Clinical Implications of Routine Monitoring of Pulmonary Function and Ventilation in Patients with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Purpose@#To investigate the effect of regular monitoring of pulmonary function and ventilatory status on the initiation of non-invasive ventilation (NIV) between patients who were routinely monitored before receiving NIV and those who were not. @*Materials and Methods@#This retrospective cohort study included subjects with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) who first received NIV between 2010 and 2019. The subjects were assigned to either the regular-follow-up (REG) group or the non-REG group, according to their follow-up status, before initiating NIV. We compared the number of emergent cases, the results of nocturnal ventilatory monitoring, and the pulmonary function of each group at initial ventilatory support. @*Results@#In total, 73 subjects were enrolled in the REG group and 47 subjects in the non-REG group. There were significantly more emergency cases due to respiratory insufficiency in the non-REG group (12/47, 25.5%) than in the REG group (3/73, 4.1%). At the time of initial ventilatory support, hypoventilatory symptoms were more common and relatively severe in the non-REG group (37/47, 78.7%) than in the REG group (18/73, 24.7%). The average age at initial ventilatory support of the non-REG group was 2.15 years older than that of the subjects in the REG group. Moreover, subjects who were not regularly monitored exhibited greater deterioration in pulmonary function compared to those who were regularly followed up. @*Conclusion@#Regular evaluation of pulmonary function and ventilatory status before the onset of ventilatory insufficiency is crucial to reduce the risk of patients with DMD requiring emergency care due to ventilatory insufficiency.

Evaluation of Current Resources Available for Community-Based Cardiac Rehabilitation in Korea:A Nationwide Survey Study

Background@#In Korea, the actual distribution of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) to the clinical field is insufficient due to the many barriers for cardiovascular patients to participate in CR. Community-based CR is a useful alternative to overcome these obstacles. Through a nationwide survey, we investigated the possibility of regional medical and public health management institutes which can be in charge of community-based CR in Korea. @*Methods@#The questionnaires on recognition of CR and current available resources in health-related institutions were developed with reference to the CR evaluation tools of York University and the International Council of Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation.The questionnaires were sent to regional public and private medical institutions and public health management institutions. @*Results@#In total, 2,267 questionnaires were sent to 1,186 institutions. There were 241 and 242 responses from 173 and 179 regional private and public medical institutions, respectively. And a total of 244 responses were gathered from 180 public health management institutions. Although many institutions were equipped with the necessary facilities for exercise training, there were few patient-monitoring systems during exercise. Most institutions were aware of the need for CR, but were burdened with the cost of establishing personnel and facilities to operate CR. @*Conclusion@#Most regional medical, and public health management institutions in Korea are unprepared for the implementation of community-based CR programs. To encourage the utilization of such, there should be efforts to establish a national consensus.

Clinical Course of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis according to Initial Symptoms: An Analysis of 500 Cases

Purpose@#One obstacle in early diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is its vague initial presentation, which is generally classified into limb- and bulbar-dominant types and may be mistaken for other musculoskeletal conditions. We analyzed clinical data from patients in relation to their initial presentation and prognosis from symptom onset to diagnosis. @*Materials and Methods@#We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of patients with ALS who were admitted for pulmonary rehabilitation between January 2007 and December 2019. We collected data on time of onset, initial presenting symptoms, unnecessary operations due to misdiagnosis, and the time between symptom onset and final diagnosis of ALS. @*Results@#Among 500 patients, unnecessary operations were performed in 43 patients. The median durations between symptom onset and ALS diagnosis for patients with and without operations were 11 and 9 months, respectively (p=0.008). 67.0%, 28.8%, and 4.2% of the patients presented with limb-, bulbar-, and respiratory-dominant symptoms, respectively, as initial presentations. The median ages at symptom onset were significantly different for limb-, bulbar-, and respiratory-dominant onset (57.5, 60.6, and 66.7 years, respectively; p<0.001). Compared to the other two types, patients with the respiratory-dominant onset were all male and showed higher rate of emergent endotracheal intubation before ALS diagnosis. @*Conclusion@#Inappropriate operations significantly delayed the diagnosis of ALS. Respiratory difficulty can account for a significant proportion among initial presentations in ALS. Compared to limb- and bulbar-dominant types, respiratory-dominant onset appears to show male predominance, older age at symptom onset, and poor respiratory prognosis.

Delayed Postoperative Paravertebral Abscess in a Patient with Cervical Spinal Cord Injury Accompanied by Ankylosing Spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease presenting progressive spinal stiffness and sacroiliitis. Cervical spine fracture combined with AS should be treated with operation, but it is closely related with increased rates of surgical site infection, which are associated with an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate and elevated C-reactive protein. We report a case of delayed postoperative infection appeared in cervical paravertebral space, which was masked by laboratory findings and clinical characteristics represented in this rheumatic disease. A 53-year-old man who had medical history of AS got operation after cervical spine fracture. During hospitalization, he experienced aching pain originating from left posterior neck to shoulder, which was revealed out to be delayed postoperative infection, diagnostically obscured by elevated values of inflammatory markers. This case emphasizes detailed evaluation considering symptoms and comorbidity of the patient should be performed to apply proper management.

Feasibility of Robot-Assisted Gait Training with an End-Effector Type Device for Various Neurologic Disorders

Robots are being used to assist the recovery of walking ability for patients with neurologic disorders. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and functional improvement of training with robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) using the Morning Walk®, an end-effector type robot using footplates and saddle seat support. A total of 189 individuals (65.1% men, 34.9% women; mean age, 53.2 years; age range: 5–87 years) with brain lesions, spinal cord injuries, Parkinson's disease, peripheral neuropathies, and pediatric patients were involved in this retrospectively registered clinical trial. Each participant performed 30 minutes of RAGT, five times a week, for a total of 24 sessions. Failure was defined as an inability to complete all 24 sessions, and the reasons for discontinuation were analyzed. Parameters of Medical Research Council scales and Functional Ambulation Categories were analyzed before and after RAGT training. Among the 189 patients, 22 (11.6%) failed to complete the RAGT. The reasons included decreased cooperation, musculoskeletal pain, saddle seat discomfort, excessive body-weight support, joint spasticity or restricted joint motion, urinary incontinence from an indwelling urinary catheter, and fatigue. Comparison between the pre- and post-training motor and ambulatory functions showed significant improvement. The result of the study indicates that the Morning Walk® is feasible and safe and useful for functional improvement in patients with various neurologic disordersTRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Research Information Service Identifier: KCT0003627

Feasibility of Robot-Assisted Gait Training with an End-Effector Type Device for Various Neurologic Disorders

Robots are being used to assist the recovery of walking ability for patients with neurologic disorders. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and functional improvement of training with robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) using the Morning Walk®, an end-effector type robot using footplates and saddle seat support. A total of 189 individuals (65.1% men, 34.9% women; mean age, 53.2 years; age range: 5–87 years) with brain lesions, spinal cord injuries, Parkinson's disease, peripheral neuropathies, and pediatric patients were involved in this retrospectively registered clinical trial. Each participant performed 30 minutes of RAGT, five times a week, for a total of 24 sessions. Failure was defined as an inability to complete all 24 sessions, and the reasons for discontinuation were analyzed. Parameters of Medical Research Council scales and Functional Ambulation Categories were analyzed before and after RAGT training. Among the 189 patients, 22 (11.6%) failed to complete the RAGT. The reasons included decreased cooperation, musculoskeletal pain, saddle seat discomfort, excessive body-weight support, joint spasticity or restricted joint motion, urinary incontinence from an indwelling urinary catheter, and fatigue. Comparison between the pre- and post-training motor and ambulatory functions showed significant improvement. The result of the study indicates that the Morning Walk® is feasible and safe and useful for functional improvement in patients with various neurologic disordersTRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Research Information Service Identifier: KCT0003627

Feasibility of Robot-Assisted Gait Training with an End-Effector Type Device for Various Neurologic Disorders

Robots are being used to assist the recovery of walking ability for patients with neurologic disorders. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and functional improvement of training with robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) using the Morning Walk®, an end-effector type robot using footplates and saddle seat support. A total of 189 individuals (65.1% men, 34.9% women; mean age, 53.2 years; age range: 5–87 years) with brain lesions, spinal cord injuries, Parkinson's disease, peripheral neuropathies, and pediatric patients were involved in this retrospectively registered clinical trial. Each participant performed 30 minutes of RAGT, five times a week, for a total of 24 sessions. Failure was defined as an inability to complete all 24 sessions, and the reasons for discontinuation were analyzed. Parameters of Medical Research Council scales and Functional Ambulation Categories were analyzed before and after RAGT training. Among the 189 patients, 22 (11.6%) failed to complete the RAGT. The reasons included decreased cooperation, musculoskeletal pain, saddle seat discomfort, excessive body-weight support, joint spasticity or restricted joint motion, urinary incontinence from an indwelling urinary catheter, and fatigue. Comparison between the pre- and post-training motor and ambulatory functions showed significant improvement. The result of the study indicates that the Morning Walk® is feasible and safe and useful for functional improvement in patients with various neurologic disordersTRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Research Information Service Identifier: KCT0003627

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.

Clinical Usefulness of the Korean Developmental Screening Test (K-DST) for Developmental Delays

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical usefulness of the Korean Developmental Screening Test (K-DST) via comparison with Korean Ages and Stages Questionnaire (K-ASQ) for the diagnosis of developmental delay in pediatric patients. METHODS: The K-DST and K-ASQ were used to screen pediatric patients who visited the hospital for evaluation and diagnosis of delayed development. Korean Bayley Scales of Infant Development-II (K-BSID-II) or Korean Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence III (K-WPPSI-III) were used for the standardized assessment. Moreover, the final clinical diagnosis was confirmed by three expert physicians (rehabilitation doctor, psychiatrist, and neurologist). The sensitivity and specificity of each screening tool for the final diagnosis were investigated and correlated with standardized assessments. RESULTS: A total of 145 pediatric consultations were conducted, which included 123 developmental disorders (40 autism spectrum disorders, 46 global developmental delay/intellectual disability, and 37 developmental language disorders) and another 22 that were not associated with any such disorders. The sensitivity and specificity of K-DST based on the final clinical diagnosis were 82.9% and 90.9%, respectively, which were not significantly different from that of K-ASQ (83.7% and 77.3%). Both K-DST and K-ASQ showed good correlation with K-BSID-II and K-WPPSI-III. No significant difference was found between the K-DST and K-ASQ measures. CONCLUSION: K-DST is an excellent screening tool and is expected to replace K-ASQ with high validity.

Improvement of Peak Cough Flow After the Application of a Mechanical In-exsufflator in Patients With Neuromuscular Disease and Pneumonia: A Pilot Study

OBJECTIVE: To investigate and demonstrate persistent increase of peak cough flow after mechanical in-exsufflator application, in patients with neuromuscular diseases and pneumonia. METHODS: A mechanical in-exsufflator was applied with patients in an upright or semi-upright sitting position (pressure setting, +40 and −40 cmH2O; in-exsufflation times, 2–3 and 1–2 seconds, respectively). Patients underwent five cycles, with 20–30 second intervals to prevent hyperventilation. Peak cough flow without and with assistive maneuvers, was evaluated before, and 15 and 45 minutes after mechanical in-exsufflator application. RESULTS: Peak cough flow was 92.6 L/min at baseline, and 100.4 and 100.7 L/min at 15 and 45 minutes after mechanical in-exsufflator application, respectively. Assisted peak cough flow at baseline, 15 minutes, and 45 minutes after mechanical in-exsufflator application was 170.7, 179.3, and 184.1 L/min, respectively. While peak cough flow and assisted peak cough flow increased significantly at 15 minutes after mechanical in-exsufflator application compared with baseline (p=0.030 and p=0.016), no statistical difference was observed between 15 and 45 minutes. CONCLUSION: Increased peak cough flow after mechanical in-exsufflator application persists for at least 45 minutes.

Effects of Repetitive Peripheral Magnetic Stimulation on Patients With Acute Low Back Pain: A Pilot Study

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of real repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation (rPMS) treatment compared to sham rPMS treatment on pain reduction and functional recovery of patients with acute low back pain. METHODS: A total of 26 patients with acute low back pain were randomly allocated to the real rPMS group and the sham rPMS group. Subjects were then administered a total of 10 treatment sessions. Visual analogue scale (VAS) was assessed before and after each session. Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) were employed to assess functional recovery at baseline and after sessions 5 and 10. RESULTS: Real rPMS treatment showed significant pain reduction immediately after each session. Sustained and significant pain relief was observed after administering only one session in the real rPMS group. Significant functional improvement was observed in the real rPMS group compared to that in the sham rPMS group after sessions 5 and 10 based on ODI and after session 5 based on RMDQ. CONCLUSION: Real rPMS treatment has immediate effect on pain reduction and sustained effect on pain relief for patients with acute low back pain compared to sham rPMS.

Long-Term Outcome of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis in Korean Subjects

OBJECTIVE: To report the latest long-term outcome of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and to analyze the predictors of prognosis. METHODS: Subjects who were diagnosed with ALS between January 2005 and December 2009 at a single institute were followed up until death or up to December 2014. Data regarding age, sex, date of onset, date of diagnosis, presence of bulbar symptoms on onset, date of initiation of non-invasive ventilation (NIV), and the date of tracheostomy were collected. Survival was assessed using Kaplan-Meier curves and multivariate analyses of the risk of death were performed using the Cox proportional hazards model. RESULTS: Among 212 suspicious subjects, definite ALS was diagnosed in 182 subjects. The survival rate at 3 and 5 years from onset was 61.5% and 40.1%, respectively, and the survival rate at 3 and 5 years post-diagnosis was 49.5% and 24.2%, respectively. Further, 134 patients (134/182, 73.6%) were initiated on NIV, and among them, 90 patients (90/182, 49.5%) underwent tracheostomy. Male gender and onset age of ≥65 years were independent predictors of adverse survival. CONCLUSION: The analysis of long term survival in ALS showed excellent outcomes considering the overall poor prognosis of this disease.

Correlation of Serum Creatine Kinase Level With Pulmonary Function in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between serum creatine kinase (CK) level and pulmonary function in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). METHODS: A total of 202 patients with DMD admitted to the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Gangnam Severance Hospital were enrolled from January 1, 1999 to March 31, 2015. Seventeen patients were excluded. Data collected from the 185 patients included age, height, weight, body mass index, pulmonary function tests including forced vital capacity (FVC), peak cough flow, maximal expiratory pressure (MEP), and maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), and laboratory measurements (serum level of CK, CK-MB, troponin-T, and B-type natriuretic peptide). FVC, MEP, and MIP were expressed as percentages of predicted normal values. RESULTS: Serum CK activities were elevated above normal levels, even in the oldest DMD group. Serum CK level was strongly correlated with pulmonary functions of sitting FVC (p<0.001), supine FVC (p<0.001), MIP (p=0.004), and MEP (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Serum CK level is a reliable screening test even in patients with advanced DMD, and is a strong predictor of pulmonary functions.

Motor Neuron Disease Presenting With Acute Respiratory Failure: A Case Study

Motor neuron diseases (MNDs) refer to a heterogeneous group of progressive neurologic disorders caused by degeneration of motor neurons. The diseases affect either the upper motor neurons, lower motor neurons, or both, and are characterized by weakness, atrophy, fasciculation, spasticity, and respiratory failure. We report a case of a 61-year-old male patient with no past history of cardiovascular or pulmonary disease, who presented with only dyspnea, and no indication of any other symptom such as muscle weakness, atrophy, or bulbar dysfunction. Neuromuscular conduction study, including a study of the phrenic nerve, confirmed the diagnosis of MND. The patient greatly improved giving respiratory assistance at night, using a noninvasive ventilator. This case indicates that MNDs should be considered as differential diagnoses for patients showing acute respiratory failure of unknown causes. This report will aid in the prompt diagnosis and treatment of MNDs.

Management of Ventilatory Insufficiency in Neuromuscular Patients Using Mechanical Ventilator Supported by the Korean Government

Since 2001, financial support has been provided for all patients with neuromuscular disease (NMD) who require ventilatory support due to the paralysis of respiratory muscles in Korea. The purpose of this study was to identify ventilator usage status and appropriateness in these patients. We included 992 subjects with rare and incurable NMD registered for ventilator rental fee support. From 21 February 2011 to 17 January 2013, ventilator usage information, regular follow-up observation, and symptoms of chronic hypoventilation were surveyed by phone. Home visits were conducted for patients judged by an expert medical team to require medical examination. Abnormal ventilatory status was assessed by respiratory evaluation. Chronic respiratory insufficiency symptoms were reported by 169 of 992 subjects (17%), while 565 subjects (57%) did not receive regular respiratory evaluation. Ventilatory status was abnormal in 102 of 343 home-visit subjects (29.7%). Although 556 subjects (56%) reported 24-hour ventilator use, only 458 (46%) had an oxygen saturation monitoring device, and 305 (31%) performed an airstacking exercise. A management system that integrates ventilator usage monitoring, counselling and advice, and home visits for patients who receive ventilator support could improve the efficiency of the ventilator support project.

Nutritional Status and Body Composition in Korean Myopathy Patients

In myopathy patients, fat mass increases as the disease progresses, while lean body mass decreases. The present study aimed to investigate the overall nutritional status of Korean myopathy patients through surveys of diet and dietary habits, bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), and biochemistry tests, as well as the examination of related factors, for the purpose of using such findings as a basis for improving the nutritional status in myopathy patients. The energy intake of all participants was found to be insufficient at only 44.5% of Dietary Reference Intakes for Koreans 2010 (KDRIs 2010), whereas protein intake was sufficient at 89.8% of KDRIs 2010. Dietary fiber intake was found to be 58.4% of sufficient dietary fiber intake for adults according to KDRIs 2010. Calcium intake was found to be 55.0% and magnesium was 14.9% of the recommended calcium and magnesium intake for adults according to KDRIs 2010. With respect to quality of life (QOL), overall increase in QOL domain score showed significant positive correlations with vegetable fat intake (p < 0.05), vegetable protein intake (p< 0.05), and dietary fiber intake (p < 0.05). With respect to BIA, the mean phage angle of all participants was found to be 2.49 +/- 0.93degrees, which was below the cutoff value. As a study that examined nutrient analysis and dietary habits of myopathy patients in Korea, the present study is meaningful in providing the basic data for future studies that aim to present dietary guidelines for patients suffering from myopathy.

Comparison of Pulmonary Functions at Onset of Ventilatory Insufficiency in Patients With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, and Myotonic Muscular Dystrophy

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate pulmonary functions of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), and myotonic muscular dystrophy (MMD) at the onset of ventilatory insufficiency. METHODS: This retrospective study included ALS, DMD, and MMD patients with regular outpatient clinic follow-up in the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine at Gangnam Severance Hospital before the application of non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV). The patients were enrolled from August 2001 to March 2014. If patients experienced ventilatory insufficiency, they were treated with NIPPV, and their pulmonary functions were subsequently measured. RESULTS: Ninety-four DMD patients, 41 ALS patients, and 21 MMD patients were included in the study. The mean SpO2 was lower in the MMD group than in the other two groups. The mean forced vital capacity (FVC) in the supine position was approximately low to mid 20% on average in DMD and ALS patients, whereas it was 10% higher in MMD patients. ALS patients showed a significantly lower FVC in the supine position than in the sitting position. Maximal insufflation capacity, unassisted peak cough flow, maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP), and maximum expiratory pressure (MEP) were significantly higher in MMD group than in the other groups. MEP was significantly the lowest in DMD patients, followed by in ALS, and MMD patients, in order. CONCLUSION: Disease-specific values of pulmonary function, including FVC, MEP, and MIP, can be accurately used to assess the onset of ventilatory insufficiency in patients with ALS, DMD, and MMD.

Diagnostic Value of Facial Nerve Antidromic Evoked Potential in Patients With Bell's Palsy: A Preliminary Study

OBJECTIVE: To assess the practical diagnostic value of facial nerve antidromic evoked potential (FNAEP), we compared it with the diagnostic value of the electroneurography (ENoG) test in Bell's palsy. METHODS: In total, 20 patients with unilateral Bell's palsy were recruited. Between the 1st and 17th days after the onset of facial palsy, FNAEP and ENoG tests were conducted. The degeneration ratio and FNAEP latency difference between the affected and unaffected sides were calculated in all subjects. RESULTS: In all patients, FNAEP showed prolonged latencies on the affected side versus the unaffected side. The difference was statistically significant. In contrast, there was no significant difference between sides in the normal control group. In 8 of 20 patients, ENoG revealed a degeneration ratio less than 50%, but FNAEP show a difference of more than 0.295+/-0.599 ms, the average value of normal control group. This shows FNAEP could be a more sensitive test for Bell's palsy diagnosis than ENoG. In particular, in 10 patients tested within 7 days after onset, an abnormal ENoG finding was noted in only four of them, but FNAEP showed a significant latency difference in all patients at this early stage. Thus, FANEP was more sensitive in detecting facial nerve injury than the ENoG test (p=0.031). CONCLUSION: FNAEP has some clinical value in the diagnosis of facial nerve degeneration. It is important that FNAEP be considered in patients with facial palsy at an early stage and integrated with other relevant tests.

Compressive Radial Neuropathy Developed Under a Fibrotic Band Associated With Rhabdomyolysis and Successfully Treated With Surgery

A 34-year-old male patient visited the emergency room with complaint of right wrist drop and foot drop. The day before, he was intoxicated and fell asleep in a room containing barbeque briquettes; After waking up, he noticed that his right wrist and foot were dropped. Upon physical examination, his right wrist extensor, thumb extensor, ankle dorsiflexor, and big toe extensor showed Medical Research Council (MRC) grade 1 power. The initial laboratory tests suggested rhabdomyolysis induced by unrelieved pressure on the right side during sleep. Right foot drop was improved after conservative care and elevated muscle enzyme became normalized with hydration therapy with no resultant acute renal failure. However, the wrist drop did not show improvement and a hard mass was palpated on the follow-up physical examination. Ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging studies were conducted and an abnormal mass in the lateral head of the tricep was detected. Axonopathy was suggested by the electrodiagnostic examination. A surgical decompression was done and a fibrotic cord lesion compressing the radial nerve was detected. After adhesiolysis, his wrist extensor power improved to MRC grade 4. Herein, we describe a compressive radial neuropathy associated with rhabdomyolysis successfully treated with surgery and provide a brief review of the related literature.

Successful Surgery for Scoliosis Supported by Pulmonary Rehabilitation in a Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Patient With Forced Vital Capacity Below 10%

Low vital capacity is a risk factor for scoliosis correction operation in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) patients, but pulmonary rehabilitation, including noninvasive intermittent positive pressure ventilator application, air stacking exercise, and assisted coughing technique, reduces the pulmonary complications and perioperative mortality risk. In this case, the patient's preoperative forced vital capacity (FVC) was 8.6% of normal predicted value in sitting position and 9.4% in supine position. He started pulmonary rehabilitation before the operation and continued right after the operation. Scoliosis correction operation was successful without any pulmonary complications, and his discomfort in sitting position was improved. If pulmonary rehabilitative support is provided properly, FVC below 10% of normal predicted value is not a contraindication of scoliosis correction operation in DMD patients.