheral nervous system is conventionally divided into nerve roots, the proximal nerves and plexus, the peripheral nerves (mono- and polyneuropathies), the site of neuromuscular transmission and muscle. This review is based on the anatomic distribution of the peripheral nervous system, divided into cranial nerves (CN), motor neuron (MND), nerve roots, plexus, peripheral nerve, the neuromuscular junction and muscle. The various etiologies of neuromuscular complications - neoplastic, surgical and mechanic, toxic, metabolic, endocrine, and paraneoplastic/immune - are discussed separately for each part of the peripheral nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Grisold
- Department of Neurology, Kaiser Franz Josef Hospital, Vienna, Austria.
| | - A Grisold
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - W N Löscher
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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Clinical observation of peripheral nerve injury in 2 patients with cancer after radiotherapy. Contemp Oncol (Pozn) 2013; 17:196-9. [PMID: 23788990 PMCID: PMC3685374 DOI: 10.5114/wo.2013.34625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2012] [Revised: 09/22/2012] [Accepted: 10/03/2012] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim of the study This study aims to analyze the clinical manifestations and sequelae of peripheral nerve radiation damage of two cases of cancer patients after radiotherapy at the corresponding sites in clinical practice and to summarize experiences and lesions in order to provide a reference for future tumor radiotherapy. Material and methods Some data of two cases of patients, such as doses of radiotherapy, clinical manifestations and damage occurrence time, were collected and examinations were conducted to define diagnosis. Afterwards, therapies and follow-up were conducted. Results Case 1 (rectal cancer) was diagnosed as mild left lower extremity nerve damage. After the symptomatic treatment, the disease condition was improved, and there was no tumor recurrence sign. Case 2 (breast cancer) was diagnosed as left brachial plexus damage, and left upper extremity movement function was lost completely. While the analgesic treatment was conducted, anti-tumor relevant treatments were being carried out. Conclusions Radiotherapy can cause different extents of radioactive nerve damage. In practice, it is necessary to constantly improve the radiotherapy technology level and actively prevent the occurrence of complications. Once symptoms appear, the diagnosis and treatment should be conducted as early as possible in order to avoid aggravating damage to cause dysfunction and cause lifetime pain to patients.
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Chhabra A, Thawait GK, Soldatos T, Thakkar RS, Del Grande F, Chalian M, Carrino JA. High-resolution 3T MR neurography of the brachial plexus and its branches, with emphasis on 3D imaging. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2012; 34:486-97. [PMID: 22976233 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a3287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
With advancement in 3D imaging, better fat-suppression techniques, and superior coil designs for MR imaging and the increasing availability and use of 3T magnets, the visualization of the complexity of the brachial plexus has become facile. The relevant imaging findings are described for normal and pathologic conditions of the brachial plexus. These radiologic findings are supported by clinical and/or EMG/surgical data, and corresponding high-resolution MR neurography images are illustrated. Because the brachial plexus can be affected by a plethora of pathologies, resulting in often serious and disabling complications, a better radiologic insight has great potential in aiding physicians in rendering superior services to patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Chhabra
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland 21287, USA.
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