Performance of an Interactive Upper Extremity Peripheral Nerve Training Module Among Medical Students, Radiology Residents, and Fellows: A Multi-institutional Study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Chronic pain is a common problem and imaging is becoming increasingly utilized in the characterization of peripheral neuropathy, although this topic is not emphasized during medical training. We hypothesized that an electronic module and nerve atlas would be effective in improving comprehension among trainees. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this IRB-approved study, a training module was created that included a side-by-side comparison of normal upper extremity nerves on magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound (US), with embedded questions and cases, followed by a brief hands-on US scanning session. Thirty volunteers with variable training were enrolled in 1 institution, while 14 volunteers were enrolled in another. Pre- and post-test scores were collected and compared. RESULTS: There was a response rate of 100% at both institutions. At the first institution, subjects were divided into 2 groups: group 1 (16 medical students) and group 2 (14 residents/fellows). There was a baseline deficit of knowledge among both groups, with a mean pretest score of 37.5% and 47.5% for group 1 and group 2, respectively (P = 0.017). After module completion, both groups improved with a mean post-test score of 67.2% for group 1 and 76.1% for group 2. At the second institution, there was similar improvement even if the scanning session was not done. CONCLUSIONS: Use of an electronic module helps trainees to become more familiar with peripheral nerve imaging, regardless of level of training. Use of the module, even in the absence of hands-on US scanning, results in an improved understanding of this topic.

The Multidisciplinary Approach to the Diagnosis and Management of Nonobstetric Traumatic Brachial Plexus Injuries.

OBJECTIVE: Nonobstetric traumatic brachial plexus injuries can result in significant morbidity and chronic disability if not managed in a timely manner. Functional arm recovery is possible, but it requires a multidisciplinary approach toward the diagnosis and management of such injuries. CONCLUSION: This article provides an overview of the clinical, electrophysiology, and diagnostic imaging knowledge needed for accurate imaging interpretation and to participate in multidisciplinary discussions aimed at expediting optimal patient management.

Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome.

Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome is a paraneoplastic or primary autoimmune neuromuscular junction disorder characterized by proximal weakness, autonomic dysfunction and ariflexia. The characteristic symptoms are thought to be caused by antibodies generated against the P/Q-type voltage-gated calcium channels present on presynaptic nerve terminals and by diminished release of acetylcholine. More than half of Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome cases are associated with small cell lung carcinoma. Diagnosis is confirmed by serologic testing and electrophysiologic studies. 3,4-diaminopyridine is effective symptomatic treatment of LEMS.

Inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy versus leptomeningeal disease following Ipilimumab.

BACKGROUND: Ipilimumab is an FDA-approved anti-CTLA-4 monoclonal antibody used in treatment of metastatic melanoma. We present an unusual neurological complication of Ipilimumab therapy and the diagnostic dilemma it caused. CASE PRESENTATION: A 42 year old male with Stage IV metastatic melanoma developed lower extremity weakness and sensory neuropathy following three doses of Ipilimumab. MRI of the lumbar spine was initially interpreted as diffuse leptomeningeal disease, and patient began Dexamethasone and radiation with improvement in symptoms. However, subsequent completion imaging revealed smooth nerve root involvement with sparing of the spinal cord, findings more compatible with inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy. The absence of malignant cells in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and nerve conduction study (NCS) showing lumbar polyradiculoneuropathy with axonal involvement and demyelinating features supported the diagnosis of inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy. Later in the course of his disease, the patient developed frank leptomeningeal melanoma. CONCLUSION: Ipilimumab immune-related toxicity presented as inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, which was difficult to distinguish from leptomeningeal disease, a common complication of melanoma.

Intraspinal stem cell transplantation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a phase I safety trial, technical note, and lumbar safety outcomes.

BACKGROUND: No United States-based clinical trials have attempted delivery of biological therapies directly to the spinal cord for treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) because of the lack of a meaningful US Food and Drug Administration-authorized cell candidate and a validated delivery approach. OBJECTIVE: To assess safety of delivery of a neural stem cell-based treatment into the upper lumbar segments of the ALS spinal cord in the first US Food and Drug Administration-authorized phase I trial. METHODS: Each microinjection series comprised 5 injections (10 µL/injection) separated by 4 mm. Each injection deposited 100,000 neural stem cells derived from a fetal spinal cord. Twelve patients were treated with either unilateral or bilateral injections. Group A, nonambulatory patients, underwent unilateral (n = 3) or bilateral (n = 3) lumbar microinjections. Groups B and C were ambulatory (n = 3 each) and, respectively, received unilateral or bilateral injections. Patients are followed clinically and radiologically to assess potential toxicity of the procedure. RESULTS: Twelve patients have received a transplant. There was one instance of transient intraoperative somatosensory-evoked potentials depression. In the immediate postoperative period, there was 1 episode of urinary retention requiring Foley catheter reinsertion. By discharge, none had a documented motor function decrement. Two patients required readmission and reoperation for cerebrospinal fluid leak or suprafascial wound dehiscence (n = 1 each). Two deaths occurred at 8 and 13 months postsurgery; neither was related to the surgical transplant. CONCLUSION: Our experience in 12 patients supports the procedural safety of unilateral and bilateral intraspinal lumbar microinjection. Completion of this phase I safety trial is planned by proceeding to cervical and combined cervical + lumbar microinjections in ALS patients.