Determining the utility of minimum F-wave latency alterations in the electrodiagnosis of ulnar neuropathy at the elbow / Determinação da utilidade das alterações mínimas da latência da onda F no eletrodiagnóstico da neuropatia ulnar do cotovelo

ABSTRACT Background: Ulnar neuropathy at the elbow (UNE) is the second most common entrapment neuropathy. There is little information about the application of F-wave studies for evaluation of UNE. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of minimum F-wave (F-min) latency alterations by comparing this with nerve conduction analyses in UNE-suspected patients. Methods: Ninety-four UNE-suspected patients were admitted to this study. Sensory and motor nerve conduction and F-wave analyses on the median and ulnar nerves were performed on both upper extremities. Results: A total of 188 upper extremities of 94 patients were examined. Their mean age was 41.4±12.9 years, and 69 patients were female (73.4%). The mean ulnar-nerve across-elbow motor conduction velocity (MCV) in the affected arms was significantly slower than the velocity in healthy arms. The mean ulnar-nerve F-min latencies were significantly longer in the affected arms. Fifty-one patients were electrophysiologically diagnosed as presenting UNE (54.2%). Significantly slower mean ulnar-nerve across-elbow MCV, longer mean ulnar-nerve F-min latency and longer distal onset latency were detected in UNE-positive arms. Lastly, patients who were symptomatic but had normal nerve conduction were evaluated separately. Only the mean ulnar F-min latency was significantly longer in this group, compared with the healthy arms. Conclusion: Our study confirmed the utility of F-min latency measurements in the electrodiagnosis of UNE. F-wave latency differences can help in making an early diagnosis to provide better treatment options.

RESUMO Introdução: A neuropatia ulnar do cotovelo (NUC) é a segunda neuropatia por encarceramento mais comum. Existem poucas informações sobre a aplicação dos estudos da onda F para avaliação da NUC. Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o valor diagnóstico das alterações mínimas de latência da onda F (F-min), comparando-as com análises de condução nervosa em pacientes com suspeita de NUC. Métodos: Noventa e quatro pacientes com suspeita de NUC foram admitidos neste estudo. A condução nervosa sensitiva e motora e as análises da onda F nos nervos mediano e ulnar foram realizadas em ambas as extremidades superiores. Resultados: Um total de 188 membros superiores de 94 pacientes foi examinado. A média de idade foi 41,4±12,9 anos e 69 pacientes eram do sexo feminino (73,4%). A velocidade de condução motora média do nervo ulnar através do cotovelo (VCM) nos braços afetados foi significativamente mais lenta do que a velocidade em braços saudáveis. As latências médias F-min do nervo ulnar foram significativamente mais longas nos braços afetados. Cinquenta e um pacientes foram diagnosticados eletrofisiologicamente como apresentando NUC (54,2%). Pacientes com presença de NUC tiveram, de forma significativa, detecção de VCM mais lenta no nervo ulnar ao nível do cotovelo, presença de latência mais longa da onda F-mínima no nervo ulnar, bem como latência de início distal mais longa. Por fim, os pacientes sintomáticos, e com condução nervosa normal, foram avaliados separadamente. Apenas a latência da onda F mínima média do nervo ulnar foi significativamente maior neste grupo, em comparação com os braços saudáveis. Conclusão: Nosso estudo confirmou a utilidade das medidas de latência da onda F-mínima no eletrodiagnóstico da NUC. As diferenças de latência da onda F podem ajudar a fazer um diagnóstico precoce para fornecer melhores opções de tratamento.

Eletrodiagnóstico e perfil energético com o Ryodoraku em medicina tradicional chinesa: revisão integrativa / Eletrodiagnostic and energy profile with Ryodoraku in chinese traditional medicine: integrative review / Eletrodiagnóstico y perfil energético con el Ryodoraku en medicina tradicional china: revisión integrativa

Objective: To synthesize the evidence in the literature on the applicability of the Ryodoraku system in the energy diagnosis based on the precepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Method: integrative review, carried out by independent reviewers in databases. Results: we found 324 studies. After exclusion, eight were analyzed, with a predominance of descriptive studies. There was agreement about the 24 points selected for the application of Ryodoraku; however, there is disagreement as to their location. Conclusions: Ryodoraku still does not present consistent evidence on its use, limiting the evaluation of its applicability

Objetivo: Sintetizar as evidências disponíveis na literatura sobre a aplicabilidade do sistema Ryodoraku no diagnóstico energético baseado nos preceitos da Medicina Tradicional Chinesa. Método: revisão integrativa, realizada por revisores independentes em bases de dados. Resultados: encontrou-se 324 estudos. Após exclusões, oito foram analisados, com predomínio de estudos descritivos. Houve concordância acerca dos 24 pontos selecionados para a aplicação do Ryodoraku; entretanto, há divergência quanto à localização dos mesmos. Conclusões: o Ryodoraku ainda não apresenta evidências consistentes sobre sua utilização, limitando a avaliação de sua aplicabilidade.

Objetivo: Sintetizar las evidencias de la literatura sobre la aplicabilidad del sistema Ryodoraku en el diagnóstico energético basado en los preceptos de la Medicina Tradicional China. Método: revisión integrativa, realizada por revisores independientes en bases de datos. Resultados: se han encontrado 324 estudios. Después de exclusiones, ocho fueron analizados, con predominio de estudios descriptivos. Hubo concordancia sobre los 24 puntos seleccionados para la aplicación del Ryodoraku; sin embargo, hay divergencia en cuanto a la localización de los mismos. Conclusión: el Ryodoraku todavía no presenta evidencias consistentes sobre su utilización, limitando la evaluación de su aplicabilidad

Aplicação da técnica de eletrodiagnóstico em pacientes críticos: uma revisão sistemática / Application of electrodiagnostic technique in critically ill patients: a systematic review

O ambiente de terapia intensiva está evoluindo em tecnologias para avaliação e tratamento sendo uma das técnicas mais atuais aplicadas neste ambiente o eletrodiagnóstico. Esta é uma revisão sistemática desenvolvida com base nos resultados de pesquisa das principais bases de dados, seguindo o PRISMA. Neste foram incluídos somente artigos observacionais que utilizaram a técnica de eletrodiagnóstico em pacientes críticos, para os mais diferentes objetivos e desfechos. As bases de dados consultadas foram: MEDLINE (acessado via PubMed), Fisioterapia Evidence banco de dados (Pedro), Registro de Ensaios Controlados (CENTRAL Cochrane) e EMBASE além de uma busca manual de referências adicionais. Um total de 10 artigos foram encontrados, sendo que dois apresentaram-se repetidos e outros seis foram excluídos por não contemplarem os critérios de inclusão obtendo-se ao final um total de dois artigos totalizando 33 pacientes. Um dos artigos apresentou resultados seguros, sem lesão muscular e o protocolo foi viável para ser aplicado em terapia intensiva. O outro artigo que após lesão cerebral traumática os pacientes podem apresentar distúrbios eletrofisiológicos, além de atrofia muscular generalizada sendo evidenciados pela técnica de eletrodiagnóstico. (AU)

The intensive care environment is evolving in technologies for evaluation and treatment, and these include a recent technique named electrodiagnosis. This systematic review was based on search results from major databases, following PRISMA guidelines. Only observational studies using the electrodiagnostic technique in critically patients for different objectives and outcomes were included. The following databases were searched: MEDLINE (accessed via PubMed), Physiotherapy Evidence database (Pedro), Controlled Trials Registry (CENTRAL Cochrane) and EMBASE, in addition to a manual search for additional references. Ten articles were found, two of which were repeated and six were excluded because they did not meet the inclusion criteria; thus, two articles were selected, with a total of 33 patients. One of the articles showed safe results, without any muscle injury, and the protocol was applicable in intensive care. The other article demonstrated that, after traumatic brain injury, patients may present with electrophysiological disorders and generalized muscle atrophy, which can be revealed by the electrodiagnostic technique. (AU)

Hearing assessment of neonates at risk for hearing loss at a hearing health high complexity service: an electrophysiological assessment

Introduction: Hearing is the main sensory access in the first years of life. Therefore, early detection and intervention of hearing impairment must begin before the first year of age. Objective: To analyze the results of the electrophysiological hearing assessment of children at risk for hearing loss as part of the newborn hearing screening (NHS). Methods: This is a cross-sectional study held at a hearing health public service clinic located in Brazil, with 104 babies at risks factors for hearing loss referred by public hospitals. A questionnaire was applied to parents, and the auditory brainstem response (ABR) test was held, identifying those with alterations in the results. The outcome of the NHS was also analyzed regarding risk factor, gestational age and gender. Results: Among the 104 subjects,most of them weremale (53.85%), and the main risk factor found was the admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for a period longer than 5 days (50.93%). Eighty-five (81.73%) subjects were screened by NHS at the maternity and 40% of them failed the test. Through the ABR test, 6 (5.77%) infants evidenced sensorineural hearing loss, 4 of them being diagnosed at 4months, and 2 at 6 months of age; all of them failed the NHS and had family history and admission atNICU for over 5 days as themost prevalent hearing risks; in addition, familymembers ofall children perceived their hearing impairment. Conclusion: Advances could be observed regarding the age of the diagnosis after the implementation of the NHS held at the analyzed public service clinic (AU)

Peripheral Neuropathies in Patients with Rhabdomyolysis: Clinical Characteristics and Electrodiagnostic Findings in the Acute/Subacute Stage

BACKGROUND: Rhabdomyolysis is a syndrome caused by injury to skeletal muscle and characterized by myalgia and swelling of the affected muscles. Peripheral nerve injury rarely occurs in patients with rhabdomyolysis. METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of 8 consecutive patients with peripheral neuropathies associated with rhabdomyolysis. We assessed the clinical characteristics and electrodiagnostic findings of eight patients. RESULTS: In seven patients, rhabdomyolysis occurred after prolonged immobilization. In one patient, blunt trauma was a cause of rhabdomyolysis. All patients presented with weakness and paresthesia in lower extremities and electrodiagnostic tests showed peripheral nerve injury suggesting sciatic neuropathy or lumbosacral plexopathy. Although rhabdomyolysis itself recovered completely in all patients, neurologic deficits from neuropathy recovered partially and slowly. CONCLUSIONS: Sciatic nerve or lumbosacral plexus was injured in all eight patients. Among the various causes of rhabdomyolysis, prolonged immobilization is associated with development of peripheral neuropathy.

Diagnostic Usefulness of Digital Infrared Thermal Image in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the usefulness of infrared thermography in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome by comparing with electrodiagnostic and ultrasonographic findings.METHOD: From January 2014 to October 2017, electrodiagnosis, ultrasound, and digital infrared thermal image (DITI) of unilateral carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosed in a single hospital were retrospectively analyzed. The subjects with bilateral symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, peripheral vascular disease, diabetes, thyroid disease, fibromyalgia, rheumatic disease, systemic infection, inflammation, malignant tumor, and other musculoskeletal disorders such as finger osteoarthritis, peripheral neuropathy, cervical radiculopathy, and the previous history of surgery were excluded.RESULTS: Of 53 patients diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome, 11 were male and 42 were female. The visual analogue scale was 4.9 ± 1.9, and the duration of symptom was 11.8 ± 12.5 months. There was no statistically significant difference in the body surface temperature between the unaffected and affected sides. The severity of symptoms, electrodiagnostic findings, and cross-sectional area of the median nerve significantly correlates to each other. The temperature difference between the second fingers of the affected and unaffected sides showed a weak correlation with the amplitude of sensory nerve action potential and onset latency of compound muscle action potential, when there was no significant correlation with the other parameters.CONCLUSION: The difference in temperature on the surface of the body, which can be confirmed by DITI, is little diagnostic value when DITI is performed in unilateral carpal tunnel syndrome patients, especially when compared with ultrasonography.

Brachial Plexus Injury after Deep Sleep

Lying on the side while falling asleep deeply after drinking or taking a sleeping pill can cause compressive neuropathy. We report a 70-year-old male patient of medial cord of left brachial plexus injury (BPI) after deep sleep. The mechanism of the injury might be compression and stretching of brachial plexus. The electrodiagnostic study was performed and the medial cord lesion of BPI was suggested. The ultrasonography image of compression site revealed the nerve swelling of medial cord of brachial plexus and median nerve at the mid-arm level. Pharmacologic treatment including oral prednisolone and exercise training were prescribed. On 6 months after initial visit, neurologic symptom and pain were improved but mild sequelae was remained.

Interpretation of Electrodiagnostic Tests in Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy: Classification Using Nerve Conduction Study / 대한신경근육질환학회지

Electrodiagnostic tests (EDX) is essential for the diagnosis of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). EDX could provide information about demyelinating pathology in the peripheral nerves. According to phenotypes, CIDP could be classified several phenotypes, which has different clinical manifestations, EDX could present a different distribution pattern of demyelinating lesions. In addition, EDX could be useful markers for predicting treatment response of prognosis of CIDP.

Palmar Digital Neuropathy With Anatomical Variation of Median Nerve: Usefulness of Orthodromic Technique: A Case Report

Anatomic variation of palmar digital nerve pathways were reported in several cases. Selective exploration of palmar digital nerves with a nerve conduction study has been challenging, because of technical issues. We report a patient who received bilateral carpal tunnel release operation, complaining of a tingling sensation, and hypoesthesia on the middle and ring fingers. An electrodiagnostic study revealed a sensory neuropathy of palmar digital nerve of the left median nerve, supplying the ulnar side of the middle finger, and radial side of the ring finger. She underwent re-operation of open left carpal tunnel release, and a branching site of common digital nerves of the median nerve was identified not at the palm, but at a far proximal site around the distal wrist crease. Usefulness of an orthodromic sensory conduction study was clarified to eliminate volume conducted response or co-activation of nearby nerves in the patient with selective involvement of palmar digital nerve.

Compresión del nervio mediano en el túnel del carpo en una paciente de 16 años. Reporte de caso / Compression of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel in a 16 year-old: A case report

Introducción El síndrome del túnel del carpo es la patología nerviosa compresiva mas frecuente del miembro superior. En niños es una entidad infrecuente, en la mayoría de las ocasiones esta asociado principalmente a una alteración de origen genético como la mucopolisacaridosis, puede ser de origen idiopático, traumático, infeccioso asociado patologías sistémicas y ocupación del túnel del carpo. Reporte del caso Se trata de una paciente femenina de 16 años de edad con dolor en la mano izquierda de un año de evolución, presenta hipoestesia y parestesia de la punta de los dedos sin evento traumatico previo. El examen físico no es conclusivo, aunque altamente sospecho de patología neurológica compresiva. Mediante electrodiagnóstico e imagenología se realiza el diagnóstico de síndrome del túnel del carpo por secundario a ganglión en el piso del túnel. El tratamiento mas recomendado en este tipo fue la liberación quirúrgica y resección del ganglión. Discusión El diagnóstico del síndrome del túnel del carpo en niños y adolescentes es de difícil diagnóstico dado por la amplia sintomatología, una vez diagnósticado el síndrome del túnel del carpo, el tratamiento más recomendado según esta causa es la liberación quirúrgica del túnel del carpo y resección del ganglión. El síndrome del túnel del carpo es una patología infrecuente en los niños, se debe realizar estudios complementarios para realizar un diagnóstico adecuado y un tratamiento efectivo. Es infrecuente que después de la liberación del túnel del carpo exista persistencia de la sintomatología neurológica distal.

Background Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most frequent nerve compression disorder of the upper limb. It is uncommon in children and in the majority of cases it is mainly associated with an alteration of genetic origin such as mucopolysaccharidosis. It can be of an idiopathic, traumatic, infectious origin, associated with systemic infectious diseases and occupation of the carpal tunnel. Case report The case is presented on a 16 year-old female patient with pain in the left hand for a year, with hypoesthesia and paraesthesia of the fingertips, with no previous traumatic event. The physical examination was not conclusive, although a nerve compression disorder was highly suspected. Using electrodiagnosis and imaging, the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome was made that was secondary to a ganglion identified on the floor of the tunnel. The most recommended treatment in this type of condition is surgical release and resection of the ganglion. Discussion Carpal tunnel syndrome in children and adolescents is difficult to diagnose due to the wide range of symptoms. Once the carpal tunnel syndrome has been diagnosed, the most recommended treatment according to this cause is the surgical release of the carpal tunnel and resection of the ganglion. Carpal tunnel syndrome is an infrequent condition in children. Complementary studies should be performed to make an adequate diagnosis and an effective treatment. After the release of the carpal tunnel it rare for the neurological symptomatology to persist.

Acometimento de nervos cranianos na granulomatose com poliangeíte (GPA) C-ANCA negativo / Cranial nerve impairment in granulomatosis with polyangeitis (GPA) C-ANCA negative

RESUMO O presente relato tem o objetivo de mostrar um caso incomum de Granulomatose com Poliangeíte (GPA), que previamente era denominada Granulomatose de Wegener. Trata-se de é uma doença multissistêmica, caracterizada por inflamação granulomatosa necrotizante e vasculite que envolve principalmente o trato respiratório superior e inferior, embora não raramente, exista comprometimento neurológico.

ABSTRACT This report aims to show an unusual case of granulomatosis with polyangeitis (GPA), previously known as Wegener's granulomatosis. It is a multisystemic disease characterized by necrotizing granulomatous inflammation and vasculitis involving mainly the upper and lower respiratory tract, although not infrequently, there is neurological impairment.

Neuropatía vasculítica no sistémica: revisión de caso / Non-systemic vasculitic neuropathy: case review / Neuropatia vasculítica não sistêmica: revisão de caso

Resumen La neuropatía vasculítica no sistémica es una condición poco común, caracterizada por el compromiso aislado del sistema nervioso periférico a causa de la infiltración celular en el lecho vascular encargado de su irrigación. Es un término acuñado hace poco más de tres décadas y se considera una enfermedad poco descrita y subdiagnósticada. Se presenta el caso clínico de un paciente masculino de mediana edad que debuta con síntomas progresivos de predominio motor en miembros inferiores, quien es sometido a una serie de estudios que permiten concluir el diagnóstico. Es tratado con corticoides sistémicos, agentes citotóxicos y, por último, agentes biológicos con los que se estabilizaron los síntomas.

Summary Non-systemic vasculitic neuropathy is a rare condition characterized by the isolated involvement of the peripheral nervous system caused by cellular infiltration in the vascular bed responsible for its irrigation. It is a term which was coined a little over three decades ago and is considered a poorly described and underdiagnosed disease. Below, we present the clinical case of a middle-aged male patient who began experiencing progressive symptoms of motor predominance in the lower limbs, and who underwent a series of studies in order to conclude a diagnosis. The patient was treated with systemic corticosteroids, cytotoxic agents and, finally, biological agents which stabilized the symptoms.

Resumo A neuropatia vasculítica não sistêmica é uma condição pouco comum, caracterizada pelo compromisso isolado do sistema nervoso periférico a causa da infiltração celular no leito vascular encarregado de sua irrigação. É um termo cunhado há pouco mais de três décadas e se considera uma doença pouco descrita e subdiagnosticada. A seguir, se apresenta o caso clínico de um paciente masculino de meia idade que debuta com sintomas progressivos de predomínio motor em membros inferiores, que é submetido a uma série de estudos que permitem concluir o diagnóstico. É tratado com corticoides sistêmicos, agentes citotóxicos e, por último, agentes biológicos com o que se estabilizaram os sintomas.

Optimal Placement of Needle Electromyography in Extensor Indicis: A Cadaveric Study

OBJECTIVE: To identify the center of extensor indicis (EI) muscle through cadaver dissection and compare the accuracy of different techniques for needle electromyography (EMG) electrode insertion. METHODS: Eighteen upper limbs of 10 adult cadavers were dissected. The center of trigonal EI muscle was defined as the point where the three medians of the triangle intersect. Three different needle electrode insertion techniques were introduced: M1, 2.5 cm above the lower border of ulnar styloid process (USP), lateral aspect of the ulna; M2, 2 finger breadths (FB) proximal to USP, lateral aspect of the ulna; and M3, distal fourth of the forearm, lateral aspect of the ulna. The distance from USP to the center (X) parallel to the line between radial head to USP, and from medial border of ulna to the center (Y) were measured. The distances between 3 different points (M1– M3) and the center were measured (marked as D1, D2, and D3, respectively). RESULTS: The median value of X was 48.3 mm and that of Y was 7.2 mm. The median values of D1, D2 and D3 were 23.3 mm, 13.3 mm and 9.0 mm, respectively. CONCLUSION: The center of EI muscle is located approximately 4.8 cm proximal to USP level and 7.2 mm lateral to the medial border of the ulna. Among the three methods, the technique placing the needle electrode at distal fourth of the forearm and lateral to the radial side of the ulna bone (M3) is the most accurate and closest to the center of the EI muscle.

Diagnosis of Pure Ulnar Sensory Neuropathy Around the Hypothenar Area Using Orthodromic Inching Sensory Nerve Conduction Study: A Case Report

Ulnar neuropathy at the wrist is an uncommon disease and pure ulnar sensory neuropathy at the wrist is even rarer. It is difficult to diagnose pure ulnar sensory neuropathy at the wrist by conventional methods. We report a case of pure ulnar sensory neuropathy at the hypothenar area. The lesion was localized between 3 cm and 5 cm distal to pisiform using orthodromic inching test of ulnar sensory nerve to stimulate at three points around the hypothenar area. Ultrasonographic examination confirmed compression of superficial sensory branch of the ulnar nerve. Further, surgical exploration reconfirmed compression of the ulnar nerve. This case report demonstrates the utility of orthodromic ulnar sensory inching test.

A correlation between clinical severity and functional state with nerve conduction studies findings in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome: a systematic review / Correlação entre gravidade clínica e estado funcional com achados eletroneuromiograficos, em pacientes com síndrome do túnel do carpo: uma revisão sistemática

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is the most common compressive neuropathy in the general population, and it may lead to disabling symptoms and significant functional limitation. This systematic review covered Pubmed, Medline, Embase, Cochrane, CINAHL, LILACS, and SCIELO databases, with no time or language delimitations. The PICO strategy defined the search strategy with keywords extracted from the Medical Subjects Headings, and the quality of the studies was evaluated by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) scale. Overall, 857 studies were identified, of which only 10 fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Despite the good results shown, a noticeable heterogeneity was observed among the studies included, associated with methodological discrepancy and to limited sample size in a few of them. Four studies showed no correlation between electrophysiological findings and clinical symptoms and signs, whereas three could demonstrate such association and other three studies had equivocal results. Other studies are necessary, with better methodological standards and more homogeneous and precise evaluations, so as to improve the level of scientific evidence

A síndrome do Túnel do Carpo é a neuropatia compressiva mais frequente na população geral que pode levar a sintomas incapacitantes e significativa limitação funcional. Uma revisão sistemática foi realizada nas bases de dados Pubmed, Medline, Embase, Cochrane, CINAHL, LILACS e SCIELO, sem delimitação de tempo ou idioma. Utilizou-se da estratégia PICO para a pesquisa, palavras-chave extraídas dos Descritores de Ciências da Saúde (Decs) e a qualidade dos estudos foi avaliada através da escala Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). Identificaram-se 857 estudos dos quais, somente 10 obedeceram aos critérios de inclusão. Apesar dos bons resultados apresentados, verificou-se uma expressiva heterogeneidade existente entre os estudos incluídos, associado à discrepância metodológica, e um limitado tamanho amostral em alguns deles. São necessários estudos com melhor padrão metodológico, bem como avaliações mais homogêneas e precisas, a fim de melhorar o nível de evidência científica

Confiabilidad de los estudios de neuroconducción en el síndrome de túnel carpiano / Reliability of neuroconduction studies in carpal tunnel syndrome

RESUMEN Objetivo Determinar la confiabilidad entre dos observadores y el cambio mínimo detectable de los estudios de neuroconducción para diagnosticar el síndrome de túnel carpiano. Métodos Se estudiaron 69 pacientes remitidos para estudio electrofisiológico por sospecha de síndrome de túnel carpiano. A los pacientes, se les realizaron dos exámenes, dos días diferentes, por dos evaluadores. Se evaluaron las latencias sensitivas y motoras de los nervios mediano y cubital; todos fueron clasificados como negativos, incipientes, leves, moderados, severos o extremos. Se calculó la variación relativa entre ensayos, el coeficiente de correlación intraclase, el índice de kappa, el límite de acuerdo y el cambio mínimo detectable. Resultados La variación relativa entre ensayos de la latencia motora del nervio mediano fue de -6,8 % a 15,9 % con coeficiente de correlación intraclase de 0,98 para la diferencia con la latencia del nervio cubital. El cambio mínimo detectable fue de 0,4ms. La variación relativa entre ensayos de la latencia sensitiva del nervio mediano fue -5,0 % a 11 % con coeficiente de correlación intraclase de 0,95 para la diferencia con el nervio cubital. El cambio mínimo detectable fue de 0,2ms. La clasificación ele trofisiológica coincidió en 93 % de los casos, índice de kappa de 0,89. Conclusiones Las latencias sensitivas y motoras del nervio mediano así como la diferencia de estas con el nervio cubital son medidas confiables. El cambio mínimo detectable obtenido en nuestro estudio le sirve al clínico para establecer si los cambios de las latencias en estudios consecutivos o después del tratamiento son significativos.(AU)

ABSTRACT Objective To determine the reliability of neuroconduction studies by comparing two observers and detecting minimum changes when diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome. Methods Sixty-nine patients referred for electrophysiological study due to suspected carpal tunnel syndrome were studied. The patients underwent two examinations, performed by two evaluators, on two different days. Sensory and motor latencies of the median and ulnar nerves were evaluated; all were classified as negative, incipient, mild, moderate, severe or extreme. Relative interval variation, intraclass correlation coefficient, kappa index, limit of agreement and minimum detectable change were estimated. Results The relative variation of motor nerve latency of the median nerve was -6.8% to 15.9%, with intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.98 for the difference of median-ulnar nerve latency. The minimum detected change was 0.4ms, while the relative interval variation of sensory latency of the median nerve was -5.0% to 11%, with intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.95 for difference with the ulnar nerve. The minimum detectable change was 0.2ms. Electrophysiological classification agreed in 93% of the cases, with a kappa index of 0.89. Conclusions Sensory and motor latencies of the median nerve, as well as the difference between them and the ulnar nerve, are reliable measures. The minimum detectable change obtained in our study helps clinicians to establish whether changes in latencies in consecutive or post-treatment studies are significant.(AU)

Evaluation of vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMP) and electrocochleography for the diagnosis of Ménière's disease / Avaliação dos potenciais evocados miogênicos vestibulares (VEMP) e eletrococleografia no diagnóstico da doença de Ménière

Abstract Introduction: Ménière's disease (MD) is an inner ear disorder characterized by episodic vertigo, tinnitus, ear fullness, and fluctuating hearing. Its diagnosis can be especially difficult in cases where vestibular symptoms are present in isolation (vestibular MD). The definitive diagnosis is made histologically and can only be performed post-mortem, after analysis of the temporal bone. Endolymphatic hydrops is a histopathological finding of the disease and occurs more often in the cochlea and saccule, followed by the utricle and semicircular canals. Vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMP) emerged as the method of assessment of vestibular function in 1994. Until then, there was no unique way of assessing saccular function and the inferior vestibular nerve. Given that the saccule is responsible for most cases of severe hydrops, VEMP appears as a new tool to assist in the diagnosis of MD. Objective: To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of VEMP and electrocochleography (EcochG) in the diagnosis of definite MD compared with clinical diagnosis. Methods: The study includes 12 patients (24 ears) diagnosed with definite MD defined according to the clinical criteria proposed by the American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) in 1995, as well as 12 healthy volunteers allocated to the control group (24 ears). A clinical diagnosis by the AAO-HNS criteria was considered as the gold standard. All patients underwent an otoneurological examination, including pure tone and speech audiometry, VEMP, and extratympanic EcochG. The sensitivity and specificity to detect the presence or absence of disease were calculated, as well as their 95% confidence intervals. The reliability of VEMP and EcochG in both ears was assessed using the kappa index. Results: In both tests and in both ears, the ability to diagnose healthy cases was high, with specificity ranging from 84.6% to 100%. Moreover, the ability of the tests to diagnose the disease varied from low to moderate sensitivity, with values ranging from 37.5% to 63.6%. The agreement of both tests in the right ear, measured by the kappa coefficient, was equal to 0.54 (95% CI: 0.20-0.89), indicating a moderate agreement. In the left ear, that agreement was equal to 0.07 (95% CI: −0.33 to 0.46), indicating a weak correlation between the tests. The sensitivity of the VEMP for the right ear was 63.6% and for the left ear, 62.5%. The sensitivity of EcochG for the right ear was 63.6% and 37.5% for the left ear. Conclusion: The specificity of both tests was high, and the sensitivity of VEMP was higher than that of EcochG.

Resumo Introdução: A doença de Ménière (DM) é uma doença da orelha interna caracterizada por vertigem episódica, zumbido, plenitude aural e audição flutuante. Seu diagnóstico pode ser especialmente difícil nos casos em que os sintomas vestibulares estão presentes isoladamente (DM vestibular). O diagnóstico de certeza é histológico e somente pode ser feito no post mortem, após análise do osso temporal. A hidropisia endolinfática é um achado histopatológico da doença e ocorre mais frequentemente na cóclea e sáculo, seguidos pelo utrículo e canais semicirculares. Os potenciais evocados miogênicos vestibulares (VEMP) surgiram como método de avaliação da função vestibular em 1994. Até então não havia uma maneira exclusiva de avaliação da função sacular e do nervo vestibular inferior e como o sáculo era responsável por grande parte dos casos de hidropisia severa, o VEMP apareceu como uma nova ferramenta para auxiliar no diagnóstico da DM. Objetivo: Avaliar a sensibilidade e especificidade do VEMP e da eletrococleografia (ECochG) no diagnóstico da DM em comparação com o diagnóstico clínico. Método: Foram selecionados 12 pacientes (24 orelhas) com diagnóstico de DM definida de acordo com os critérios clínicos propostos pela American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery 1995 (AAO-HNS) e 12 voluntários saudáveis alocados no grupo controle (24 orelhas). Considerou-se o diagnóstico clínico pela AAO-HNS como padrão ouro. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos a exame otoneurológico, incluindo audiometria tonal e vocal, VEMP e eletrococleografia extratimpânica. A sensibilidade e especificidade para detectar a presença ou ausência de doença foram calculadas e os respectivos intervalos de confiança de 95% obtidos. A confiabilidade dos testes de diagnóstico VEMP e eletrococleografia em ambas as orelhas foi avaliada pelo índice kappa. Resultados: Em ambos os testes e em ambas as orelhas, a capacidade para diagnosticar os casos saudáveis é alta, a especificidade varia de 84,6%-100%. Além disso, a capacidade dos testes para o diagnóstico da doença varia de baixa a moderada sensibilidade, com valores de 37,5%-63,6%. A concordância dos dois testes na orelha direita, medida pelo coeficiente de kappa, foi igual a 0,54; 95% IC (0,20-0,89) indicaram uma concordância moderada. Para a orelha esquerda essa concordância foi igual a 0,07 com 95% IC (-0,33-0,46), o que indicou uma concordância fraca entre os testes. A sensibilidade do VEMP para a orelha direita foi de 63,6% e para a orelha esquerda, de 62,5%. A sensibilidade da ECochG para a orelha direita foi de 63,6% e 37,5% para a orelha esquerda. Conclusão: A especificidade de ambos os testes foi alta e a sensibilidade do VEMP foi maior do que a da eletrococleografia.

The Correlation Between Electrodiagnostic Results and Ultrasonographic Findings in the Severity of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Females

OBJECTIVE: To determine which ultrasonographic measurement can be used as an indicator reflecting the severity of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), by comparing electrodiagnostic results with ultrasonographic measurements in females. Many previous studies have tried to reveal that the ultrasonography (US) can possibility be used for diagnosis and severity of CTS. However, the criteria are different by gender. Thus far, there have been many efforts towards providing patients with a CTS diagnosis and severity prediction using US, but studies' results are still unclear due to lack of data on gender differences. METHODS: We collected data from 54 female patients. We classified the severity of CTS according to electrodiagnostic results. Ultrasonographic measurements included proximal and distal cross-sectional areas of the median nerve and carpal tunnel. RESULTS: The severity by electrodiagnostic results statistically correlated to the proximal cross-sectional area (CSA) of the median nerve and carpal tunnel. However, there was no relationship between the proximal and distal nerve/tunnel indexes and the severity by electrodiagnostic results. CONCLUSION: In female patients with CTS, the proximal CSAs of the median nerve and carpal tunnel increase. They correlate with the severity by electrodiagnostic findings. The CSA of the proximal median nerve could be particularly used as a predictor of the severity of CTS in female patients. However, the nerve/tunnel index is constant, irrespective of the severity of CTS.

Electrophysiologic and Ultrasonographic Assessment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Wheelchair Basketball Athletes

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the contributing factors of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), electrodiagnostic and ultrasonographic findings of median nerve, and median nerve change after exercise in wheelchair basketball (WCB) players. METHODS: Fifteen WCB players with manual wheelchairs were enrolled in the study. Medical history of the subjects was taken. Electrodiagnosis and ultrasonography of both median nerves were performed to assess CTS in WCB players. Ultrasonographic median nerves evaluation was conducted after wheelchair propulsion for 20 minutes. RESULTS: Average body mass index (BMI) and period of wheelchair use of CTS subjects were greater than those of normal subjects. Electrodiagnosis revealed CTS in 14 of 30 hands (47%). Cross-sectional area (CSA) of median nerve was greater in CTS subjects than in normal subjects at 0.5 cm and 1 cm proximal to distal wrist crease (DWC), DWC, 1 cm, 2 cm, 3 cm, and 3.5 cm distal to DWC. After exercising, median nerve CSAs at 0.5 cm and 1 cm proximal to DWC, DWC, and 3 cm and 3.5 cm distal to DWC were greater than baseline CSAs in CTS subjects; and median nerve CSAs at 1 cm proximal to DWC and DWC were greater than baseline CSAs in normal subjects. The changes in median nerve CSA after exercise in CTS subjects were greater than in normal subjects at 0.5 cm proximal to DWC and 3 cm and 3.5 cm distal to DWC. CONCLUSION: BMI and total period of wheelchair use contributed to developing CTS in WCB players. The experimental exercise might be related to the median nerve swelling around the inlet and outlet of carpal tunnel in WCB athletes with CTS.

Bulbar Myasthenia Gravis Superimposed in a Medullary Infarction Diagnosed by a Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing With Simultaneous Tensilon Application

In the elderly, myasthenia gravis (MG) can present with bulbar symptoms, which can be clinically difficult to diagnose from other neurological comorbid conditions. We describe a case of a 75-year-old man who had been previously diagnosed with dysphagia associated with medullary infarction but exhibited aggravation of the dysphagia later on due to a superimposed development of bulbar MG. After recovering from his initial swallowing difficulties, the patient suddenly developed ptosis, drooling, and generalized weakness with aggravated dysphagia. Two follow-up brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans displayed no new brain lesions. Antibodies to acetylcholine receptor and muscle-specific kinase were negative. Subsequent electrodiagnosis with repetitive nerve stimulation tests revealed unremarkable findings. A diagnosis of bulbar MG could only be established after fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) with simultaneous Tensilon application. After application of intravenous pyridostigmine, significant improvement in dysphagia and ptosis were observed both clinically and according to the FEES.