Nocturnal prolactin secretion in carpal tunnel syndrome

The correlation between plasma PRL levels and CTS was investigated in 21 patients in whom a specific causal agent of CTS could not be identified. No correlation between plasma PRL levels and other clinical and neurophysiological data was detected.

[Electromyography and electroneurography in the follow-up study of carpal tunnel syndrome patients]

Electromyography is an useful method for the postoperative follow-up of carpal tunnel syndrome. In patients without sensory and motor signs EMG is able to differentiate those still suffering from subjective symptoms such as pain and paraesthesias.

Elastase-type activity, elastase inhibitory capacity, lipids and lipoproteins in the sera of patients with ischemic vascular disease

Elastase-type activity and elastase inhibitory capacity were determined in the sera of 130 atherosclerotic patients, suffering from ischemic vascular disease (IVD) localized at various sites, and of 60 control subjects. The concentrations of serum lipoprotein constituents (triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, apo-A, apo-B) have also been investigated. HDL cholesterol and apo-A levels were decreased at every site on IVD. Plasma HDL concentration in men was lower than that in women. There was a sex-related difference in the elastase-type activity of the sera: within every atherosclerotic group, elastase-type activity in women was significantly higher than in men. Elastase-type activity did not appear to vary with age and did not show any correlation with the concentration of serum lipoprotein constituents. Pancreatic elastase inhibitory capacity of sera was significantly elevated in the sera of atherosclerotic patients. There was a significant negative correlation between the inhibitory capacity and the HDL cholesterol and apo-A content of sera, respectively. Inhibitory capacity did not show sex-, or age-related variation. There was a significant positive correlation between elastase-type activity and elastase inhibitory capacity measured in control sera. In the sera of atherosclerotic patients this correlation could not be established.

The blood flow of rabbits' tendons. Variation with age, activity and hypoxia

The Xenon133 washout technique was used to measure the blood-flow rate in flexor tendons of rabbits in different conditions. No variation was found with age. On the other hand, activity caused by electrical stimulation of the muscle increased the flow rate in the tendon significantly, confirming that the tendon is a metabolically active structure. Ligation of the vessels to the tendons failed to achieve a decrease of the blood flow rate. This was probably due to a rapid revascularization or biochemical modification of the tissue.

Sarcoidosis of the hand--report of two cases

Sarcoidosis occurring as an isolated manifestation in the hand can pose a diagnostic problem. Skin, muscle, tendon sheath, and bone may be affected. The unusual clinical picture and operative findings are often misleading and malignancy may be suspected. Two cases of isolated involvement of bone and muscle are described.

Diagnosis of brachial plexus traction lesions by sensory nerve action potentials and somatosensory evoked potentials

Forty-two patients with unilateral brachial plexus traction lesions were investigated by recording sensory nerve action potentials (SNAPs) from the lower arm and somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) from the clavicle, the cervical spine and the scalp overlying the contralateral somatosensory cortex, in response to electrical stimulation of peripheral nerves. The median and radial nerves were assumed to derive principally from the C6 and C7 roots, and the ulnar nerve from the C8 and T1 roots. Combination of SEP and SNAP findings suggested a location for the lesion (preganglionic, postganglionic or combining pre-and postganglionic elements) which was found to be accurate in 10 out of 16 operated cases, and substantially accurate in another 3. There was a poor correlation, however, between the presence of absence of SNAPs in the musculocutaneous nerve and the location of the lesion to the C5 root.

The role of somatosensory evoked potentials and nerve conduction studies in the surgical management of brachial plexus injuries

In 15 patients who underwent open exploration of the brachial plexus, the somatosensory evoked potentials and nerve action potentials recorded at the time of operation were useful as guides to the most appropriate surgical procedure, and also in predicting the outcome in certain lesions. In three patients the apparent normality of the upper trunk of the plexus was concealing a more proximal lesion which was irrecoverable. The presence of a somatosensory evoked potential showed functional continuity in three patients in whom the C7 root was clinically involved and who recovered after operation. In five patients proximal stumps of ruptured C5 roots showed functional central continuity; this indicated their suitability for grafting. These patients recovered except one who suffered from co-existing disease. The electrophysiological studies also confirmed the clinical diagnosis of avulsion of the C8 and T1 roots and therefore prevented unnecessary dissection.