Management of benign nerve sheath tumors of the brachial plexus: relevant diagnostic and surgical features. About a series of 17 patients (19 tumors) and review of the literature.

Brachial plexus (BP) tumors are rare, potentially difficult-to-manage lesions. The method is retrospective chart analysis. Among the 17 patients, four had neurofibromatosis and one schwannomatosis (NF +). The latter has bilateral BP tumors that remain stable on MRI at a 6.5 year follow-up. Another NF + patient has bilateral non-operable BP plexiform neurofibromas. The complaints of the 15 operated patients were radiated pain, a mass, local pain, paresthesia, a neurological deficit (n = 15, 12, 7, 10, 7). On MRI, the tumors appeared as nodular or ovoid large masses. Four operated tumors were proximal, reaching the foramen. The FDG-PET scan (n = 4) always showed tumor hypermetabolism. A preoperative percutaneous biopsy was done in three patients before neurosurgical consultation; one of them developed neurogenic pain and a sensory deficit following two percutaneous biopsies for a misinterpreted cervical lymphadenopathy. Surgery was performed using a supra-, infra-, supra- + infra-clavicular or posterior subscapular approach (n = 8, 3, 3, 1). Intraoperative electrophysiology was used in all patients. Complete or gross total resection was achieved in 14 patients. Two patients had fascicle reconstruction with grafts. Pathology revealed 13 schwannomas and two neurofibromas. Neurogenic pain transiently developed or worsened after surgery in five patients. At last follow-up, a mild deficit remained in four patients (preexisting in three). No recurrence had occurred. We conclude that a thorough examination of any patient with a cervical or axillary mass is crucial to avoid misinterpretation as a lymphadenopathy. MRI is the best imaging modality. Most BP benign tumors can be completely and safely resected through the use of microsurgical techniques and intraoperative electrophysiology.

Post-traumatic thoracic outlet syndrome.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the clinical presentation, diagnostic and therapeutic management and outcome of 27 cases of post-traumatic thoracic outlet syndrome (PT TOS). METHODS: Retrospective chart analysis. RESULTS: Nineteen women and eight men were included in this study. Involvement in a traffic accident was the most common scenario. Fracture of either the first rib or the clavicle was reported in eight patients at the time of injury; in others, the diagnosis was cervical or shoulder soft tissue trauma. Upon presentation at our clinic at a mean 41 months after injury, four patients had bilateral symptoms and 17 reported decreased function of either the arm or hand. Two patients presented with severe lower trunk deficits including one who had received surgical intervention at both the cervical spine and elbow before diagnosis of TOS was made. Sixteen and 15 patients were suffering from some degree of anxiety and/or depression. Upon diagnosis of neurogenic TOS, the two patients with atrophy of the hand musculature were treated surgically. Conservative treatment was applied to all other patients. Six months after presentation to our clinic, nine patients demonstrated a significant improvement. The remainder that reported incapacitating symptoms were offered surgical treatment. Three patients declined the latter. Fifteen patients received surgical treatment via an anterior supraclavicular approach with resection of the anterior scalene muscles. Eleven patients had resection of the middle scalene muscle while five had resection of an osseous structure (partial claviculectomy, C7 transverse process or a cervical rib). The two patients with atrophy of the hand only slightly improved their motor deficit but had a notable relief of symptoms of pain. Postoperative improvement occurred in 80% of surgically treated patients. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of patients suffering from a post-traumatic TOS present a neurogenic, usually subjective syndrome. Prompt therapeutic management is necessary, addressing both physical and psychological complaints. Most patients are cured or well improved by conservative and/or surgical treatment.