Comparison of Usefulness of Laboratory Tests in Diagnosis of Myasthenia Gravis / 영남의대학술지

PURPOSE: This study was undertaken to evaluate the clinical usefulness of Tensilon test, repetitive nerve stimulation test(RNST), single fiber EMG(SFEMG) test and acetylcholine receptor antibody(AchR Ab) assay for making diagnosis of myasthenia gravis(MG). METHOD: These tests were performed in 21 MG patients which were classified into 11 ocular, 5 mild generalized, 4 moderate generalized, and 1 chronic severe MG. RESULT: The overall positivity of Tensilon test, SFEMG and AchR Ab was 95%, 87%, and 76% respectively. The overall positivity of RNST was 67%; 38% on flexor carpi ulnaris, 43% on adductor digiti quinti and 62% on orbicularis oculi muscles. The positivity of each test was higher in generalized MG group than in ocular MG group. But we could observe the statistically significant difference only in the RNST(p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Tensilon test showed the highest positivity in all MG groups. So we would like to recommend the Tensilon test for the diagnosis of MG at first, followed by RNST and AchR Ab assay, and SFEMG would be indicated to MG group which showed relatively low postivity in other tests.

Localization of Ulnar Neuropathy at the Elbow by Short Segment Stimulation

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Local compression of the ulnar nerve occurs most commonly at the elbow and optimal surgical intervention should be directed at the specific site of involvement. This study is designed to localize the more discrete region by using the method of short segment stimulation in ulnar neuropathy at the elbow. METHODS: Thirty seven patients who were diagnosed as entrapment ulnar neuropathy at the elbow by routine nerve conduction studies were investigated. Latency changes and amplitude changes including conduction block were determined by stimulating the ulnar nerve at 2cm intervals across the elbow. Six of these patients had orthopedic surgery after undergoing short segment stimulation studies. RESULT: All patients had significant latency changes(> OR =0.7msec) in specific segments by short segment stimulation and 6 patients of them showed conduction block. The most frequently involved segments were between medial epicondyle and 2cm proximal(20 patients) and between medial epicondyle and 2cm distal(9 patients). Only two patients exhibited significant latency changes between 2 and 4cm distal to the medial epicondyle, suggesting cubital tunnel syndrome. Lesions, as identified by surgery, proved to be accurately predicted by preoperative short segment stimulation in 5 of 6 patients. CONCLUSION: Short segment stimulation studies are helpful in localizing more accurate involved segment in ulnar neuropathy at the elbow. And the most commonly involved site is within 2cm of the medial epicondyle suggesting tardy ulnar nerve palsy.

A case of primary antiphospholipid antibody syndrome showing vegetation on the mitral valve through echocardiography / 영남의대학술지

Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome(APS) is a well-known clinical syndrome characterized by recurrent arterial or venous thromboses, recurrent fetal loss, thrombocytopenia, together with high titers of sustained anticardiolipin antibody(aCL) or lupus anticoagulant(LA). Although systemic lupus erythematosus(SLE) and APS may coexist, a high proportion of patients manifesting the APS do not suffer from classical lupus or other connective tissue disease. The patient has been defined as having a primary antiphospholipid antibody syndrome. We experienced one case of primary APS with recurrent fetal loss, recurrent cerebral infarctions, positive anticardiolipin antibody IgG and fluttering vegetation on the mitral valve, without other connective tissue diseases including SLE. Forty-three old female had 2 out of 11 criteria for the diagnosis of SLE, such as thrombocytopenia and positive antinuclear antibody, but did not meet whole criteria. The patient was treated with ticlopidine, and anticoagulant therapy was recommended.

Distribution of Weakness at the Lower Extremity of Hemiparesis Patients / 영남의대학술지

The maximal voluntary strength of knee extension and flexion on both the right and left sides was measured in patients with hemiparesis of upper motor neuron type and in a group of normal subjects. Significant differences of maximal voluntary strength were found between male and female but the ratio of flexor to extensor strength did not vary significantly between the sides, between the exs in normal subjects. The maximal voluntary strength of uninvolved side were not reduced significantly but involved side reduced significantly in patients. The ratio of flexor to extensor strength in hemiparetic side was significantly less than the ratio for the normal subjects but not significant difference in uninvolved side of patients. According to the above results, the maximal voluntary strength of flexion was more reduced than that of the extension on lower extremity of hemiparesis patients. The strength ratio of flexion to extension was a useful parameter for guiding the rehabilitation of hemiparesis.