Citations
Citations
Citations
Citations
Citations
Citations
Citations
Citations
Citations
Citations
Citations
Citations
Citations
To investigate the psychometric properties of the activities of daily living (ADL) instrument used in the analysis of Korean Longitudinal Study of Ageing (KLoSA) dataset.
A retrospective study was carried out involving 2006 KLoSA records of community-dwelling adults diagnosed with stroke. The ADL instrument used for the analysis of KLoSA included 17 items, which were analyzed using Rasch modeling to develop a robust outcome measure. The unidimensionality of the ADL instrument was examined based on confirmatory factor analysis with a one-factor model. Item-level psychometric analysis of the ADL instrument included fit statistics, internal consistency, precision, and the item difficulty hierarchy.
The study sample included a total of 201 community-dwelling adults (1.5% of the Korean population with an age over 45 years; mean age=70.0 years, SD=9.7) having a history of stroke. The ADL instrument demonstrated unidimensional construct. Two misfit items, money management (mean square [MnSq]=1.56, standardized Z-statistics [ZSTD]=2.3) and phone use (MnSq=1.78, ZSTD=2.3) were removed from the analysis. The remaining 15 items demonstrated good item fit, high internal consistency (person reliability=0.91), and good precision (person strata=3.48). The instrument precisely estimated person measures within a wide range of theta (−4.75 logits < θ < 3.97 logits) and a reliability of 0.9, with a conceptual hierarchy of item difficulty.
The findings indicate that the 15 ADL items met Rasch expectations of unidimensionality and demonstrated good psychometric properties. It is proposed that the validated ADL instrument can be used as a primary outcome measure for assessing longitudinal disability trajectories in the Korean adult population and can be employed for comparative analysis of international disability across national aging studies.
Citations
While congenital muscular torticollis (CMT) can occur along with other conditions, such as clavicle fracture or brachial plexus injury, these conditions exist outside the sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM). We present a rare case with concurrence of CMT and a malignant tumor inside the same SCM, along with serial clinical and radiological findings of the atypical features of CMT. The malignant tumor was in fact a low-grade fibromyxoid sarcoma. To the best of our knowledge, the current case is the first of a concurrent condition of CMT inside the SCM. This case suggests that concurrent conditions could exist either inside or outside the SCM with CMT. Therefore, a thorough evaluation of SCM is required when subjects with CMT display atypical features, such as the increase of mass or poor response to conservative therapy. In that case, appropriate imaging modalities, such as ultrasonogram or magnetic resonance imaging, are useful for differential diagnosis.
Citations
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) type I in stroke patients is usually known to affect the hemiplegic upper limb. We report a case of CRPS presented in an ipsilesional arm of a 72-year-old female patient after an ischemic stroke at the left middle cerebral artery territory. Clinical signs such as painful range of motion and hyperalgesia of her left upper extremity, swollen left hand, and dystonic posture were suggestive of CRPS. A three-phase bone scintigraphy showed increased uptake in all phases in the ipsilesional arm. Diffusion tensor tractography showed significantly decreased fiber numbers of the corticospinal tract and the spinothalamic tract in both unaffected and affected hemispheres. Pain and range of motion of the left arm of the patient improved after oral steroids with a starting dose of 50 mg/day.
Citations
To evaluate femoral anteversion angle (FAA) change in children with intoeing gait depending on age, gender, and initial FAA using three-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT).
The 3D-CT data acquired between 2006 and 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. Children 4 to 10 years of age with symptomatic intoeing gait with follow-up interval of at least 1 year without active treatment were enrolled. Subjects were divided into three groups based on age: group 1 (≥4 and <6 years), group 2 (≥6 and <8 years), and group 3 (≥8 and <10 years). Initial and follow-up FAAs were measured using 3D-CT. Mean changes in FAAs were calculated and compared.
A total of 200 lower limbs of 100 children (48 males and 52 females, mean age of 6.1±1.6 years) were included. The mean follow-up period was 18.0±5.4 months. Average initial and follow-up FAA in children with intoeing gait was 31.1°±7.8° and 28.9°±8.2°, respectively. The initial FAA of group 1 was largest (33.5°±7.7°). Follow-up FAA of group 1 was significantly reduced to 28.7°±9.2° (p=0.000). FAA changes in groups 1, 2, and 3 were −6.5°±5.8°, −6.4°±5.1°, and −5.3°±4.0°, respectively. These changes of FAA were not significantly (p=0.355) different among the three age groups. However, FAA changes were higher (p=0.012) in females than those in males. In addition, FAA changes showed difference depending on initial FAA. When initial FAA was smaller than 30°, mean FAA change was −5.6°±4.9°. When initial FAA was more than 30°, mean FAA change was −6.8°±5.4° (p=0.019).
FAA initial in children with intoeing gait was the greatest in age group 1 (4–6 years). This group also showed significant FAA decrease at follow-up. FAA changes were greater when the child was a female, younger, and had greater initial FAA.
Citations
The authors report the diffusion tensor tractography (DTT) findings of three pediatric patients with gait dysfunction and corticoreticular tract (CRT) disruption. All three patients showed unilateral trunk instability, but they did not show any spasticity or weakness of the distal extremities. Clinical evaluation of trunk instability using a Trunk Control Measurement Scale (TCMS) revealed that the more affected side had a lower score than the contralateral side. DTT showed disrupted CRTs in hemispheres contralateral to the hemiparetic sides, which were associated with unilateral proximal instability, although conventional MRI showed no abnormal lesion explaining the hemiplegic symptom. Compared to the results in age-matched controls, these three patients had decreased values of fractional anisotropy (FA) and tract volumes (TV) of the affected CRTs, and these values were also decreased compared to those in the contralateral side. On the other hand, values of FA and TV of the corticospinal tracts on the ipsilateral and contralateral sides were only marginally different. In conclusion, diffusion tensor imaging can be helpful for investigating the state of the CRT in pediatric patients with trunk instability and gait dysfunction.
Citations
Cerebellar mutism (CM) is a rare neurological condition characterized by lack of speech due to cerebellar lesions. CM is often reported in children. We describe a rare case of CM after spontaneous cerebellar hemorrhage. The patient showed mutism, irritability, decreased spontaneous movements and oropharyngeal apraxia. Diffusion tensor imaging revealed significant volume reduction of medial frontal projection fibers from the corpus callosum. In Tracts Constrained by UnderLying Anatomy (TRACULA) analysis, forceps major and minor and bilateral cingulum-angular bundles were not visualized. Cerebello-frontal pathway reconstructed from the FMRIB Software Library showed continuity of fibers, with decreased number of fibers on qualitative analysis. These results suggest that cerebello-frontal disconnection may be a neuroanatomical mechanism of CM. Damage of brain network between occipital lobe, cingulate and cerebellum caused by hemorrhage may also have role in the mechanism of CM in our case.
Citations
To assess the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the muscles for investigating the occurrence of asymmetry of the paraspinal (multifidus and erector spinae) and psoas muscles and its relation to the chronicity of unilateral lumbar radiculopathy using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
This retrospective study was conducted between January 2012 to December 2014. Sixty one patients with unilateral L5 radiculopathy were enrolled: 30 patients had a symptom duration less than 3 months (group A) and 31 patients had a symptom duration of 3 months or more (group B). Axial MRI measured the CSA of the paraspinal and psoas muscles at the middle between the lower margin of the upper vertebra and upper margin of the lower vertebra, and obtained the relative CSA (rCSA) which is the ratio of the CSA of muscles to that of the lower margin of L4 vertebra.
There were no differences in the demographics between the two groups. In group B, rCSA of the erector spinae at the L4–5 level, and that of multifidus at the L4–5 and L5–S1 levels, were significantly smaller on the involved side as compared with the uninvolved side. In contrast, no significant muscle asymmetry was observed in group A. The rCSA of the psoas was not affected in either group.
The atrophy of the multifidus and erector spinae ipsilateral to the lumbar radiculopathy was observed only in patients suffering from unilateral radiculopathy for 3 months or more.
Citations
We present the case of a 33-year-old man who experienced a 10,000-V electrical shock when working with electrical wiring. He suffered third-degree burns on his scalp at the right occiput (entry wound) and on his left arm (exit would), and a second-degree burn on his left foot (exit wound). He presented with severe spasticity of both lower extremities, motor weakness with a Medical Research Council grade of 3, and sensory impairments below thoracic level 11 that included an inability to sense light touch and defects in proprioception. Initial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of his spine and brain showed no definite abnormalities. However, tractography obtained by diffusion tensor imaging of the brain showed absence of the right medial lemniscus tract. A cervical MRI scan 1 month later showed spinal cord swelling from cervical 1-5 levels, and signal changes in the lateral and posterior white matter in the axial view. After 6 months of rehabilitation, he recovered almost normal degree of motor function in his lower extremities and disappearance of spasticity. However, since the sensory impairments persisted, especially defects in proprioception, he was unable to walk independently.
Citations
To analyze the relationship between brain lesion location and type of chronic dysphagia in patients with supratentorial stroke.
Data from 82 chronic stroke patients who underwent videofluoroscopic swallowing studies at >6 months after an initial stroke event were retrospectively analyzed. Delayed oral transit time, delayed pharyngeal transit time, and the presence of aspiration were extracted. A voxel-based lesion symptom mapping (VLSM) analysis was used to correlate types of dysphagia with specific brain lesions.
VLSM identified several clusters of voxels that significantly correlated with type of dysphagia. Delayed oral transit time mainly correlated with lesions in the left inferior frontal lobe and precentral gyrus; delayed pharyngeal time mainly correlated with lesions in the right basal ganglia and corona radiate; and aspiration was mainly correlated with lesions in the putamen.
Understanding the association between lesion location and dysphagia in chronic stroke patients is an important first step towards predicting permanent dysphagia after stroke. Improved understanding of the neural correlates of dysphagia will inform the utility of interventions for its treatment and prevention after stroke.
Citations
A 51-year-old man showed hemiplegia on his right side after a traumatic brain injury (TBI). On initial brain computed tomography (CT) scan, an acute subdural hemorrhage in the right cerebral convexity and severe degrees of midline shifting and subfalcine herniation to the left side were evident. On follow-up brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), there were multiple microhemorrhages in the left parietal and occipital subcortical regions. To explain the occurrence of right hemiplegia after brain damage which dominantly on the right side of brain, we used diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to reconstruct the corticospinal tract (CST), which showed nearly complete injury on the left CST. We also performed motor-evoked potentials, and stimulation of left motor cortex evoked no response on both sides of upper extremity. We report a case of patient with hemiplegia after TBI and elucidation of the case by DTI rather than CT and MRI.
Citations
To investigate the predictive value of enhanced-magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and fluoroscopic factors regarding the effects of transforaminal epidural steroid injections (TFESIs) in low back pain (LBP) patients with lumbosacral radiating pain.
A total of 51 patients who had LBP with radiating pain were recruited between January 2011 and December 2012. The patient data were classified into the two groups ‘favorable group’ and ‘non-favorable group’ after 2 weeks of follow-up results. The favorable group was defined as those with a 50%, or more, reduction of pain severity according to the visual analogue scale (VAS) for back or leg pain. The clinical and radiological data were collected for univariate and multivariate analyses to determine the predictors of the effectiveness of TFESIs between the two groups.
According to the back or the leg favorable-VAS group, the univariate analysis revealed that the corticosteroid approach for the enhanced nerve root, the proportion of the proximal flow, and the contrast dispersion of epidurography are respectively statistically significant relative to the other factors. Lastly, the multiple logistic regression analysis showed a significant association between the corticosteroid approach and the enhanced nerve root in the favorable VAS group.
Among the variables, MRI showed that the corticosteroid approach for the enhanced target root is the most important prognostic factor in the predicting of the clinical parameters of the favorable TFESIs group.
Citations
To determine the supratentorial area associated with poststroke dysphagia, we assessed the diffusion tensor images (DTI) in subacute stroke patients with supratentorial lesions.
We included 31 patients with a first episode of infarction in the middle cerebral artery territory. Each subject underwent brain DTI as well as a videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) and patients divided were into the dysphagia and non-dysphagia groups. Clinical dysphagia scale (CDS) scores were compared between the two groups. The corticospinal tract volume (TV), fractional anisotropy (FA) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values were calculated for 11 regions of interest in the supratentorial area—primary motor cortex, primary somatosensory cortex, supplementary motor cortex, anterior cingulate cortex, orbitofrontal cortex, parieto-occipital cortex, insular cortex, posterior limb of the internal capsule, thalamus, and basal ganglia (putamen and caudate nucleus). DTI parameters were compared between the two groups.
Among the 31 subjects, 17 were diagnosed with dysphagia by VFSS. Mean TVs were similar across the two groups. Significant inter-group differences were observed in two DTI values: the FA value in the contra-lesional primary motor cortex and the ADC value in the bilateral posterior limbs of the internal capsule (all p<0.05).
The FA value in the primary motor cortex on the contra-lesional side and the ADC value in the bilateral PLIC can be associated with dysphagia in middle cerebral artery stroke.
Citations
Patients with C5 or C6 radiculopathy complain of shoulder area pain or shoulder girdle weakness. Typical idiopathic neuralgic amyotrophy (INA) is also characterized by severe shoulder pain, followed by paresis of shoulder girdle muscles. Recent studies have demonstrated that magnetic resonance neurography (MRN) of the brachial plexus and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the shoulder in patients with INA show high signal intensity (HSI) or thickening of the brachial plexus and changes in intramuscular denervation of the shoulder girdle. We evaluated the value of brachial plexus MRN and shoulder MRI in four patients with typical C5 or C6 radiculopathy. HSI of the brachial plexus was noted in all patients and intramuscular changes were observed in two patients who had symptoms over 4 weeks. Our results suggest that HSI or thickening of the brachial plexus and changes in intramuscular denervation of the shoulder girdle on MRN and MRI may not be specific for INA.
Citations
To assess the intra-rater and inter-rater reliability for measuring femoral anteversion angle (FAA) by a radiographic method using three-dimensional computed tomography reconstruction (3D-CT).
The study included 82 children who presented with intoeing gait. 3D-CT data taken between 2006 and 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. FAA was measured by 3D-CT. FAA is defined as the angle between the long axis of the femur neck and condylar axis of the distal femur. FAA measurement was performed twice at both lower extremities by each rater. The intra-rater and inter-rater reliability were calculated by intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC).
One hundred and sixty-four lower limbs of 82 children (31 boys and 51 girls, 6.3±3.2 years old) were included. The ICCs of intra-rater measurement for the angle of femoral neck axis (NA) were 0.89 for rater A and 0.96 for rater B, and those of condylar axis (CA) were 0.99 for rater A and 0.99 for rater B, respectively. The ICC of inter-rater measurement for the angle of NA was 0.89 and that of CA was 0.92. By each rater, the ICCs of the intrarater measurement for FAA were 0.97 for rater A and 0.95 for rater B, respectively and the ICC of the inter-rater measurement for FAA was 0.89.
The 3D-CT measures for FAA are reliable within individual raters and between different raters. The 3D-CT measures of FAA can be a useful method for accurate diagnosis and follow-up of femoral anteversion.
Citations
To evaluate the usefulness of various magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in the prognosis of neurological recovery in paraplegics with thoracolumbar fracture using association analysis with clinical outcomes and electrodiagnostic features.
This retrospective study involved 30 patients treated for paraplegia following thoracolumbar fracture. On axial and sagittal T2-weighted MRI scans, nerve root sedimentation sign, root aggregation sign, and signal intensity changes in the conus medullaris were independently assessed by two raters. A positive sedimentation sign was defined as the absence of nerve root sedimentation. The root aggregation sign was defined as the presence of root aggregation in at least one axial MRI scan. Clinical outcomes including the American Spinal Injury Association impairment scale, ambulatory capacity, and electrodiagnostic features were used for association analysis.
Inter-rater reliability of the nerve root sedimentation sign and the root aggregation sign were κ=0.67 (p=0.001) and κ=0.78 (p<0.001), respectively. A positive sedimentation sign was significantly associated with recovery of ambulatory capacity after a rehabilitation program (χ2=4.854, p=0.028). The presence of the root aggregation sign was associated with reduced compound muscle action potential amplitude of common peroneal and tibial nerves in nerve conduction studies (χ2=5.026, p=0.025).
A positive sedimentation sign was significantly associated with recovery of ambulatory capacity and not indicative of persistent paralysis. The root aggregation sign suggested the existence of significant cauda equina injuries.
To investigate the global functional reorganization of the brain following spinal cord injury with graph theory based approach by creating whole brain functional connectivity networks from resting state-functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI), characterizing the reorganization of these networks using graph theoretical metrics and to compare these metrics between patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) and age-matched controls.
Twenty patients with incomplete cervical SCI (14 males, 6 females; age, 55±14.1 years) and 20 healthy subjects (10 males, 10 females; age, 52.9±13.6 years) participated in this study. To analyze the characteristics of the whole brain network constructed with functional connectivity using rs-fMRI, graph theoretical measures were calculated including clustering coefficient, characteristic path length, global efficiency and small-worldness.
Clustering coefficient, global efficiency and small-worldness did not show any difference between controls and SCIs in all density ranges. The normalized characteristic path length to random network was higher in SCI patients than in controls and reached statistical significance at 12%-13% of density (p<0.05, uncorrected).
The graph theoretical approach in brain functional connectivity might be helpful to reveal the information processing after SCI. These findings imply that patients with SCI can build on preserved competent brain control. Further analyses, such as topological rearrangement and hub region identification, will be needed for better understanding of neuroplasticity in patients with SCI.
Citations
To investigate the effectiveness of incentive spirometry on respiratory motion in healthy subjects using cine breathing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Ten non-smoking healthy subjects without any history of respiratory disease were studied. Subjects were asked to perform pulmonary training using incentive spirometry every day for two weeks. To assess the effectiveness of this training, pulmonary function tests and cine breathing MRI were performed before starting pulmonary training and two weeks after its completion.
After training, there were significant improvements in vital capacity (VC) from 3.58±0.8 L to 3.74±0.8 L and in %VC from 107.4±10.8 to 112.1±8.2. Significant changes were observed in the right diaphragm motion, right chest wall motion, and left chest wall motion, which were increased from 55.7±9.6 mm to 63.4±10.2 mm, from 15.6±6.1 mm to 23.4±10.4 mm, and from 16.3±7.6 mm to 22.0±9.8 mm, respectively.
Two weeks of training using incentive spirometry provided improvements in pulmonary function and respiratory motion, which suggested that incentive spirometry may be a useful preoperative modality for improving pulmonary function during the perioperative period.
Citations
To quantify magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of congenital muscular torticollis (CMT) and to demonstrate the usefulness of quantitative MRI findings in the management of CMT.
This was a retrospective study of 160 subjects with CMT who had undergone neck MRI at the age of 48 months or younger at a tertiary medical center. Among the 160 subjects, 54 had undergone surgical release of CMT and 106 subjects had not undergone surgery. For the quantitative analysis, the ratios of area and intensity of the MRI findings were measured and compared between the two groups (ratio of area = the largest cross-sectional area of the SCM with CMT - the cross-sectional area of the contralateral SCM without CMT / the cross-sectional area of the contralateral SCM without CMT; ratio of intensity = the mean gray color intensity of the contralateral SCM without CMT - the lowest mean gray color intensity of the SCM with CMT / the mean gray color intensity of the contralateral SCM without CMT). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was conducted for the ratios of area and intensity in order to find the optimal cutoff value for determining the need for surgery in CMT cases.
The ratios of area and intensity were significantly higher in the surgical group than in the non-surgical group (p≤0.001), suggesting that the sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM) was thicker and darker in the surgical group than in the non-surgical group. The optimal cutoff value for the ratio of area was 0.17 and that for the ratio of intensity was 0.05. All subjects with a ratio of intensity less than 0.03 belonged to the non-surgical group, and all subjects with a ratio of intensity greater than 0.16 were categorized in the surgical group.
The quantitative MRI findings, i.e., ratios of area and intensity, may provide a guideline for deciding the need for surgical intervention in CMT patients. Further prospective studies are required to verify these findings.
Citations
To evaluate the cardiopulmonary endurance of subjects with spinal cord injury by measuring the maximal oxygen consumption with varying degrees of spinal cord injury level, age, and regular exercise.
We instructed the subjects to perform exercises using arm ergometer on healthy adults at 20 years of age or older with spinal cord injury, and their maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) was measured with a metabolic measurement system. The exercise proceeded stepwise according to the exercise protocol and was stopped when the subject was exhausted or when VO2 reached an equilibriu
Among the 40 subjects, there were 10 subjects with cervical cord injury, 27 with thoracic cord injury, and 3 with lumbar cord injury. Twenty-five subjects who were exercised regularly showed statistically higher results of VO2max than those who did not exercise regularly. Subjects with cervical injury showed statistically lower VO2max than the subjects with thoracic or lumbar injury out of the 40 subjects with neurologic injury. In addition, higher age showed a statistically lower VO2max. Lastly, the regularly exercising paraplegic group showed higher VO2max than the non-exercising paraplegic group.
There are differences in VO2max of subjects with spinal cord injury according to the degree of neurologic injury, age, and whether the subject participates in regular exercise. We found that regular exercise increased the VO2max in individuals with spinal cord injury.
Citations
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.
Citations
A 50-year-old man with liver cirrhosis and esophageal varix for 3 years was diagnosed with hematemesis and treated for a bleeding varix. However, bleeding recurred 11 days later, and he developed drowsiness with left hemiparesis. His left upper and lower extremity muscle strengths based on the manual muscle test at the onset were grade 2/5 and 1/5, respectively. The Babinski sign was positive. His serum ammonia level was elevated to 129.9 µg/dL (normal, 20-80 µg/dL). Magnetic resonance imaging revealed restriction on diffusion and T2-hyperintensities with decreased apparent diffusion coefficient values in the bilateral frontoparietooccipital cortex. The effect was more severe in the right hemisphere and right parietooccipital cortices, which were compatible with hepatic encephalopathy. Although the patient's mental status recovered, significant left-sided weakness and sensory deficit persisted even after 6 months. Diffusion tensor tractography (DTT) performed 3 months post-onset showed decreased volume of the right corticospinal tract. We reported a patient with hepatic encephalopathy involving the corticospinal tract by DTT.
Citations
To investigate the predictive value of the sympathetic skin response (SSR) in diagnosing complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) by comparing three diagnostic modalities-SSR, three-phasic bone scans (TPBS), and thermography.
Thirteen patients with severe limb pain were recruited. Among them, 6 were diagnosed with CRPS according to the proposed revised CRPS clinical diagnostic criteria described by the International Association for the Study of Pain. SSR was measured in either the hands or feet bilaterally and was considered abnormal when the latency was prolonged. A positive TPBS finding was defined as diffuse increased tracer uptake on the delayed image. Thermographic findings were considered positive if a temperature asymmetry greater than 1.00℃ was detected between the extremities.
Five of 6 CRPS patients showed prolonged latency on SSR (83% sensitivity). TPBS was positive in the 5 CRPS patients who underwent TPBS (100% sensitivity). Thermography was positive in 4 of 5 CRPS patients who underwent the procedure (80% sensitivity). The remaining 7 non-CRPS patients differed on examination. SSR latencies within normal limit were noted in 4 of 7 non-CRPS patients (57% specificity). Results were negative in 4 of 5 non-CRPS patients who underwent TPBS (80% specificity), and negative in 3 of 5 non-CRPS patients who underwent thermography (60% specificity).
SSR may be helpful in detecting CRPS.
Citations
Evaluation of the Sympathetic Skin Response in Men with Chronic Prostatitis: A Case-Control Study
We report the findings of 18F-fluorodeoxyglocese positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) and diffusion tensor tractography (DTT) in a right-handed patient presenting with callosal disconnection syndrome, including alien hand syndrome, after an anterior communicating artery aneurysmal rupture. The 49-year-old patient had right hemiparesis and unintended movement of the right hand during action of the left hand. A brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed lesions in the upper part of the genu and body in the corpus callosum as well as hemorrhage in the inter-hemispheric fissure. We observed extensive disruption of corpus callosum fibers in the upper genu and trunk by DTT for the evaluation of inter-hemispheric connection. FDG-PET revealed severe hypometabolism in the left cerebral hemisphere, including basal ganglia and thalamus, and hypermetabolism in the right cerebral hemisphere. Based on findings of FDG-PET and DTT, the callosal disconnection syndrome presented in the patient could be the result of loss of transcallosal inhibition in the contralateral hemisphere.
Citations
To investigate changes in lumbar multifidus (LM) and deep lumbar stabilizing abdominal muscles (transverse abdominis [TrA] and obliquus internus [OI]) during transcutaneous neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) of lumbar paraspinal L4-L5 regions using real-time ultrasound imaging (RUSI).
Lumbar paraspinal regions of 20 healthy physically active male volunteers were stimulated at 20, 50, and 80 Hz. Ultrasound images of the LM, TrA, OI, and obliquus externus (OE) were captured during stimulation at each frequency.
The thicknesses of superficial LM and deep LM as measured by RUSI were greater during NMES than at rest for all three frequencies (p<0.05). The thicknesses in TrA, OI, and OE were also significantly greater during NMES of lumbar paraspinal regions than at rest (p<0.05).
The studied transcutaneous NMES of the lumbar paraspinal region significantly activated deep spinal stabilizing muscle (LM) and the abdominal lumbar stabilizing muscles TrA and OI as evidenced by RUSI. The findings of this study suggested that transcutaneous NMES might be useful for improving spinal stability and strength in patients having difficulty initiating contraction of these muscles.
Citations
To investigate neuroradiological and neurophysiological characteristics of patients with dyskinetic cerebral palsy (CP), by using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), voxel-based morphometry (VBM), diffusion tensor tractography (DTT), and motor evoked potential (MEP).
Twenty-three patients with dyskinetic CP (13 males, 10 females; mean age 34 years, range 16-50 years) were participated in this study. Functional evaluation was assessed by the Gross Motor Functional Classification System (GMFCS) and Barry-Albright Dystonia Scale (BADS). Brain imaging was performed on 3.0 Tesla MRI, and volume change of the grey matter was assessed using VBM. The corticospinal tract (CST) and superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF) were analyzed by DTT. MEPs were recorded in the first dorsal interossei, the biceps brachii and the deltoid muscles.
Mean BADS was 16.4±5.0 in ambulatory group (GMFCS levels I, II, and III; n=11) and 21.3±3.9 in non-ambulatory group (GMFCS levels IV and V; n=12). Twelve patients showed normal MRI findings, and eleven patients showed abnormal MRI findings (grade I, n=5; grade II, n=2; grade III, n=4). About half of patients with dyskinetic CP showed putamen and thalamus lesions on MRI. Mean BADS was 20.3±5.7 in normal MRI group and 17.5±4.0 in abnormal MRI group. VBM showed reduced volume of the hippocampus and parahippocampal gyrus. In DTT, no abnormality was observed in CST, but not in SLF. In MEPs, most patients showed normal central motor conduction time.
These results support that extrapyramidal tract, related with basal ganglia circuitry, may be responsible for the pathophysiology of dyskinetic CP rather than CST abnormality.
Citations
To investigate the factors which affect the motor evoked potential (MEP) responsiveness and parameters and to find the correlation between the function of the upper extremities and the combined study of MEP with a diffusion tensor tractography (DTT) in patients with stroke.
A retrospective study design was used by analyzing medical records and neuroimaging data of 70 stroke patients who underwent a MEP test between June 2011 and March 2013. MEP parameters which were recorded from the abductor pollicis brevis muscle were the resting motor threshold, latency, amplitude, and their ratios. Functional variables, Brunnstrom stage of hand, upper extremity subscore of Fugl-Meyer assessment, Manual Function Test, and the Korean version of Modified Barthel Index (K-MBI) were collected together with the biographical and neurological data. The DTT parameters were fiber number, fractional anisotropy value and their ratios of affected corticospinal tract. The data were compared between two groups, built up according to the presence (MEP-P) or absence (MEP-N) of MEP on the affected hand.
Functional and DTT variables were significantly different between MEP-P and MEP-N groups (p<0.001). Among the MEP-P group, the amplitude ratio (unaffected/affected) was significantly correlated with the Brunnstrom stage of hand (r=-0.427, p=0.013), K-MBI (r=-0.380, p=0.029) and the time post-onset (r=-0.401, p=0.021). The functional scores were significantly better when both MEP response and DTT were present and decreased if one or both of the two studies were absent.
This study indicates MEP responsiveness and amplitude ratio are significantly associated with the upper extremity function and the activities of daily living performance, and the combined study of MEP and DTT provides useful information.
Citations
To find the characteristics of elderly gait, we compared the elderly walking at a moderate speed with the young adult walking at a slow, moderate, and fast speed.
3D gait analysis was performed on 15 elderly and 15 young adults. Temporo-spatial, kinematic, and kinetic parameters were obtained. Self-selected moderate speed of the elderly walking was compared with self-selected varying speed of the young adults walking.
The elderly walked at slower speeds and had shorter step length, but showed similar cadences compared to the young adults. These results remained identical even after the normalization with height. The kinematic and the kinetic graph patterns did not show specific differences between the elderly and the young subjects. Ankle plantarflexion (APF) motion was prominently decreased in the elderly subjects. Hip flexion (HF) motion remained within similar range for the young adults'. HF moment and power were similar with the young adults', but APF power and hip extension power were decreased in the elderly subjects'.
A decreased APF motion and power were thought to be specific findings in the elderly walking. The preservation of HF motion and power could be considered a compensation mechanism or a modified neuromuscular pattern in the elderly. The characteristics of the elderly walking should be taken into account when planning rehabilitation strategies of elderly gait training and for future studies on the elderly population.
Citations
To identify the correlations between the location of multifidus atrophy and the level of lumbar radiculopathy.
Thirty-seven patients who had unilateral L4 or L5 radiculopathy were divided into 2 groups; the L4 radiculopathy (L4 RAD) group and the L5 radiculopathy (L5 RAD) group. Bilateral lumbar multifidus muscles at the mid-spinous process level of L4 vertebra (L4 MSP), the mid-spinous process level of L5 vertebra (L5 MSP), and the mid-sacral crest level of S1 vertebra (S1 MSC) were detected in T1 axial magnetic resonance imaging. The total muscle cross-sectional area of multifidus muscles (TMCSA) and the pure muscle cross-sectional area of multifidus muscles (PMCSA) were measured by a computerized analysis program, and the ratio of PMCSA to TMCSA (PMCSA/TMCSA) was calculated.
There were no significant differences in TMCSA between the involved and the uninvolved sides in both groups. PMCSA was only significantly smaller at the S1 MSC on the involved side as compared with the uninvolved side in the L5 RAD group. The ratio of PMCSA to TMCSA was the lowest at the L5 MSP on the involved side in the L4 RAD group and at the S1 MSC on the involved side in the L5 RAD group.
Our findings suggest that the most severe atrophy of multifidus muscle may occur at the mid-spinous process or mid-sacral crest level of the vertebra which is one level below the segmental number of the involved nerve root in patients with a single-level, unilateral lumbar radiculopathy.
Citations
To clarify the relationship of skin temperature changes to clinical, radiologic, and electrophysiological findings in unilateral lumbosacral radiculopathy and to delineate the possible temperature-change mechanisms involved.
One hundred and one patients who had clinical symptoms and for whom there were physical findings suggestive or indicative of unilateral lumbosacral radiculopathy, along with 27 normal controls, were selected for the study, and the thermal-pattern results of digital infrared thermographic imaging (DITI) performed on the back and lower extremities were analyzed. Local temperatures were assessed by comparing the mean temperature differences (ΔT) in 30 regions of interest (ROIs), and abnormal thermal patterns were divided into seven regions. To aid the diagnosis of radiculopathy, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and electrophysiological tests were also carried out.
The incidence of disc herniation on MRI was 86%; 43% of patients showed electrophysiological abnormalities. On DITI, 97% of the patients showed abnormal ΔT in at least one of the 30 ROIs, and 79% showed hypothermia on the involved side. Seventy-eight percent of the patients also showed abnormal thermal patterns in at least one of the seven regions. Patients who had motor weakness or lateral-type disc herniation showed some correlations with abnormal DITI findings. However, neither pain severity nor other physical or electrophysiological findings were related to the DITI findings.
Skin temperature change following lumbosacral radiculopathy was related to some clinical and MRI findings, suggesting muscle atrophy. DITI, despite its limitations, might be useful as a complementary tool in the diagnosis of unilateral lumbosacral radiculopathy.
Citations
To determine the useful tool for evaluating salivary aspiration in brain-injured patients with tracheostomy.
Radionuclide salivagram and laryngoscopy was done in 27 brain-injured patients with tracheostomy. During salivagram, 99mTc sulfur colloid was placed sublingually in the supine position, and 50-minute dynamic images and 2-hour delayed images were obtained. Salivary aspiration was detected when the tracer was entered into the major airways or lung parenchyma. Laryngoscopy was done by otolaryngologists, and saliva aspiration, saliva pooling, and vocal cord palsy were evaluated. Videofluoroscopic swallowing study was done in patients who were able to undergo the test.
The detection rate of salivary aspiration was 44.4% with salivagram, and 29.6% with laryngoscopy. The correlation of the two tests was 70.4%. Of the laryngoscopy findings, salivary pooling had significant correlation with positive salivagram results (p=0.04). Frequent need of suction correlated with salivary aspiration in both salivagram (p=0.01) and laryngoscopy (p=0.01). Patients with negative results in salivagram or laryngoscopy had higher rates of progressing to oral feeding or tapering tracheostomy. Two patients developed aspiration pneumonia, and both patients only showed aspiration in salivagram.
Brain-injured patients with tracheostomy have a high risk of salivary aspiration. Evaluation of salivary aspiration is important, as it may predict aspiration pneumonia and aids in clinical decisions of oral feeding or tracheostomy removal. Salivagram is more sensitive than laryngoscopy, but laryngoscopy may be useful for evaluating structural abnormalities or for follow-up examinations to assess the changes.
Citations
To investigate the changes of ankle strength and range of motion with aging and which of the ankle strength and range of motion are contributed to balance.
Sixty healthy people (24 men and 36 women) have undergone tests for ankle strength and range of motion, using Biodex System 4 Pro; a one-leg balance, including postural sway and stability index using a Balance System; in which data were collected in a self-reported Desmond fall risk questionnaire.
Participants are classified into 3 groups by age (group 1, 20-40 years; group 2, 40-65 years; group 3, over 65 years). Stability index and postural sway is significantly increased with aging. Ankle plantarflexor strength and ankle eversion range of motion is significantly decreased with aging. Pearson's correlation revealed that ankle plantarflexor strength is significantly correlated with anterior/posterior sway, and ankle eversion range of motion is significantly correlated with medial/lateral sway in the aged group (over 65 years).
Stability, ankle plantarflexor strength, and eversion range of motion is declined with aging. In addition, strength of ankle plantarflexor and eversion range of motion is significantly correlated with balance stability. Further studies are needed for programs to improve the strength of plantarflexor, and range of motion of eversion of the ankle are beneficial in improving balance, stability, and prevention of falling in the elderly.
Citations
Central pontine myelinolysis is a rare neurologic disorder that is defined by demyelination of longitudinally descending tracts and transversly crossing fibers in the basis pontis. Frequently observed clinical manifestations of this disorder include sudden weakness, dysphagia, loss of consciouness and locked-in syndrome. However, there have been a few studies that reported a benign course of this disease, which include cerebellar signs, such as ataxia, intention tremor, and dysarthria. Here we report on a 53-year-old male with a history of liver cirrhosis who showed the cerebellar type of central pontine myelinolysis. The patient was diagnosed with central pontine myelinolysis based on clinical presentations and magnetic resonance imaging findings after a liver transplantation. Conventional magenetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed the preservation of the corticospinal tract and abnormal pontocerebellar fibers. However, these findings were not sufficient to define the pathophysiology of our patient. Electrophysiologic analysis and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) were performed to investigate cerebellar signs in this case. Delayed central motor conduction time (CMCT) to the tibialis anterior muscle with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) was observed, which indicated demyelination of the corticospinal tract. Also, diffusion tensor imaging showed abnormal pontocerebellar fibers, which might have been caused by cerebellar dysfunction in our patient. A combination of TMS and DTI was also used to determine the pathophysiology of this disease.
Citations
To assess the intrarater and interrater reliability of the supraspinatus thickness measured by ultrasonography (US) in normal subjects and to identify the relationship between the supraspinatus thickness measured by US and cross sectional area (CSA) of the supraspinatus muscle by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in hemiplegic patients.
We examined 20 shoulders of normal subjects and 10 shoulders of hemiplegic patients. In normal subjects, one examiner measured the supraspinatus thickness twice by US at the scapular notch and another examiner measured the supraspinatus thickness several days later. The intrarater and interrater reliability of supraspinatus thickness measurements were then evaluated. In hemiplegic patients, the supraspinatus thickness at the scapular notch was measured by US in affected side and compared with CSA of the supraspinatus muscle at the scapular notch and the Y-view of MRI.
One examiner's supraspinatus thickness measurement average was 1.72±0.21 cm and 1.74±0.24 cm, and the other examiner's supraspinatus thickness measurement average was 1.74±0.22 cm in normal subjects. Intraclass correlation coefficients of intrarater and interrater examination were 0.91 and 0.88, respectively. For hemiplegic patients, the supraspinatus thickness measured by US was 1.66±0.13 cm and CSA by MRI was 4.83±0.88 cm2 at the Y-view and 5.61±1.19 cm2 at the scapular notch. The Pearson Correlation Coefficient between the supraspinatus thickness at the scapular notch and the CSA at the Y-view was 0.72 and that between the supraspinatus thickness and CSA at the scapular notch was 0.76.
The supraspinatus thickness measurement by US is a reliable method and is positively correlated with the CSA of the supraspinatus muscle in MRI in hemiplegic patients. Therefore, supraspinatus thickness measurement by US can be used in the evaluation of muscle atrophy and to determine therapeutic effects in hemiplegic patients.
Citations
First
Prev
