Clinical Electrophysiological Studies Research Articles

Anatomic Variation of the Hamate Hook as a Potential Risk in Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release

The purpose of this study was to investigate the incidence of anomalies in patients who underwent endoscopic carpal tunnel release and their relationship with clinical outcomes. This retrospective study included 65 hands of 57 patients (8 men and 49 women; mean age, 64.9 years) who underwent endoscopic carpal tunnel release for carpal tunnel syndrome at our hospital between March 2016 and April 2022. The patients were diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome based on clinical observations and electrophysiological studies. On T2-weighted magnetic resonance axial images, the height of the hook of the hamate was measured from the bottom to the tip of the hook, and the total height of the hamate was measured from the dorsal surface of the hamate to the tip of the hook. A hook-to-height ratio of less than 0.34 was defined as hypoplastic, and its incidence was investigated. In addition, electrodiagnostic testing of sensory and motor nerve conduction of the median nerve and patient-reported outcome measurements, including Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score, Boston carpal tunnel questionnaire, and visual analog scale score, were investigated at 6 months after surgery. Adverse events were collected from patient records. The mean hook-to-height ratio was 0.40. Hypoplasia with a ratio ≤0.34 was observed in seven hands (10.8%), and adverse events were observed only in the two cases that had a hypoplastic hook of the hamate (3.07%). The patient-reported outcome measurements and the result of electrodiagnostic testing at 6 months after surgery did not correlate with the height of the hook of the hamate. The incidence of a hypoplastic hook of the hamate is common in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome, and preoperative evaluation of the morphology of the hooks and indications for endoscopic carpal tunnel release in cases of hypoplastic hooks may help predict adverse events. Therapeutic Ⅳ.

Predicting ventricular tachycardia circuits in patients with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy using genotype-specific heart digital twins.

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is a genetic cardiac disease that leads to ventricular tachycardia (VT), a life-threatening heart rhythm disorder. Treating ARVC remains challenging due to the complex underlying arrhythmogenic mechanisms, which involve structural and electrophysiological (EP) remodeling. Here, we developed a novel genotype-specific heart digital twin (Geno-DT) approach to investigate the role of pathophysiological remodeling in sustaining VT reentrant circuits and to predict the VT circuits in ARVC patients of different genotypes. This approach integrates the patient's disease-induced structural remodeling reconstructed from contrast-enhanced magnetic-resonance imaging and genotype-specific cellular EP properties. In our retrospective study of 16 ARVC patients with two genotypes: plakophilin-2 (PKP2, n = 8) and gene-elusive (GE, n = 8), we found that Geno-DT accurately and non-invasively predicted the VT circuit locations for both genotypes (with 100%, 94%, 96% sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for GE patient group, and 86%, 90%, 89% sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for PKP2 patient group), when compared to VT circuit locations identified during clinical EP studies. Moreover, our results revealed that the underlying VT mechanisms differ among ARVC genotypes. We determined that in GE patients, fibrotic remodeling is the primary contributor to VT circuits, while in PKP2 patients, slowed conduction velocity and altered restitution properties of cardiac tissue, in addition to the structural substrate, are directly responsible for the formation of VT circuits. Our novel Geno-DT approach has the potential to augment therapeutic precision in the clinical setting and lead to more personalized treatment strategies in ARVC.

Predicting ventricular tachycardia circuits in patients with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy using genotype-specific heart digital twins

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is a genetic cardiac disease that leads to ventricular tachycardia (VT), a life-threatening heart rhythm disorder. Treating ARVC remains challenging due to the complex underlying arrhythmogenic mechanisms, which involve structural and electrophysiological (EP) remodeling. Here, we developed a novel genotype-specific heart digital twin (Geno-DT) approach to investigate the role of pathophysiological remodeling in sustaining VT reentrant circuits and to predict the VT circuits in ARVC patients of different genotypes. This approach integrates the patient’s disease-induced structural remodeling reconstructed from contrast-enhanced magnetic-resonance imaging and genotype-specific cellular EP properties. In our retrospective study of 16 ARVC patients with two genotypes: plakophilin-2 (PKP2, n = 8) and gene-elusive (GE, n = 8), we found that Geno-DT accurately and non-invasively predicted the VT circuit locations for both genotypes (with 100%, 94%, 96% sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for GE patient group, and 86%, 90%, 89% sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for PKP2 patient group), when compared to VT circuit locations identified during clinical EP studies. Moreover, our results revealed that the underlying VT mechanisms differ among ARVC genotypes. We determined that in GE patients, fibrotic remodeling is the primary contributor to VT circuits, while in PKP2 patients, slowed conduction velocity and altered restitution properties of cardiac tissue, in addition to the structural substrate, are directly responsible for the formation of VT circuits. Our novel Geno-DT approach has the potential to augment therapeutic precision in the clinical setting and lead to more personalized treatment strategies in ARVC.

Quantitative thermal testing as a screening and follow-up tool for diabetic sensorimotor polyneuropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes and prediabetes.

The diagnosis and assessment of neuropathy severity of diabetic sensorimotor polyneuropathy (DSPN) are mainly based on clinical neuropathy scores and electrophysiologic studies. This study aimed to determine whether quantitative thermal testing (QTT) can be used as a screening and follow-up tool for DSPN of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes at baseline and at 1-year follow-up. All patients were assessed using the Toronto Clinical Neuropathy Score (TCNS) and underwent electrophysiological testing, including a nerve conduction study (NCS) and QTT, at baseline and at a 1-year follow-up. The TCNS and the composite scores of nerve conduction were used to assess the severity of DSPN. The DSPN status at the 1-year follow-up was classified as remaining no DSPN, remaining DSPN, regression to no DSPN, or progression to DSPN. Diabetic sensorimotor polyneuropathy was initially diagnosed in 89 patients with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes (22%). The regressed to no DSPN in 29 patients and progressed to DSPN in 20 patients at the 1-year follow-up. TCNS was significantly correlated with composite scores of nerve conduction, hand cold detection threshold (CDT), hand warm detection threshold (WDT), foot CDT, and foot WDT. Stepwise logistic regression demonstrated that the foot CDT (p < 0.0001) was independently associated with the presence of DSPN. The TCNS, composite scores of the nerve conduction, hand WDT, hand CDT, foot WDT, and foot CDT were all statistically significant among the four different DSPN status groups at two different time periods (baseline and the 1-year follow-up). The foot CDT can be used as an initial screening tool for DSPN alternatively. The characteristics of nerve damage after 1 year of DSPN can be progressive or reversible, and the neurological functions of large and small fibers have a parallel trend, which can be objectively measured by NCS and QTT.

The value of magnetic resonance neurography in evaluation of sciatic neuropathy

BackgroundSciatic neuropathy is one of the most common neuropathies of the lower extremities. One of the most common presentations of sciatic neuropathy is foot drop and may also be associated with several other clinical (sensory and/or motor) presentations. In recent years, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has established itself as an important tool for the study of peripheral nerves, especially after the development of protocols including sequences optimized for this purpose, referred to as magnetic resonance neurography (MRN), being used as noninvasive means of diagnosing peripheral nerve disease. Such high-resolution imaging protocols aimed to image the nerves at hip, thigh, knee, leg, ankle, and foot and can demonstrate traumatic or iatrogenic injury, tumor-like lesions, or entrapment of the nerves, causing a potential loss of motor and sensory function in the affected area. This study aimed to be familiar with MRI and MRN findings in patients with sciatic neuropathy.ResultsIn this prospective study, thirty patients presented with clinical manifestations and/or electrophysiological studies having sciatic neuropathy and underwent MRI and MRN at a university Hospital from March 2021 to March 2022. In view of clinical presentation, muscle weakness (66.67%), numbness and tingling (60%), and sensory manifestation (60%) were the most prevalent presenting manifestation followed by back pain (43.33%), foot drop (33.33%), and urinary and bowel incontinence (23.33%). MRN and MRI results showed a strong correlation with the presenting symptoms of participants, in the form of increased sciatic nerve caliber in 23.33%, muscular atrophy in 13.33%, nerve root impingement in 26.67%, and lumbar spondylosis in 36.67%. MR neurography sequences gave additional findings to the conventional MRI in the form of increased nerve signal intensity in 53.33%, perineural edema in 50% of cases, neural structure disruption in 26.67%, muscular impend denervation in 16.67%, bone marrow edema in 30.33%, pseudo-meningocele in 13.33%, and nerve root avulsion in 3.33% with no correlated findings in MRI.ConclusionsMRN is an additional accurate tool in the study of different sciatic nerve diseases and can also give detailed knowledge of the nerve anatomy, adding value to electrophysiological studies and conventional MRI.

Electrophysiology and Magnetic Resonance Neurography Findings of Nontraumatic Ulnar Mononeuropathy From a Tertiary Care Center.

Ulnar nerve is frequently involved in mononeuropathies of the upper limb. Ulnar neuropathies have been diagnosed conventionally using clinical and electrophysiological findings. Physicians opt for nerve imaging in patients with ambiguous electrophysiological tests to gain additional information, identify etiology and plan management. The aim of this study was to describe the electrophysiological and the magnetic resonance neurography (MRN) findings in patients with nontraumatic ulnar neuropathy. All consecutive patients with suspected nontraumatic ulnar mononeuropathy were recruited; clinical assessment and electrophysiological studies (EPSs) were done in all. After EPS, patients with localization of lesion along the ulnar nerve underwent MRN. All 39 patients recruited had clinical findings suggestive of ulnar neuropathy; Electrophysiological confirmation was possible in 36/39 (92.30%) patients. Localization of ulnar nerve lesion to elbow and wrist was possible in 27 (75%) and 9 (25%) patients, respectively. MRN was done in 22 patients; a lesion was identified in 19 of 22 (86.36%) ulnar nerves studied. Thickening and hyperintensity in T2 W/short TI inversion recovery images of ulnar nerve at the level of olecranon, suggesting ulnar neuropathy at elbow, was the commonest (8/22) imaging finding. MRN acts as a complimentary tool to EPS for evaluating nontraumatic ulnar neuropathy. By identifying the etiology, MRN is likely to modify the management decision.

Clinical Course and Electrophysiological Characteristics of Permanent Junctional Reciprocating Tachycardia in Children.

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the clinical aspects, electrophysiological studies, and ablation results of permanent junctional reciprocating tachycardia in children. The study comprised 29 pediatric patients diagnosed with permanent junctional reciprocating tachycardia between 2011 and 2021 in 2 pediatric electrophysiology centers. From the file records, the basic demographic characteristics of the patients, as well as electrocardiographic and echocardiographic findings, were acquired retrospectively. The medical treatment and responses of the patients throughout follow-up, as well as the electrophysiological study and ablation data of the patients who had electrophysiological study, were assessed. The mean age at diagnosis of the patients was 3.13 ± 4.43 (0-18) years and the mean weight was 18.22 ± 19.68 (3.8-94) kg. Eighteen patients (62.1%) were girls. Eleven patients (38%) developed tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy. Tachycardia was incessant in 15 patients (51.7%). In total, 22 patients required 26 ablation procedures. Tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy and multidrug-resistant tachycardia were the most prevalent indications for ablation. The right posteroseptal pathway was detected in 18 patients (81.8%). The acute procedure success rate was 100% (22/22). The recurrence rate was 18% (4/22) and 3 of them underwent successful ablation again. The overall success percentage was 95.4% (21/22). None of the patients had any complications. The mean follow-up period was 4.39 ± 3.05 years. Although permanent junctional reciprocating tachycardia is uncommon, it is often persistent, resistant to medical treatment, and associated with a substantial risk of tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy. Catheter ablation can be performed on these patients at any age, with minimal risk of complications and a high success rate. It is crucial to keep monitor of the patients' recurrence.

Abstract 10565: Personalized Virtual Heart Approach Representing Fatty Infiltration (inFAT) in Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular (RV) Cardiomyopathy (ARVC) Predicts Ventricular Arrhythmia (VA) Reentrant Circuits and Ablation Targets: A Pilot Study

Introduction: inFAT is a pathological hallmark in ARVC that is associated with pro-arrhythmic remodeling that contributes to the substrate for VA. Identification of the inFAT distribution on contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CE-CT), which is highly accessible and has reliable image quality, may be useful in pre-procedural planning for catheter ablation treatment of VA. Objective: We aimed to develop and validate a novel non-invasive CT-based computational approach for VA ablation targeting in ARVC. Methods: As a retrospective pilot study, we constructed 3D personalized computational models of ARVC patient hearts with implanted cardioverter defibrillators from CE-CT scans representing the patient-specific inFAT distribution in the RV (Fig A, B). Three patients were included. P1 and P2 had clinical VA and electrophysiological study with ablation. P3 did not present with clinical VA and did not have ablation. We evaluated the inducibility of each model via rapid pacing and compared the results to electroanatomic voltage maps (EAM). In-silico ablation was performed and compared to clinical ablation locations (Fig C). Results: For all 3 patients, heart model predictions corresponded well with clinical observations.In both P1 and P2, reentrant circuits’ locations matched clinical records (Fig C). Both reentrant circuits manifested at the border of inFAT and fat-myocardium admixture, where tissue heterogeneity was prominent. Regions of inFAT co-localized well with low-voltage areas on EAM. Predicted ablation sites successfully terminated VA and coincided with the clinical ablation locations. In P2, the predicted ablation yielded a much smaller lesion than clinical ablation. For P3, the model correctly predicted that VA could not be induced in the heart. Conclusions: Our novel ARVC CT-based computational approach accurately predicts VA ablation targets and could potentially become a highly accessible tool in assisting ARVC ablation.

Carpal tunnel syndrome: correlation of the severity of the clinical picture and electrophysiological studies

Purpose: This study aimed to correlate the severity of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) in terms of the clinical picture with electrophysiological studies to determine whether the severity could be predicted through one measure based on correlations with another.Methods: This cross-sectional correlational study enrolled 96 patients (139 hands) whose nerve conduction studies (NCS) confirmed the diagnosis of CTS, and to whom the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ) was administered to determine the subjective and clinical CTS severity. The severity of both measures was correlated. Results: The patients’ mean age was 49.84±12.23 years. Most (67.7%) were female. The NCS severity grades were as follows: mild, 46%; moderate, 32.4; severe, 9.4%; and very severe, 12.2%. The sensory and motor NCS parameters were significantly correlated with the BCTQ severity. The patients’ overall mean scores for symptom severity had substantive predictive accuracy for the patients’ CTS severity measured with the NCS. Similarly, most of the functional severity score items had significant predictive accuracy for the patients’ NCS-based carpal tunnel severity score.Conclusion: The clinical severity of CTS was strongly correlated with the severity based on nerve conduction. This correlation was more notable for symptom severity scores than for functional status scores. Night pain and numbness demonstrated the strongest associations of all BCTQ items with the NCS. Although clinical severity (based on the BCTQ) predicts the nerve conduction severity, we still recommend performing NCS for patients with a clinical diagnosis of CTS as a confirmatory objective measure and for medico-legal reasons.

Guillain-Barré syndrome associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection: A case series from 4 Colombian cities during the pandemic

SARS-CoV-2 infection has been associated with multiple neurological manifestations. One such manifestation, which has been described since the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic and is relevant for current neurological practice, is Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). The literature describes neurotoxic mechanisms of the virus itself and the possible pathways by which it may affect the peripheral nerves in experimental studies; however, we still lack information on the mechanisms causing the immune response that gives rise to GBS in the context of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Colombia is one of the Latin American countries worst affected by the pandemic, with the third-highest number of cases in the region; thus, it is essential to recognise GBS, as this potential postinfectious complication may severely compromise the patient's functional status in the absence of timely diagnosis and treatment. We present a series of 12 cases of GBS associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection from hospitals in 4 different Colombian cities and describe the clinical presentation, laboratory and electrophysiological study findings, and treatment.

PO-691-06 UNCOVERING REGIONS OF HIGH OXIDATIVE INJURY IN PERSISTENT ATRIAL FIBRILLATION PATIENTS AND IN A CANINE MODEL WITH ACUTE ADMINISTRATION OF N-ACYTYLCYSTEINE — A NEW THERAPEUTIC TARGET IN PATIENTS WITH PERSISTENT ATRIAL FIBRILLATION?

Despite the knowledge that oxidative stress (OS) plays an important role in the development of AF, clinical electrophysiological studies do not take the OS level in different heart regions into consideration when treating AF.

Association of SORD mutation with autosomal recessive asymmetric distal hereditary motor neuropathy

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to identify the underlying genetic defect in a family segregating autosomal recessive asymmetric hereditary motor neuropathy (HMN). Asymmetric HMN has not been associated earlier with SORD mutations.MethodsFor this study, we have recruited a family and collected blood samples from affected and normal individuals of a family. Detailed clinical examination and electrophysiological studies were carried out. Whole exome sequencing was performed to detect the underlying genetic defect in this family. The potential variant was validated using the Sanger sequencing approach.ResultsClinical and electrophysiological examination revealed asymmetric motor neuropathy with normal nerve conduction velocities and action potentials. Genetic analysis identified a homozygous mononucleotide deletion mutation (c.757delG) in a SORD gene in a patient. This mutation is predicted to cause premature truncation of a protein (p.A253Qfs*27).ConclusionsInterestingly, the patient with homozygous SORD mutation demonstrates normal motor and nerve conduction velocities and action potentials. The affected individual describes in this study has a unique presentation of asymmetric motor neuropathy predominantly affecting the right side more than the left as supported by the clinical examination. This is the first report of SORD mutation from Saudi Arabia and this study further expands the phenotypic spectrum of SORD mutation.

Imaging of Entrapment Neuropathies in the Ankle.

Entrapment neuropathies of the ankle and foot pose a major diagnostic challenge and thus remain underdiagnosed. Recent advancements in imaging modalities, including magnetic resonance neurography (MRN), have resulted in considerable improvement in the anatomical localization and identification of pathologies leading to nerve entrapment. MRN supplements clinical examination and electrophysiologic studies in the diagnosis of neuropathies, aids in assessing disease severity, and helps formulate management strategies. A comprehensive understanding of the anatomy and imaging features of the ankle is essential to diagnose and manage entrapment neuropathies accurately. Advancements in imaging and their appropriate utilization will ultimately lead to better diagnoses and improved patient outcomes.

Miller fisher syndrome – A rare complication of covid-19 infection

The COVID-19 virus can present with various neurological signs and symptoms involving both the central and peripheral nervous systems. Miller Fisher syndrome (M.F.S.), a variant of Landry Guillain Barre Syndrome (L.G.B.S.), presents with ataxia, areflexia, and ophthalmoplegia. It can develop during and after COVID-19 illness. We are reporting a case of the Miller Fisher variant of L.G.B.S. following a COVID-19 infection. We found no difference in clinical presentation, electrophysiological studies, severity, recovery, and treatment in our patient compared to a non-covid related M.F.S. Our goal is to add a case of the COVID-19-associated Miller Fisher variant of L.G.B.S. to already existing limited literature through this case report.

Hereditary Sensory and Autonomic Neuropathy: A Case Series of Six Children.

Hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy (HSAN) is a group of rare disorders affecting the sensory and autonomic neurons. Herein, we describe the clinical and genetic profile of six children with HSAN. Hospital records of six children diagnosed with HSAN over 7 years (2011-2018) were retrieved. Clinical features, electrophysiological studies, and genetic reports were collected from the case files. The presenting clinical features in these six cases were developmental delay, recurrent febrile episodes, rhinitis, recurrent nonhealing ulcers, burns, self-mutilations, chronic osteomyelitis, and corneal ulcers. Electrophysiology studies showed predominant sensory axonal neuropathy. Autonomic features noted were recurrent fever, constipation, abdominal distension, hypertension, and vasomotor rhinitis. Genetic testing was done with next-generation sequencing in all six children. Causative genetic variants were identified in the NTRK1, PRDM12, DST gene, and a novel compound heterozygous variant in the FLVCR1 gene. The diagnosis of HSAN was delayed in most of our children due to variable presentation and lack of awareness among the treating paediatricians. Although the clinical presentation of HASN is highly variable, it is dominated by pain and temperature insensitivity and self-mutilation. Our report of six children with HSAN expands the existing knowledge on phenotype and genotype spectrum of HSAN.

Novel Seizure Biomarkers in Continuous Electrocardiograms from Pediatric Epilepsy Patients.

There is growing evidence that seizures are accompanied by multi-system changes, not only in the brain but also in organs and systems under its control. Non-EEG measurements from these systems could be leveraged to improve seizure prediction, which is difficult but critical to the success of next-generation epilepsy therapies. Clinical electrophysiology studies during presurgical patient evaluations routinely collect continuous EEG but also ECG data that span multiple days. Prior work has reported electrocardiographic changes but has primarily focused on ventricular activity and brief peri-ictal intervals. Using novel data-driven classification and separation of the ECG high-dimensional signal space, this study investigated seizure-related changes in both ventricular and atrial activity. Measures of complexity as well as heart rate and R-R interval length were analyzed over time in continuous ECGs from 22 pediatric patients with pharmacoresistant seizures and no diagnosed cardiovascular anomalies. Fifteen patients (>68%) had significant changes in atrial or ventricular activity (or both) in intervals containing seizures. Thus, for a substantial number of patients, cardiac markers may be specifically modulated by seizures and could be leveraged to improve and personalize seizure prediction.

Clinical, electrophysiological, and ultrasound evaluation for early detection of musculoskeletal hand disorders and nerve entrapment in mobile phone users

Smartphone overuse may lead to musculoskeletal manifestations, such as carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and arthritis of hand joints, with an increased median nerve cross-sectional area (CSA). The aim of this study is the early detection of musculoskeletal hand disorders using ultrasound techniques, and to detect nerve entrapment using clinical evaluation, ultrasound, and electrophysiological studies, in university employees younger than 35 years using mobile phones. Function is assessed using the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire (MHQ). Cross-sectional controlled study included 74 smartphone users classified into two groups according to a smartphone addiction scale (SAS), into high and low smart phone users, with 35 non-smartphone users with matched age and gender as a control group. A clinical assessment of nerve entrapment symptoms was performed, and the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire (MHQ), with a total score from 0 to100, was used to assess hand function. Electrodiagnostic studies of median and ulnar nerves were used to detect early nerve entrapment. Bilateral ultrasound was performed in order to assess the median nerve CSA and involvement of thumb and small hand joints. The data collected were analysed using the SPSS program version 20. CSAs of median nerves were significantly higher in the dominant hand of high smartphone users than in low and non-smartphone users ( p < 0.001). There was a significant positive correlation between CSA and SAS ( r = 0.45), visual analogue scale (VAS) ( r = 0.61), and duration of smartphone use ( r = 0.80), with negative correlation with MHQ ( r = −0.63). Significant differences in were found in the electrophysiological studies of median and ulnar nerves. The mean ultrasound score for both hands was higher in the high smartphone users compared to low smartphone users (15.08 ± 4.17 vs. 6.46 ± 1.38, p < .001). There is increased median nerve CSAs among high smartphone users associated with prolongation of both sensory and motor latencies and slow conduction velocities. Caution should be exercised when using mobile phones, in order to minimise the risk of developing hand musculoskeletal disorders. El uso excesivo de teléfonos inteligentes conlleva manifestaciones musculoesqueléticas como el síndrome del túnel carpiano (STC) o la artritis de las articulaciones de las manos, con un aumento del área transversal del nervio mediano (CSA). El objetivo de este estudio es detectar oportunamente trastornos musculoesqueléticos de la mano utilizando una ecografía, así como detectar el atrapamiento nervioso mediante estudios clínicos de evaluación, ultrasonográficos y electrofisiológicos en nuestros empleados universitarios menores de 35 años que utilizan teléfonos inteligentes, con evaluación del Cuestionario de Resultados de Mano de Michigan (MHQ). El estudio controlado transversal incluyó a 74 usuarios de teléfonos inteligentes que fueron clasificados en 2 grupos, según la escala de adicción a los teléfonos inteligentes (SAS), en usuarios de teléfonos inteligentes altos y bajos, con 35 no usuarios de teléfonos inteligentes con edad y sexo iguales, como grupo de control. El MHQ se utilizó para evaluar de la función de la mano con una puntuación total de 0 a 100. Se realizaron estudios electrodiagnósticos de la mediana de los nervios y cubitales para detectar el atrapamiento nervioso temprano. La ecografía bilateral se realizó para evaluar la CSA del nervio mediano y la afectación del pulgar y de las articulaciones pequeñas de las manos. Los datos recogidos fueron analizados por la versión 20 del programa SPSS. Las CSA de los nervios medianos fueron significativamente más altas en la mano dominante de los usuarios altos que en los no usuarios bajos de teléfonos inteligentes (p < 0,001). Hubo una correlación positiva significativa entre la CSA y SAS (r −0,45), la escala analógica visual (VAS) (r −0,61) y la duración del uso del teléfono inteligente (r −0,80) con la correlación negativa con MHQ (r −0,63). Se encontraron diferencias significativas en los estudios electrofisiológicos de los nervios medios y cubitales. La puntuación ultrasonográfica media para ambas manos fue más alta en altos en comparación con los usuarios de teléfonos inteligentes bajos (15,08 × 4,17 frente a 6,46 × 1,38, p < 0,001). Existe una asociación entre la adicción a los teléfonos inteligentes y el área transversal del nervio mediano asociada con el aumento de las CSA entre los usuarios de teléfonos inteligentes altos en comparación con los usuarios bajos y no inteligentes. Se debe tener precaución al usar teléfonos inteligentes para minimizar el riesgo de desarrollo de trastornos musculoesqueléticos de las manos.

Pasien Spinocerebellar Ataxia 3 (SCA3) dengan neuropati perifer di Indonesia : laporan kasus

Abstract Rationale: Spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) 3, also known as Machado-Joseph Disease (MJD), is a neurodegenerative disease which involves cerebellum and its afferent and efferent pathways. Generally, the initial symptoms were gait disturbance, double vision, dysarthria, and vertigo.Patient concerns: a 43-year-old male, with known SCA3, presented hereditary ataxia had mild numbness in his both palms since two years ago. Sensory examination found no abnormality. Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS) showed severe axonal demyelinating sensorimotor peripheral neuropathy. In magnetic resonance imaging atrophy cerebellum with cerebral multiple lacunar infarction were seen. Diagnoses: SCA3 was diagnosed on the basis of clinical features, family pedigree, physical examination, electrophysiology study, neuroimaging, nerve biopsy, and genetic testing results. The electrophysiological manifestations revealed profound axonal demyelinating lesion in peripheral nerves. Genetic analysis was not done yet due to lack of availability of genetic testing in our country at this moment although it is the gold standard for diagnosis.Lessons: SCA3 with peripheral neuropathy represents a specific clinical entity that so far has never been described previously in Indonesia.Abbreviations: SCA3 = Spinocerebellar ataxia, MJD = Machado-Joseph Disease, NCS = Nerve Conduction Studies

Imaging of traumatic peripheral nerve injuries

Nerves are commonly injured in case of blunt or penetrating trauma to the extremities. Patients with nerve injuries have profound consequences and thus a timely decision for operative management is a very important. Conventionally, management decisions have been based on clinical findings, patient course and electrophysiological studies. However, imaging modalities have an enormous role not only in localizing and grading of the nerve injuries but also in the follow-up of the nerve recovery. High-resolution ultrasound (HUS) is the modality of choice for evaluation of peripheral nerves. Magnetic resonance neurography (MRN) plays a complementary role, enabling better assessment of muscle changes and deeper nerves. Corresponding to the injured layer of the cross-section of the nerve, imaging manifestations differ in different grades of injury. Since imaging cannot detect ultrastructural changes at the microscopic level, thus there may be overlap in the imaging findings. Herewith, we discuss the imaging findings in different grades of nerve injury and propose a simple 3-tier grading for imaging (HUS and MRN) assessment of peripheral nerve injuries.

Rediscovering Clinical Utility of QT Dispersion: A Long-Forgotten Parameter

Clinical and experimental electrophysiological studies have shown the importance of inhomogeneous myocardial repolarization in ventricular arrhythmias' genesis. Increased dispersion of repolarisation provides a substrate for ventricular arrhythmias by generating functional unidirectional block areas, thereby predisposing to reentry. QT dispersion, defined as the difference between the longest and the shortest QT interval on the surface ECG, is a validated measure of repolarisation dispersion. QT dispersion predicts sudden death and ventricular arrhythmias in patients with chronic heart failure from coronary heart disease and various cardiac diseases