Comparison of radial peripapillary capillary density results of individuals with and without Helicobacter pylori infection / Comparação dos resultados da densidade capilar peripapilar radial de indivíduos com e sem infecção por Helicobacter pylori

ABSTRACT Purpose: To evaluate the radial peripapillary capillary density using optical coherence tomography angiography in patients with and without Helicobacter pylori infection. Methods: This prospective, cross-sectional study comprised 52 patients (52 eyes: Group 1) and 38 patients (38 eyes: Group 2) with and without H. pylori infections, respectively. The radial peripapillary capillary density and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness in 4 equal quadrants and 2 equal hemispheres in the peripapillary region were calculated using optical coherence tomography angiography. The optic nerve head parameters of the patients were also assessed. Results: The groups were similar in terms of age, gender, and the optic nerve head parameters. The radial peripapillary capillary densities in the superior hemisphere and quadrant were significantly lower in Group 1 than in Group 2 (p=0.039 and p=0.028, respectively) and were positively correlated with the superior hemisphere's retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (p<0.001 and p<0.001, respectively). Similarly, the radial peripapillary capillary densities in the inferior hemisphere and quadrant were also significantly lower in Group 1 compared to Group 2 (p=0.03 and p=0.017, respectively) and were positively correlated with the inferior hemisphere's retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (p<0.001 and p<0.001, respectively). The retinal nerve fiber layer thickness in the nasal and temporal quadrants were significantly decreased in Group 1 when compared to Group 2 (p=0.013 and p=0.022) and were positively correlated with the corresponding radial peripapillary capillary densities of the 2 quadrants (p=0.002 and p=0.022). Conclusion: The decreased radial peripapillary capillary density in the H. pylori-positive patients suggests that H. pylori may play a role in the etiopathogenesis of glaucoma.

RESUMO Objetivos: Avaliar a densidade capilar peripapilar radial de pacientes com e sem infecção por Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) por meio de angiotomografia de coerência óptica. Métodos: Cinquenta e dois olhos de 52 pacientes com infecção por H. pylori (Grupo 1) e 38 olhos de 38 pacientes sem infecções por H. pylori (Grupo 2) foram incluídos neste estudo prospectivo e transversal. A densidade capilar peripapilar radial (%) e a espessura da camada de fibra nervosa retiniana (μm) em 4 setores iguais e 2 hemisférios iguais foram calculados automaticamente na região peripapilar por angiotomografia de coerência óptica. Os parâmetros da cabeça do nervo óptico dos pacientes também foram avaliados. Resultados: Os grupos foram semelhantes em relação aos parâmetros: idade, sexo e cabeça do nervo óptico. As densidades capilares peripapilares radiais no hemisfério superior, hemisfério inferior, quadrante superior e quadrante inferior foram significativamente menores no Grupo 1 do que no Grupo 2 (p=0,039, p=0,03, p=0,028 e p=0,017 respectivamente). As densidades capilares peripapilares radiais, tanto no hemisfério superior quanto no quadrante superior, foram correlacionadas positivamente com a espessura da camada de fibra nervosa da retina do hemisfério superior (p<0,001 e p<0,001). As densidades capilares peripapilares radiais no hemisfério inferior e no quadrante inferior foram positivamente correlacionadas com a espessura da camada do nervo retiniano do hemisfério inferior (p<0,001 e p<0,001). A espessura da camada da fibra nervosa retiniana nos quadrantes nasal e temporal diminuiu significativamente no Grupo 1 quando comparado ao Grupo 2 (p=0,013 e p=0,022), e esses valores foram positivamente correlacionados com as densidades capilares peripapilares radiais correspondentes nos quadrantes nasal e temporal (p=0,002 e p=0,022). Conclusão: A diminuição das densidades capilares peripapilares radiais nos olhos de indivíduos positivos para H. pylori sugere que H. pylori pode desempenhar um papel na etiopatogenia do glaucoma.

Evaluation of choroidal thickness and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness in patients with unilateral amblyopia: a prospective study / Avaliação da espessura da coroide e da camada de fibras nervosas da retina em pacientes com ambliopia unilateral: um estudo prospectivo

ABSTRACT Purpose: to compare the Subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) and Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness (RNFL) of amblyopic and normal fellow eyes. Design: Prospective, cross-sectional, observational case series. Methods: Forty patients age 12 to 41 years (mean 23.73 ± 6.42) with unilateral amblyopia were studied. Among them, 11(28.2%) patients had amblyopia secondary to strabismus and 29(71.8 %) had anisometropic amblyopia. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) of the peripapillary RNFL thickness of amblyopic and fellow eyes was performed. RNFL thickness measurements were taken from the superior, inferior, nasal and temporal quadrants in the peripapillary region. Also, subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) was measured using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). Results: Mean global RNFL thickness of the amblyopic and fellow eyes was 104.48 microns and 102.83 microns, respectively. The difference between the two groups was not statistically significant (p>0.05%). The thicknesses of the superior, inferior, nasal and temporal quadrants of the retinal nerve fiber layer between the amblyopic and normal fellow eyes showed no statistically significant difference (p>0.05%). However, the SFCT of amblyopic eye was 11 or more microns thicker than the fellow eye and this was statistically significant different (p<0.05%). Conclusions: This study demonstrated SFCT in amblyopic eyes was significantly thicker than the normal fellow eyes. The amblyopic process may involve the choroid, but not the prepapillary NFL.

RESUMO Objetivo: comparar a espessura da coroide subfoveal (CSF) e da camada de fibra nervosa retinal (CFNR) de olhos amblíopes e normais. Design: série de casos prospectivos, transversais e observacionais. Métodos: Quarenta pacientes com idade entre 12 e 41 anos (média 23,73 ± 6,42) com ambliopia unilateral foram estudados. Entre eles, 11 (28,2%) pacientes apresentavam ambliopia secundária a estrabismo e 29 (71,8%) apresentavam ambliopia anisometrópica. Foi realizada tomografia de coerência óptica (TCO) da espessura da CFNR peripapilar do olho amblíope e do outro olho. As medidas de espessura da CFNR foram realizadas nos quadrantes superior, inferior, nasal e temporal na região peripapilar. Além disso, a espessura da coroide subfoveal (CSF) foi medida através de tomografia de coerência óptica de domínio espectral (TCO-DE). Resultados: A espessura média global da CFNR do olho amblíope e do outro olho foi de 104,48 mícrons e 102,83 mícrons, respectivamente. A diferença entre os dois grupos não foi estatisticamente significativa (p > 0,05%). As espessuras dos quadrantes superior, inferior, nasal e temporal da camada de fibras nervosas da retina entre o olho amblíope e o normal não apresentaram diferença estatisticamente significativa (p > 0,05%). No entanto, a CSF do olho amblíope foi 11 mícrons mais espessa (ou mais) do que a do outro olho - essa diferença foi estatisticamente significativa (p < 0,05%). Conclusões: Este estudo demonstrou que a CSF dos olhos amblíopes foi significativamente mais espessa do que a dos olhos normais. O processo amblíope pode envolver a coroide, mas ele não envolve a CFNR peripapilar.

Jumping in aquatic environment after sciatic nerve compression: nociceptive evaluation and morphological characteristics of the soleus muscle of Wistar rats / Salto em meio aquático após compressão de nervo isquiático: avaliação nociceptiva e características morfológicas do músculo sóleo de ratos Wistar

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the effect of jumping in aquatic environment on nociception and in the soleus muscle of trained and not trained Wistar rats, in the treatment of compressive neuropathy of the sciatic nerve. Methods Twenty-five Wistar rats were distributed into five groups: Control, Lesion, Trained + Lesion, Lesion + Exercise, and Trained + Lesion + Exercise. The training was jumping exercise in water environment for 20 days prior to injury, and treatment after the injury. Nociception was evaluated in two occasions, before injury and seven after injury. On the last day of the experiment, the right soleus muscles were collected, processed and analyzed as to morphology and morphometry. Results In the assessment of nociception in the injury site, the Control Group had higher average than the rest, and the Lesion Group was larger than the Trained + Lesion and Lesion + Exercise Groups. The Control Group showed higher nociceptive threshold in paw, compared to the others. In the morphometric analysis, in relation to Control Group, all the injured groups showed decreased muscle fiber area, and in the Lesion Group was lower than in the Lesion + Exercise Group and Trained + Lesion Group. Considering the diameter of the muscle fiber, the Control Group had a higher average than the Trained + Lesion Group and the Trained + Lesion + Exercise Group; and the Lesion Group showed an average lower than the Trained + Lesion and Lesion + Exercise Groups. Conclusion Resistance exercise produced increased nociception. When performed prior or after nerve damage, it proved effective in avoiding hypotrophy. The combination of the two protocols led to decrease in diameter and area of the muscle fiber.

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar os efeitos do salto em meio aquático, na nocicepção e no músculo sóleo, em ratos Wistar treinados e não treinados, no tratamento de neuropatia compressiva do nervo isquiático. Métodos Foram distribuídos em cinco grupos 25 ratos Wistar: Controle, Lesão, Treinado + Lesão, Lesão + Exercício e Treinado + Lesão + Exercício. O treino foi com exercício de salto em meio aquático durante 20 dias, prévio à lesão, e o tratamento ocorreu após a lesão. Foram realizadas avaliações da nocicepção, sendo uma pré-lesão e sete pós-lesão. No último dia de experimento, os músculos sóleos direitos foram coletados, processados e analisados por meio de morfologia e morfometria. Resultados Na avaliação da nocicepção no local da lesão, o Grupo Controle apresentou média maior que os demais, e o Grupo Lesão foi maior que os Grupos Treinado + Lesão e Lesão + Exercício. O Grupo Controle apresentou limiar nociceptivo na pata maior com relação aos demais. Nas análises morfométricas, em relação ao Grupo Controle, todos os grupos lesionados apresentaram diminuição da área da fibra muscular; o Grupo Lesão apresentou-se menor que os Grupos Treinado + Lesão e Lesão + Exercício. No diâmetro da fibra muscular, o Grupo Controle apresentou média maior que os Grupos Treinado + Lesão e Treinado + Lesão + Exercício, e o Grupo Lesão apresentou média menor que os Grupos Treinado + Lesão e Lesão + Exercício. Conclusão O exercício físico resistido produziu aumento da nocicepção. Quando realizado previamente ou após a lesão nervosa, mostrou-se eficaz em evitar a hipotrofia. A associação dos dois protocolos levou à diminuição do diâmetro e da área da fibra muscular.

A comparative study of two common optic nerve crush models in rats / 中华实验眼科杂志

Background Optic nerve crush (ONC) model is an available tool in the basic research on the mechanism and treatment of optic nerve injury.The opening optic nerves sheath crushing and via bulbar conjunctiva lateral canthus optic nerves crushing are frequently used ONC modeling methods.However,the comparison between these models is not elaborated.Objective This study was to compare the outcomes between opening sheath ONC model and via bulbar conjunctiva lateral canthus ONC model.Methods Twenty-four male SD rats were randomized into four groups.ONC models were established via superorbital rim opening sheath to crushing optic nerve for 20 seconds in the opening sheath ONC group,or via bulbar conjunctiva lateral canthus cutting to crush optic nerve for different time in the via bulbar conjunctiva ONC 20-second,40-second and 60-second groups,respectively.All models were monocular created in the rats,and the fellow eyes served as controls.In 14 days after modeling,flash visual evoked potential (F-VEP) were recorded,optic nerve and retinal sections were prepared in the rats.The histopathology of the samples was examined by hematoxylin and eosin staining.The expression of Brn-3α in the retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) was detected by immunofluorescence technique and the number of Brn-3α+ RGCs was counted.The modeling procedure and outcomes were compared between the two approaches.Results The latencies of P1 waves were significantly extended in the opening sheath ONC group,via bulbar conjunctiva ONC 20-second,40-second and 60-second groups in comparison with the corresponding control eyes (t =-11.64,-8.04,-6.50,-10.84,all at P＜0.01).The P1 latencies were longer in the opening sheath ONC group than those in the via bulbar conjunctiva ONC 20-second,40-second and 60-second groups (P =0.01,0.02,0.05),but no significant differences were found in the amplitudes of P1 waves between model eyes and corresponding control eyes (all at P＞0.05).The Brn-3α+ RGCs numbers were evidently decreased in the model eyes in comparison with the fellow control eyes.The Brn-3 α + RGCs numbers were (13.60 ± 2.14),(18.74 ± 3.61),(15.84 ± 2.31) and (14.58 ± 3.23)/field in the opening sheath ONC group,via bulbar conjunctiva ONC 20-second,40-second and 60-second groups,which reduced to 47.49％,67.70％,56.69％ and 50.17％ of the fellow eyes,respectively.No significant differences were seen in the Brn-3α+ RGC numbers between the opening sheath ONC group and via bulbar conjunctiva ONC 40-second or 60-second groups (both at P＞0.05).The disorder of glial cell arrangement,vacuolization of the cell matrix and infiltration of inflammatory cells were displayed in various model groups,with the prominent findings in the opening sheath ONC group.Conclusions Compared with the via bulbar conjunctiva ONC models,the morphological and functional damage of optic nerve is more obvious,and the survival rate of RGCs is lower in the opening sheath ONC models.

Tumoração retro-orbitária sugestiva de meningocele da bainha do nervo óptico / Retro-orbital tumor suggestive of optic nerve sheath meningocele

Meningocele da bainha do nervo óptico é uma condição extremamente rara, com poucos casos relatados na literatura. Exames de imagem revelam alargamento tubular-cístico do nervo óptico, com espessamento do mesmo. Os sintomas são muitas vezes relacionados com o comprometimento do nervo, ocasionando diminuição de lenta a acelerada da acuidade visual. O tratamento cirúrgico precoce por meio da descompressão da bainha do nervo óptico pode proporcionar melhora da função visual. Apresenta-se um caso de paciente com as características clínicas e radiológicas desta condição patológica rara. Paciente masculino, atendido no serviço com queixa de proptose do olho direito (OD) desde nascimento, com progressão nos últimos meses associada à dor. Melhor acuidade visual corrigida de conta dedos a 50 cm do OD. Olho esquerdo sem anormalidades. Ressonância Magnética de OD demonstrou formação expansiva cística de limites definidos em situação intraconal em órbita direita, em íntima relação com nervo óptico, determinando compressão, deformidade e deslocamento anterior do bulbo ocular, além de apresentar sinal semelhante ao líquor em todas as sequências obtidas. Suscitou-se hipótese diagnóstica de meningocele da bainha do nervo óptico direito e o paciente foi encaminhado para cirurgia descompressiva.

Meningocele of the optic nerve sheath is an extremely rare condition with a few cases reported in literature. Image studies reveal tubularcystic enlargement of the optic nerve although with the same thickness. Symptoms are often related to the involvement of the optic nerve, leading from slow to accelerated decreasing of the visual acuity. The early surgical treatment is the decompression of the optic nerve sheath, which it could provide improvement of visual function. We are presenting a case report of a patient who showed clinical and radiological signs of this rare pathological condition. Male patient attended at service complaining of proptosis of right eye (OD) since birth, in progress during the last months associated to stabbing pain. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of OD was movements at 50 cm far; OS showed no abnormalities. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance of the OD showed expansive formation with cystic aspect, defined boundaries, located in an intraconal situation on the right orbit cavity and in a closing anatomical relationship to the optic nerve, inducing compression, deformity and anterior displacement of this eye besides presenting signal similar to spine liquor in all sequences obtained. The first hypothesis was meningocele of right optic nerve sheath. Then, patient was referred for surgical decompression.

Evaluation of retinal nerve fiber layer thickness in a patient with bilateral optic disc drusen

Optic disc drusen (ODD) is the accumulations of calcified hyaline-like material within the substance of the optic nerve head. Optic disc drusen, especially if it is bilateral, may mimic the clinical presentation of papilledema. Usually retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thinning can be present in ODD. In this report we present uncommon RNFL changes in a patient with bilateral ODD. A 17-year-old male was referred by another center with a diagnosis of optic disc edema. The patient’s visual acuity, the slit-lamp examination and the intraocular pressures were normal in both eyes. On fundus examination, there were irregularly elevated discs bilaterally and the optic nerves appear with hazy disk margins. He did not have visual field defects in automated perimetry. Bilateral ODD were identified and confirmed by B-scan ultrasonography and optical coherence tomography (OCT) demonstrated 4 clock hours of RNFL thickening. Optic disc drusen may be misdiagnosed as papilledema. Thus, clinical suspicion of ODD is important in order to diagnose papilledema and prevents unnecessary interventions. Although most of eyes with ODD have normal or thinner RNFL thickness, some of these eyes can have thicker RNFL thickness.

As drusas do disco óptico (DDO) são depósitos de material hialino calcificado dentro da substância da cabeça do nervo óptico. Drusas do disco óptico, especialmente se for bilateral, podem apresentar o quadro clínico de edema de papila. Usualmente o espessamento da camada de fibras nervosas da retina (RCFN) podem estar presentes em DDO. Neste relato apresentamos o caso de um homem com 17 anos de idade que foi encaminhado por um outro centro, com o diagnóstico de edema do disco óptico. A acuidade visual do paciente, o exame de lâmpada de fenda e a pressão intraocular foram normais em ambos os olhos. No exame de fundo de olho havia discos elevados de forma irregular bilateralmente e os nervos ópticos com margens de disco nebulosas. Ele não tinha defeitos do campo visual em perimetria computadorizada. Drusas do disco óptico (DDO) bilateral foram identificados e confirmados pela ultrassonografia Bscan e tomografia de coerência óptica (TCO) que demonstraram 4 horas de relógio de RCFN com espessamento. As drusas do disco óptico podem ser diagnosticadas como papiledema. Assim, a suspeita clínica de DDO é importante a fim de evitar intervenções desnecessárias. Embora a maioria dos olhos com DDO têm espessura normal ou thinner RCFN, alguns desses olhos podem ter camada mais grossa na RCFN.

Influence of triamcinolone acetonide on peribulbus tissues via periocular injection / 中华实验眼科杂志

Background Triamcinolone acetonide (TA) is often used in the treatment of uveitis and fundus disease,but whether it has toxic effect to normal tissue around eyes is unclear.Objective The aim of this study was to explore the adverse and toxic effects of TA on the periorbitally normal tissue following the periocular injection.Methods Twenty-seven New Zealand albino rabbits were randomly divided into experimental group,normal saline solution group and blank control group.TA was periocularly injected twice (20 mg for each) at 1-month interval in the rabbits of the experimental group,and 0.5 ml normal saline solution was used in the same way in the rabbits of the normal saline solution group.Not any drug was used in the blank group.The rabbits were sacrificed 1 month and 2 months,3 months after the secondary injection.For the preparation of the specimens of extraocular muscles,peribulbus adipose tissue,lacrimal gland and optic nerve.Hematoxylin and eosin staining of the specimens was performed to examine the the pathological change under the optical microscope,and the ultrastructural of peribulbus tissues was observed under the transmission electron microscope.Results No statistically significant change was found in IOP among various time points and groups (Fgroup =0.952,P =0.881 ; Ftime =7.297,P =0.411).The hyphological structures and ultrastructure of extraocular muscles,peribulbus adipose tissue,lacrimal gland and optic nerve were normal in the rabbits of the normal saline solution group and the blank control group.However,the optical microscopy showed varying degrees of atrophy or dissolving in the extraocular muscle fibers,the increase of glandular epithelial cells and enlargement of nuclei in the lacrimal gland as well as visible disorder arrangement of nerve fibers,vacuoles degeneration and the decrease of glial cells in optial nerve tissue in the rabbits of the experimental group from 1 month though 3 months after the secondary injection.Under the transmission electron microscope,the muscle stripes,bright band and dark band were incompletely disappeared,and expansionary sarcoplasmic reticulum and oval nucleus at the inferior to sarolemma were seen in the extraocular muscles.In addition,swelling lacrimal gland epithelial cells,thickening nuclear membrane and more organelles were exhibited in the lacrimal gland.In the optic never tissue,uneven myelin,space between axons and myelin,lamellar separation and degeneration also were revealed in the rabbits of the experimental group after injection of TA.Peribulbus adipose tissue was near normal both by optical microscope and transmission electron microscope in the experimental group.Conclusions The periocular injection of TA dose not elevated the IOP.However,it will result in the histogical and ultrastructural damages of extraocular muscles,lacrimal gland and optic nerve.

Intrathecal injection of dexmedetomidine reduces neuropathic pain in rat model of chronic constriction injury / 中国医师杂志

Objective To investigate the effect of intrathecal injection (IT) of dexmedetomidine targeting Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) on neuropathic pain and spinal cord levels of TLR3 mRNA,interleukin-1β(IL-1β),tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) proteins in rat model of chronic constriction injury (CCI).Methods Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into five groups(n =10):the sham group(intrathecal normal saline,IT NS),CCI group (CCI + IT NS),DEX-pre group (CCI + IT DEX pre 2ds),DEX-post group (CCl + IT DEX post 7ds) and DEX + ATIP group (CCI + IT DEX + ATIP).The lumbar intrathecal catheters were implanted in L5_6 of rats and CCI models were established as previously described.The thermal and mechanical nociceptive thresholds were assessed by paw withdrawal latency(PWL) to radiant heat and yon Frey filaments.The DEX was administered intrathecally for 7 days starting from 2 day before surgery or 7day after surgery.The spinal cord expression of TLR3 mRNA was assessed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR).Levels of IL-1β,TNF-α in spinal cord were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Results Compared with the sham group,animals in CCI group had significandy lower mechanical (F =12.73,P ＜ 0.05) and thermal pain thresholds (F =14.65,P ＜ 0.05),higher expression of TLR3 mRNA (F =11.03,P ＜ 0.05) and levels of IL-1 β (F =9.67,P ＜ 0.05),TNF-α(F =8.78,P ＜ 0.05) in the spinal cord (P ＜ 0.05).Rats in DEX-pre group had significantly higher mechanical (F =11.03,P ＜ 0.05) and thermal pain thresholds (F =15.03,P ＜ 0.05) and significantly lower expression of TLR3 mRNA (F =14.65,P ＜0.05) and levels of IL-1β (F =12.51,P＜0.05,TNF-α (F =9.01,P ＜0.05) in the spinal cord compared with those in the CCI group (at any observed time points after ligation,but most significantly at 7 d).And the effects of DEX-pre group were abated by IT ATIP at the same time or 7days after surgery alone (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions Intrathecal injection of DEX can decrease the levels of inflammatory factors by decreasing the TLR3 mRNA in the spinal cord of rats and prophylactic relieve the neuropathic pain induced by CCI.

Varizes do nervo ciático são uma doença pouco conhecida? / Nerve varices a little known disease?

Objetivo: Relatar nossa experiência com varizes do nervo ciático e indicar que tipo de paciente é mais provável de ser acometido por essa patologia. Método: A amostra foi constituída de 2.400 pacientes, selecionando-se 80 deles (3,3%) como possíveis portadores de varizes do nervo ciático. Foram considerados pacientes suspeitos: pacientes portadores de varizes na face lateral da perna, coxa e oco poplíteo; pacientes com recidiva anárquica de varizes após safenectomia; pacientes com sintomas e exames positivos para varizes pélvicas; pacientes com história prévia de trombose venosa profunda; pacientes com queixas de dores ciáticas e aumento do diâmetro de um membro com relação ao outro. Esses pacientes foram submetidos a exames detalhados e rigorosos do losango poplíteo com objetivo de identificar varizes dentro da bainha do nervo ciático e na face lateral da perna. Desses, 10 foram submetidos à angiografia venosa para detalhar a relação anatômica com o nervo ciático. Resultados: De 80 pacientes previamente selecionados, encontramos 21 (26,3%) casos positivos para varizes do nervo ciático ao exame ecográfico. Dez pacientes tinham varizes do nervo ciático associadas a recidiva anárquica de varizes após safenectomia e outros 10 associadas a varizes pélvicas. A dor ciática esteve presente em 100% dos pacientes positivos para VNC. Conclusão: Varizes do nervo ciático são pouco conhecidas pela medicina. Se o médico fizer uma seleção prévia conforme descrito em ?pacientes e métodos? e concentrar-se no exame ecográfico do losango poplíteo e face lateral da perna, irá se surpreender com o elevado número de casos de varizes do nervo ciático que diagnosticará.

Objective: To report our experience with patients with sciatic nerve varices (SNV) and to indicate which type of patient is more likely to be afflicted with this particular pathology. Method: The sample consisted of 2,400 patients, selecting 80 (3.3%) as possible sufferers of SNV. Patients with the following conditions were highly suspected: patients with varices on the lateral aspect of the leg, the thigh, and oco politeo; patients with uncontrolled variceal recurrence after a safenectomy; patients with symptoms of and who tested positive for pelvic varices; patients with a history of deep vein thrombosis; and patients complaining of sciatic pain along with an increase in the diameter of one limb in relation to the other. These patients underwent detailed and rigorous examination of the ?losango popliteo? with the objective of identifying varices inside the sheath of the sciatic nerve and on the lateral aspect of the leg. Of these, 10 underwent venous angiography to detail the anatomical relationship with the sciatic nerve. Results: Of the 80 patients previously selected, we found 21 (26.3%) cases that were positive for SNV through ultrasound. Ten patients had SNV associated with uncontrolled variceal recurrence after safenectomy, while the other 10 were associated with pelvic varices. Sciatic pain was present in 100% of the patients who tested positive for SNV. Conclusion: SNV are not well known in Medicine. If the doctor makes a examination as described in the ?patients and methods? section and concentrates on the ultrasound scan of the ?diamond popliteal? and lateral aspect of the leg, he or she will be surprised by the high number of cases of SNV that will be diagnosed.

A Case of Lewis-Sumner Syndrome Showing Dramatic Improvement after Plasma Exchange

We report a patient with Lewis-Sumner syndrome (LSS) who showed an improvement only with plasma exchange (PE). The patient, 32-yr old man, had progressive multifocal motor-sensory deficits with persistent, multiple conduction blocks and marked slowing of NCVs. Nerve pathology supported a diagnosis of demyelinating neuropathy by revealing marked loss of myelinated fibers with inter- and intrafascicular variation. Although the patient was refractory to treatment with corticosteroid and intravenous immunoglobulin, PE produced a dramatic improvement. Our experience strongly proposes that PE should be tried for refractory LSS.

Lesion of the peripheral nerve in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis / 中国康复理论与实践

@#ObjectiveTo investigate the pathologic characteristics of the sural nerve in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. MethodsClinical, electrophysiologic, laboratory data and sural nerve biopsy of 11 patients were reviewed. The clinical and laboratory data were compatible with the diagnosis of ALS. The sural nerve was removed and immediately fixed in 10% formalin and phosphate-buffered 2.5% glutaraldehyde and processed according to the procedure used in our laboratory for light and ultrastructural examination.Results4 groups were distinguished based on pathologic changes: normal; with mild axon degeneration and demyelination; with mild loss of the myelinated nerve, axon degeneration and demyelination; with severe loss of the myelinated nerve, axon degeneration and demyelination.ConclusionPredominantly axonal neuropathies are common and occur early in ALS. Axon degeneration of the nerve fibers is predominant, and demyelination also can be performed in patients with ALS.