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Ahmadli N, Akgun K, Terlemez R, Misirlioglu TO, Palamar D. Ultrasonographic evaluation of ulnar nerve morphology in patients with ulnar nerve instability. Muscle Nerve 2024; 69:543-547. [PMID: 38356457 DOI: 10.1002/mus.28058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION/AIMS Ulnar nerve instability (UNI) in the retroepicondylar groove is described as nerve subluxation or dislocation. In this study, considering that instability may cause chronic ulnar nerve damage by increasing the friction risk, we aimed to examine the effects of UNI on nerve morphology ultrasonographically. METHODS Asymptomatic patients with clinical suspicion of UNI were referred for further clinical and ultrasonographic examination. Based on ulnar nerve mobility on ultrasound, the patients were first divided into two groups: stable and unstable. The unstable group was further divided into two subgroups: subluxation and dislocation. The cross-sectional area (CSA) of the nerve was measured in three regions relative to the medial epicondyle (ME). RESULTS In the ultrasonographic evaluation, UNI was identified in 59.1% (52) of the 88 elbows. UNI was bilateral in 50% (22) of the 44 patients. Mean CSA was not significantly different between groups. A statistically significant difference in ulnar nerve mobility was found between the group with CSA of <10 versus ≥10 mm2 (p = .027). Nerve instability was found in 85.7% of elbows with an ulnar nerve CSA value of ≥10 mm2 at the ME level. DISCUSSION The probability of developing neuropathy in patients with UNI may be higher than in those with normal nerve mobility. Further prospective studies are required to elucidate whether asymptomatic individuals with UNI and increased CSA may be at risk for developing symptomatic ulnar neuropathy at the elbow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narmin Ahmadli
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, İstanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Kenan Akgun
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, İstanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Rana Terlemez
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, İstanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Tugce Ozekli Misirlioglu
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, İstanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Deniz Palamar
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, İstanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
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Moody AE, Miller ST, Tupinio MR, Newberry CM, Mangleson J, Swenson JD. Fascial plane approach to anesthetizing the radial, median, and ulnar nerves: an educational review. Reg Anesth Pain Med 2024; 49:285-288. [PMID: 37709512 DOI: 10.1136/rapm-2023-104794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Brachial plexus block provides effective anesthesia and analgesia for upper extremity surgery but requires injection of large anesthetic volumes near major vascular structures. Moreover, the extensive motor and sensory loss produced by plexus block often exceeds the neural distribution needed for corresponding surgical procedures.High-resolution ultrasound facilitates selective nerve blocks at nearly every level of the upper extremity. We present fascial plane injection techniques for selective radial, median, and ulnar nerve blocks. These techniques can be used to match sensory distribution with specific surgical procedures. They are performed using low anesthetic volumes and without proximity to nerves or vascular structures. In this article, fresh cadaver dissections with corresponding ultrasound images are used to demonstrate stepwise fascial plane techniques for the radial, median, and ulnar nerves. These techniques are performed using familiar anatomic landmarks.Practical applications of these techniques are demonstrated for commonly performed procedures of the upper extremity. Corresponding injection volumes with duration of postoperative analgesia are presented. Selected injections are described for both surgical anesthesia and postoperative analgesia.Selective fascial plane injections can provide surgical anesthesia and postoperative analgesia in settings that might otherwise require much larger volumes of local anesthetic. These selective nerve blocks can match sensory loss with the anatomic pain distribution in each patient. Reliable techniques for selective nerve blocks of the upper extremity can expand the capabilities for ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alastair E Moody
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Sarah T Miller
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Maegan R Tupinio
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Cynthia M Newberry
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - John Mangleson
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Jeffrey D Swenson
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
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Chaudhary RK, Karkala N, Nepal P, Gupta E, Kaur N, Batchala P, Sapire J, Alam SI. Multimodality imaging review of ulnar nerve pathologies. Neuroradiol J 2024; 37:137-151. [PMID: 36961518 PMCID: PMC10973834 DOI: 10.1177/19714009231166087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The ulnar nerve is the second most commonly entrapped nerve after the median nerve. Although clinical evaluation and electrodiagnostic studies remain widely used for the evaluation of ulnar neuropathy, advancements in imaging have led to increased utilization of these newer / better imaging techniques in the overall management of ulnar neuropathy. Specifically, high-resolution ultrasonography of peripheral nerves as well as MRI has become quite useful in evaluating the ulnar nerve in order to better guide treatment. The caliber and fascicular pattern identified in the normal ulnar nerves are important distinguishing features from ulnar nerve pathology. The cubital tunnel within the elbow and Guyon's canal within the wrist are important sites to evaluate with respect to ulnar nerve compression. Both acute and chronic conditions resulting in deformity, trauma as well as inflammatory conditions may predispose certain patients to ulnar neuropathy. Granulomatous diseases as well as both neurogenic and non-neurogenic tumors can also potentially result in ulnar neuropathy. Tumors around the ulnar nerve can also lead to mass effect on the nerve, particularly in tight spaces like the aforementioned canals. Although high-resolution ultrasonography is a useful modality initially, particularly as it can be helpful for dynamic evaluation, MRI remains most reliable due to its higher resolution. Newer imaging techniques like sonoelastography and microneurography, as well as nerve-specific contrast agents, are currently being investigated for their usefulness and are not routinely being used currently.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nikitha Karkala
- Department of Radiology, Northwell North Shore University Hospital, Long Island Jewish Medical Center, Queens, NY, USA
| | - Pankaj Nepal
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Elina Gupta
- Department of Radiology, St. Vincent’s Medical Center, Bridgeport, CT, USA
| | - Neeraj Kaur
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, BC, Canada
| | - Prem Batchala
- Department of Radiology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Joshua Sapire
- Department of Radiology, St. Vincent’s Medical Center, Bridgeport, CT, USA
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Puma A, Grecu N, Badea RȘ, Morisot A, Zugravu R, Ioncea MB, Cavalli M, Lăcătuș O, Ezaru A, Hacina C, Villa L, Raffaelli C, Azulay N, Sacconi S. Typical CIDP, distal variant CIDP, and anti-MAG antibody neuropathy: An ultra-high frequency ultrasound comparison of nerve structure. Sci Rep 2024; 14:4643. [PMID: 38409319 PMCID: PMC10897478 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-54452-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
To date, little is known about the usefulness of ultra-high frequency ultrasound (UHF-US, 50-70 MHz) in clinical practice for the diagnosis of dysimmune neuropathies. We present a prospective study aimed at comparing UHF-US alterations of nerves and fascicles in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP), distal CIDP (d-CIDP) and anti-MAG neuropathy and their relationships with clinical and electrodiagnostic (EDX) features. 28 patients were included (twelve CIDP, 6 d-CIDP and 10 anti-MAG) and ten healthy controls. Each patient underwent neurological examination, EDX and UHF-US study of median and ulnar nerves bilaterally. UHF-US was reliable in differentiating immune neuropathies from controls when using mean and/or segmental nerve and/or fascicle cross-sectional area (CSA); furthermore, fascicle ratio (fascicle/nerve CSA) was a reliable factor for differentiating d-CIDP from other types of polyneuropathies. The fascicle CSA appears to be more increased in CIDP and its variant than in anti-MAG neuropathy. UHF-US offers information beyond simple nerve CSA and allows for a better characterization of the different forms of dysimmune neuropathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Puma
- Peripheral Nervous System and Muscle Department, Université Côte d'Azur, CHU Nice, 30 Voie Romaine, 06000, Nice, France.
- Faculty of Medicine, UMR7370 CNRS, LP2M, Labex ICST, Université Nice Côte d'Azur, Nice, France.
| | - Nicolae Grecu
- Neurology Department, University Emergency Hospital Bucharest, 169 Splaiul Independentei, 050098, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Raluca Ș Badea
- Neurology Department, University Emergency Hospital Bucharest, 169 Splaiul Independentei, 050098, Bucharest, Romania
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Bulevardul Eroii Sanitari, 050474, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Adeline Morisot
- Department of Public Health, University Hospital of Nice, Nice, France
| | - Roxana Zugravu
- Peripheral Nervous System and Muscle Department, Université Côte d'Azur, CHU Nice, 30 Voie Romaine, 06000, Nice, France
- Neurology Department, University Emergency Hospital Bucharest, 169 Splaiul Independentei, 050098, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mihai B Ioncea
- Peripheral Nervous System and Muscle Department, Université Côte d'Azur, CHU Nice, 30 Voie Romaine, 06000, Nice, France
- Neurology Department, University Emergency Hospital Bucharest, 169 Splaiul Independentei, 050098, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Michele Cavalli
- Peripheral Nervous System and Muscle Department, Université Côte d'Azur, CHU Nice, 30 Voie Romaine, 06000, Nice, France
| | - Oana Lăcătuș
- Peripheral Nervous System and Muscle Department, Université Côte d'Azur, CHU Nice, 30 Voie Romaine, 06000, Nice, France
- Neurology Department, University Emergency Hospital Bucharest, 169 Splaiul Independentei, 050098, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Andra Ezaru
- Peripheral Nervous System and Muscle Department, Université Côte d'Azur, CHU Nice, 30 Voie Romaine, 06000, Nice, France
- Service Médicine Polyvalente, Pôle Spécialités Médicales, CH Grasse, 28 Chemin de Clavary, 06180, Grasse, France
| | - Chorfa Hacina
- Peripheral Nervous System and Muscle Department, Université Côte d'Azur, CHU Nice, 30 Voie Romaine, 06000, Nice, France
| | - Luisa Villa
- Peripheral Nervous System and Muscle Department, Université Côte d'Azur, CHU Nice, 30 Voie Romaine, 06000, Nice, France
| | - Charles Raffaelli
- Ultrasound Department, Université Côte d'Azur, CHU Nice, 30 Voie Romaine, 06000, Nice, France
| | - Nicolas Azulay
- Ultrasound Department, Université Côte d'Azur, CHU Nice, 30 Voie Romaine, 06000, Nice, France
| | - Sabrina Sacconi
- Peripheral Nervous System and Muscle Department, Université Côte d'Azur, CHU Nice, 30 Voie Romaine, 06000, Nice, France
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Kurver A, Scherf SM, Meulstee J, Verhagen WIM. The necessity of electrodiagnostic studies and ultrasound in ulnar nerve entrapment according to surgeons in the Netherlands. Clin Neurol Neurosurg 2024; 236:108078. [PMID: 38103390 DOI: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2023.108078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ulnar nerve entrapment at the elbow (UNE) is the second most prevalent entrapment neuropathy after carpal tunnel syndrome. The objective of this study was to evaluate the expert opinion of different surgical disciplines regarding the need for electrodiagnostic or ultrasound confirmation of UNE and, if so, which test was preferred for confirmation. METHODS A questionnaire was sent to all neurosurgeons and plastic or hand surgeons in the Netherlands to evaluate the current practice in planning surgical treatment of UNE. RESULTS The response rate was 36.4 % (134 out of 368). 94 % of surgeons reported that > 95 % of their patients had EDX or ultrasound studies before surgery. 80.6 % of all surgeons who responded reported that they seldom operated on UNE without electrodiagnostic confirmation. Hand surgeons (25.9 %) were more willing to operate on clinically diagnosed UNE without EDX than neurosurgeons (9.4 %) CONCLUSIONS: Dutch surgeons prefer diagnostic confirmation of UNE either by ultrasound or EDX, with a preference for EDX and the vast majority of operated patients do have either EDX or ultrasound or both before surgery. Compared to neurosurgeons, hand surgeons are more willing to operate on patients with clinically defined UNE but normal electrodiagnostic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Kurver
- Department of Neurology, Canisius Wilhelmina Hospital, Weg door Jonkerbos 100, 6532 SZ Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Department of Neurology, Haga Hospital, Els Borst-Eilersplein 275, 2545 AA The Hague, the Netherlands.
| | - Suzanne M Scherf
- Department of Neurology, Canisius Wilhelmina Hospital, Weg door Jonkerbos 100, 6532 SZ Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Department of Neurology, Deventer ziekenhuis, Nico Bolkesteinlaan 75, 7416 SE Deventer, the Netherlands
| | - Jan Meulstee
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Canisius Wilhelmina Hospital, Weg door Jonkerbos 100, 6532 SZ Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Wim I M Verhagen
- Department of Neurology, Canisius Wilhelmina Hospital, Weg door Jonkerbos 100, 6532 SZ Nijmegen, the Netherlands
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Dąbrowska A, Paluch Ł, Pietruski P, Walecka I, Noszczyk B. The elastography of distal ulnar nerve branches in cyclists. J Hand Ther 2024; 37:53-59. [PMID: 37591729 DOI: 10.1016/j.jht.2023.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Forced elbow flexion and pressure during bicycling result in ulnar nerve traction and pressure exerted in Guyon's canal or the nerve's distal branches. The compression of the nerves causes a change in their stiffness related to edema and eventually gradual fibrosis. PURPOSE This study aimed to evaluate the elastography of terminal branches of the ulnar nerve in cyclists. STUDY DESIGN Cross-sectional study. METHODS Thirty cyclists, 32 healthy individuals, and 32 volunteers with ulnar nerve entrapment neuropathies participated in the study. Each participant underwent a nerve examination of the cubital tunnel, Guyon's canal and the deep and superficial branches of the ulnar nerve using shear wave elastography. The cyclist group was tested before and after a 2-hour-long workout. RESULTS Before cycling workouts, the ulnar nerve stiffness in the cubital tunnel and Guyon's canal remained below pathological estimates. Cycling workouts altered nerve stiffness in the cubital tunnel only. Notably, the stiffness of the ulnar terminal branches in cyclists was increased even before training. The mean deep branch stiffness was 50.85 ± 7.60 kPa versus 20.43 ± 5.95 kPa (p < 0.001) in the cyclist and healthy groups, respectively, and the mean superficial branch stiffness was 44 ± 12.45 kPa versus 24.55 ± 8.05 kPa (p < 0.001), respectively. Cycling contributed to a further shift in all observed values. DISCUSSION These observations indicate the existence of persistent anatomical changes in the distal ulnar branches in resting cyclists that result in increased stiffness of these nerves. The severity of these changes remains, however, to be determined. CONCLUSIONS These data show elastography values of the ulnar terminal branches in healthy individuals and cyclists where despite lack of clinical symptoms that they seem to be elevated twice above the healthy range.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Dąbrowska
- Department of Radiology, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Gruca Orthopaedic and Trauma Teaching Hospital, Otwock, Poland
| | - Łukasz Paluch
- Department of Radiology, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Gruca Orthopaedic and Trauma Teaching Hospital, Otwock, Poland
| | - Piotr Pietruski
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Orlowski Memorial Hospital, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Irena Walecka
- Department of Dermatology, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Central Clinical Hospital of the MSWiA, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Bartłomiej Noszczyk
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Orlowski Memorial Hospital, Warsaw, Poland.
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Becciolini M, Pivec C, Raspanti A, Riegler G. Ultrasound of the Ulnar Nerve: A Pictorial Review: Part 1: Normal Ultrasound Findings. J Ultrasound Med 2024; 43:171-188. [PMID: 37815434 DOI: 10.1002/jum.16350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
This is the first of a two-part article in which we focus on the ultrasound (US) appearance of the normal ulnar nerve (UN) and its main branches. The detailed US anatomy of the UN course is presented with high-resolution US images obtained with the latest-generation US machines and transducers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Becciolini
- Department of Ultrasound, Misericordia di Pistoia, Pistoia, Italy
- Scuola Siumb di Ecografia Muscolo-Scheletrica, Pisa, Italy
| | - Christopher Pivec
- Department of Ultrasound, PUC-Private Ultrasound Center Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Andrea Raspanti
- SOC Ortopedia e Traumatologia, Ospedale Santa Maria Annunziata, Azienda USL Toscana Centro, Firenze, Italy
| | - Georg Riegler
- Department of Ultrasound, PUC-Private Ultrasound Center Graz, Lassnitzhoehe, Austria
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Shih CA, Huang MT, Chern TC, Shao CJ, Wu KC, Lin CJ, Jou IM, Wu PT. The use of ultrasound for monitoring reduction and ulnar nerve subluxation in pediatric humeral supracondylar fractures. Eur J Radiol 2024; 170:111201. [PMID: 38042022 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2023.111201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Traditional treatment for displaced humeral supracondylar fractures (SCFs) in children involves closed reduction (CR) under fluoroscopic guidance, percutaneous pinning, and immobilization with a long-arm cast. This study aims to explore the viability of using radiation-free ultrasound (US) for guiding CR and tracking ulnar nerve dynamics during medial pinning, contrasting the US method with the conventional cross pinning technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS We assessed 70 children with acute displaced SCFs. The US group (n = 30) underwent US-guided reduction, whereas the traditional group (n = 40) underwent fluoroscopy-guided reduction. Both groups received percutaneous cross pinning and subsequent cast immobilization. Postoperative outcomes were compared between the two methods after a 6-month follow-up. In the US group, ultrasonography assessed fracture displacement distances before and after CR. The angle at which the ulnar nerve relocated to the cubital tunnel during elbow extension was documented using real-time US monitoring during medial pinning. RESULTS The US group demonstrated improved reduction accuracy, increased range of motion, superior restoration of both Baumann and Humeroulnar angles, and a decreased incidence of malunions compared to the traditional group (all p < 0.05). The ultrasonographic measurement of fracture displacement was comparable with that of fluoroscopy (intraclass correlation coefficient > 0.90). In the US group, no ulnar nerve injury was noted, compared to 2.5 % in the traditional group, and real-time US observations revealed ulnar nerve hypermobility, with 53.3 % of patients exhibiting anterior ulnar nerve subluxation at 120° elbow flexion, 40 % at 90°, 16.7 % at 60°, and none at 30° flexion. CONCLUSION Ultrasound is as reliable as fluoroscopy for evaluating fracture reductions. The use of intra-operative ultrasound significantly improves reduction accuracy and radiographic outcomes while reducing the risk of ulnar nerve injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chien-An Shih
- Department of Orthopedics, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Tung Huang
- Department of Orthopedics, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan; Great East Gate Orthopedic Clinic, Tainan, Taiwan
| | | | - Chung-Jung Shao
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Tainan Municipal Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Chen Wu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Kuo General Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chii-Jeng Lin
- Department of Orthopedics, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan; Department of Orthopedics, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan; President Office, Joint Commission of Taiwan, New Taipei City, Taiwan, ROC
| | - I-Ming Jou
- Great East Gate Orthopedic Clinic, Tainan, Taiwan; Department of Orthopedics, E-Da Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; School of Medicine, College of Medicine, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
| | - Po-Ting Wu
- Department of Orthopedics, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan; Department of Orthopedics, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan; Department of Biomedical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan; Medical Device Innovation Center, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.
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Carroll TJ, Chirokikh A, Thon J, Jones CMC, Logigian E, Ketonis C. Diagnosis of Ulnar Neuropathy at the Elbow Using Ultrasound - A Comparison to Electrophysiologic Studies. J Hand Surg Am 2023; 48:1229-1235. [PMID: 37877916 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2023.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Given the relatively high false negative rate of electrodiagnostic studies (EDX) in patients with clinically diagnosed ulnar neuropathy at the elbow (UNE), we sought to determine whether an alternative objective test could more effectively detect UNE. Additionally, we proposed to determine the relationship between the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the ulnar nerve on ultrasound (US), EDX, and clinical symptoms. METHODS This was a retrospective study of patients presenting with symptomatic UNE. The performance characteristics of EDX versus ultrasound were calculated using the clinical diagnosis of UNE as the reference standard. Standard EDX studies and US of the ulnar nerve were analyzed. Maximal CSA of the ulnar nerve and EDX severity were analyzed for patients with each combination of US-positive/negative and EDX-positive/negative findings. RESULTS Analysis was performed on 89 patients and 115 nerves with signs and symptoms of cubital tunnel syndrome. In total, 56 (49%) nerves were diagnosed as mild UNE, 32 (28%) nerves were diagnosed as moderate UNE, 17 (15%) nerves were diagnosed as severe UNE, and 10 (8%) nerves were negative for UNE by EDX. Maximal-maximal CSA was highly correlated with disease severity as determined by nerve conduction studies/electromyography. Compared with EDX+/US+, patients with EDX-/US+ showed higher rates of ulnar sensory loss and elbow tenderness with similar rates of positive Tinel and intrinsic muscle atrophy. In this sample of patients with clinically diagnosed UNE, 91.3% of the patients demonstrated positive EDX studies, whereas 94.8% had a positive US. CONCLUSIONS Ultrasound is an alternative to EDX that could be incorporated clinically in the diagnosis and management of UNE. Ultrasound was able to consistently detect clinically positive cubital tunnel syndrome demonstrating its utility as a confirmatory or supplemental test to the clinical assessment if one is required. Ultrasound additionally may be able to better identify patients with early stages of UNE with negative EDX findings. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Diagnostic IV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas John Carroll
- University of Rochester Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Rochester School, Rochester, NY.
| | - Alexander Chirokikh
- University of Rochester Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Rochester School, Rochester, NY
| | - Julie Thon
- University of Rochester Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Rochester School, Rochester, NY
| | - Courtney Marie Cora Jones
- University of Rochester Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Rochester School, Rochester, NY
| | - Eric Logigian
- University of Rochester Department of Neurology, University of Rochester School, Rochester, NY
| | - Constantinos Ketonis
- University of Rochester Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Rochester School, Rochester, NY
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Podnar S, Omejec G. Clinical and neurophysiological recovery of ulnar nerve conduction block at the elbow. Muscle Nerve 2023; 68:722-728. [PMID: 37421240 DOI: 10.1002/mus.27928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION/AIMS An important mechanism of peripheral nerve motor and sensory dysfunction is conduction block (CB). However, recovery from mechanically induced CB has been rarely studied in humans. The aim of this study was to describe clinical, electrodiagnostic (EDx), and ultrasonographic (US) characteristics of CB recovery in ulnar neuropathy at the elbow (UNE). METHODS We recruited a group of consecutive patients presenting to our EDx laboratory with UNE and >50% motor CB. Patients' histories were obtained and neurologic, EDx, and US examinations were repeated every 1-3 mo for at least 12 mo. RESULTS We studied 10 patients (5 men), with a mean age of 63 y (range, 51-81 y). In all affected arms CB was localized to the retrocondylar groove. Following conservative management, myometrically measured index finger abduction improved from a median of 49% to 100% relative to the contralateral index finger, and ulnar nerve CB decreased from a median of 74% to 6%. Most of the improvement took place within 8 mo of symptom onset, and 6 mo after receiving treatment instructions. Mean motor nerve conduction velocity improved from 15 to 27 m/s in the most affected 2-cm ulnar nerve segment. DISCUSSION The resolution of CB after typical chronic compression may take longer than after acute compression. This should be considered by clinicians when estimating prognosis for discussions with patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Podnar
- Division of Neurology, Institute of Clinical Neurophysiology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Gregor Omejec
- Division of Neurology, Institute of Clinical Neurophysiology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Ruettermann M, Broekstra DC, Groen GJ, Elting JW. Ultra-high-definition (22 MHz) ultrasound of the ulnar nerve: additional value and normative data. J Hand Surg Eur Vol 2023; 48:1036-1041. [PMID: 37125764 DOI: 10.1177/17531934231167751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
We studied 30 healthy volunteers (60 arms), categorized into three age groups with equal numbers to verify if a 22 MHz compared with a 15 MHz ultrasound transducer has additional value for studying the intraneural architecture of the ulnar nerve throughout its course. At six sites, there were no differences in cross-sectional area measurements between the two transducers. With both, the cross-sectional area was significantly larger at the medial epicondyle compared with the other sites and smaller at the mid-forearm and Guyon's canal compared with the mid-upper arm. With higher age the cross-sectional area significantly increased. Significantly more fascicles were visible distal to the medial epicondyle compared with more proximal sites, as well as in men compared with women. Finally, higher body weight was related to a significantly smaller number of fascicles being seen. A 22 MHz transducer depicts more details of the intraneural architecture than a 15 MHz transducer. Our data can be used as normative data or reference values in analysing ulnar nerve pathology.Level of evidence: II.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mike Ruettermann
- Department of Plastic Surgery, University Medical Centre Groningen, University of Groningen, The Netherlands
- Institute for Hand and Plastic Surgery Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Dieuwke C Broekstra
- Department of Plastic Surgery, University Medical Centre Groningen, University of Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Gerbrand J Groen
- Paincentre Department of Anesthesiology, University Medical Centre Groningen, University of Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Willem Elting
- Clinical Neurophysiology, Department of Neurology, University Medical Centre Groningen, University of Groningen, The Netherlands
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12
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Nakui R, Iwamoto T, Kimura H, Suzuki T, Matsumura N, Nakamura M. Long-standing Ulnar Wrist Pain Caused by an Anatomic Variant of the Ulnar Nerve: A Case Report. JBJS Case Connect 2023; 13:01709767-202312000-00032. [PMID: 37976383 DOI: 10.2106/jbjs.cc.23.00418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
CASE We present a 28-year-old woman with long-standing left ulnar wrist pain. Physical examination revealed severe tenderness over the pisiform; imaging findings were normal. Surgical exploration revealed compression of an aberrant branch, likely Kaplan's accessory branch, around the pisiform. Complete symptom relief was achieved after nerve decompression. CONCLUSION Clinical symptoms associated with Kaplan's accessory branch are rare, indicating that many branches may be asymptomatic or overlooked despite the presence of symptoms. Kaplan's accessory branch should be considered as a potential differential diagnosis for refractory ulnar wrist pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryusei Nakui
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
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13
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Schuh A, Unterpaintner I, Sesselmann S, Feyrer M, Koehl P. CUBITAL TUNNEL SYNDROME DUE TO AN INTRANEURAL GANGLION CYST OF THE ULNAR NERVE. Georgian Med News 2023:50-52. [PMID: 38096515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Cubital tunnel syndrome is the second most common neuropathy of the upper extremity. Cubital tunnel syndrome caused by intraneural ganglion cysts is rare in clinical practice. We present the case of a 71-year-old male patient with a 4-month history of cubital tunnel syndrome of the left elbow due to an intraneural ganglion cyst. After revision of the ulnar nerve and resection of the intraneural cyst nearly complete recovery was achieved within a 5 month follow-up but some sensory deficits of the fifth fingertip. We recommend preoperative ultrasound examination of the cubital tunnel even in cases with clear diagnosis. Ganglion cyst as a cause of cubital tunnel is rare but needs to be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible to prevent irreversible complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Schuh
- 1Hospital of Trauma Surgery, Department of Musculoskeletal Research, Marktredwitz Hospital, Germany
| | | | - S Sesselmann
- 3Technical University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt, Germany
| | - M Feyrer
- 4Department of Industrial Engineering and Health, Institute of Medical Engineering, Technical University of Applied Sciences Amberg-Weiden, Germany
| | - Ph Koehl
- 2Hospital of Trauma Surgery, Marktredwitz Hospital, Germany
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14
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Kim KH, Lee MH, Park SY, Kim HJ, Chee CG, Yoon MA, Chung HW, Lee SH. Ulnar neuropathy at the elbow: associations of pre-operative DTI parameters with clinical outcomes after cubital tunnel decompression. Eur Radiol 2023; 33:6351-6358. [PMID: 37014404 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-023-09562-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate whether DTI parameters of the ulnar nerve at the elbow are associated with clinical outcomes in patients receiving cubital tunnel decompression (CTD) surgery for ulnar neuropathy. METHODS This retrospective study included 21 patients with cubital tunnel syndrome who received CTD surgery between January 2019 and November 2020. All patients underwent pre-operative elbow MRI, including DTI. Region-of-interest analysis was performed on the ulnar nerve at three levels around the elbow: above (level 1), cubital tunnel (level 2), and below (level 3). Fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), radial diffusivity (RD), and axial diffusivity (AD) were calculated on three sections at each level. Clinical data on symptom improvement in respect to pain and tingling sensation after CTD were recorded. Logistic regression analysis was used to compare DTI parameters of the nerve at three levels and the entire nerve course between patients with and without symptom improvement after CTD. RESULTS After CTD, 16 patients showed improvement in symptoms, but five did not. ROC analysis of DTI parameters showed that AUCs of FA, AD, and MD were higher at level 1 than at levels 2 and 3, with FA showing the highest AUC (level 1: FA, 0.7104 [95% CI, 0.5206-0.9002] vs AD, 0.6521 [95% CI, 0.4900-0.8142] vs MD, 0.6153 [95% CI, 0.4187-0.8119]). CONCLUSION In patients who underwent CTD surgery for ulnar neuropathy at the elbow, the DTI parameters of FA, AD, and MD above the cubital tunnel level were associated with clinical outcomes, with FA showing the strongest associations. KEY POINTS • After CTD surgery for ulnar neuropathy at the elbow, persistent symptoms may be observed, depending on symptom severity. • DTI parameters of the ulnar nerve at the elbow showed differences in their capacity for discriminating between patients with and without symptom improvement following CTD surgery, with this capacity depending on the nerve level at the elbow. • FA, AD, and MD measured above the cubital tunnel on pre-operative DTI may be associated with surgical outcomes, with FA showing the strongest association (AUC at level 1, 0.7104 [95% CI, 0.5206-0.9002]).
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyung Ho Kim
- Department of Radiology and Research Institute of Radiology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, 88 Olympic-ro, 43-gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul, 05505, South Korea
- Department of Radiology, BNS Neurosurgery, 68, Yangpyeong-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Min Hee Lee
- Department of Radiology and Research Institute of Radiology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, 88 Olympic-ro, 43-gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul, 05505, South Korea.
| | - Sun-Young Park
- Department of Radiology and Research Institute of Radiology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, 88 Olympic-ro, 43-gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul, 05505, South Korea
| | - Hwa Jung Kim
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatics, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Choong Guen Chee
- Department of Radiology and Research Institute of Radiology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, 88 Olympic-ro, 43-gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul, 05505, South Korea
| | - Min A Yoon
- Department of Radiology and Research Institute of Radiology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, 88 Olympic-ro, 43-gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul, 05505, South Korea
| | - Hye Won Chung
- Department of Radiology and Research Institute of Radiology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, 88 Olympic-ro, 43-gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul, 05505, South Korea
| | - Sang Hoon Lee
- Department of Radiology and Research Institute of Radiology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, 88 Olympic-ro, 43-gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul, 05505, South Korea
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15
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Yun CJ, Crump N, Puckett M, Cartwright MS. Focused Neuromuscular Ultrasound Approach for the Diagnosis of Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy. J Clin Neurophysiol 2023; 40:378-381. [PMID: 37143208 DOI: 10.1097/wnp.0000000000000905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Previous ultrasonographic studies of individuals with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) have shown nerve enlargement at several sites. This prospective study compares only the bilateral median and ulnar nerves of individuals with CIDP with reference values to determine the clinical usefulness of this focused approach as a diagnostic tool. METHODS The cross-sectional area, echogenicity, and vascularity of the bilateral median and ulnar nerves of 25 subjects with CIDP were measured using ultrasound. Nineteen had typical CIDP based on the European Federation of Neurological Societies and the Peripheral Nerve Society guidelines, whereas six had atypical CIDP and were diagnosed based on clinical impression. RESULTS Focal nerve enlargement was found in at least one segment in all subjects. Subjects with typical CIDP had larger cross-sectional areas compared with subjects with atypical CIDP. CONCLUSION A focused ultrasound study, involving only the median and ulnar nerves, is sensitive for the detection of nerve enlargement in CIDP. Measuring the cross-sectional area of the median and ulnar nerves is clinically feasible and may help establish the diagnosis of CIDP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea J Yun
- Department of Neurology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, U.S.A
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16
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Iyer VG. Teaching NeuroImage: Palmaris Brevis Sign: Clue to Localizing Ulnar Nerve Neuropathy. Neurology 2022; 100:638-639. [PMID: 36539294 PMCID: PMC10065213 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000206751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
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17
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Wolny T, Fernández-de-las-Peñas C, Granek A, Linek P. Changes in Ultrasound Measurements of the Ulnar Nerve at Different Elbow Joint Positions in Patients with Cubital Tunnel Syndrome. Sensors (Basel) 2022; 22:8354. [PMID: 36366050 PMCID: PMC9654008 DOI: 10.3390/s22218354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Ultrasound imaging (US) is increasingly being used in the diagnosis of entrapment neuropathies. The aim of the current study was to evaluate changes in stiffness (shear modulus), cross-sectional area (CSA), and trace length (TRACE) of the ulnar nerve in patients with cubital tunnel syndrome (CuTS), with shear wave elastography (SWE). A total of 31 patients with CuTS were included. CSA, shear modulus, and TRACE examinations were performed in the SWE mode in four positions of the elbow: full extension, 45° flexion, 90° flexion, and maximum flexion. There were significant side-to-side differences in the ulnar nerve elasticity value at 45°, 90°, and maximal elbow flexion (all, p < 0.001) but not at elbow extension (p = 0.36). There were significant side-to-side differences in the ulnar nerve CSA value at each elbow position (all, p < 0.001). There were significant side-to-side differences in the ulnar nerve trace value at each elbow position (all, p < 0.001). The symptomatic ulnar nerve in patients with CuTS exhibited greater stiffness (shear modulus), CSA, and TRACE values, compared with the asymptomatic side. US examinations (shear modulus, CSA, and TRACE evaluation) of the ulnar nerve can be helpful in supporting and supplementing the diagnosis in patients with CuTS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomasz Wolny
- Musculoskeletal Elastography and Ultrasonography Laboratory, Institute of Physiotherapy and Health Sciences, The Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education, Mikołowska 72A, 40-065 Katowice, Poland
| | - César Fernández-de-las-Peñas
- Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, 28922 Madrid, Spain
| | - Arkadiusz Granek
- Hospital of the Ministry of Interior and Administration, 25-316 Kielce, Poland
| | - Paweł Linek
- Musculoskeletal Elastography and Ultrasonography Laboratory, Institute of Physiotherapy and Health Sciences, The Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education, Mikołowska 72A, 40-065 Katowice, Poland
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18
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Gruber H, Honold S, Skalla E, Konschake M, Loizides A. Novel Minimally Invasive Ultrasound-Guided Cubital Tunnel Release: Extending the Scope? Ultraschall Med 2022; 43:403-405. [PMID: 34058780 DOI: 10.1055/a-1511-8359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Hannes Gruber
- Department of Radiology, Medical University Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Sarah Honold
- Department of Radiology, Medical University Innsbruck, Austria
| | | | - Marko Konschake
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology - Division of Clinical and Functional Anatomy, Medical University Innsbruck, Austria
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19
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Kim S, Chung BM, Kim WT, Lee GY, Hur J, Kim JH, Lee Y. Diagnosing ulnar neuropathy at the elbow on MRI: importance of the longitudinal extent of the hyperintense ulnar nerve. Skeletal Radiol 2022; 51:1473-1481. [PMID: 35031836 DOI: 10.1007/s00256-022-03990-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the usefulness of the longitudinal extent (LE) of high ulnar nerve signal intensity (SI) for the diagnosis of ulnar neuropathy at the elbow (UNE). MATERIALS AND METHODS This retrospective study included 68 patients who underwent elbow MRI. Twenty-seven and 41 patients were enrolled in the UNE and control groups, respectively. Qualitative and quantitative analyses of the SI and size of the ulnar nerve at the cubital tunnel, proximal, and distal to the cubital tunnel were performed. Cross-sectional area (CSA) and nerve-to-muscle contrast ratio (NMCR) were measured at each level. The LE of the hyperintense ulnar nerve was evaluated using axial and coronal images. The presence of space-occupying lesions (SOLs), subluxation, and muscle denervation were recorded. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify independent predictive factors. RESULTS Ulnar nerve hyperintensity at and distal to the cubital tunnel, presence of compression, SOL, muscle denervation, LE of hyperintense ulnar nerve, NMCR, and CSA at and distal to the cubital tunnel significantly differed between the two groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the LE of the hyperintense ulnar nerve and CSA at the cubital tunnel were independent predictive factors for UNE (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION LE of the hyperintense ulnar nerve could be a useful predictive factor for UNE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sujin Kim
- Department of Radiology, Chung-Ang University Hospital, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, 102, Heukseok-ro, Dongjak-Gu, Seoul, 156-755, Republic of Korea
| | - Bo Mi Chung
- Department of Radiology, Chung-Ang University Hospital, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, 102, Heukseok-ro, Dongjak-Gu, Seoul, 156-755, Republic of Korea.
| | - Wan Tae Kim
- Department of Radiology, Veterans Health Service Medical Center, 53, Jinhwangdo-ro 61-gil, Gangdong-gu, Seoul, 05368, Republic of Korea
| | - Guen Young Lee
- Department of Radiology, Chung-Ang University Hospital, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, 102, Heukseok-ro, Dongjak-Gu, Seoul, 156-755, Republic of Korea
| | - Joonho Hur
- Department of Radiology, Chung-Ang University Hospital, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, 102, Heukseok-ro, Dongjak-Gu, Seoul, 156-755, Republic of Korea
| | - Joo Hee Kim
- Department of Radiology, Veterans Health Service Medical Center, 53, Jinhwangdo-ro 61-gil, Gangdong-gu, Seoul, 05368, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Lee
- Veterans Health Service Medical Center, Veterans Medical Research Institute, 53, Jinhwangdo-ro 61-gil, Gangdong-gu, Seoul, 05368, Republic of Korea
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20
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Spitz CN, Mogami R, Pitta IJR, Hacker MAVB, Sales AM, Sarno EN, Jardim MR. Ultrasonography as a diagnostic tool for Neural Pain in Leprosy. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010393. [PMID: 35486667 PMCID: PMC9094535 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Leprosy is still a prevalent disease in Brazil, representing 93% of all occurrences in the Americas. Leprosy neuropathy is one of the most worrying manifestations of the disease. Acute neuropathy usually occurs during reaction episodes and is called neuritis. Twenty-two leprosy patients were included in this study. These patients had neural pain associated with ulnar sensory neuropathy, with or without adjunct motor involvement. The neurological picture began within thirty days of the clinical evaluation. The patients underwent a nerve conduction study and the demyelinating findings confirmed the diagnosis of neuritis. Ultrasonographic study (US) of the ulnar nerve was performed in all patients by a radiologist who was blinded to the clinical or neurophysiological results. Morphological characteristics of the ulnar nerve were analyzed, such as echogenicity, fascicular pattern, transverse cross-sectional area (CSA), aspect of the epineurium, as well as their anatomical relationships. The volume of selected muscles referring to the ulnar nerve, as well as their echogenicity, was also examined. Based on this analysis, patients with increased ulnar nerve CSA associated with loss of fascicular pattern, epineurium hyperechogenicity and presence of power Doppler flow were classified as neuritis. Therefore, patients initially classified by the clinical-electrophysiological criteria were reclassified by the imaging criteria pre-established in this study as with and without neuritis. Loss of fascicular pattern and flow detection on power Doppler showed to be significant morphological features in the detection of neuritis. In 38.5% of patients without clinical or neurophysiological findings of neuritis, US identified power Doppler flow and loss of fascicular pattern. The US is a method of high resolution and portability, and its low cost means that it could be used as an auxiliary tool in the diagnosis of neuritis and its treatment, especially in basic health units. Leprosy remains a public health problem, despite being an ancient disease. In most cases, it is associated with neuropathy that can be acute or chronic and this neural involvement can occur before, during, or after multidrug therapy (MDT). Acute neuropathy usually occurs during reaction episodes and is called neuritis. It causes compromised nerve function associated with nociceptive pain [1]. The inflammatory process can also develop neuroplasticity of the peripheral and central nervous systems, which perpetuates this sensation; this phenomenon is known as neuropathic pain, a chronic sensation in leprosy. Differential diagnosis between nociceptive and neuropathic pain is not always easy and in some patients there may be an overlap between nociceptive and neuropathic pain. Currently, clinical and electrophysiological criteria are used for the differential diagnosis of neural pain [2], but especially in the case of recurrent neuritis, these criteria are insufficient. Recent knowledge about pain mechanisms does not define the limit as to where nociceptive ends and neuropathic begins, suggesting that this process is continuous, in addition to being associated. Ultrasonography (US) has been used as an auxiliary tool in the early diagnosis of peripheral nervous system diseases. The method can be implemented in addition to clinical and neurophysiological studies for the diagnosis of neuritis, which allows for the early identification and treatment of the disease [3,4].
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Affiliation(s)
- Clarissa Neves Spitz
- Post-Graduate Program in Neurology, Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Leprosy Laboratory, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- * E-mail:
| | - Roberto Mogami
- Pedro Ernesto University Hospital/Rio de Janeiro State University, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Izabela Jardim Rodrigues Pitta
- Post-Graduate Program in Neurology, Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Leprosy Laboratory, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Anna Maria Sales
- Leprosy Laboratory, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Marcia Rodrigues Jardim
- Post-Graduate Program in Neurology, Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Leprosy Laboratory, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Pedro Ernesto University Hospital/Rio de Janeiro State University, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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21
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Menashe SJ, Maloney E, Perez FA, Ngo AV, Otjen JP, Iyer RS, Friedman S, Thapa M. Normative Values for the Sonographic Measurement of the Pediatric Median and Ulnar Nerves. Acad Radiol 2022; 29 Suppl 3:S147-S156. [PMID: 34518058 DOI: 10.1016/j.acra.2021.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 07/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
RATIONAL AND OBJECTIVES Ultrasound investigation of peripheral nerves, long used in the adult population, has been shown to be of value in diagnosing a variety of peripheral nerve abnormalities. More recently, nerve sonography has also been shown to be of use in pediatrics. However, normative values for nerve size in children have been lacking. As such, the goal of this research was to establish normative data for cross sectional area (CSA) measurements of the median and ulnar nerves in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS The median and ulnar nerves of 48 children ranging in age from 2 years to 17 years were imaged by ultrasound. CSA measurements were made at 2 separate sites for each nerve and measured independently by 6 pediatric radiologists. Reliability of ultrasound measurements between the radiologists was assessed by calculating intraclass correlation coefficients. Linear mixed-effects modeling was performed to develop prediction models for nerve cross sectional area for each nerve segment; 95% prediction values were generated from these models to approximate normal ranges. RESULTS Agreement in nerve cross-sectional area measurements among the 6 radiologists for all nerve segments was good (ICC 0.82, 95% CI 0.78 to 0.85). CSA for both the median and ulnar nerves is larger in older children. However, statistical models to predict CSA using height perform better rather than those using a child's age. The range of normal nerve segment CSA using these prediction models based on child height are reported. CONCLUSION Median and ulnar nerve CSA can be reliably measured with ultrasound. Normal reference values for ulnar and median nerve CSA correlate with patient age but may be more optimally determined based on a child's height.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah J Menashe
- Department of Radiology, Seattle Children's Hospital and University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle Washington.
| | - Ezekiel Maloney
- Department of Radiology, Seattle Children's Hospital and University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle Washington
| | - Francisco A Perez
- Department of Radiology, Seattle Children's Hospital and University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle Washington
| | - Anh-Vu Ngo
- Department of Radiology, Seattle Children's Hospital and University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle Washington
| | - Jeff P Otjen
- Department of Radiology, Seattle Children's Hospital and University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle Washington
| | - Ramesh S Iyer
- Department of Radiology, Seattle Children's Hospital and University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle Washington
| | - Seth Friedman
- Department of Radiology, Seattle Children's Hospital and University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle Washington
| | - Mahesh Thapa
- Department of Radiology, Seattle Children's Hospital and University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle Washington
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22
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Niu J, Ding Q, Fan J, Zhang L, Liu J, Guan Y, Wu S, Cui L, Liu M. Nerve Ultrasound Performances in Differentiating POEMS Syndrome from CIDP. Neurotherapeutics 2022; 19:455-463. [PMID: 35257327 PMCID: PMC9226218 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-022-01209-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/19/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) and polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, M-protein, and skin changes (POEMS) syndrome are both acquired demyelinating polyneuropathies. We aim to explore the different features of ultrasonographic changes between CIDP and POEMS syndrome. Nerve ultrasonographic studies were performed in 120 patients with CIDP and 34 patients with POEMS syndrome. Cross-sectional areas (CSAs) were measured on the bilateral median nerve, ulnar nerve, and brachial plexus. Nerve conduction studies were performed on median and ulnar nerves to detect motor conduction blocks (CBs). CSAs at all sites were larger in patients with CIDP and POEMS syndrome than in healthy controls. Maximal CSA (median (min to max)) was 14 (6-194) mm2 for median nerve, 9 (4-92) mm2 for ulnar nerve, and 14 (7-199) mm2 for brachial plexus in CIDP and 11 (8-16) mm2 for median nerve, 8.5 (6-13) mm2 for ulnar nerve, and 14 (10-20) mm2 for brachial plexus in POEMS syndrome. The ratio of maximum/minimum CSA of the median nerve was significantly larger in CIDP (2.8 ± 2.8) than in POEMS syndrome (1.7 ± 0.3). CBs or probable CBs were detected in 60 out of 120 CIDP patients but in none of the POEMS syndromes. For distinguishing CIDP and POEMS syndrome, a two-step protocol using CB and maximum/minimum CSA of the median nerve yields a sensitivity of 93% and a specificity of 79%. In conclusion, compared with CIDP, nerve CSA enlargement was more homogeneous along the same nerve in individual POEMS patients, as well as among different POEMS patients. The addition of nerve ultrasound to nerve conduction studies significantly improves the differential diagnosis between the two diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingwen Niu
- Department of Neurology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qingyun Ding
- Department of Neurology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Fan
- Department of Neurology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jingwen Liu
- Department of Neurology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yuzhou Guan
- Department of Neurology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shuang Wu
- Department of Neurology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Liying Cui
- Department of Neurology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Mingsheng Liu
- Department of Neurology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
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23
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Boers N, Martin E, Mazur M, Krijgh DD, Vlak MHM, de Ruiter GCW, Goedee HS, Coert JH. Sonographic normal values for the cross-sectional area of the ulnar nerve: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Ultrasound 2022; 26:81-88. [PMID: 35182316 PMCID: PMC10063700 DOI: 10.1007/s40477-022-00661-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Nerve size is a commonly used sonographic parameter when assessing suspected entrapment of the ulnar nerve. We aimed to create a robust set of normal values, based on a critical review of published normal values. METHODS We performed a systematic evaluation of studies on normal ulnar nerve sizes, identified in PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases. Using meta-analyses, we determined pooled mean cross-sectional area (CSA) values for different anatomical locations of the ulnar nerve throughout the arm. Subgroup analyses were performed for gender, probe frequency, in- or exclusion of diabetic patients, position of the elbow and Asian versus other populations. RESULTS We identified 90 studies of which 77 studies were included for further analyses after quality review, resulting in data from 5772 arms of 3472 participants. Subgroup analyses show lower CSA values at at the wrist crease and proximal to the wrist crease when using low frequency probes (< 15 MHz) and at the wrist crease, proximal to the wrist crease, proximal forearm and the distal upper arm in Asians. CSA values were lower when in flexed position compared to extended position for the cubital tunnel inlet only. No difference was found for gender. CONCLUSIONS Our systematic review provides a comprehensive set of normal values at sites along the entire length of the ulnar nerve. This provides a foundation for clinical practise and upon which future studies could be more systematically compared.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Boers
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Utrecht Medical Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Hand Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Enrico Martin
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Utrecht Medical Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marc Mazur
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Utrecht Medical Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - David D Krijgh
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Utrecht Medical Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Monique H M Vlak
- Department of Neurology, Haaglanden Medical Center, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Godard C W de Ruiter
- Department of Neurosurgery, Haaglanden Medical Center, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - H Stephan Goedee
- Department of Neurology, Utrecht Medical Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - J Henk Coert
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Utrecht Medical Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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24
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Rossmann T, Reissig LF, Pfisterer WK, Grisold W, Weninger WJ, Meng S. Angiosomes of the Ulnar Nerve at the Elbow: A Cadaver Trial Using Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound. Ultrasound Med Biol 2021; 47:3393-3402. [PMID: 34479732 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2021.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Three major arteries supplying the ulnar nerve in the cubital tunnel are commonly known. However, their vascular territories (angiosomes) have not been described yet. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound was used to identify the angiosomes of posterior ulnar recurrent artery, inferior ulnar collateral artery and superior ulnar collateral artery in 20 fresh, non-frozen human body donors. The arteries were cannulated, and physiologic blood flow was simulated. Contrast agent was applied in each vessel in a randomized sequence, and the length of the contrast-enhancing ulnar nerve segment was measured by a radiologist blinded to the sequence. The angiosome of the posterior ulnar recurrent artery overlaps both other angiosomes. It fully covers the cubital tunnel in 63.6% of specimens. In addition, collateral flow via nerve and muscle branches of the arterial anastomotic network around the elbow (rete articulare cubiti) partly maintains the intra-neural blood flow in the absence of a vascular pedicle. The posterior ulnar recurrent artery is the dominant nutrient vessel of the ulnar nerve in the cubital tunnel. A potential watershed zone exists proximal to the Osborne ligament. Knowledge of these angiosomes may advance surgery of the ulnar nerve in the cubital tunnel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Rossmann
- Division of Anatomy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Department of Neurosurgery, Neuromed Campus, Kepler University Hospital, Johannes Kepler University, Linz, Austria
| | - Lukas F Reissig
- Division of Anatomy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Wolfgang Grisold
- Neurology Consultancy Unit, Division of Anatomy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Stefan Meng
- Division of Anatomy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Department of Radiology, Hanusch Hospital, Vienna, Austria.
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Park YH, Oh D. Comment to: The utility of ultrasound examination in cubital tunnel syndrome caused by heterotopic ossification. Med Ultrason 2021; 23:496-497. [PMID: 34822713 DOI: 10.11152/mu-3458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Ultrasound (US) could visualize the pathological anatomy of HO and the enlargement site and compression location of the nerve in the cubital tunnel [1]. We read with great interest the article of Jačisko et al[2]. In addition, we report rare US images of HO in direct contact with the swollen ulnar nerve in the cubital tunnel that was not detected by plain radiography. A 60-year-old female presented with a six-month history of elbow pain. Her pain was located at the medial side of the right elbow joint and accompanied by numbness of the fifth finger. She had a history of excessive manual labor due to her occupation as a gardener over the past few decades. The numbness began with the fifth finger initially and gradually extended toward the medial side of the elbow joint. US images showed hyperechoic masses causing acoustic shadowing, in direct contact with the ulnar nerve in the cubital tunnel. The HO seems to be related to compression of the ulnar nerve. The ulnar nerve was swollen (Figure 1-a, b). The maximal cross-sectional-area was 0.10 cm2. Plain elbow radiographs demonstrated osteophyte formation in the coronoid process of the ulna, the coronoid fossa of the humerus, and in the radial head (Figure 1-c). Radiographic imaging showed no heterotopic bone formation in the soft tissues surrounding the medial side of the right elbow. We performed US-guided perineural injection with a mixture of 1 cc of 10 mg triamcinolone and 3 cc of 0.2 % ropivacaine. Her pain and numbness gradually diminished with no adverse effects. Her pain reduced by 70% after two weeks, with pain improvement sustained for 6 months after the injection. Jačisko et al[2]have presented some diagnostic US imaging on neuropathy caused by HO located close to the ulnar nerve in the cubital tunnel. Especially, this case showed definite heterotopic bone formation in the soft tissue surrounding the medial side of the elbow on plain radiography. The classic sonographic patterns of HO were defined by the presence of central hypoechoic area surrounded by foci of calcification [3, 4]. The distortion of normal soft tissue and the formation of hypoechoic areas, with or without foci of calcification can also be shown as early signs[3, 4]. The use of US for HO is highly sensitive and provides an earlier diagnosis compared with other radiologic modalities [3-5]. It can be an effective treatment strategy and may improve the prognosis of neuropathy. We highlight that US evaluation can provide early diagnostic information about ulnar nerve morphology and various HO formations even if plane radiographs did not show heterotopic bone formation in the soft tissues surrounding the medial side of the elbow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yei Heum Park
- Department of anesthesia & pain medicine, Inje University Haeundae Paik Hospital, Busan, Republic of Korea.
| | - Daeseok Oh
- Department of anesthesia & pain medicine, Inje University Haeundae Paik Hospital, Busan, Republic of Korea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adeel S Zubair
- Department of Neurology, Division of Neuromuscular Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, CT, New Haven, USA
| | - Annie Wang
- Department of Radiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Bhaskar Roy
- Department of Neurology, Division of Neuromuscular Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, CT, New Haven, USA.
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Limbekar NS, Soong MC, Vytopil MM, Blanchet DT, Paci GM, Ho DT. High-Resolution Ultrasound in the Diagnosis and Surgical Management of Ulnar Neuropathy at the Elbow. Orthopedics 2021; 44:285-288. [PMID: 34590945 DOI: 10.3928/01477447-20210819-06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
High-resolution ultrasound (HRU) has recently demonstrated the potential to facilitate diagnosis and treatment of upper extremity compression neuropathy. The authors hypothesized that HRU can improve preoperative evaluation of ulnar neuropathy at the elbow (UNE) and that changes in ulnar nerve cross-sectional area (CSA) after cubital tunnel release may correlate with outcomes. Nineteen adult patients diagnosed with UNE who were scheduled for surgical decompression by a single hand surgeon were enrolled. Electrodiagnostic (EDX) testing, HRU of the ulnar nerve, Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) score, and McGowan grade were obtained pre- and postoperatively. Fourteen patients completed the study. Statistically significant improvements were found in CSA measurements and QuickDASH scores. High-resolution ultra-sound was found to confirm UNE in all 7 patients with positive results on EDX, and additionally detected UNE in 3 of 6 patients with negative results on EDX and in 1 patient with equivocal (nonlocalized) EDX testing. All 4 of these additional HRU-detected cases improved clinically and by CSA measurements after surgery. In this series, HRU was superior to EDX testing in the diagnosis of UNE and demonstrated objective improvement in ulnar nerve CSA after successful cubital tunnel release. This modality, which is better tolerated, less costly, and less time-consuming than EDX testing or magnetic resonance imaging, should therefore be considered in the diagnosis and surgical management of UNE, particularly in cases with negative or equivocal results on EDX testing, or when outcomes are suboptimal. [Orthopedics. 2021;44(5):285-288.].
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Min HK, Kim SH, Lee SH, Kim HR. Shingles in palmar cutaneous branch of ulnar nerve. Korean J Intern Med 2021; 36:1029-1030. [PMID: 32306713 PMCID: PMC8273827 DOI: 10.3904/kjim.2020.083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hong Ki Min
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Konkuk University Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Se Hee Kim
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Konkuk University Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sang-Heon Lee
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Konkuk University Medical Center, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hae-Rim Kim
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Konkuk University Medical Center, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Correspondence to Hae-Rim Kim, M.D. Tel: +82-2-2030-7542 Fax: +82-2-2030-7728 E-mail:
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Mahran SA, Galluccio F, Khedr TM, Elsonbaty A, Allam AES, Garcia Martos A, Osman DMM, Matucci-Cerinic M, Guiducci S, Galal MAA. Peripheral neuropathy in systemic lupus erythematosus: what can neuromuscular ultrasonography (NMUS) tell us? A cross-sectional study. Lupus Sci Med 2021; 8:e000521. [PMID: 34312211 PMCID: PMC8314698 DOI: 10.1136/lupus-2021-000521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate peripheral nerve involvement in patients with SLE with neuromuscular ultrasonography (NMUS) and understand its role in investigating SLE-related peripheral neuropathy. METHODS This is an observational cross-sectional study on patients with SLE and healthy controls. Five nerves in each patient were examined bilaterally with NMUS, and the cross-sectional area (CSA) of each nerve at certain sites was estimated. The mean CSA at each site, for each nerve, in each group was statistically analysed and compared between groups. RESULTS 370 nerves were evaluated in 37 patients. By nerve conduction study (NCS), 36 patients had polyneuropathy (80.6% mixed type, 19.4% sensory). Significant mean CSA enlargement was present among the ulnar nerve at the Guyon's canal and mid-humerus (both p=0.001); tibial nerve at the distal leg and proximal to the tarsal tunnel (p=0.003 and p=0.001, respectively); and peroneal nerve at the popliteal fossa (p=0.042). The mean CSA showed high specificity compared with NCS. CONCLUSION Our study shows that CSA could be a complementary tool to NCS for studying peripheral neuropathy in SLE. Furthermore, NMUS provides data on the different pathophysiological aspects of nerve involvement in SLE. Future studies using more than one sonographic parameter in combination with NCS and nerve histopathology are recommended to further investigate SLE-related neuropathy.Trial registration number NCT04527172.
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Affiliation(s)
- Safaa A Mahran
- Department of Rheumatology, Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Felice Galluccio
- Medical-Geriatric Department, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Careggi, Firenze, Italy
- MoMaRC Morphological Madrid Research Center, Ultradissection group, Madrid, Spain
| | - Tayseer Mohamed Khedr
- Department of Rheumatology, Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Amira Elsonbaty
- Department of Rheumatology, Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Abdallah El-Sayed Allam
- MoMaRC Morphological Madrid Research Center, Ultradissection group, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Physical Medicine, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Tanta University Faculty of Medicine, Tanta, Egypt
| | | | - Doaa M M Osman
- Department of Public Health and Community, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Marco Matucci-Cerinic
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Firenze, Italy
| | - Serena Guiducci
- Medical-Geriatric Department, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Careggi, Firenze, Italy
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Firenze, Italy
| | - Marwa A A Galal
- Department of Rheumatology, Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
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30
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Deeg J, Loizides A, Löscher W, Zangerle A, Gruber H. Cycling-Related Compressive Neuropathy of the Deep Ulnar Motor Branch in the Hand: Is Sonography a Valid Tool? Ultrasound Med Biol 2021; 47:1970-1975. [PMID: 33810886 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2021.02.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Repetitive vibratory trauma in cyclists is one of the most common causes of ulnar nerve compression at the wrist. This study describes five cases of clinically suspected compression syndrome of the deep terminal branch of the ulnar nerve (DBUN) defined by high-resolution ultrasound (HRUS) with a 18-MHz linear transducer. Reliable HRUS visualization of the DBUN was feasible in all patients. The affected nerves had focally swollen and hypo-echoic changed segments. HRUS is a good imaging tool for the evaluation of a suspicious DBUN neuropathy if no electrodiagnostic testing is available or in patients with mild to moderate clinical symptoms with inconclusive electrodiagnostic results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Deeg
- Department of Radiology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria.
| | - Alexander Loizides
- Department of Radiology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Wolfgang Löscher
- Department of Neurology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria
| | | | - Hannes Gruber
- Department of Radiology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria
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31
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Narayan S, Goel A, Singh AK, Thacker AK, Singh N, Gutch M. High resolution ultrasonography of peripheral nerves in diabetic patients to evaluate nerve cross sectional area with clinical profile. Br J Radiol 2021; 94:20200173. [PMID: 33733810 PMCID: PMC8506179 DOI: 10.1259/bjr.20200173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this observational study was ultrasound evaluation of peripheral nerves cross-sectional area (CSA) in subjects with probable diabetic peripheral sensorimotor neuropathy (DPN). CSA was analyzed with reference to clinical and nerve conduction study's (NCS) parameters for early diagnosis and pattern of involvement. METHODS A total of 50 patients with probable DPN due to Type 2 diabetes and 50 age-matched healthy controls underwent sonographic examinations of ulnar nerve at the lower arm, median nerve proximal to carpal tunnel, the common peroneal nerve proximal to fibular head, tibial nerve proximal to the tarsal tunnel, and sural nerve at lower third leg. RESULTS CSA was increased in cases of DPN as compared to healthy controls. Area changes were more marked with demyelinating pattern. Probable DPN cases with normal NCS had significantly higher number of peripheral nerves showing increased CSA as compared to healthy control. A cut-off of >4 nerve thickening showed a sensitivity of 86 %, and specificity of 56%. The neuropathy pattern in the lower limb was axonal, whereas in the upper limb, it was demyelinating with the majority showing sonographic feature of associated compressive neuropathy. CONCLUSION There is an increase in CSA of peripheral nerve in diabetic patients. It can be used as a morphological marker for classifying DPN with changes being picked up earlier to NCS abnormality. Clinical neurological presentation in probable DPN can also be due to compressive neuropathy in early phases, and ultrasound can be a useful tool. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE Early pick up of DPN cases shall be useful for early therapy and motivating the patients to actively participate in the treatment. Morphological changes on ultrasonography precedes the electrodiagnostic change in DPN. Symptoms of DPN is not only due to metabolic changes but also compressive neuropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shamrendra Narayan
- Department of Radiodiagnosis, Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, India
| | - Amit Goel
- Department of Radiodiagnosis, Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, India
| | - Ajai Kumar Singh
- Department of Neurology, Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, India
| | - Anup Kumar Thacker
- Department of Neurology, Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, India
| | - Neha Singh
- Department of Radiodiagnosis, Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, India
| | - Manish Gutch
- Department of Endocrinology, Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, India
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Bedewi MA, Kotb MA, Aldossary NM, Abodonya AM, Alhariqi BA, Swify SM. Shear wave elastography of the ulnar nerve at the forearm. Medicine (Baltimore) 2021; 100:e24071. [PMID: 33466166 PMCID: PMC7808468 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000024071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The study included 38 ulnar nerves in 20 healthy subjects. High-resolution ultrasound and Shear wave elastography were used to evaluate the ulnar nerve at the mid forearm. The mean cross-sectional area of the ulnar nerve was 7.1 mm2. The mean shear elastic modulus of the nerve in the short axis was 27.4 kPa. The mean shear elastic modulus of the nerve in long axis was 24.7 kPa. No statistical relation could be noted between elasticity measurements in long and short axes. The ulnar nerve elastic modulus also showed no correlation with CSA neither in the long axis nor short axis. Age, height, weight, and body mass index showed no correlation with the ulnar elastic modulus in short or long axes. The elastic modulus of the ulnar nerve has been determined in healthy subjects and can serve as a reference for future assessment of compressive neuropathies of the ulnar nerve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Abdelmohsen Bedewi
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Mamdouh A. Kotb
- Neurology Department, College of Medicine, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- Neurology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Minia, Egypt
| | - Nasser M. Aldossary
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed M. Abodonya
- Anesthesia and Intensive Care Department, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
- Surgery Department, College of Medicine, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Bader A. Alhariqi
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
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Niu J, Li Y, Zhang L, Ding Q, Cui L, Liu M. Cross‐sectional area reference values for sonography of nerves in the upper extremities. Muscle Nerve 2019; 61:338-346. [PMID: 31837161 DOI: 10.1002/mus.26781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2019] [Revised: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 12/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jingwen Niu
- Department of Neurology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Li
- Department of Neurology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qingyun Ding
- Department of Neurology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Liying Cui
- Department of Neurology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Mingsheng Liu
- Department of Neurology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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Kurihara Y, Hanayama K, Kodama M, Furukawa T, Masakado Y. Two Cases of Doppler Sonography for Intraneural Vascularity of Ulnar Neuropathy at the Elbow: Before and After Surgery. Tokai J Exp Clin Med 2019; 44:25-28. [PMID: 31250421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2018] [Accepted: 02/28/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The finding of an intraneural blood flow (IBF) signal on Doppler sonography (DS) in non-surgical cases is interpreted in several ways and usually represents a pathologic condition with entrapment neuropathy. There have been no reports of the IBF signal on DS after surgery for ulnar neuropathy at the elbow (UNE). IBF was investigated before and after surgery in two cases diagnosed with UNE before surgery and confirmed after surgery. Both underwent electrodiagnostic (EDX) studies, grey scale sonography (GS), and DS before and after surgery and were diagnosed as having UNE by EDX study and GS. On DS, an IBF signal was not detected in both cases before surgery. After surgery, both cases improved their clinical and EDX findings, and an IBF signal and pulsatility were detected on DS. With respect to vascular problems, recovering venous and arterial blood supplies and dilated vessels would show much more blood flow during recovery of the affected ulnar nerve site following decompression surgery. The IBF signal would not always implicate pathology. When assessing recovery from UNE after surgery, it may be useful to evaluate intraneural vascularity at the affected site with DS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuka Kurihara
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Tokai University School of Medicine, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara, Kanagawa 259-1193, Japan.
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35
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Puma A, Azulay N, Grecu N, Suply C, Panicucci E, Cambieri C, Villa L, Raffaelli C, Sacconi S. Comparison of high-frequency and ultrahigh-frequency probes in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy. J Neurol 2019; 266:2277-2285. [PMID: 31175432 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-019-09392-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2019] [Revised: 05/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES High-frequency ultrasound (HFUS 18-20 MHz) performed on patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) shows a focal enlargement, particularly in the proximal segments of upper-arm motor nerves. Ultrahigh frequency ultrasound (UHFUS 30-70 MHz), having a higher spatial resolution, enables a better characterization of nerve structures. The aim of this study was to compare the two ultrasound probes in the evaluation of motor nerve characteristics in CIDP patients. METHODS Eleven patients with definite or probable CIDP underwent an ultrasound evaluation of median and ulnar nerves, bilaterally. Nerve and fascicle cross-sectional area (CSA), vascularization, and echogenicity were assessed. RESULTS Nerve and fascicle CSA were increased in the proximal segments, especially in the median nerve, in 9/11 patients and in 10/11 patients at the HFUS and UHFUS evaluations, respectively. A statistically significant difference between CSA values obtained with the two probes was found only for fascicle values. UHFUS allowed for a more precise estimation of fascicle size and number than the HFUS. We were able to identify nerve vascularization in 4/11 patients at UHFUS only. CONCLUSION UHFUS gives more detailed information on the changes in the internal nerve structure in CIDP patients. In particular, it permits to better characterize fascicle size and morphology, and to have a precise estimation of their number. Its frequency range also allows to evaluate nerve vascularization. SIGNIFICANCE Ultrasound evaluation could become an adjunctive diagnostic tool for CIDP. Further studies are needed to validate the examined parameters as biomarkers for the evaluation and follow-up of CIDP patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Puma
- Peripheral Nervous System, Muscle and ALS Department, CHU Nice, Université Côte D'Azur, Nice, France.
- UMR7370 CNRS, LP2M, Labex ICST, Faculty of Medicine, Université Nice Côte d'Azur, Nice, France.
| | - N Azulay
- Ultrasound Department, CHU Nice, Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France
| | - N Grecu
- Peripheral Nervous System, Muscle and ALS Department, CHU Nice, Université Côte D'Azur, Nice, France
| | - C Suply
- Peripheral Nervous System, Muscle and ALS Department, CHU Nice, Université Côte D'Azur, Nice, France
| | - E Panicucci
- Peripheral Nervous System, Muscle and ALS Department, CHU Nice, Université Côte D'Azur, Nice, France
| | - C Cambieri
- Peripheral Nervous System, Muscle and ALS Department, CHU Nice, Université Côte D'Azur, Nice, France
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Centre of Rare Neuromuscular Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - L Villa
- Peripheral Nervous System, Muscle and ALS Department, CHU Nice, Université Côte D'Azur, Nice, France
- Pathology Department, CHU Nice, Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France
| | - C Raffaelli
- Ultrasound Department, CHU Nice, Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France
| | - S Sacconi
- Peripheral Nervous System, Muscle and ALS Department, CHU Nice, Université Côte D'Azur, Nice, France
- Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging of Nice (IRCAN), INSERM U1081, CNRS UMR 7284, Faculty of Medicine, Université Côte d'Azur (UCA), Nice, France
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Shrestha BK, Ranabhat K, Pant R, Sapkota S, Shrestha S. Neuritic Leprosy; An Intriguing Re-visit to a Forbidden Ailment. Kathmandu Univ Med J (KUMJ) 2019; 17:73-76. [PMID: 31734684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease that presents with varied manifestations. Pure neuritic leprosy is one of the rarest forms of the disease which is characterized by nerve involvement without the characteristic cutaneous stigmata. Eleven year old, healthy male presented with progressively increasing painful swelling at the medial aspect of the arm near to the right elbow joint with difficulty in extending right ring and little fingers at interphalangeal joint and numbness in the same region for last 1 year with no cutaneous abnormalities. Physical examination revealed 6x3 cm firm, tender lesion 3 cm proximal to the right elbow joint with positive tinel's sign, without signs of inflammation, along with characteristic claw hand deformity of right hand and atrophy of hypothenar and interossei muscle. Electro-diagnostic testing revealed findings consistent with a right ulnar axonal neuropathy above the elbow. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed well defined heterogeneously hyper intense linear lesion along the course of thickened ulnar nerve in the distal arm extending posterior to the medial condyle. It also showed an oval shaped lesion (2.1x1.0 cm) arising from the same segment of the nerve, without any bony or muscular involvement of that area. The patient underwent surgical exploration and ulnar nerve decompression with biopsy. Pathology revealed necrotizing granulomatous inflammatory acid fast bacilli stain negative lesion, which was histologically consistent with caseous abscess caused by tuberculoid leprosy, pathognomonic for Hansen's disease. He has been started on antibiotic therapy and is referred to leprosy center for further course of management. Pure neuritic leprosy, though rare, should be considered as differential diagnosis in cases presenting with peripheral neuropathy at leprosy-endemic areas. Prompt diagnosis and treatment is imperative to prevent permanent neurological injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- B K Shrestha
- Department of Neurosurgery, Upendra Devkota Memorial National Institute of Neurological and Allied Sciences, Bansbari, Kathmandu
| | - K Ranabhat
- Department of Radiology, Upendra Devkota Memorial National Institute of Neurological and Allied Sciences, Bansbari, Kathmandu
| | - R Pant
- Department of Pathology, Upendra Devkota Memorial National Institute of Neurological and Allied Sciences, Bansbari, Kathmandu
| | - S Sapkota
- Department of Neurosurgery, Upendra Devkota Memorial National Institute of Neurological and Allied Sciences, Bansbari, Kathmandu
| | - S Shrestha
- Department of Neurosurgery, Upendra Devkota Memorial National Institute of Neurological and Allied Sciences, Bansbari, Kathmandu
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Picelli A, Tamburin S, Berto G, Chemello E, Gandolfi M, Saltuari L, Waldner A, Smania N. Electrodiagnostic and nerve ultrasonographic features in upper limb spasticity: an observational study. Funct Neurol 2018; 32:119-122. [PMID: 29041999 DOI: 10.11138/fneur/2017.32.3.119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
To better understand the effects of spasticity on peripheral nerves, we evaluated the electrodiagnostic and nerve ultrasonographic features of the median and ulnar nerves in adults with upper limb spasticity. Twenty chronic stroke patients with spastic hemiparesis underwent nerve conduction study and nerve ultrasonography of the median and ulnar nerves at both upper limbs. Affected versus unaffected upper limb comparisons showed significant differences in the median and ulnar nerve distal motor latencies, compound muscle action potentials and F-wave minimal latencies. Furthermore, we observed a significantly greater median nerve crosssectional area at the elbow of the affected upper limb compared with the unaffected one. Our findings confirmed electrodiagnostic asymmetries and nerve ultrasonographic abnormalities in the affected versus the unaffected upper limb after stroke. Slight changes in lower motor neuron activity and spasticity might contribute to these alterations.
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Rusu GM, Ciuce C, Fodor L, Manole S, Dudea SM. Ultrasonographic and Imaging Appearance of Peripheral Intraneural Vascular Anomalies: Report of Two Cases and Review of the Literature. Med Ultrason 2018; 20:237-246. [PMID: 29730692 DOI: 10.11152/mu-1459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of the paper is to present the ultrasonographic and imaging appearance of two cases of peripheral nerve intraneural vascular anomalies and provide a comprehensive review of the publications on this subject.The clinical presentation, ultrasonographic appearance, corresponding imaging and outcome of a case of ulnar nerve venous malformation and a case of median nerve arteriovenous malformation are presented.Literature search revealed 35 papers presenting 52 cases of vascular anomalies involving the peripheral nerves. The ultrasonographic appearance was described only in ten cases. Our review suggests that peripheral intraneural vascular anomalies are twice more frequent in women. About three quarters of them are located in the upper limb, with the median nerve involved in one third and the ulnar nerved involved in a quarter of all cases. Most of the cases are hemangiomas. Peripheral neural compartment syndromes in patients with coexisting vascular anomalies may prompt for vascular neural involvement, requiring diagnostic imaging studies. Gray-scale and Doppler ultrasound are the methods of first choice, as they provide not only direct visual proof of neural involvement but also contribute to the differential diagnosis between hemangiomas and vascular malformations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Constantin Ciuce
- "Iuliu Hațieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
| | - Lucian Fodor
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Emergency Clinical County Hospital, Cluj-Napoca,.
| | - Simona Manole
- "Iuliu Hațieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
| | - Sorin Marian Dudea
- "Iuliu Hațieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
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Ozturk O, Tezcan AH, Bilge A, Ateş H, Yagmurdur H, Erbas M. Evaluation of the relationship between the topographical anatomy in the axillary region of the brachial plexus and the body mass index. J Clin Monit Comput 2017; 32:779-784. [PMID: 28871408 DOI: 10.1007/s10877-017-0062-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2017] [Accepted: 08/30/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
To investigate the topographic anatomy of the median, musculocutaneous, radial and ulnar nerves with respect to the axillary artery and to seek whether these configurations are associated with baseline descriptive data including age, gender, and body-mass index. This cross-sectional trial was carried out on 199 patients (85 women, 114 men; average age: 46.78 ± 15.45 years) in the department of anaesthesiology and reanimation of a tertiary care center. Topographic anatomy of the median, musculocutaneous, radial and ulnar nerves was assessed with ultrasonography. Localization of these nerves with respect to the axillary artery was marked on the map demonstrating 16 zones around the axillary artery. Frequencies of localizations of every nerve in these zones were recorded, and the correlation of these locations with descriptive data including age, gender and BMI was investigated. There was no difference between women and men for the distribution of the median (p = 0.74), ulnar (p = 0.35) and radial (p = 0.64) nerves. However, the musculocutaneous nerve was more commonly located in Zone A13 in men compared to women (p = 0.02). The localization of the median (p = 0.85), ulnar (p = 0.27) and radial (p = 0.88) nerves did not differ remarkably between patients with BMI < 25 kg/m2 and patients with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2. Notably, the musculocutaneous nerve was more often determined in Zone A10 in cases with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 (p = 0.001). Our results imply that the alignment of the musculocutaneous nerve may vary in men and overweight people. This fact must be considered by the anaesthetist before planning the axillary block of brachial plexus. All these informations may enlighten the planning stages of the brachial plexus blockade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omur Ozturk
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Reanimation, Canakkale 18 Mart University, Canakkale, Turkey.
| | - Aysu Hayriye Tezcan
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Reanimation, Kafkas University, Kars, Turkey
| | - Ali Bilge
- Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Kafkas University, Kars, Turkey
| | - Hakan Ateş
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Reanimation, Ahi Evran University, Kırşehir, Turkey
| | - Hatice Yagmurdur
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Reanimation, Kafkas University, Kars, Turkey
| | - Mesut Erbas
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Reanimation, Canakkale 18 Mart University, Canakkale, Turkey
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Bathala L, N. Krishnam V, Kumar HK, Neladimmanahally V, Nagaraju U, Kumar HM, Telleman JA, Visser LH. Extensive sonographic ulnar nerve enlargement above the medial epicondyle is a characteristic sign in Hansen's neuropathy. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017; 11:e0005766. [PMID: 28753608 PMCID: PMC5549994 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2016] [Revised: 08/09/2017] [Accepted: 06/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Earlier studies have shown sonographic enlargement of the ulnar nerve in patients with Hansen’s neuropathy. The present study was performed to determine whether sonography or electrophysiological studies can detect the specific site of ulnar nerve pathology in leprosy. Methods Eighteen patients (thirty arms) with Hansen’s disease and an ulnar neuropathy of whom 66% had borderline tuberculoid (BT), 27% lepromatous leprosy (LL) and 7% mid-borderline (BB) leprosy were included in the study. Cross-sectional area (CSA) of ulnar nerve was measured every two centimeters from wrist to medial epicondyle and from there to axilla. All patients underwent standard motor and sensory nerve conduction studies of the ulnar nerve. Thirty age and sex matched controls underwent similar ulnar nerve CSA measurements and conduction studies. Results Ulnar nerve was clinically palpable in 19 of the 30 arms of patients. Motor and sensory nerve conduction studies of the ulnar nerve showed a reduced compound motor action potential and sensory nerve action potential amplitude in all patients. Motor Conduction Velocity (MCV) in patients were slower in comparison to controls, especially at the elbow and upper arm, but unable to exactly locate the site of the lesion. In comparison to controls the ulnar nerveCSA was larger in the whole arm in patients and quite specific the maximum enlargement was seen between nulnar sulcus and axilla, peaking at four centimeters above the sulcus. Conclusions A unique sonographic pattern of nerve enlargement is noted in patients with ulnar neuropathy due to Hansen’s disease, while this was not the case for the technique used until now, the electrodiagnostic testing. The enlargement starts at ulnar sulcus and is maximum four centimeters above the medial epicondyle and starts reducing further along the tract. This characteristic finding can help especially in diagnosing pure neuritic type of Hansen’s disease, in which skin lesions are absent, and alsoto differentiate leprosy from other neuropathies in which nerve enlargement can occur. Hansen’s neuropathy is caused by Mycobacterium leprae. The diagnosis of Hansen disease is based on typical skin lesions, nerve enlargement and presence of bacilli in the skin smear. One of the types of leprosy is a pure neuritic type which manifests without skin lesions. High resolution ultrasound is new modality by which the morphology of the peripheral nerves can be studied. Earlier studies have shown that peripheral nerves are thickened in Hansen’s disease and ultrasound is superior in identifying nerve enlargement when compared with clinical palpation. Good correlation exits between nerve enlargement and electrophysiological studies. The current research was to look for a specific pattern of nerve enlargement and we studied patients with Hansen’s ulnar neuropathy. We found an unique pattern of nerve enlargement in which the ulnar nerve enlargement starts at the sulcus and the enlargement is maximum four centimetres above the sulcus and then it tapers. This pattern of unique nerve enlargement can help especially in diagnosing pure neuritic type of Hansen’s disease, in which skin lesions are absent, and is also useful to differentiate leprosy from other neuropathies in which nerve enlargement can occur.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lokesh Bathala
- Department of Neurology, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore, India
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Hari Kishan Kumar
- Department of Dermatology, Raja Rajeswari Medical College & Hospital, Bangalore, India
| | | | - Umashankar Nagaraju
- Department of Dermatology, Raja Rajeswari Medical College & Hospital, Bangalore, India
| | - Himanshu M. Kumar
- Department of Public health, Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Public Health and Center for Disease Control, Bangalore, India
| | - Johan A. Telleman
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology, Elisabeth-Tweesteden Hospital, Tilburg, The Netherlands
| | - Leo H. Visser
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology, Elisabeth-Tweesteden Hospital, Tilburg, The Netherlands
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Márquez G, Romero-Arenas S, Marín-Pagán C, Vera-Ibañez A, FernáNdez Del Olmo M, Taube W. Peripheral and central fatigue after high intensity resistance circuit training. Muscle Nerve 2017; 56:152-159. [PMID: 28346689 DOI: 10.1002/mus.25460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of high intensity resistance circuit (HIRC) and traditional strength training (TST) on neuromuscular fatigue and metabolic responses. METHODS Twelve trained young subjects performed HIRC and TST in a counterbalanced order with 1 week rest in-between. The amount of workload and the inter-set time for each local muscle group were matched (180 s), however, the time between successive exercises differed. The twitch interpolation technique was used to test neuromuscular function of the knee extensor muscles. Blood lactate concentration was used to evaluate metabolic responses. RESULTS Maximum voluntary contraction and resting potentiated twitch amplitude (Qtw ) were significantly reduced after HIRC, but there were not changes after TST, while reductions in voluntary activation were similar. Lactate concentration increased significantly more after HIRC. CONCLUSIONS The higher lactate concentration after HIRC probably impaired excitation-contraction coupling, indicating larger peripheral fatigue than after TST. Muscle Nerve 56: 152-159, 2017.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gonzalo Márquez
- Department of Physical Education and Sport, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Catholic University of Murcia (UCAM), Murcia, Spain
| | - Salvador Romero-Arenas
- Department of Physical Education and Sport, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Catholic University of Murcia (UCAM), Murcia, Spain
| | - Cristian Marín-Pagán
- Research Center for High Performance Sport. Catholic University of Murcia (UCAM), Murcia, Spain
| | - Antonio Vera-Ibañez
- Department of Physical Education and Sport, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Catholic University of Murcia (UCAM), Murcia, Spain
| | - Miguel FernáNdez Del Olmo
- Learning and Human Movement Control Group, Department of Physical Education and Sport, Faculty Sport Sciences and Physical Activity, University of A Coruña, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Wolfgang Taube
- Department of Medicine, Movement and Sports Science, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
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Bedewi MA, Yousef AM, Abd-Elghany AA, el-sharkawy MS, Awad EM. Estimation of ultrasound reference values for the ulnar nerve fascicular number and cross-sectional area in young males: A cross-sectional study. Medicine (Baltimore) 2017; 96:e6204. [PMID: 28272211 PMCID: PMC5348159 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000006204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study is to estimate the reference values for the number of fascicles and cross-sectional area (CSA) of the ulnar nerve at a single predetermined site by ultrasound in healthy young adult males.The demographic and physical characteristics of 50 adult male volunteers were evaluated and recorded. The subjects were positioned supine with the elbow flexed at 90° and the palm of the hand placed on a hard surface. The ulnar nerve was scanned bilaterally 1 cm proximal to the medial epicondyle in projection of the cubital tunnel. The number of fascicles and mean CSA of the ulnar nerve were identified. In addition, the side-to-side differences of the estimated reference values and their correlations with the age, weight, height, and body mass index (BMI) were evaluated.The mean fascicular number was 5.66 ± 1.48, the mean ultrasound-estimated CSA of the ulnar nerve was 6.54 ± 1.67 mm and both sides were comparable in the mean CSA and fascicular number (6.43 ± 1.80 mm and 5.88 vs 6.64 ± 1.55 mm and 5.44, for right and left side, respectively). No significant correlations were observed between CSA and fascicles number and age, weight, height, or BMI of study subjects.The reference values for the number of fascicles number and the CSA of the ulnar nerve at a single predetermined site were identified. These values could be used for the sonographic diagnosis and follow-up of the ulnar nerve lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Abdelmohsen Bedewi
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, College of Medicine, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Al-kharj
| | - Ahmed M.M. Yousef
- College of Applied Medical Sciences, Sattam Bin Abdul-Aziz University
| | | | | | - Ezzat M. Awad
- Department of Vascular Biology and Thrombosis Research, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Fink A, Teggeler M, Schmitz M, Janssen J, Pisters M. Reproducibility of Ultrasonographic Measurements of the Ulnar Nerve at the Cubital Tunnel. Ultrasound Med Biol 2017; 43:439-444. [PMID: 28264769 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2016.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2016] [Revised: 09/18/2016] [Accepted: 09/27/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The cross-sectional area (CSA) of the ulnar nerve is thought to be indicative of ulnar nerve entrapment. The purpose of the study was to determine reproducibility of ultrasonographic measurements of CSA of the ulnar nerve at the cubital tunnel in healthy adults. Two sonographers tested 69 participants using a standardized protocol. The inter-rater reliability intra-class correlation coefficient was 0.63, and the intra-rater reliability intra-class correlation coefficient was 0.85 for sonographer 1 and 0.88 for sonographer 2. The smallest detectable changes were 2.47 and 2.63 mm2 (25% and 26% of the mean CSA). The mean difference and 95% limits of agreement for sonographers 1 and 2 were -0.13 (-2.56 to 2.29) and -0.38 (-2.93 to 2.18). Based on the fair to good inter-rater reliability, the excellent intra-rater reliability and the clinical applicable intra-rater agreement, ultrasonography seems to be a valuable tool with which to assess the CSA of the ulnar nerve for diagnostic and evaluative purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Fink
- Physical Therapy Science, Program in Clinical Health Sciences and Department of Rehabilitation, Nursing Science and Sport, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands; Hand Therapy Center Enschede (Handtherapie Nederland), Enschede, The Netherlands.
| | - Marlijn Teggeler
- Physical Therapy Science, Program in Clinical Health Sciences and Department of Rehabilitation, Nursing Science and Sport, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands; Physical Therapy Practice Emmastraat, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Marc Schmitz
- Stichting Ondernemingen Medische Technologie (SOMT), Amersfoort, The Netherlands
| | - Jaap Janssen
- Institute of Movement Studies, University of Applied Sciences Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Martijn Pisters
- Physical Therapy Science, Program in Clinical Health Sciences and Department of Rehabilitation, Nursing Science and Sport, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands; Department of Health Innovation and Technology, Fontys University of Applied Sciences, Eindhoven, The Netherlands; Center for Physical Therapy Research and Innovation in Primary Care, Leidsche Rijn Julius Health Care Centers, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Gupta S, Bhatt S, Bhargava SK, Singal A, Bhargava S. High resolution sonographic examination: a newer technique to study ulnar nerve neuropathy in leprosy. LEPROSY REV 2016; 87:464-475. [PMID: 30226351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES A prospective case control study was conducted to calculate normal dimensions of ulnar nerve and study the size, echotexture and morphologic alterations in ulnar nerve in patients with leprosy. METHODS The study group included 48 patients diagnosed with leprosy on basis of clinical, bacteriologic and/or histopathologic evaluation. Sonographic measurements were taken at 3 levels around elbow. The morphology and vascularity were also studied. Control group consisted of 60 clinically normal ulnar nerves, on which ultrasound was performed to calculate normal parameters. 96 Ulnar nerves were independently evaluated clinically and on ultrasound. The mean cross sectional area and diameters (both antero-posterior and mediolateral) of controls at all three levels were calculated. The normal sonographic dimensions of ulnar nerve were calculated based on Mean ± 2SE and beyond the upper limit of normal was considered enlarged on ultrasound. Statistical analysis was done using SSPS version 17.0. RESULTS The dimensions of ulnar nerve were significantly larger in leprosy group for all levels (P value , 0.001). Sonographic abnormalities included hypoechoic areas (61·45%), loss of fascicular pattern (same 61·45%) and focal hyperechoic areas (48·95%). 37·5% of nerves (6 out of 16) with clinical evidence of reaction showed endoneural vascularity. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that by detecting enlargement and/or morphologic alterations of ulnar nerve, sonography can objectively determine involvement of ulnar neuropathy in leprosy.
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Nwawka OK, Miller TT, Jawetz ST, Saboeiro GR. Ultrasound-guided perineural injection for nerve blockade: Does a single-sided injection produce circumferential nerve coverage? J Clin Ultrasound 2016; 44:465-469. [PMID: 27155542 DOI: 10.1002/jcu.22364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2015] [Accepted: 04/01/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Our current clinical technique for sonographic-guided perineural injection consists of two-sided perineural needle placement to obtain circumferential distribution of the injectate. This study aimed to determine if a single-side needle position will produce circumferential nerve coverage. METHODS Fresh-frozen cadaveric specimens were used for this study. In six upper extremities, a needle was positioned along the deep surface of median, radial, and ulnar nerves in the carpal tunnel, radial tunnel, and cubital tunnel, respectively, and 2 ml of contrast was injected for each nerve. In three pelvic specimens, a needle was positioned deep to the sciatic nerves bilaterally, and 5 ml of contrast was injected. An additional four median nerve injections were performed using superficial surface needle position. The specimens then underwent CT scanning to assess the distribution of the perineural contrast medium. RESULTS One hundred percent of the radial, ulnar, and sciatic nerves demonstrated circumferential distribution on CT. Only 50% of the median nerve injections with the needle placed deep to the nerve produced circumferential coverage, whereas 100% of median nerves injected with the needle between the nerve and retinaculum demonstrated circumferential coverage. The average length of spread of perineural injectate was 11.6 cm in the upper extremity and 10.3 cm for the sciatic nerves. CONCLUSIONS Using clinical volumes of fluid, needle positioning at the deep surface of upper extremity and sciatic nerves was sufficient to produce circumferential coating of the nerve, except in the carpal tunnel, where placement of the needle between the nerve and flexor retinaculum is recommended. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 44:465-469, 2016.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Kenechi Nwawka
- Department of Radiology and Imaging, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York.
- Weill Cornell Medical College of Cornell University, New York, New York.
| | - Theodore T Miller
- Department of Radiology and Imaging, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York
- Weill Cornell Medical College of Cornell University, New York, New York
| | - Shari T Jawetz
- Department of Radiology and Imaging, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York
- Weill Cornell Medical College of Cornell University, New York, New York
| | - Gregory R Saboeiro
- Department of Radiology and Imaging, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York
- Weill Cornell Medical College of Cornell University, New York, New York
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Grechenig W, Mayr J, Peicha G, Boldin C. Subluxation of the ulnar nerve in the elbow region – ultrasonographic evaluation. Acta Radiol 2016; 44:662-4. [PMID: 14616211 DOI: 10.1080/02841850312331287789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Chronic ulnar nerve subluxation out of its sulcus in the elbow region may be a rare reason for undefined chronic disorders in the medial elbow aspect. We present two cases, a 38-year-old male patient complaining of a recurrent painful disorder including paresthesia of the 4th and 5th fingers and a 12-year-old boy presenting with a palpable band in the medial elbow region without pain. Ultrasonography was performed using a high frequency linear probe in the longitudinal and horizontal planes including dynamic examination. In both patients, the ulnar nerve was completely identified, both in the transverse and longitudinal planes. The sonomorphology and echogeneity of the nerve were the same as in the contralateral limb. Ulnar nerve subluxation was diagnosed in elbow joint flexion, in both cases. It is possible through dynamic ultrasonographic examination to diagnose and document ulnar nerve subluxation for further (surgical) treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Grechenig
- Departments of Traumatology and Pediatric Surgery, University of Graz, Medical School, Graz, Austria
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Tanaka K, Ota N, Harada Y, Wada I, Suenaga T. Normalization of sonographical multifocal nerve enlargements in a MADSAM patient following a good clinical response to intravenous immunoglobulin. Neuromuscul Disord 2016; 26:619-23. [PMID: 27460345 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2016.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2016] [Revised: 05/23/2016] [Accepted: 06/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Focal nerve enlargements at sites of conduction blocks can be visualized sonographically in patients with multifocal acquired demyelinating sensory and motor neuropathy (MADSAM). However, little is known about association between nerve morphological changes and treatment responses. Here we present a 73-year-old female MADSAM patient whose sonographical multifocal nerve enlargements normalized following a good treatment response. She was admitted to our department with progressive asymmetrical muscle weakness and sensory disturbances for 6 months. Ultrasonography revealed multifocal nerve enlargements at sites of electrophysiological demyelination. Intravenous immunoglobulin improved her symptoms and electrophysiological abnormalities. Six months later, ultrasonography revealed normalization of multifocal nerve enlargements. Contrary to our observations, one previous report described a MADSAM patient with persistent nerve enlargements at the sites of resolved conduction blocks. In this earlier patient, however, the time from onset to remission was approximately 30 months. Morphological changes of nerve enlargements in MADSAM may vary with treatment response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanta Tanaka
- Department of Neurology, Tenri Hospital, Tenri, Japan.
| | - Natsuko Ota
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Tenri Hospital, Tenri, Japan
| | - Yuzuru Harada
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Tenri Hospital, Tenri, Japan
| | - Ikko Wada
- Department of Neurology, Tenri Hospital, Tenri, Japan
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Smith JK, Miller ME, Reece DE, Chen YT, Landau ME. Peripheral Nerve Ultrasound and Short-Segment Nerve Conduction Studies Before and After Ulnar Nerve Decompression. J Ultrasound Med 2016; 35:1367-1368. [PMID: 27235462 DOI: 10.7863/ultra.16.03038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan K Smith
- Department of Neurology, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland USA
| | - Matthew E Miller
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland USA
| | - David E Reece
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland USA
| | - Yin-Ting Chen
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland USA
| | - Mark E Landau
- Department of Neurology, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland USA
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49
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Aswani Y, Thakkar H, Sahu AR, Anandpara KM. Ultrasonographic Features of Ulnar Nerve Affected by Hansen's Disease. Indian J Lepr 2016; 88:133-136. [PMID: 29757547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Leprosy continues to be a major public health problem in some areas of our country. It predominantly afflicts peripheral nerves and skin and may lead to deformities. Social stigma as a result of deformities further plagues the situation. Prompt and early diagnosis coupled with adequate treatment, concurrent rehabilitative strategies if deformities do occur, and health education help to control the problem. Definitive diagnosis of leprosy has traditionally been based on assessment of slit skin smears (SSS) after AFB-staining and characteristic histopathology after biopsyof the lesion. However, recently, thickening of the peripheral nerves has been demonstrated by ultrasonography and this can be used as a sensitive tool to assess and measure enlargement of peripheral nerves, which are hallmarks for leprosy especially in clinical settings. In this report, the ultrasonographic findings of ulnar nerve enlargement due to leprosy in a fourteen-year-old male patient are described.
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50
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Kang S, Kim SH, Yang SN, Yoon JS. Sonographic features of peripheral nerves at multiple sites in patients with diabetic polyneuropathy. J Diabetes Complications 2016; 30:518-23. [PMID: 26782023 DOI: 10.1016/j.jdiacomp.2015.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2015] [Revised: 12/07/2015] [Accepted: 12/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN) is one of the major complications of diabetes mellitus. Ultrasound has been frequently used for evaluation of peripheral nerves. However, there are few studies that have evaluated multiple peripheral nerves in DPN. In this study, ultrasonographic features of multiple peripheral nerves in upper and lower extremities of DPN patients were investigated and compared with those of healthy controls. METHODS This study was a case-control study that enrolled 20 patients with confirmed diagnosis of DPN and 20 healthy controls. The ultrasonography was performed on the sural, tibial, fibular, sciatic, median, ulnar, radial, and musculocutaneous nerves. Nerve cross-sectional area (CSA) was measured at multiple points for each peripheral nerve. The CSAs were compared between DPN and control groups, and analyzed in relation to the clinical characteristics and electrophysiologic findings. RESULTS The CSAs were significantly larger in the DPN group for sural nerve, fibular nerve at the fibular head level, median nerve at the carpal tunnel and mid-humerus level, ulnar nerve at the cubital tunnel outlet and mid-humerus level, and radial nerve at the spiral groove. The CSAs of sural nerve, tibial nerve and median nerve were significantly correlated with electrophysiologic findings. The sural nerve CSA revealed significant correlation with HbA1c. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that the ultrasonography can provide useful information in diagnosis and evaluation of DPN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seok Kang
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Korea University Guro Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Se Hwa Kim
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Korea University Guro Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seung Nam Yang
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Korea University Guro Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Joon Shik Yoon
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Korea University Guro Hospital, Seoul, Korea.
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