Atypical Dysphagia in an Anti-Hu Positive Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Patient / 대한연하장애학회지

Anti-Hu antibodies usually present in small cell lung cancer are associated with encephalomyelitis, encephalitis, cerebellitis, and neuropathies. However, to our knowledge, non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) related anti-Hu syndrome presenting acute exacerbation of dysphagia has not been reported. Herein, we report a rare case of atypical dysphagia in an anti-Hu positive NSCLC patient resulting in a fatal outcome. A 73-year-old Korean male went through surgical interventions for recurrent tongue cancer and NSCLC. After the surgery, he resumed full oral feeding with a regular diet. However, four weeks later, he developed a sudden difficulty in swallowing. Neck computed tomography angiography, brain magnetic resonance imaging, brain positron emission tomography, computed tomography and electromyography all showed nonspecific findings. A paraneoplastic antibody test was positive for anti-Hu antibodies. His dysphagia worsened and eventually, he expired due to malignant pleural effusion. Our case shows that anti-Hu antibodies can be expressed in NSCLC and when associated with dysphagia, the outcome can be fatal.

Dysgeusia as Anti-GQ1b Antibody Syndrome with Brainstem Involvement: A Tractography Case Report / 대한연하장애학회지

Dysgeusia and dysphagia are rarely reported as the sole clinical symptoms of anti-GQ1b antibody syndrome involving the cranial nerves (CN). According to previous reports, those exhibiting bilateral facial nerve palsy or ophthalmoplegia or both are followed by bulbar dysfunctions (CNs IX and X). This paper reports a case of a 22-year-old man showing dysgeusia with dysphagia and mild limb weakness. Fiberoptic endoscopy revealed signs of residues after swallowing. The nerve conduction study (NCS) in the limbs and conventional brain magnetic resonance imaging were normal. Further workup revealed a positive serum anti-GQ1b antibody. The diffusion tension weighted brain images with tractography revealed involvement to the bilateral corticobulbar and corticospinal tract at the brainstem level. Although his normal NCS and conventional brain MRI made the diagnosis difficult, it was confirmed to be a rare variant of anti-GQ1b antibody syndrome showing corticobulbar and corticospinal tract involvement. The patient showed excellent recovery after dysphagia treatment.

A Risk Factor Analysis of Axillary Web Syndrome in Patients After Breast Cancer Surgery: A Single Center Study in Korea

Objective@#To investigate the prevalence and risk factors of axillary web syndrome (AWS) in Korean patients. @*Methods@#This retrospective study included a total of 189 women who underwent breast cancer surgery and received physical therapy between September 2019 and August 2020. We analyzed AWS and the correlation between the patients’ demographics, underlying disease, type of surgery and chemotherapy or radiation therapy, and lymphedema. @*Results@#The prevalence of AWS was found to be 30.6%. In the univariable analysis, age, chemotherapy, and hypertension were related to AWS. Finally, the multivariable logistic regression revealed that chemotherapy (odds ratio [OR]=2.84; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.46–5.53) and HTN (OR=2.72; 95% CI, 1.18–6.30) were the strongest risk factors of AWS. @*Conclusion@#To the best of our knowledge, this was the first study that explored the risk factors of AWS in a Korean population after breast cancer surgery. As almost one-third of patients suffer from AWS after breast cancer surgery, it is essential to closely monitor the development of AWS in patients with hypertension or undergoing chemotherapy.

The Usefulness and Clinical Characteristics of Antidepressant Use for Stroke Patients with Rehabilitation Program: An Exploratory Analysis

Objective@#There has been a lack of data regarding the usefulness and clinical characteristic between patients-treated with and without antidepressants (Pw/Pwo ADs). @*Methods@#One hundred and eighty inpatients were recruited and observed for a 6-month. The depressive, cognitive, daily activity, and motor symptoms were evaluated at baseline and tracked at month 6, with the use of rating scales including Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), Global Deterioration Scale (GDS), modified Rankin Scale (MRS), modified Barthel Index (MBI), and Berg Balance Scale (BBS). @*Results@#Among 178 patients, 84 (47.2%) were treated with ADs. PwAD had numerically or significantly higher depressive cognitive, and motor symptoms along with daily activity impairment (8.3 point higher in BDI score, p ＜ 0.001;3.6 point lower in MMSE, p = 0.003; 0.8 point higher in GDS score, p = nonsignificant; 8.2 point lower in BBS score, p = 0.053, and 0.4 point higher in MBI score, p = nonsignificant) than PwoAD. Psychiatric consultation was also significantly higher in PwAD than in PwoAD (p ＜ 0.001). The numbers need to treat for good clinical outcomes between PwAD and PwoAD were 5.8, 6.0, and 7.5, respectively, by MRS, MBI, and BBS scores. @*Conclusion@#Our findings suggest the potential utility of AD treatment and different clinical parameters between patients-treated with and without ADs. Adequately-powered and well-controlled further studies are mandatory to confirm and fully elaborate such association.

Dysphagia as a Clinical Manifestation of Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance: A Case Report / 대한연하장애학회지

Swallowing can be affected by a variety of systemic diseases. The etiology of dysphagia in the geriatric population is usually overlooked due mainly to a presumed diagnosis of presbyphagia or difficulty in revealing the direct cause. On the other hand, dysphagia can be a meaningful clinical sign of premalignant systemic disease. A 78-year-old man, without any prior medical or family history, was admitted with the chief complaint of dysphagia with recent aspiration pneumonia. Instrumental swallowing tests revealed a severe degree of dysphagia due to decreased laryngopharyngeal sensation and weakness of the pharyngeal constrictor muscles. Extensive workup, including electromyography and laboratory tests, revealed severe sensorimotor peripheral polyneuropathy related to monoclonal gammopathy. Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) is a premalignant precursor of multiple myeloma, which is characterized by the proliferation of monoclonal proteins. These conditions are often associated with peripheral polyneuropathy, ataxia, and sometimes even muscle weakness. Although dysphagia can occur in other systemic disorders, such as vasculitis or paraneoplastic syndrome-related malignancies, there are few reports of dysphagia related to MGUS. The patient was followed up for three years. The MGUS showed no further progression, but the patient showed no improvement, indicating a protracted clinical course and poor prognosis when dysphagia is related to MGUS.

Safe Needle Insertion Locations for Motor Point Injection of the Triceps Brachii Muscle: A Pilot Cadaveric and Ultrasonography Study

OBJECTIVE: To determine the location of the motor endplate zones (MoEPs) for the three heads of the triceps brachii muscles during cadaveric dissection and estimate the safe injection zone using ultrasonography.METHODS: We studied 12 upper limbs of 6 fresh cadavers obtained from body donations to the medical school anatomy institution in Seoul, Korea. The locations of MoEPs were expressed as the percentage ratio of the vertical distance from the posterior acromion angle to the midpoint of the olecranon process. By using the same reference line as that used for cadaveric dissection, the safe injection zone away from the neurovascular bundle was identified in 6 healthy volunteers via ultrasonography. We identified the neurovascular bundle and its location with respect to the distal end of the humerus and measured its depth from the skin surface.RESULTS: The MoEPs for the long, lateral, and medial heads were located at a median of 43.8%, 54.8%, and 60.4% of the length of the reference line in cadaver dissection. The safe injection zone of the medial head MoEPs corresponded to a depth of approximately 3.5 cm from the skin surface and 1.4 cm away from the humerus, as determined by sonography.CONCLUSION: Correct identification of the motor points for each head of the triceps brachii would increase the precision and efficacy of motor point injections to manage elbow extensor spasticity.

Swallowing Difficulty due to Hypothyroid Myopathy: A Case Report / 대한연하장애학회지

Musculoskeletal symptoms, such as muscle weakness, stiffness and pain, are observed frequently in patients with hypothyroidism. In theory, hypothyroidism can cause weakness of the swallowing muscles, but dysphagia associated with hypothyroidism-associated myopathy has not been reported. The present case involved a 51-year-old man who experienced acute onset of severe dysphagia with aspiration pneumonia. A video fluoroscopic swallowing study and fiberoscopic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing revealed pharyngo-laryngeal function impairment. With a prior history of subclinical hypothyroidism and clinical symptoms such as proximal limb weakness, further evaluation involving a hormonal study, electrodiagnostic study, and histopathology assessment revealed myopathy. Hormone replacement therapy was started and the patient recovered within three weeks of treatment and was taking a regular diet. In conclusion, this study suggests that it is necessary to consider further evaluations to determine if hypothyroid myopathy is involved in the case of unknown origin dysphagia accompanied by hypothyroid myopathy.

The Effect of Cervical Stellate Ganglion Block Using Botulinum Toxin Type A in Intractable Cancer-related Pain: Case Report

OBJECTIVE: For patients who do not relieve with pharmacological intervention, interventional treatment including neurolytic blocks may have a specific role in palliative cancer management.METHOD: We performed cervical stellate ganglion block for the second time with Botulinum toxin type A mixed with 4 ml of normal saline, total 75 IU of Botulinum toxin type A, minimal effective dosage was measured to minimize the possible side effects.RESULTS: About 3 days later, the patient reported that her continuous pain intensity had decreased from 8/10 to 4/10 on the visual analogue scale score. The frequency of the pain attack that required additional morphine injections was also decreased. As a result, her maximum morphine requirement dose per day was significantly reduced.CONCLUSION: In this case, cervical stellate ganglion block with Botulinum toxin hadlonger lasting effect in the continuous pain intensity and resulted in less frequent pain attack. Botulinum toxin can be a possibleintervention material in intractable neuropathic pain related to cancer.

Lipoma Compressing the Sciatic Nerve in a Patient With Suspicious Central Post-stroke Pain

Lipomas are mostly located in the subcutaneous tissues and rarely cause symptoms. Occasionally, peripheral nerve compression by lipomas is reported. We describe a case of a 59-year-old man with a left-middle cerebral artery infarction who was newly diagnosed as right basal ganglia and thalamic intracranial hemorrhage. He had neuropathic pain in the left arm and leg that was suspected to be central post-stroke pain. The administration of pain medication brought only temporary symptom relief. Nerve conduction and electromyography studies revealed left L5 radiculopathy and he showed a positive ‘sign of the buttock’ in the left hip. Left-hip magnetic resonance imaging revealed an intermuscular lipoma compressing the sciatic nerve. After surgery, the range of motion in the left hip joint was significantly increased, and the patient's pain was relieved.

Rapid, Objective and Non-invasive Diagnosis of Sudomotor Dysfunction in Patients With Lower Extremity Dysesthesia: A Cross-Sectional Study

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether patients with lumbosacral (LS) radiculopathy and peripheral polyneuropathy (PPNP) exhibit sudomotor abnormalities and whether SUDOSCAN (Impeto Medical, Paris, France) can complement nerve conduction study (NCS) and electromyography (EMG). METHODS: Outpatients with lower extremity dysesthesia underwent electrophysiologic studies and SUDOSCAN. They were classified as normal (group A), LS radiculopathy (group B), or PPNP (group C). Pain severity was measured by the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI) and visual analogue scale (VAS). Demographic features, electrochemical skin conductance (ESC) values on hands and feet, and SUDOSCAN-risk scores were analyzed. RESULTS: There were no statistical differences in MNSI and VAS among the three groups. Feet-ESC and hands-ESC values in group C were lower than group A and B. SUDOSCAN-risk score in group B and C was higher than group A. With a cut-off at 48 microSiemens of feet-ESC, PPNP was detected with 57.1% sensitivity and 94.2% specificity (area under the curve [AUC]=0.780; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0646–0.915). With a SUDOSCAN-risk score cut-off at 29%, NCS and EMG abnormalities related to LS radiculopathy and PPNP were detected with 64.1% sensitivity and 84.2% specificity (AUC=0.750; 95% CI, 0.674–0.886). CONCLUSION: SUDOSCAN can discriminate outpatients with abnormal electrophysiological findings and sudomotor dysfunction. This technology may be a complementary tool to NCS and EMG in outpatients with lower extremity dysesthesia.

Bulbar Myasthenia Gravis Superimposed in a Medullary Infarction Diagnosed by a Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing With Simultaneous Tensilon Application

In the elderly, myasthenia gravis (MG) can present with bulbar symptoms, which can be clinically difficult to diagnose from other neurological comorbid conditions. We describe a case of a 75-year-old man who had been previously diagnosed with dysphagia associated with medullary infarction but exhibited aggravation of the dysphagia later on due to a superimposed development of bulbar MG. After recovering from his initial swallowing difficulties, the patient suddenly developed ptosis, drooling, and generalized weakness with aggravated dysphagia. Two follow-up brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans displayed no new brain lesions. Antibodies to acetylcholine receptor and muscle-specific kinase were negative. Subsequent electrodiagnosis with repetitive nerve stimulation tests revealed unremarkable findings. A diagnosis of bulbar MG could only be established after fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) with simultaneous Tensilon application. After application of intravenous pyridostigmine, significant improvement in dysphagia and ptosis were observed both clinically and according to the FEES.

Relationship Between Deep Vein Thrombosis and Lower Limb Swelling in Patients with Brain Lesions

The objective was to identify the correlation between the sign of lower limb swelling and unilateral deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in patients with brain lesions. A total of 194 patients, between May 12th, 2011 and December 30th, 2015, who had initially elevated plasma D-dimer level (> 0.55 mg/L) and underwent enhanced DVT computed tomography (CT) were recruited in this study. The circumference of bilateral lower limbs in CT image, below 10 cm and above 15 cm from the prominence of tibial tuberosity, were measured by a single intra-observer using NIH ImageJ software. The difference of 2 cm or more between both sides was considered as significant swelling. We also evaluated patients' range of mobility and cognitive function and its relation to lower limb swelling in DVT in patients with brain lesions. Thirty-five patients were diagnosed with DVT. The presence of lower limb swelling was not statistically significant between patients with DVT and those without DVT in the proximal limb (p = 0.330) and distal limb (p = 0.405). In DVT patients (n = 35), there was no statistically significant correlation between lower limb swelling and other covariates of the patient group. There was no statistically significant correlation between lower limb circumference and DVT.

Clinical Practice Guideline for Stroke Rehabilitation in Korea 2016

“Clinical Practice Guideline for Stroke Rehabilitation in Korea 2016” is the 3rd edition of clinical practice guideline (CPG) for stroke rehabilitation in Korea, which updates the 2nd edition published in 2014. Forty-two specialists in stroke rehabilitation from 21 universities and 4 rehabilitation hospitals and 4 consultants participated in this update. The purpose of this CPG is to provide optimum practical guidelines for stroke rehabilitation teams to make a decision when they manage stroke patients and ultimately, to help stroke patients obtain maximal functional recovery and return to the society. The recent two CPGs from Canada (2015) and USA (2016) and articles that were published following the 2nd edition were used to develop this 3rd edition of CPG for stroke rehabilitation in Korea. The chosen articles' level of evidence and grade of recommendation were decided by the criteria of Scotland (2010) and the formal consensus was derived by the nominal group technique. The levels of evidence range from 1++ to 4 and the grades of recommendation range from A to D. Good Practice Point was recommended as best practice based on the clinical experience of the guideline developmental group. The draft of the developed CPG was reviewed by the experts group in the public hearings and then revised. “Clinical Practice Guideline for Stroke Rehabilitation in Korea 2016” consists of ‘Chapter 1; Introduction of Stroke Rehabilitation’, ‘Chapter 2; Rehabilitation for Stroke Syndrome, ‘Chapter 3; Rehabilitation for Returning to the Society’, and ‘Chapter 4; Advanced Technique for Stroke Rehabilitation’. “Clinical Practice Guideline for Stroke Rehabilitation in Korea 2016” will provide direction and standardization for acute, subacute and chronic stroke rehabilitation in Korea.

Correction: Survey of Botulinum Toxin Injections in Anticoagulated Patients: Korean Physiatrists' Preference in Controlling Anticoagulation Profile Prior to Intramuscular Injection

We found that an error in wording in the abstract should be corrected.

Correction: Survey of Botulinum Toxin Injections in Anticoagulated Patients: Korean Physiatrists' Preference in Controlling Anticoagulation Profile Prior to Intramuscular Injection

We found that an error in wording in the abstract should be corrected.

Survey of Botulinum Toxin Injections in Anticoagulated Patients: Korean Physiatrists' Preference in Controlling Anticoagulation Profile Prior to Intramuscular Injection

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate Korean physiatrists' practice of performing intramuscular botulinum toxin injection in anticoagulated patients and to assess their preference in controlling the bleeding risk before injection. METHODS: As part of an international collaboration survey study, a questionnaire survey was administered to 100 Korean physiatrists. Physiatrists were asked about their level of experience with botulinum toxin injection, the safe international normalized ratio range in anticoagulated patients undergoing injection, their tendency for injecting into deep muscles, and their experience of bleeding complications. RESULTS: International normalized ratio <2.0 was perceived as an ideal range for performing Botulinum toxin injection by 41% of the respondents. Thirty-six respondents replied that the international normalized ratio should be lowered to sub-therapeutic levels before injection, and 18% of the respondents reported that anticoagulants should be intentionally withheld and discontinued prior to injection. In addition, 20%-30% of the respondents answered that they were uncertain whether they should perform the injection regardless of the international normalized ratio values. About 69% of the respondents replied that they did have any standardized protocols for performing botulinum toxin injection in patients using anticoagulants. Only 1 physiatrist replied that he had encountered a case of compartment syndrome. CONCLUSION: In accordance with the lack of consensus in performing intramuscular botulinum toxin injection in anticoagulated patients, our survey shows a wide range of practices among many Korean physiatrists; they tend to avoid botulinum toxin injection in anticoagulated patients and are uncertain about how to approach these patients. The results of this study emphasize the need for formulating a proper international consensus on botulinum toxin injection management in anticoagulated patients.

The Association between Post-Stroke Depression and the Activities of Daily Living/Gait Balance in Patients with First-Onset Stroke Patients

This study evaluated the association between post-stroke depression (PSD) and clinical outcomes, including activities of daily living (ADL) and gait balance, in patients with first-onset stroke. One hundred and eighty inpatients were recruited and followed-up for a 6-month. The depressive, cognitive, and stroke symptoms were assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the Global Deterioration Scale (GDS), the modified Rankin Scale (MRS), and the Berg Balance Scale (BBS). All patients were assessed at baseline and at the end of the observation (6-month). Among 180 patients, 127 (70.6%) were diagnosed with minimal-to-mild depression (MMD) while 53 (29.4%) were diagnosed with moderate-to-severe depression (MSD). The odd ratio (OR) for poor outcome in the MSD group was approximately 3.7 relative to the MMD group. The proportion of patients with better balance classified by the BBS score at 6-month was significantly higher in the MMD group than in the MSD group (OR=1.375). Our findings demonstrate the potential relationship between PSD and rehabilitation outcomes measured by different rating scales in Korean stroke patients. Our study suggests that clinicians should carefully evaluate depressive symptoms in patients with stroke during routine clinical practice. Adequately-powered and well-controlled further studies are necessary to confirm and fully characterize this relationship.

Diagnostic Value of Elevated D-Dimer Level in Venous Thromboembolism in Patients With Acute or Subacute Brain Lesions

OBJECTIVE: To define the risk factors that influence the occurrence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients with acute or subacute brain lesions and to determine the usefulness of D-dimer levels for VTE screening of these patients. METHODS: Medical data from January 2012 to December 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. Mean D-dimer levels in those with VTE versus those without VTE were compared. Factors associated with VTE were analyzed and the odds ratios (ORs) were calculated. The D-dimer cutoff value for patients with hemiplegia was defined using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. RESULTS: Of 117 patients with acute or subacute brain lesions, 65 patients with elevated D-dimer levels (mean, 5.1+/-5.8 mg/L; positive result >0.55 mg/L) were identified. Logistic regression analysis showed that the risk of VTE was 3.9 times higher in those with urinary tract infections (UTIs) (p=0.0255). The risk of VTE was 4.5 times higher in those who had recently undergone surgery (p=0.0151). Analysis of the ROC showed 3.95 mg/L to be the appropriate D-dimer cutoff value for screening for VTE (area under the curve [AUC], 0.63; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.5-0.8) in patients with acute or subacute brain lesions. This differs greatly from the conventional D-dimer cutoff value of 0.55 mg/L. D-dimer levels less than 3.95 mg/L in the absence of surgery showed a negative predictive value of 95.8% (95% CI, 78.8-99.8). CONCLUSION: Elevated D-dimer levels alone have some value in VTE diagnosis. However, the concomitant presence of UTI or a history of recent surgery significantly increased the risk of VTE in patients with acute or subacute brain lesions. Therefore, a different D-dimer cutoff value should be applied in these cases.

Churg-Strauss Syndrome as an Unusual Cause of Dysphagia: Case Report

Systemic vasculitis is a rare disease, and the diagnosis is very difficult when patient shows atypical symptoms. We experienced an unusual case of dysphagia caused by Churg-Strauss syndrome with lower cranial nerve involvement. A 74-year-old man, with a past history of sinusitis, asthma, and hearing deficiency, was admitted to our department for evaluation of dysphagia. He also complained of recurrent bleeding of nasal cavities and esophagus. Brain magnetic resonance imaging did not show definite abnormality, and electrophysiologic findings were suggestive of mononeuritis multiplex. Dysphagia had not improved after conventional therapy. Biopsy of the nasal cavity showed extravascular eosinophilic infiltration. All these findings suggested a rare form of Churg-Strauss syndrome involving multiple lower cranial nerves. Dysphagia improved after steroid therapy.

Recovery from a Complicated Case of Central Pontine and Extrapontine Myelinolysis by Dopaminergic Treatment: One-Year Follow-up: A Case Report

Central pontine and extrapontine myelinolysis are well-recognized osmotic demyelination syndromes related to the rapid correction of hyponatremia, chronic alcoholism, and malnutrition. They are reported to show brain stem signs and various movement disorders. A 58-year-old man with a history of chronic alcoholism was admitted for dysarthria, dysphagia, and gait disturbance that had developed five days after a right forearm cellulitis. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed demyelinating patterns in the central portion of the pons and both thalami. He showed severe extrapyramidal symptoms with truncal swaying and postural instability that resulted in severe gait disturbance. Postural instability showed little improvement after conventional physical therapy, but his symptoms markedly improved after five days of dopamine administration. Cessation of dopamine agents was attempted two times, but postural instability and gait disturbance recurred. Therefore, medication was continued for one year. The patient showed stable gait and no further deterioration of postural instability during dopamine therapy.