Decreased Maximal Tongue Protrusion Length May Predict the Presence of Dysphagia in Stroke Patients

Objective@#To investigate the relationship between maximal tongue protrusion length (MTPL) and dysphagia in post-stroke patients. @*Methods@#Free tongue length (FTL) was measured using the quick tongue-tie assessment tool and MTPL was measured using a transparent plastic ruler in 47 post-stroke patients. The MTPL-to-FTL (RMF) ratio was calculated. Swallowing function in all patients was evaluated via videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS), PenetrationAspiration Scale (PAS), Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS), and Videofluoroscopic Dysphagia Scale (VDS). @*Results@#The MTPL and RMF values were significantly higher in the non-aspirator group than in the aspirator group (MTPL, p=0.0049; RMF, p<0.001). MTPL and RMF showed significant correlations with PAS, FOIS and VDS scores. The cut-off value in RMF for the prediction of aspiration was 1.56, with a sensitivity of 84% and a specificity of 86%. @*Conclusion@#There is a relationship between MTPL and dysphagia in post-stroke patients. MTPL and RMF can be useful for detecting aspiration in post-stroke patients.

Effects of Thyroid-stimulating Hormone Receptor Autoantibody on Retinal and Choroidal Vessels in Thyroid Eye Disease

Purpose@#We describe the use of optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) to investigate the relationship between thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor autoantibody (TSHR Ab) levels and retinal vessel and choroid changes in patients with thyroid eye disease (TED). @*Methods@#We enrolled 23 TED patients with abnormal TSHR Ab levels (>1.5 IU/L; all right eyes). Sex, visual acuity, intraocular pressure and TSHR Ab level were recorded at baseline and after 1 month. We used OCTA to determine the size of the superficial and deep foveal avascular zones (sFAZ and dFAZ, respectively), as well as the 1-mm foveal and 3-mm parafoveal superficial capillary plexus density (sCPD) and choroidal thickness (CT), at baseline and after 1 month later. @*Results@#The mean age of the 23 patients was 43.30 ± 16.16 years and 18 were female (78%). The mean baseline TSHR Ab level was 11.47 ± 11.22 IU/L. The TSHR Ab level showed non-significant correlations with sFAZ and dFAZ size, and with the 1-mm foveal sCPD; the correlation coefficients were 0.173, 0.073, and 0.266, respectively (p = 0.465, p = 0.759, and p = 0.224, respectively). The 3-mm parafoveal sCPD and CT showed non-significant correlations with the TSHR Ab level; the correlation coefficients were -0.185 and -0.16 (p = 0.421, p = 0.487). @*Conclusions@#In TED patients, changes in TSHR Ab level over 1 month do not affect retinal blood flow or CT, but show a non-significant positive association with the 1-mm foveal sCPD.

Clinical Features of Delayed Diagnosed Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma in an Emergency Room

Purpose@#To analyze the clinical features of delayed diagnosed acute angle-closure glaucoma (AACG) patients who were misdiagnosed with neurologic disease in an emergency room (ER). @*Methods@#This study was conducted with a total of 77 patients (77 eyes) who had been diagnosed with AACG in the ER. Age, gender, laterality, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of the affected eye at the time of the ER visit and at an outpatient clinic follow-up examination, bilateral intraocular pressure (IOP) at time of visit, previous eye-disease history, previous history of ophthalmic surgery, underlying systemic disease including metabolic syndrome, previous neurologic disease history, referral source, chief complaint, past history of migraine, residence, and specialty of the initial doctor in charge of the ER were statistically analyzed. @*Results@#Among the 77 patients, 34 received a delayed diagnosis and 43 were diagnosed in a timely manner. Higher cases of delayed diagnosis were observed in patients who had lower BCVA at the time of the ER visit (p = 0.001), nonophthalmologic referral source visiting the ER (p < 0.001), a chief complaint of extra-ocular symptoms (p < 0.001), and a non-ophthalmologist as the initial doctor in charge of the ER (p < 0.001). None of the other factors, including IOP, previous eye-disease history, previous ophthalmic surgery, underlying systemic disease including metabolic syndrome, previous neurologic disease history, past history of migraine, or residence showed any statistically significant intergroup difference. @*Conclusions@#Among the AACG patients visiting the ER, many were delayed in their diagnosis and thus required much attention afterwards. Careful examination and a detailed recording of a patient’s medical history by an ophthalmologist is important for accurate and timely diagnosis in the ER.

Effects of Thyroid-stimulating Hormone Receptor Autoantibody on Retinal and Choroidal Vessels in Thyroid Eye Disease

Purpose@#We describe the use of optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) to investigate the relationship between thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor autoantibody (TSHR Ab) levels and retinal vessel and choroid changes in patients with thyroid eye disease (TED). @*Methods@#We enrolled 23 TED patients with abnormal TSHR Ab levels (>1.5 IU/L; all right eyes). Sex, visual acuity, intraocular pressure and TSHR Ab level were recorded at baseline and after 1 month. We used OCTA to determine the size of the superficial and deep foveal avascular zones (sFAZ and dFAZ, respectively), as well as the 1-mm foveal and 3-mm parafoveal superficial capillary plexus density (sCPD) and choroidal thickness (CT), at baseline and after 1 month later. @*Results@#The mean age of the 23 patients was 43.30 ± 16.16 years and 18 were female (78%). The mean baseline TSHR Ab level was 11.47 ± 11.22 IU/L. The TSHR Ab level showed non-significant correlations with sFAZ and dFAZ size, and with the 1-mm foveal sCPD; the correlation coefficients were 0.173, 0.073, and 0.266, respectively (p = 0.465, p = 0.759, and p = 0.224, respectively). The 3-mm parafoveal sCPD and CT showed non-significant correlations with the TSHR Ab level; the correlation coefficients were -0.185 and -0.16 (p = 0.421, p = 0.487). @*Conclusions@#In TED patients, changes in TSHR Ab level over 1 month do not affect retinal blood flow or CT, but show a non-significant positive association with the 1-mm foveal sCPD.

Clinical Features of Delayed Diagnosed Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma in an Emergency Room

Purpose@#To analyze the clinical features of delayed diagnosed acute angle-closure glaucoma (AACG) patients who were misdiagnosed with neurologic disease in an emergency room (ER). @*Methods@#This study was conducted with a total of 77 patients (77 eyes) who had been diagnosed with AACG in the ER. Age, gender, laterality, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of the affected eye at the time of the ER visit and at an outpatient clinic follow-up examination, bilateral intraocular pressure (IOP) at time of visit, previous eye-disease history, previous history of ophthalmic surgery, underlying systemic disease including metabolic syndrome, previous neurologic disease history, referral source, chief complaint, past history of migraine, residence, and specialty of the initial doctor in charge of the ER were statistically analyzed. @*Results@#Among the 77 patients, 34 received a delayed diagnosis and 43 were diagnosed in a timely manner. Higher cases of delayed diagnosis were observed in patients who had lower BCVA at the time of the ER visit (p = 0.001), nonophthalmologic referral source visiting the ER (p < 0.001), a chief complaint of extra-ocular symptoms (p < 0.001), and a non-ophthalmologist as the initial doctor in charge of the ER (p < 0.001). None of the other factors, including IOP, previous eye-disease history, previous ophthalmic surgery, underlying systemic disease including metabolic syndrome, previous neurologic disease history, past history of migraine, or residence showed any statistically significant intergroup difference. @*Conclusions@#Among the AACG patients visiting the ER, many were delayed in their diagnosis and thus required much attention afterwards. Careful examination and a detailed recording of a patient’s medical history by an ophthalmologist is important for accurate and timely diagnosis in the ER.

Influence of Diabetes Mellitus on the Biomechanical Properties of the Human Skin as Measured Using the Cutometer: A Case-Control Study

OBJECTIVE: Longstanding diabetes mellitus has been suggested to cause several skin problems associated with biomechanical skin properties. However, the association between impaired skin properties and diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) has not been clarified. This study aimed to investigate the biomechanical properties of the diabetic human skin and their relationship with DPNs. METHODS: This case-control study included 39 chronic diabetic patients and 41 matched healthy controls. The diabetic group was divided into subgroups according to the presence of diabetic sensorimotor polyneuropathy (DSPN) and peripheral autonomic neuropathy (PAN) as determined by the results of nerve conduction study and sympathetic skin response test, respectively. Different skin regions were measured using the non-invasive Cutometer instrument (Courage and Khazaka Electronic GmbH, Cologne, Germany). The following skin parameters were compared between the groups: distensibility (Uf), elasticity (Ua/Uf and Ur/Uf), and viscoelasticity (Uv/Ue). The impact of DPNs, participant age, and diabetes duration on the investigated skin properties was analyzed. RESULTS: The diabetic group showed higher Uf values, and lower Ua/Uf, Ur/Uf, and Uv/Ue values, compared to the control group. However, no significant differences in biomechanical skin properties were noted between diabetic patients with PAN and without PAN. There were also no differences in the investigated skin properties between diabetic patients with DSPN and without DSPN. Diabetes duration and participant age of both groups had a significant impact on the skin properties. CONCLUSION: A long-term hyperglycemic state could induce inferior biomechanical skin properties in the peripheral limbs; however, this phenomenon seems unrelated to DPNs.

A Comprehensive Rehabilitation Approach in a Patient With Serious Neuropsychiatric Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE) involves the central and peripheral nervous system in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). It is essential to specify the problems faced by patients with NPSLE because it causes diverse disabilities and impairs quality of life. After performing a comprehensive evaluation, tailored management should be provided for the patient's specific problems. We report here the case of a 30-year-old female with SLE who experienced serious neuropsychiatric symptoms cerebral infarction followed by posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome and peripheral polyneuropathy. We systemically assessed the patient using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health model as a clinical problem-solving tool and provided comprehensive rehabilitation by focusing on her problems.

Correlation between Visual Acuity and Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness in Optic Neuropathies

PURPOSE: To assess the correlation between retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness measured by optical coherence tomography (OCT, Cirrus HD-OCT®) and visual acuity in optic neuritis, ischemic optic neuropathy and traumatic optic neuropathy. METHODS: Thirty-eight patients were recruited. RNFL thickness and visual acuity in optic neuritis, ischemic optic neuropathy and traumatic optic neuropathy were measured at least 6 months after the event. The correlation between log MAR best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and retinal nerve fiber thickness in each quadrant was analyzed. RESULTS: log MAR BCVA and RNFL thickness of each quadrant in optic neuropathy exhibited a statistically significant correlation. In optic neuritis, RNFL thickness of the superior quadrant was significantly thicker than in ischemic optic neuropathy and traumatic optic neuropathy (p = 0.009, 0.003). In addition, RNFL thickness of the inferior quadrant in optic neuritis was significantly thicker than in traumatic optic neuropathy (p = 0.012). CONCLUSIONS: There was a statistically significant correlation between log MAR BCVA and RNFL thickness by OCT in patients with optic neuropathies. The RNFL thickness may predict visual acuity after an optic neuropathy attack and help to differentiate malingering patients with impaired vision loss.

Adding Endoscopist-Directed Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing to the Videofluoroscopic Swallowing Study Increased the Detection Rates of Penetration, Aspiration, and Pharyngeal Residue

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Currently, the videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) is the standard tool for evaluating dysphagia. We evaluated whether the addition of endoscopist-directed flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) to VFSS could improve the detection rates of penetration, aspiration, and pharyngeal residue, compared the diagnostic efficacy between VFSS and endoscopist-directed FEES and assessed the adverse events of the FEES. METHODS: In single tertiary referral center, a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data was conducted. Fifty consecutive patients suspected of oropharyngeal dysphagia were enrolled in this study between January 2012 and July 2012. RESULTS: The agreement in the detection of penetration and aspiration between VFSS and FEES of viscous food (kappa=0.34; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.15 to 0.53) and liquid food (kappa=0.22; 95% CI, 0.02 to 0.42) was "fair." The agreement in the detection of pharyngeal residue between the two tests was "substantial" with viscous food (kappa=0.63; 95% CI, 0.41 to 0.94) and "fair" with liquid food (kappa=0.37; 95% CI, 0.10 to 0.63). Adding FEES to VFSS significantly increased the detection rates of penetration, aspiration, and pharyngeal residue. No severe adverse events were noted during FEES, except for two cases of epistaxis, which stopped spontaneously without requiring any packing. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that the addition of endoscopist-directed FEES to VFSS increased the detection rates of penetration, aspiration, and pharyngeal residue.

Traumatic Atypical Tetraplegia Without Radiologic Abnormalities Including Magnetic Resonance Imaging in an Adult: A Case Report

Although spinal cord injury without radiographic abnormality (SCIWORA) literally refers to the specific type of spinal cord injury, however, some extents of spinal cord injuries can be detected by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in most of cases. We introduce an atypical case of spinal cord injury without radiologic abnormality. A 42-year-old male tetraplegic patient underwent MRI and computed tomography, and no specific lesions were found in any segments of the spinal cord. Moreover, the tetraplegic patient showed normal urodynamic function despite severe paralysis and absent somatosensory evoked potentials from the lower limbs.

Dissociated Antidepressant and Analgesic Effects of Intravenous Ketamine in Patients with Chronic Pain / 대한정신약물학회지

OBJECTIVE: Recent studies about low-dose ketamine therapy have found significant improvement of depressive symptoms within a few hours or days. This study was designed to investigate the effect of ketamine on mood in patients with chronic pain. METHODS: Forty subjects with chronic pain were recruited from the pain clinic of the Ajou University Hospital. The Beck Depression Inventory was used to evaluate mood in each patient, and then the patients received ketamine hydrochloride (1.2 mg/kg, average) intravenously over the course of 1 hour. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for depression, anxiety, and pain were completed by the subjects just before and 3 hours after ketamine infusion. RESULTS: VAS scores for depression, anxiety, and pain were significantly decreased after ketamine infusion. VAS for depression, anxiety, and pain showed significant correlation with each other before ketamine infusion; however, correlations of the VAS scores for pain with the other two visual scale measures were absent at post-ketamine administration while the correlation between depression and anxiety following ketamine infusion was maintained. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this is the first report about the antidepressant effect of intravenous ketamine, which is separated from its analgesic effect in patients with chronic pain. This result raises the possibility that the antidepressant effect of ketamine is generated by a mechanism different from that of the analgesic effect in human.

Asymptomatic pneumomediastinum resulting from air in the epidural space: a case report / 대한마취과학회지

There are no reports regarding pneumomediastinum caused by thoracic epidural block complications. We believe that it is possible to experience an occurrence of pneumomediastinum caused by air in the epidural space after performing a thoracic epidural block using the loss of resistance (LOR) technique with air. We report a witnessed case where pneumomediastinum appeared after a thoracic epidural block. Pneumorrrhachis, paravertebral muscle emphysema, and pneumomediastinum were diagnosed by Positron Emission Tomography-Computed Tomography. Although extremely rare, pneumomediastinum can be caused by an epidural block using LOR technique with air. In order to avoid the above danger, the use of saline or very minimal amount of air is required during a careful LOR technique.

Newly Developed Urinary Retention and Motor Weakness of Lower Extremities in a Postherpetic Neuralgia Patient

During the early stage of postherpetic neuralgia, an epidural block on the affected segment is helpful in controlling pain and preventing progression to a chronic state. The main neurologic complication following an epidural block is cord compression symptom due to an epidural hematoma. When neurologic complications arise from an epidural block for the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia, it is important to determine whether the complications are due to the procedure or due to the herpes zoster itself. We report a case of a patient who was diagnosed with herpes zoster myelitis during treatment for postherpetic neuralgia. The patient complained of motor weakness in the lower extremities after receiving a thoracic epidural block six times. Although initially, we believed that the complications were due to the epidural block, it was ultimately determined to be from the herpes zoster myelitis.

Anterior Cervical Osteophytes Causing Dysphagia and Paradoxical Vocal Cord Motion Leading to Dyspnea and Dysphonia

Anterior cervical osteophytes are common and usually asymptomatic in elderly people. Due to mechanical compressions, inflammations, and tissues swelling of osteophytes, patients may be presented with multiple complications, such as dysphagia, dysphonia, dyspnea, and pulmonary aspiration. Paradoxical vocal cord motion is an uncommon disease characterized by vocal cord adductions during inspiration and/or expiration. This condition can create shortness of breath, wheezing, respiratory stridor or breathy dysphonia. We report a rare case demonstrating combined symptoms of dyspnea, dysphonia as well as dysphagia at the same time in a patient with asymptomatic anterior cervical osteophytes. Moreover, this is the first report demonstrating that anterior osteophytes can be a possible etiological factor for paradoxical vocal cord motion that induces serious respiratory symptoms.

The effect of intravenous dexmedetomidine on the duration of brachial plexus block

BACKGROUND: Dexmedemomidine, a highly selective alpha-2 adrenoreceptor agonist has an analgesic and sedative effect without causing respiratory depression. In this study, we compared the duration of brachial plexus block (BPB), the time at which the patient first feels pain after performing BPB, the need for use of analgesics, and the occurrence rate of complications while continuous infusion with dexmedetomidine was used for sedation in patients undergoing BPB, to a control group, who were only infused with normal saline. METHODS: BPB was performed in 48 patients scheduled for upper limb surgery. Infraclavicular approach was provided with 40 ml of 1.5% mepivacaine and 200 microg of epinephrine using nerve stimulator. After verification of successful block, dexmedetomidine group received dexmedetomidine (loading dose 0.1 microg/kg/min for the first 10 minutes followed by a maintenance dose of 0.005 microg/kg/min as required to maintain bispectral index 60-80). In the control group, normal saline was infused at a rate of 10 ml/hr. The duration of BPB, the time at which the patient first feels pain after performing BPB, frequency of complication, and the use of analgesics of the both groups were checked. RESULTS: The motor and sensory block duration, and the time at which the patient first feels pain after BPB were longer in the dexmedetomidine group compared to the control group. And the need for analgesics were less in the dexmedetomidine group. CONCLUSIONS: Intravenous administration of dexmedetomidine prolongs the duration of BPB.

Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1 Presenting as Male Infertility

Myotonic dystrophy 1 (DM1) is a multi-system disorder characterized by endocrine defects that include testicular and tubular atrophy, oligospermia and azoospermia, and increased follicle-stimulating hormone levels. We describe a rare case of DM1 presenting as infertility in a 29-year-old man.

Wernicke's Encephalopathy after Sleeve Gastrectomy for Morbid Obesity: A Case Report

Morbid obesity is a curable systemic disease that can cause several complications, including hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and osteoarthritis. However, it is not easy to control solely by conservative management. Bariatric surgeries, such as sleeve gastrectomy and gastric banding, are recently developed treatments that are applied to patients with morbid obesity in Korea. However, gastric surgery can cause surgical or metabolic complications, such as thiamine deficiency, which can lead to Wernicke's encephalopathy. This metabolic complication presents with typical symptoms of confusion, ophthalmoplegia, nystagmus, and ataxia. In this case report, we present a case of Wernicke's encephalopathy, which developed slowly following sleeve gastrectomy in a patient with morbid obesity.

Kambin's Triangle Approach of Lumbar Transforaminal Epidural Injection with Spinal Stenosis

OBJECTIVE: To compare the short-term effect and advantage of transforaminal epidural steroid injection (TFESI) performed using the Kambin's triangle and subpedicular approaches. METHOD: Forty-two patients with radicular pain from lumbar spinal stenosis were enrolled. Subjects were randomly assigned to one of two groups. All procedures were performed using C-arm KMC 950. The frequency of complications during the procedure and the effect of TFESI at 2 and 4 weeks after the procedure between the two groups were compared. Short-term outcomes were measured using a visual numeric scale (VNS) and a five-grade scale. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the relationship between possible outcome predictors (Kambin's triangle or subpedicular approach, age, duration of symptoms and sex) and the therapeutic effect. RESULTS: VNS was improved 2 weeks after the injection and continued to improve until 4 weeks in both groups. There were no statistical differences in changes of VNS, effectiveness and contrast spread pattern between these two groups. No correlation was found between the other variables tested and therapeutic effect. Spinal nerve pricking occurred in five cases of the subpedicular and in none of the cases of the Kambin's triangle approach (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The Kambin's triangle approach is as efficacious as the subpedicular approach for short-term effect and offers considerable advantages (i.e., less spinal nerve pricking during procedure). The Kambin's triangle approach maybe an alternative method for transforaminal epidural steroid injection in cases where needle tip positioning in the anterior epidural space is difficult.

Usefulness of Posterolateral Transforaminal Approach in Lumbar Radicular Pain

OBJECTIVE: To compare the short-term effects and advantages of transforaminal epidural steroid injection (TFESI) performed using the conventional (CL) and posterolateral (PL) approaches. METHOD: Fifty patients with lumbar radicular pain from lumbar spinal stenosis and herniated lumbar disc were enrolled. Subjects were randomly assigned to one of two groups (CL or PL group). All procedures were performed using a C-arm (KMC 950, KOMED, Kwangju, Kyunggi, Korea). We compared the frequency of complications during the procedure and the effects of the pain block between the two groups at 2, 4, and 12 weeks after the procedure. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the demographic data, initial VNS (Visual numeric scale), or ODI (Oswestry disability index) between the CL group (n=26) and the PL group (n=24). There was no statistically significant difference in the outcome measures (VNS and ODI) between the groups at 2, 4, or 12 weeks. Symptoms of nerve root irritation occurred in 1 case of the CL group and in 7 cases of the PL group (p<0.05). Pricking of spinal nerve during the procedure and transient weakness after the procedure occurred in 6 cases and 3 cases, respectively in the CL group, but did not occur in the PL group. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that the posterolateral approach represents an alternative TFESI method in cases with difficult needle tip positioning in the anterior epidural space, and could lower the risk of target nerve root irritation and nerve penetration.

Comparison of Ultrasonographic and Arthro-sonographic Findings in Chronic Anterior Talofibula Ligament Injury / 대한스포츠의학회지

The purpose of this study was to investigate the arthro-sonographic appearance of the chronic anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) injury. Twenty-nine patient, who were identified to have partial or complete ATFL tears by conventional ultrasonography were included. Intraarticular injection of 5 mL of fluid (2.5 cc lidocaine+2.5 saline) was performed under ultrasound-guidance, which was followed by arthrosonography. Among 23 patients with partial tear which was detected by the conventional ultrasonography, 11 patients were identified to have complete tear by the arthrosonography. Among 6 patients with complete tear was detected by conventional ultrasonography, all of them identified to have complete tear by the arthrosonography. Arthrosonography is helpful in evaluation the configuration of ATFL complete tear and detecting complete tear by making them appear larger and apparent after instillation of fluid.