A Case Report of Nerve Entrapment Syndrome with Lymphedema

PURPOSE: One of the most common cause of upper extremity lymphedema is breast cancer surgery. We experienced the nerve entrapment syndrome which was associated with postmastectomy lymphedema. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of lymphedema induced nerve entrapment syndrome on upper extremity in Korea. METHODS: A 54-year-old woman presented with a tingling sensation on her right hand, which had been present for 1 year. On her history, she had a postmastectomy lymphedema on her right upper extremity for 20 years. Initial electromyography (EMG) showed that the ampulitude of the median, ulnar, and dorsal ulnar cutaneous nerve were decreased, and conduction block was also seen in median nerve across the wrist. In needle EMG, incomplete interference patterns were observed in the muscles innervated by median and ulnar nerves. In conclusion, electrophysiologic study and clinical findings suggested right median and ulnar neuropathy below the elbow. Therefore, we performed surgical procedures, which were release of carpal tunnel, Guyon's canal, and cubital tunnel. RESULTS: The postoperative course was uneventful until the first two years. The tingling sensation and claw hand deformity were improved, however, the motor function decreased progressively. In 7 years after the operation, patient could not flex her wrist and thumb sufficiently. EMG which was performed recently showed that ulnar motor response was of low ampulitude. Moreover, median, ulnar, dorsal ulnar cutaneous, lateral antecubital cutaneous and median antebrachial cutaneous sensory response were unobtainable. Abnormal spontaneous activities were observed in upper arm muscles. In conclusion, multiple neuropathies were eventually developed at above elbow level. CONCLUSION: On treating nerve entrapments associated with lymphedema, medical professionals should be fully aware of the possibility of unpredictable results after the surgery, because of the pathophysiologic traits of chronic lymphedema.

Treatment of Vasculopathy in Diabetic Foot by Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty

PURPOSE: In treating diabetic foot ulcers, satisfactory vascularity is an essential prerequisite. To improve vascularity, a bypass graft has long been carried out. Recently, however, percutaneous transluminal angioplasty(PTA) has also been tried since the PTA is less invasive than the bypass graft. However, publication demonstrating the improvement of vascularity after the PTA are lacking. Therefore, this study was designed to show usefulness of the PTA in treating vasculopathy of diabetic foot. MATERIALS: and Methods This study included 30 feet of 24 ischemic diabetic foot patients. Inclusion criteria were diabetes(duration>5years) and a significant lower extremity ischemia, as determined by a transcutaneous oxygen pressure(TcpO2)<30mmHg. The PTA was carried out in 61 arteries. PTA procedure was considered successful, when residual stenosis was less than 30%. The procedure was considered failed when residual stenosis was more than 50%. Residual stenosis between 30% and 50% was considered acceptable. For evaluation of PTA effect, foot TcpO2 and infrared thermography were measured before and 7th day after PTA. RESULTS: Immediately after PTA performed in 61 arteries, 58 and 3 arteries were evaluated as being successful and acceptable, respectively. Before PTA, average foot TcpO2 was 12.6+/-8.8mmHg and its value was increased to 44.2+/-23.9 on 7th day after PTA(p<0.01). Average skin temperature was 31.8+/-1.2degrees C before PTA and it was increased to 33.5+/-1.1degrees C on 7th day after PTA (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: PTA procedure increases tissue oxygenation of ischemic diabetic feet which do not have wound healing potential due to low tissue oxygenation, to the level of possible wound healing. In addition, PTA increases skin temperature of ischemic diabetic feet which can imply an improvement of peripheral circulation.

Soft Tissue Infection with Mycobacterium abscessus on the Chin of a Healthy Child: A Case Report

PURPOSE: Mycobacterium abscessus belongs to the group of rapid-growing atypical mycobacterium. The organism is ubiquitous and is found in soil, dust, and water. Although it rarely causes disease in humans, Mycobacterium abscessus has been associated with soft tissue infection. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of facial soft tissue Mycobacterium abscessus infection in a healthy child in Korea. METHODS: A 12-year-old girl presented with an erythematous skin lesion with serous discharge on her chin, which had been present for 3 weeks. On her history, she had a laceration wound on her chin at public bath and the lesion was repaired at emergency department immediately. Although conventional soft tissue infecton treatment, her lesion remains unhealed state and had serous discharge for 2 months. Moreover, we found a 1cm sized nodular mass on her chin. Therefore we performed excision operation and referred the specimen to the laboratory for microbial and histopathologic study. RESULTS: Pathology report confirmed the mass was enlarged lymph node with chronic necrotizing granulomatous inflammation with central microabscess. Non-Tuberculous mycobacterium identification test through tissue specimen resulted Mycobacterium abscessus. We prescribed clarithromycin for three weeks by oral administration as well as performed wound debridement and mass excision via previous wound. This way, her lesion appeared to be complete healing with minimal scarring. There were no evidence of inflammation sign or palpable mass. CONCLUSION: Although the prevalence is rare, Mycobacterium abscessus infections of soft tissue should be considered even in a healthy child with a lesion caused by trauma or which fails to respond to conventional treatment.