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Handbook of Clinical Neurology 2024Ulnar neuropathy at the elbow is the second most common compressive neuropathy. Less common, although similarly disabling, are ulnar neuropathies above the elbow, at the... (Review)
Review
Ulnar neuropathy at the elbow is the second most common compressive neuropathy. Less common, although similarly disabling, are ulnar neuropathies above the elbow, at the forearm, and the wrist, which can present with different combinations of intrinsic hand muscle weakness and sensory loss. Electrodiagnostic studies are moderately sensitive in diagnosing ulnar neuropathy, although their ability to localize the site of nerve injury is often limited. Nerve imaging with ultrasound can provide greater localization of ulnar injury and identification of specific anatomical pathology causing nerve entrapment. Specifically, imaging can now reliably distinguish ulnar nerve entrapment under the humero-ulnar arcade (cubital tunnel) from nerve injury at the retro-epicondylar groove. Both these pathologies have historically been diagnosed as either "ulnar neuropathy at the elbow," which is non-specific, or "cubital tunnel syndrome," which is often erroneous. Natural history studies are few and limited, although many cases of mild-moderate ulnar neuropathy at the elbow appear to remit spontaneously. Conservative management, perineural steroid injections, and surgical release have all been studied in treating ulnar neuropathy at the elbow. Despite this, questions remain about the most appropriate management for many patients, which is reflected in the absence of management guidelines.
Topics: Humans; Ulnar Neuropathies; Electrodiagnosis; Ulnar Nerve
PubMed: 38697734
DOI: 10.1016/B978-0-323-90108-6.00006-5 -
Best Practice & Research. Clinical... Sep 2023Regional anaesthesia (RA) has an important and ever-expanding role in ambulatory surgery. Specific practices vary depending on the preferences and resources of the... (Review)
Review
Regional anaesthesia (RA) has an important and ever-expanding role in ambulatory surgery. Specific practices vary depending on the preferences and resources of the anaesthesia team and hospital setting. It is used for various purposes, including as primary anaesthetic technique for surgery but also as postoperative analgesic modality. The limited duration of action of currently available local anaesthetics limits their application in postoperative pain control and enhanced recovery. The search for the holy grail of regional anaesthetics continues. Current evidence suggests that a peripheral nerve block performed with long-acting local anaesthetics in combination with intravenous or perineural dexamethasone gives the longest and most optimal sensory block. In this review, we outline some possible blocks for ambulatory surgery and additives to perform RA. Moreover, we give an update on local anaesthesia drugs and adjuvants, paediatric RA in ambulatory care and discuss the impact of RA by COVID-19.
Topics: Humans; Child; Anesthetics, Local; Ambulatory Surgical Procedures; Anesthesia, Conduction; Anesthesia, Local; Administration, Intravenous
PubMed: 37938085
DOI: 10.1016/j.bpa.2022.12.001 -
Cancer Imaging : the Official... Oct 2023The glymphatic system actively exchanges cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and interstitial fluid (ISF) to eliminate toxic interstitial waste solutes from the brain parenchyma....
BACKGROUND
The glymphatic system actively exchanges cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and interstitial fluid (ISF) to eliminate toxic interstitial waste solutes from the brain parenchyma. Impairment of the glymphatic system has been linked to several neurological conditions. Glioblastoma, also known as Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a highly aggressive form of malignant brain cancer within the glioma category. However, the impact of GBM on the functioning of the glymphatic system has not been investigated. Using dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (CE-MRI) and advanced kinetic modeling, we examined the changes in the glymphatic system in rats with GBM.
METHODS
Dynamic 3D contrast-enhanced T1-weighted imaging (T1WI) with intra-cisterna magna (ICM) infusion of paramagnetic Gd-DTPA contrast agent was used for MRI glymphatic measurements in both GBM-induced and control rats. Glymphatic flow in the whole brain and the olfactory bulb was analyzed using model-derived parameters of arrival time, infusion rate, clearance rate, and residual that describe the dynamics of CSF tracer over time.
RESULTS
3D dynamic T1WI data identified reduced glymphatic influx and clearance, indicating an impaired glymphatic system due to GBM. Kinetic modeling and quantitative analyses consistently indicated significantly reduced infusion rate, clearance rate, and increased residual of CSF tracer in GBM rats compared to control rats, suggesting restricted glymphatic flow in the brain with GBM. In addition, our results identified compromised perineural pathway along the optic nerves in GBM rats.
CONCLUSIONS
Our study demonstrates the presence of GBM-impaired glymphatic response in the rat brain and impaired perineural pathway along the optic nerves. Reduced glymphatic waste clearance may lead to the accumulation of toxic waste solutes and pro-inflammatory signaling molecules which may affect the progression of the GBM.
Topics: Rats; Animals; Glioblastoma; Brain; Glymphatic System; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Contrast Media
PubMed: 37904254
DOI: 10.1186/s40644-023-00628-w -
Acta Neurochirurgica Nov 2023Since the initial description of intraneural (IN) perineurioma in 1964, advances in the understanding of the clinical presentation, diagnostic imaging, pathologic... (Review)
Review
Since the initial description of intraneural (IN) perineurioma in 1964, advances in the understanding of the clinical presentation, diagnostic imaging, pathologic features, and genetic underpinnings have changed how this pathology is managed. IN perineuriomas are rare, benign peripheral nerve sheath tumors, most frequently coming to clinical attention when patients present with painless, progressive weakness or sensory loss in adolescence or young adulthood. The gold standard of diagnosis has traditionally been with targeted tissue biopsy demonstrating "pseudo-onion bulb" formation with positive epithelial membrane antigen (EMA) staining. However, modern magnetic resonance imaging is allowing some patients to forgo biopsy. Recent genetic studies of IN perineuriomas have demonstrated common TRAF7 point mutations and rare NF2 mutations, which may present targets for diagnosis or therapy in the future. Current advances have allowed for us to provide improved patient counseling with informed understanding for various clinical scenarios. With the workup and diagnosis now clearly defined, the next frontier is for improving the lives of patients with IN perineuriomas through the interaction between restoration of functional deficits and advances in our understanding of the genetics of this entity.
Topics: Adolescent; Humans; Young Adult; Adult; Nerve Sheath Neoplasms; Peripheral Nervous System Neoplasms; Cranial Nerve Neoplasms; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Mucin-1
PubMed: 37684428
DOI: 10.1007/s00701-023-05765-6 -
Biochemical Pharmacology Sep 2023Perineural invasion (PNI) is the process through which tumors invade and interact with nerves. The dynamic changes in the nerves caused by PNI may induce disturbing... (Review)
Review
Perineural invasion (PNI) is the process through which tumors invade and interact with nerves. The dynamic changes in the nerves caused by PNI may induce disturbing symptoms. PNI-related cancer pain in neuro-rich tumors has attracted much attention because the occurrence of tumor-induced pain is closely related to the invasion of nerves in the tumor microenvironment. PNI-related pain might indicate the occurrence of PNI, guide the improvement of treatment strategies, and predict the unresectability of tumors and the necessity of palliative care. Although many studies have investigated PNI, its relationship with tumor-induced pain and its common mechanisms have not been summarized thoroughly. Therefore, in this review, we evaluated the relationship between PNI and cancer-associated pain. We showed that PNI is a major cause of cancer-related pain and that this pain can predict the occurrence of PNI. We also elucidated the cellular and molecular mechanisms of PNI-induced pain. Finally, we analyzed the possible targets for alleviating PNI-related pain or combined antitumor and pain management. Our findings might provide new perspectives for improving the treatment of patients with malignant tumors.
Topics: Humans; Cancer Pain; Pain; Tumor Microenvironment; Neoplasms
PubMed: 37481133
DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115692