Neural leprosy investigation using electroneuromyography and the ML Flow rapid test: a case report

ABSTRACT Neural leprosy, which is characterized by nerve involvement without visible skin lesions, presents a diagnostic challenge. This case report examined the significance of diverse diagnostic modalities in the identification of pure neural leprosy. A 28-year-old patient with symptoms of edema, pain, paresthesia, and diminished sensitivity in the lower limbs underwent various tests. A stilt skin smear yielded negative results on bacilloscopy, whereas a Fast ML Flow leprosy test and electroneuromyography supported the diagnosis. This discussion highlights the importance of accessible methods for early investigation. This study emphasizes the multidisciplinary approach and value of the Fast ML Flow leprosy test and electroneuromyography for diagnosing neural leprosy.

Clinical analysis of chronic mild occupational carbon disulfide poisoning / 中国职业医学

Objective: To analyze clinical features and electroneuromyography (ENMG) results of chronic mild occupational carbon disulfide poisoning cases. Methods: A total of 344 patients diagnosed with chronic mild occupational carbon disulfide poisoning based on GBZ 4-2002 Diagnostic Criteria of Occupational Chronic Carbon Disulfide Poisoning were selected as study subjects from 2006 to 2019 using the retrospective study method. Their clinical data was collected and analyzed. Results: The main symptoms of the study subjects were dizziness, headache, insomnia, dreaming, memory impairment, numbness and weakness in the distal extremities. Positive signs mainly included symmetrical glove and stocking distribution like sensory disorders in the distal extremities, and the weakening or absent Achilles tendon reflex and knee reflex. The incidence of symptoms and signs increased with the length of service (all P<0.01). The incidence of fundus and venous changes in patients was 41.3%, which increased with the length of service (P<0.01). ENMG examination showed varying degrees of abnormalities in the peripheral motor and/or sensory nerves in all patients, with a higher incidence of motor nerve abnormalities than sensory nerve abnormalities (21.1% vs 3.7%, P<0.01). The incidence of motor nerve abnormality was higher on the right side than the left side (23.7% vs 18.5%, P<0.01). The incidences of motor nerve abnormalities from high to low in the order were median nerve, common peroneal nerve, ulnar nerve and posterior tibial nerve (34.9% vs 27.9% vs 16.6% vs 5.1%, P<0.01). The incidences of sensory nerve abnormalities from high to low in the order were median nerve, ulnar nerve and sural nerve (5.2% vs 5.1% vs 0.7%, P<0.01). The incidences of left ulnar nerve, right ulnar nerve and right median nerve were higher in male patients than in female patients (15.2% vs 5.3%, 24.0% vs 11.7%, 44.8% vs 28.7%, all P<0.05), while the incidences of the left and right common peroneal nerve in lower extremity motor nerve were lower in male patients than in female patients (18.4% vs 52.1%, 21.2% vs 46.8%, all P<0.01). Conclusion: Chronic mild occupational carbon disulfide poisoning was mainly manifested as multiple peripheral nerve injury. ENMG results showed that the distal motor nerve conduction abnormalities were more sensitive than the sensory nerve conduction abnormalities, with a higher degree of impairment in the upper limb than the lower limb, and more impairment in the right side than the left side.

Clinical and electrophysiological characteristics of neuropathic pain in leprosy patients: A prospective cross-sectional study

Introduction: Neuropathic pain is a common and disabling late complication of leprosy. We investigated the clinical and electrophysiological characteristics of neuropathic pain in leprosy patients by evaluating nerve conduction, sympathetic skin response (SSR) and A-waves. Methods: Twenty one leprosy patients with neuropathic pain validated by the Douleur Neuropathique en 4 (DN4) Questionnaire were selected for study. Pain intensity was measured by the visual analog scale. Demographic and clinical data were collected for all patients. Clinical data included appraisal of the median, ulnar, radial, tibial and common peroneal nerves, assessment of the sympathetic skin response and conventional electrophysiological recordings. Results: Among all electroneuromyographic presentations, multifocal mononeuropathy was still the most prevalent. Sensory loss was observed more frequently than motor deficits. As most patients presented advanced clinical forms of leprosy and were under treatment, this high mean was found and the ulnar nerve was most frequently affected. The sympathetic skin response was absent in 16 patients. Higher DN4 Questionnaire scores were observed in women and in those receiving corticosteroid therapy. These inferences are possible to be made, but our study's limitations don't allow us to be certain about it. The statistical significance found only permits us to evidence what we related on the textual part of the study. Limitations: The small number of patients studied, the lack of sophisticated diagnostic methods for leprosy, as well as the difficulties in assessing nerve conduction were the main limitations of this study. Conclusion: The neurophysiological and clinical findings in leprous neuropathy were modest despite the conspicuous neuropathic pain. Although electrophysiological studies are a vital tool to verify nerve damage, variations in the clinical presentation of leprosy neuropathic pain render the diagnosis challenging. Further studies are needed to describe the neurophysiological evolution of this disease

Síndrome de Parsonage Turner: um relato de caso / Parsonage-Turner Syndrome: a case report

A Síndrome de Parsonage-Turner (SPT) é uma doença rara que acomete a musculatura da cintura escapular, acarretando hipotrofia muscular e grande limitação funcional. A etiologia ainda é indeterminada; acredita-se que existam fatores autoimunes e infecciosos envolvidos. No presente caso foi aventada possível relação com a vacina da influenza. Os sintomas da SPT incluem dor abrupta de um lado da cintura escapular, sendo característico o despertar noturno. É uma condição de difícil diagnóstico, podendo ser confundida inicialmente com espondilose cervical, capsulite adesiva, radiculopatia cervical e bursite. Na investigação diagnóstica, foram realizados exames laboratoriais e ressonâncias magnéticas e eletroneuromiografia que auxiliou na definição diagnóstica. O tratamento envolve a abordagem da dor neuropática e reabilitação visando a recuperacao da força e da função muscular. O objetivo dessa descrição é revisar o assunto através de um relato de caso típico mas que, no entanto, não foi inicialmente considerado, servindo de alerta para que diante de quadros de dor aguda em membros superiors seja ponderado o diagnóstico de Parsonage Turner. Dessa forma o assunto se torna mais habitual no ofício médico, facilitando o diagnóstico precoce e oferecendo o prognóstico ao paciente, evitando exames e medicações desnecessárias.

Parsonage-Turner Syndrome (SPT) is a rare disease that affects the musculature of the shoulder girdle, resulting in muscle hypotrophy and functional limitation. The etiology is still undertermined: It is believed that exist autoimune disorders and infections involved. In this case a possible relationship with the influenza vacinne was suggest. The symptoms of SPT include acute onset pain in one side of the shoulder girdle and frequently awakens pacients from sleep, fact that occurred in this report. This disease has difficult diagnostic and can be confused initially with cervical spondylosis, adhesive capsulitis, cervical radiculopathy and bursitis. In the diagnostic investigation, laboratory exams, magnetic resonances and electroneuromyography were performed, of the latter deserves mention for assisting in the definitive diagnosis and determining the extent of the lesion. There is still no protocol for specific treatment, but it should be focused on reducing neuropathic pain and recovering muscle strength and function. The purpose of this description is to review the subject through a typical case report, which, however, was not initially considered, serving as a warning so that in the face of acute pain in upper limbs, the diagnosis of Parsonage Turner should be considered. Thus, the subject becomes more usual in the medical craft making the clinical evaluation more careful so that the diagnosis is early and offers a better prognosis to the patient, avoiding unnecessary exams and medications.

Is there an association between electroneuromyography and ultrasound in the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome? / Existe associação entre a eletroneuromiografia e a ultrassonografia no diagnóstico da Síndrome do Túnel do Carpo?

Abstract Objective To verify whether there is an association between the results of the severity in electroneuromyography and the positivity in ultrasound in the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome. Methods Sixty-eight patients were included in the study, 61 women and 7 men, with a mean age of 54.4 years. The ultrasound results (positive or negative) were crossed with the results of electroneuromyography (mild, moderate or severe), and the existence of association was verified. Results One hundred and thirty-six hands with suspicion or symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome were evaluated. Positive ultrasound diagnosis was observed in 72 hands and negative in 64; 123 hands presented positive electroneuromyography for carpal tunnel syndrome, and there were 13 negative results. The severe degree in electroneuromyography was prevalent. Conclusion There was a statistically significant association between electroneuromyography and ultrasonography (p < 0.05), and ultrasound positivity was higher for more severe levels of carpal tunnel syndrome given by electroneuromyography.

Resumo Objetivo Verificar se existe associação entre os resultados da gravidade da eletroneuromiografia e a positividade da ultrassonografia no diagnóstico da síndrome do túnel do carpo. Métodos Sessenta e oito pacientes foram incluídos no estudo, sendo 61 mulheres e 7 homens, com média de idade de 54,4 anos. Os resultados da ultrassonografia (positivo ou negativo) foram cruzados com os resultados da eletroneuromiografia (leve, moderado ou grave) e verificada a existência de associação. Resultados Cento e trinta e seis mãos com suspeita ou sintomas de síndrome do túnel do carpo foram avaliadas. O diagnóstico ultrassonográfico positivo foi observado em 72 mãos e negativo em 64; 123 mãos apresentaram eletroneuromiografia positiva para síndrome do túnel do carpo e 13 apresentaram resultado negativo. O grau grave da eletroneuromiografia foi prevalente. Conclusão Houve associação estatisticamente significativa entre eletroneuromiografia e ultrassonografia (p < 0,05), sendo que a positividade da ultrassonografia foi maior para níveis mais graves de síndrome do túnel do carpo dados pela eletroneuromiografia.

The Brazilian Society of Rheumatology recommendations on investigation and diagnosis of systemic autoimmune myopathies

Abstract Background: This research is recommended by the Myopathy Committee of the Brazilian Society of Rheumatology for the investigation and diagnosis of systemic autoimmune myopathies. Body: A systematic literature review was performed in the Embase, Medline (PubMed) and Cochrane databases, including studies published until October 2018. PRISMA was used for the review, and the articles were evaluated, based on the Oxford levels of evidence. Ten recommendations were developed addressing different aspects of systemic autoimmune myopathy investigation and diagnosis. Conclusions: The European League Against Rheumatism/ American College of Rheumatology (EULAR/ACR) classification stands out for the diagnosis of systemic autoimmune myopathies. Muscular biopsy is essential, aided by muscular magnetic resonance images and electroneuromyography in complementary research. Analysis of the factors related to prognosis with the evaluation of extramuscular manifestations, and comorbidities and intense investigation regarding differential diagnoses are mandatory.

Polirradiculoneuropatia periférica desmielinizante associada ao uso de carbamazepina em cão: relato de caso / Demyelinating peripheral polyradiculoneuropathy associated with the use of carbamazepine in dog: case report

Diversos fármacos são utilizados no tratamento da epilepsia e, assim como outros medicamentos, podem induzir a ocorrência de efeitos adversos, alguns tão graves que geram a necessidade de descontinuidade e substituição da terapia. A carbamazepina pode levar a alterações nos sistemas cardiovascular, respiratório e neurológico, sendo descritos na literatura casos de indução de miastenia gravis como distúrbio neuromuscular. Este estudo relata o caso de um cão que desenvolveu polirradiculoneuropatia desmielinizante, tendo como provável desencadeante a terapia com carbamazepina. O paciente apresentou tetraplegia, ausência de reflexos espinhais nos quatro membros, fraqueza cervical, diminuição do reflexo palpebral bilateral e esforço respiratório. A eletroneuromiografia demonstrou sinais de desmielinização. Este, portanto, é o primeiro relato de associação entre carbamazepina e polirradiculoneuropatia desmielinizante em cão.(AU)

Different drugs are used in the treatment of epilepsy and, like other drugs, may induce the occurrence of adverse effects, some of them so severe that the drug must be discontinued and replaced. Carbamazepine may lead to changes in the cardiovascular, respiratory, and neurological systems, and cases of induction of myasthenia gravis as a neuromuscular disorder have been described in the literature. This paper reports the case of a dog that developed demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy, probably triggered by carbamazepine. The patient presented tetraplegia, absence of spinal reflexes in the four limbs, cervical weakness, decreased bilateral eyelid reflex and respiratory effort. Electroneuromyography showed signs of demyelination. This, therefore, is the first report of association between carbamazepine and demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy in dogs.(AU)

Clinical analysis on four cases of occupational chronic toxic peripheral neuropathy caused by 1-bromopropane / 中国职业医学

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the clinical features of occupational chronic toxic peripheral neuropathy caused by1-bromopropan( 1-BP). METHODS: Clinical data of 4 patients who suffered from occupational chronic toxic peripheral neuropathy caused by 1-BP were collected for retrospective analysis. RESULTS: The 4 male patients were ultrasonic cleaning operation workers in a hardware vacuum coating enterprise. They were exposed to high levels of 1-BP for 9-11 months. The main clinical manifestations were varying degrees of sensory disorder and dyskinesia. The main symptoms were progressive increase of numbness and fatigue in the lower extremities. These symptoms might be accompanied by unsteady gait.Physical examination showed muscle strength weakness in the double lower limbs. The hypalgesia,pselaphesia,topesthesia and pallesthesia decreased in the double lower limbs or 4 limbs. The bilateral achilles tendon reflex mainly showed reduced or disappeared. One case had sensory ataxia. Electroneuromyography examination showed different levels of peripheral nerve damage among the cases. The motor nerve conduction velocity and sensory nerve conduction velocity reduced commonly. The axon and myelin sheath damage were visible. On the basis of GBZ / T 247-2013 Diagnosis of Occupational Chronic Toxic Peripheral Neuropathy Caused by Chemicals,these cases were diagnosed as occupational chronic toxic peripheral neuropathy caused by 1-BP. CONCLUSION: Long-term exposure to high level 1-BP can lead to chronic poisoning with peripheral nervous system damage. The diagnosis can be made based on the 1-BP exposure history,clinical features and the neurogenic damage found in electroneuromyography examination.

Additional tests to investigate neuropathic pain. The value of electroneuromyography for neuropathic pain / Exames complementares na investigação da dor neuropática. O valor da eletroneuromiografia na dor neuropática

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Neuropathic pain is defined as pain induced by injury or disease involving the somatosensory system. Dysfunctions in anatomic regions responsible for the processing of pain may involve peripheral and central nervous system components. A careful history and clinical evaluation with special attention to neurologic propaedeutics are critical for the syndromic, anatomic and etiologic diagnosis of neuropathic pain. However, diagnosis is not always simple and often depends on additional tests. This chapter aimed at reviewing most commonly used additional tests in the clinical practice to help diagnosing neuropathic pain. CONTENTS: Electroneuromyography is primarily indicated for topographic, etiologic and prognostic diagnosis of peripheral nervous system diseases and for the differential diagnosis between neurogenic, myopathic and neuromuscular junction diseases. It gives real time information on what is going on in the nerve and the muscle, being fundamentally important for differential neuromuscular disease diagnosis. Some imaging methods, such as computerized tomography and magnetic resonance, for their spatial resolution, give details of anatomic structures. Other methods, such as positron emission tomography scan and functional magnetic resonance, in addition to anatomic details, also provide data on metabolic and functional measurements. In addition, imaging techniques such as spectroscopy and diffusion tensor magnetic resonance, allow the study of brain biochemical changes and conectivities with different temporal and spatial resolutions. Other additional tests, such as sensory quantification test and microneurography are seldom used in the clinical practice. CONCLUSION: Additional tests, together with careful history and neurological evaluation focused on neurologic propaedeutics, may provide important data for the diagnosis of neuropathic pain and are often used in the clinical practice.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Dor neuropática é definida como a dor causada por lesão ou doença envolvendo o sistema somatossensitivo. Disfunções em regiões anatômicas responsáveis pelo processamento da dor podem envolver componentes do sistema nervoso periférico e central. Uma anamnese cuidadosa e um exame clínico com particular atenção na propedêutica neurológica são fundamentais para o diagnóstico sindrômico, anatômico e etiológico das dores neuropáticas. Entretanto, o diagnóstico nem sempre é simples e frequentemente depende do auxílio de exames complementares. O objetivo deste capítulo foi rever os exames complementares mais usados na prática clínica para o auxílio diagnóstico na dor neuropática. CONTEÚDO: O exame eletroneuromiográfico tem sua principal indicação no diagnóstico topográfico, etiológico e prognóstico das afecções do sistema nervoso periférico e no diagnóstico diferencial entre afecções neurogênicas, miopáticas e da junção neuromuscular. Ele pode fornecer informações em tempo real do que está ocorrendo no nervo e no músculo, sendo de fundamental importância no diagnóstico diferencial das afecções neuromusculares. Existem várias modalidades não invasivas de estudo por imagem que podem auxiliar no diagnóstico de quadros de dores neuropáticas. Alguns métodos por imagem como a tomografia computadorizada, ressonância magnética, pela sua resolução espacial, fornecem detalhamento sobre as estruturas anatômicas. Outros métodos como a tomografia computadorizada por emissão de pósitrons, ressonância magnética funcional fornecem além do detalhamento anatômico, dados sobre mensurações metabólicas e funcionais. Além disso, técnicas de imagem como espectroscopia e tensor de difusão por ressonância magnética, permitem estudar alterações bioquímicas e conectividades cerebrais com diferentes resoluções temporais e espaciais. Outros exames complementares como teste de quantificação sensitiva e microneurografia são pouco utilizados na prática clínica. CONCLUSÃO: Exames complementares, em conjunto com uma anamnese cuidadosa e exame neurológico focado na propedêutica neurológica, podem fornecer dados importantes para o diagnóstico de dor neuropática e são frequentemente utilizados na prática clínica.

The Relationship between Quiescent Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Peripheral Polyneuropathy

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Inflammatory bowel disease is a chronic, recurrent disorder that involves multiple organ systems. Polyneuropathy is the most common neurological manifestation. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between polyneuropathy and inflammatory bowel disease. METHODS: The study included 40 patients with infl ammatory bowel disease (20 with ulcerative colitis and 20 with Crohn's disease) and 24 healthy controls. The patients had no clinical signs or symptoms of polyneuropathy. Nerve conduction studies were performed using an electroneuromyography apparatus. RESULTS: Mean distal motor latencies, conduction velocities, and F wave minimum latencies of the right median nerve were signifi cantly abnormal in the patient group, compared to the healthy controls (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Some electrophysiological alterations were observed in chronic inflammatory bowel disease patients who showed no clinical signs. While investigating extra-intestinal manifestations in inflammatory bowel disease patients, nerve conduction studies must be performed to identify electrophysiological changes and subclinical peripheral polyneuropathy, which can subsequently develop.

Atrofia muscular distal bilateral dos membros superiores (Síndrome de O'Sullivan-McLeod): relato de caso / Bilateral distal muscular atrophy of upper limbs(O’Sullivan-McLeod syndrome): Case report

As amiotrofias espinhais progressivas (AEP) são um grupo de desordens geneticamente determinadas marcadas pela depleção dos neurônios da ponta anterior da medula espinhal e, frequentemente, núcleos de nervos cranianos (bulbares). A forma mais comum de AEP usualmente compromete os músculos proximais dos membros. Entretanto, existe uma forma incomum, usualmente esporádica, que envolve somente a região distal braquial. A proposta do presente relato é apresentar os achados clínicos e eletrofisiológicos de um paciente com AEP crônica e com comprometimento dos músculos do terço distal dos membros superiores. A eletroneumiografia revelou anormalidades neurogênicas e potenciais de desnervação com velocidade de condução sensitiva e motora normais. Descrevemos algumas teorias acerca da fisiopatologia. O reconhecimento dessa forma infrequente é muito importante para uma ótima abordagem terapêutica nesses pacientes.

The spinal muscular atrophies (SMA) are a group of genetically determined disorders in which the primary defect is a loss of the anterior horn neurons of the spinal cord and, commonly, of nuclei of cranial nerves (medulla). A more common chronic form of SMA usually affects proximal limb muscles. However, there is an uncommon form, frequently sporadic, involving only the distal part of upper limbs. The purpose of the present report is to describe the clinical and electrophysiological features of a patient with chronic SMA affecting the muscles of the distal third of the upper limbs. Electroneuromyography revealed neurogenic anomalies and denervation potentials with normal motor and sensory nerve conduction velocities. We describe some theories concerning its pathophysiology. The recognition of this infrequent form is very important for an optimized therapeutical approach of this kind of patients.