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Kang J, Wu W, Kong X, Su Y, Liu D, Li C, Gao N, Wang Y, Zheng C, Weng Y, Wang L. Improved visualization of median, ulnar nerves, and small branches in the wrist and palm using contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance neurography. Ther Adv Neurol Disord 2024; 17:17562864241239739. [PMID: 38532801 PMCID: PMC10964438 DOI: 10.1177/17562864241239739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Magnetic resonance imaging of peripheral nerves in the wrist and palm is challenging due to the small size, tortuous course, complex surrounding tissues, and accompanying blood vessels. The occurrence of carpal palmar lesions leads to edema, swelling, and mass effect, which may further interfere with the display and identification of nerves. Objective To evaluate whether contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance neurography (ceMRN) improves the visualization of the morphology and pathology of the median, ulnar nerves, and their small branches in the wrist and palm. Design An observational study. Methods In total 57 subjects, including 36 volunteers and 21 patients with carpal palmar lesions, were enrolled and underwent ceMRN and non-contrast MRN (ncMRN) examination at 3.0 Tesla. The degree of vascular suppression, nerve visualization, diagnostic confidence, and lesion conspicuity was qualitatively assessed by two radiologists. Kappa statistics were obtained for inter-reader agreement. The signal-to-noise ratio, contrast ratio (CR), and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of the median nerve were measured. The subjective ratings and quantitative measurements were compared between ncMRN and ceMRN. Results The inter-reader agreement was excellent (k > 0.8) for all qualitative assessments and visualization assessment of each nerve segment. Compared with ncMRN, ceMRN significantly improved vascular suppression in volunteers and patients (both p < 0.001). The ceMRN significantly enhanced nerve visualization of each segment (all p < 0.05) and diagnostic confidence in volunteers and patients (both p < 0.05). The ceMRN improved lesion conspicuity (p = 0.003) in patients. Quantitatively, ceMRN had significantly higher CRs of nerve versus subcutaneous fat, bone marrow, and vessels and CNR of nerve versus vessel than ncMRN (all p < 0.05). Conclusion The ceMRN significantly improves the visualization of peripheral nerves and pathology in the wrist and palm by robustly suppressing the signals of fat, bone marrow, and especially vessels in volunteers and patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiamin Kang
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Department of Radiology, Wuhan No. 1 Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenjun Wu
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiangchuang Kong
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan, China
| | - Yu Su
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Dingxi Liu
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan, China
| | - Chungao Li
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan, China
| | - Nan Gao
- Department of Hand Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Youzhi Wang
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Chuansheng Zheng
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuxiong Weng
- Department of Hand Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Lixia Wang
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan 430022, China
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan, China
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Chen Y, Baraz J, Xuan SY, Yang X, Castoro R, Xuan Y, Roth AR, Dortch RD, Li J. Multiparametric Quantitative MRI of Peripheral Nerves in the Leg: A Reliability Study. J Magn Reson Imaging 2024; 59:563-574. [PMID: 37191075 DOI: 10.1002/jmri.28778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with polyneuropathies typically have demyelination and/or axonal degeneration in peripheral nerves. Currently, there is a lack of imaging biomarkers to track the changes in these pathologies. PURPOSE To develop and evaluate the reliability of a multiparametric quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (qMRI) method of peripheral nerves in the leg. STUDY TYPE Prospective. SUBJECTS Seventeen healthy volunteers (36.2 ± 13.8 years old, 9 males) with 10 of them scanned twice for test-retest. FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE 3 T, three-dimensional gradient echo and diffusion tensor imaging. ASSESSMENT A qMRI protocol and processing pipeline was established for quantifying the following nerve parameters that are sensitive to myelin and axonal pathologies: magnetization transfer (MT) ratio (MTR), MT saturation index (MTsat), T2 *, T1 , proton density (PD), fractional anisotropy (FA), and mean/axial/radial diffusivities (MD, AD, and RD). The qMRI protocol also measures the volume of nerve fascicles (fVOL) and the fat fraction (FF) of muscles. STATISTICAL TESTS The intersession reproducibility and inter-rater reliability of each qMRI parameter were assessed by Bland-Altman analysis and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Pairwise Pearson correlation analyses were performed to investigate the intrinsic association between qMRI parameters. Distal-to-proximal variations were evaluated by paired t-tests with Bonferroni-Holm multiple comparison corrections. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS The MTR, MTsat, T2 *, T1 , PD, FA, AD, and fVOL of the sciatic and tibial nerves, and the FF of leg muscles, had an overall good-to-excellent test-retest agreement (ICC varying from 0.78 to 0.99). All the qMRI parameters had good-to-excellent inter-rater reliability (ICC > 0.80). The data demonstrated a pattern of distal-to-proximal changes of an increased nerve MTsat and FA, and a decreased nerve T1 , PD, MD, and RD, as well as a significantly increased muscle FF. DATA CONCLUSION The proposed multiparametric qMRI method of the peripheral nerves is highly reproducible and provided healthy control data which will be used in developing monitoring biomarkers in patients with polyneuropathies. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 1 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongsheng Chen
- Department of Neurology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Jacob Baraz
- Department of Neurology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Stephanie Yan Xuan
- Department of Neurology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Xue Yang
- Department of Neurology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Ryan Castoro
- Department of Neurology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Yang Xuan
- Department of Radiology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Alison R Roth
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Richard D Dortch
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Neurology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Neurology, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, Texas, USA
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Tan RES, Jeyaratnam S, Lim AYT. Updates in peripheral nerve surgery of the upper extremity: diagnosis and treatment options. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2023; 11:391. [PMID: 37970602 PMCID: PMC10632574 DOI: 10.21037/atm-23-1500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
The loss of function resulting from peripheral nerve injuries confers a significant burden to the patient and society. The treatment of peripheral nerve injuries requires an accurate diagnosis and formulation of a functional reconstructive plan. Advances in peripheral nerve imaging complement electrodiagnostic studies, and provide us with detailed information regarding the status of nerve injury, repair, and regeneration in order to prognosticate recovery and determine the need for surgical intervention. When direct nerve repair is not possible, the methods for bridging a nerve gap are the nerve autograft, allograft and conduit. While current research supports the use of conduits and nerve allografts for shorter nerve gaps, the nerve autograft still remains the gold standard for bridging a nerve gap. When direct nerve repair or nerve grafting fails, or is anticipated to be insufficient, nerve transfers are an alternative for reconstruction. Knowledge of axonal counts, upper limb innervation patterns, location and clustering of upper limb peripheral nerves allows for the design of new nerve transfers. The options of nerve transfers for radial, ulnar and median nerve injuries are outlined, as well as their outcomes. Nerve transfers are an attractive option for restoring motor and sensory function while minimizing donor site morbidity. However, one must consider their limitations, and preserve donor sites for secondary tendon transfer options. This article presents the latest information regarding the imaging of peripheral nerves, methods to bridge a nerve gap, and nerve transfers to aid the peripheral nerve surgeon in choosing a reconstructive plan.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Aymeric Y. T. Lim
- Department of Hand and Reconstructive Microsurgery, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
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Walsh AR, Beutel BG, Tordjman D, da Costa AC, Melamed E. Neuroma-in-continuity: a review of pathophysiology and approach to the affected patient. HAND SURGERY & REHABILITATION 2023; 42:103-108. [PMID: 36758942 DOI: 10.1016/j.hansur.2023.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
A neuroma-in-continuity is a neuroma resulting from a nerve injury in which internal neuronal elements are partially disrupted (with a variable degree of disruption to the endoneurium and perineurium) while the epineurium typically remains intact. The portion of injured axons are misdirected and embedded in connective tissue, which may give rise to local neuroma pain and a distal nerve deficit. The lesion may result from a multitude of injury mechanisms, and clinical presentation is often variable depending on the nerve affected. Clinical, electrodiagnostic, and imaging examinations are helpful in assessing the extent and degree of the lesion. If no clear evidence of recovery is identified within 3-4 months post-injury, the patient may benefit from operative exploration. Surgical management options include neurolysis, neuroma resection, nerve grafting, and nerve transfer, or a combination of modalities. A primary consideration of surgery is the possibility of further downgrading nerve function in the pursuit of more, thereby highlighting the need to carefully weigh the advantages and disadvantages prior to surgical intervention. The objective of this review article is to describe the current understanding of the pathophysiology of neuroma-in-continuity lesions, and to review the approach to the affected patient including clinical evaluation, ancillary testing, and intraoperative assessment and treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda R Walsh
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 79-01 Broadway, Elmhurst, New York, 11373, USA.
| | - Bryan G Beutel
- Kansas City University, 1750 Independence Avenue, Kansas City, Missouri, 64106, USA.
| | - Daniel Tordjman
- Hand Surgery Unit, Orthopedic Division, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, 6 Weizmann Street, 6423906 Tel Aviv, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, P.O.B 39040, Ramat Aviv, Tel Aviv, Israel.
| | - Antonio Carlos da Costa
- Hand Surgery Division, Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Faculdade de Ciencias Medicas Santa Casa da Misericordia de São Paulo, R. Jaguaribe, 155 - Vila Buarque, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Eitan Melamed
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 79-01 Broadway, Elmhurst, New York, 11373, USA.
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Simon NG, Hannaford A. Electrosonomyography: Avoiding the scalpel in traumatic nerve injury? Muscle Nerve 2023; 67:189-190. [PMID: 36566354 DOI: 10.1002/mus.27777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Neil G Simon
- Northern Beaches Clinical School, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Andrew Hannaford
- Brain and Nerve Research Centre, Concord Hospital, Sydney, Australia
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Pušnik L, Serša I, Umek N, Cvetko E, Snoj Ž. Correlation between diffusion tensor indices and fascicular morphometric parameters of peripheral nerve. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1070227. [PMID: 36909220 PMCID: PMC9995878 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1070227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique that measures the anisotropy of water diffusion. Clinical magnetic resonance imaging scanners enable visualization of the structural integrity of larger axonal bundles in the central nervous system and smaller structures like peripheral nerves; however, their resolution for the depiction of nerve fascicular morphology is limited. Accordingly, high-field strength MRI and strong magnetic field gradients are needed to depict the fascicular pattern. The study aimed to quantify diffusion tensor indices with high-field strength MRI within different anatomical compartments of the median nerve and determine if they correlate with nerve structure at the fascicular level. Methods: Three-dimensional pulsed gradient spin-echo (PGSE) imaging sequence in 19 different gradient directions and b value 1,150 s/mm2 was performed on a 9.4T wide-bore vertical superconducting magnet. Nine-millimeter-long segments of five median nerve samples were obtained from fresh cadavers and acquired in sixteen 0.625 mm thick slices. Each nerve sample had the fascicles, perineurium, and interfascicular epineurium segmented. The diffusion tensor was calculated from the region-average diffusion-weighted signals for all diffusion gradient directions. Subsequently, correlations between diffusion tensor indices of segmentations and nerve structure at the fascicular level (number of fascicles, fascicular ratio, and cross-sectional area of fascicles or nerve) were assessed. The acquired diffusion tensor imaging data was employed for display with trajectories and diffusion ellipsoids. Results: The nerve fascicles proved to be the most anisotropic nerve compartment with fractional anisotropy 0.44 ± 0.05. In the interfascicular epineurium, the diffusion was more prominent in orthogonal directions with fractional anisotropy 0.13 ± 0.02. Diffusion tensor indices within the fascicles and perineurium differed significantly between the subjects (p < 0.0001); however, there were no differences within the interfascicular epineurium (p ≥ 0.37). There were no correlations between diffusion tensor indices and nerve structure at the fascicular level (p ≥ 0.29). Conclusion: High-field strength MRI enabled the depiction of the anisotropic diffusion within the fascicles and perineurium. Diffusion tensor indices of the peripheral nerve did not correlate with nerve structure at the fascicular level. Future studies should investigate the relationship between diffusion tensor indices at the fascicular level and axon- and myelin-related parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luka Pušnik
- Institute of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Igor Serša
- Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Nejc Umek
- Institute of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Erika Cvetko
- Institute of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Žiga Snoj
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Clinical Institute of Radiology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Gu F, Fan J, Cai C, Wang Z, Liu X, Yang J, Zhu Q. Automatic detection of abnormal hand gestures in patients with radial, ulnar, or median nerve injury using hand pose estimation. Front Neurol 2022; 13:1052505. [PMID: 36570469 PMCID: PMC9767954 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.1052505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Radial, ulnar, or median nerve injuries are common peripheral nerve injuries. They usually present specific abnormal signs on the hands as evidence for hand surgeons to diagnose. However, without specialized knowledge, it is difficult for primary healthcare providers to recognize the clinical meaning and the potential nerve injuries through the abnormalities, often leading to misdiagnosis. Developing technologies for automatically detecting abnormal hand gestures would assist general medical service practitioners with an early diagnosis and treatment. Methods Based on expert experience, we selected three hand gestures with predetermined features and rules as three independent binary classification tasks for abnormal gesture detection. Images from patients with unilateral radial, ulnar, or median nerve injuries and healthy volunteers were obtained using a smartphone. The landmark coordinates were extracted using Google MediaPipe Hands to calculate the features. The receiver operating characteristic curve was employed for feature selection. We compared the performance of rule-based models with logistic regression, support vector machine and of random forest machine learning models by evaluating the accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity. Results The study included 1,344 images, twenty-two patients, and thirty-four volunteers. In rule-based models, eight features were finally selected. The accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity were (1) 98.2, 91.7, and 99.0% for radial nerve injury detection; (2) 97.3, 83.3, and 99.0% for ulnar nerve injury detection; and (3) 96.4, 87.5, and 97.1% for median nerve injury detection, respectively. All machine learning models had accuracy above 95% and sensitivity ranging from 37.5 to 100%. Conclusion Our study provides a helpful tool for detecting abnormal gestures in radial, ulnar, or median nerve injuries with satisfying accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity. It confirms that hand pose estimation could automatically analyze and detect the abnormalities from images of these patients. It has the potential to be a simple and convenient screening method for primary healthcare and telemedicine application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanbin Gu
- Department of Microsurgery, Orthopedic Trauma and Hand Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingyuan Fan
- Department of Microsurgery, Orthopedic Trauma and Hand Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chengfeng Cai
- Department of Hand and Foot Rehabilitation, Guangdong Provincial Work Injury Rehabilitation Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhaoyang Wang
- Department of Microsurgery, Orthopedic Trauma and Hand Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaolin Liu
- Department of Microsurgery, Orthopedic Trauma and Hand Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China,Guangdong Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Soft Tissue Biofabrication, Guangzhou, China,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Orthopedics and Traumatology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiantao Yang
- Department of Microsurgery, Orthopedic Trauma and Hand Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China,Guangdong Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Soft Tissue Biofabrication, Guangzhou, China,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Orthopedics and Traumatology, Guangzhou, China,*Correspondence: Jiantao Yang
| | - Qingtang Zhu
- Department of Microsurgery, Orthopedic Trauma and Hand Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China,Guangdong Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Soft Tissue Biofabrication, Guangzhou, China,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Orthopedics and Traumatology, Guangzhou, China,Qingtang Zhu
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To review advances in the diagnostic evaluation and management of traumatic peripheral nerve injuries. RECENT FINDINGS Serial multimodal assessment of peripheral nerve injuries facilitates assessment of spontaneous axonal regeneration and selection of appropriate patients for early surgical intervention. Novel surgical and rehabilitative approaches have been developed to complement established strategies, particularly in the area of nerve grafting, targeted rehabilitation strategies and interventions to promote nerve regeneration. However, several management challenges remain, including incomplete reinnervation, traumatic neuroma development, maladaptive central remodeling and management of fatigue, which compromise functional recovery. SUMMARY Innovative approaches to the assessment and treatment of peripheral nerve injuries hold promise in improving the degree of functional recovery; however, this remains a complex and evolving area.
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Ahmed YM, Orfali R, Hamad DS, Rateb ME, Farouk HO. Sustainable Release of Propranolol Hydrochloride Laden with Biconjugated-Ufasomes Chitosan Hydrogel Attenuates Cisplatin-Induced Sciatic Nerve Damage in In Vitro/In Vivo Evaluation. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14081536. [PMID: 35893792 PMCID: PMC9394333 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14081536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Peripheral nerve injuries significantly impact patients’ quality of life and poor functional recovery. Chitosan–ufasomes (CTS–UFAs) exhibit biomimetic features, making them a viable choice for developing novel transdermal delivery for neural repair. This study aimed to investigate the role of CTS–UFAs loaded with the propranolol HCl (PRO) as a model drug in enhancing sciatica in cisplatin-induced sciatic nerve damage in rats. Hence, PRO–UFAs were primed, embedding either span 20 or 60 together with oleic acid and cholesterol using a thin-film hydration process based on full factorial design (24). The influence of formulation factors on UFAs’ physicochemical characteristics and the optimum formulation selection were investigated using Design-Expert® software. Based on the optimal UFA formulation, PRO–CTS–UFAs were constructed and characterized using transmission electron microscopy, stability studies, and ex vivo permeation. In vivo trials on rats with a sciatic nerve injury tested the efficacy of PRO–CTS–UFA and PRO–UFA transdermal hydrogels, PRO solution, compared to normal rats. Additionally, oxidative stress and specific apoptotic biomarkers were assessed, supported by a sciatic nerve histopathological study. PRO–UFAs and PRO–CTS–UFAs disclosed entrapment efficiency of 82.72 ± 2.33% and 85.32 ± 2.65%, a particle size of 317.22 ± 6.43 and 336.12 ± 4.9 nm, ζ potential of −62.06 ± 0.07 and 65.24 ± 0.10 mV, and accumulatively released 70.95 ± 8.14% and 64.03 ± 1.9% PRO within 6 h, respectively. Moreover, PRO–CTS–UFAs significantly restored sciatic nerve structure, inhibited the cisplatin-dependent increase in peripheral myelin 22 gene expression and MDA levels, and further re-established sciatic nerve GSH and CAT content. Furthermore, they elicited MBP re-expression, BCL-2 mild expression, and inhibited TNF-α expression. Briefly, our findings proposed that CTS–UFAs are promising to enhance PRO transdermal delivery to manage sciatic nerve damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmin M. Ahmed
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Nahda University, Beni-Suef 62521, Egypt;
| | - Raha Orfali
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2457, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
- Correspondence: (R.O.); (M.E.R.)
| | - Doaa S. Hamad
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Nahda University, Beni-Suef 62521, Egypt; (D.S.H.); (H.O.F.)
| | - Mostafa E. Rateb
- School of Computing, Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Paisley PA1 2BE, UK
- Correspondence: (R.O.); (M.E.R.)
| | - Hanan O. Farouk
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Nahda University, Beni-Suef 62521, Egypt; (D.S.H.); (H.O.F.)
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Simultaneous Quantification of Anisotropic Microcirculation and Microstructure in Peripheral Nerve. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11113036. [PMID: 35683424 PMCID: PMC9181650 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11113036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Peripheral nerve injury is a significant public health challenge, and perfusion in the nerve is a potential biomarker for assessing the injury severity and prognostic outlook. Here, we applied a novel formalism that combined intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to simultaneously characterize anisotropic microcirculation and microstructure in the rat sciatic nerve. Comparison to postmortem measurements revealed that the in vivo IVIM-DTI signal contained a fast compartment (2.32 ± 0.04 × 10−3 mm2/s mean diffusivity, mean ± sem, n = 6, paired t test p < 0.01) that could be attributed to microcirculation in addition to a slower compartment that had similar mean diffusivity as the postmortem nerve (1.04 ± 0.01 vs. 0.96 ± 0.05 × 10−3 mm2/s, p > 0.05). Although further investigation and technical improvement are warranted, this preliminary study demonstrates both the feasibility and potential for applying the IVIM-DTI methodology to peripheral nerves for quantifying perfusion in the presence of anisotropic tissue microstructure.
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Martín-Noguerol T, Montesinos P, Hassankhani A, Bencardino DA, Barousse R, Luna A. Technical Update on MR Neurography. Semin Musculoskelet Radiol 2022; 26:93-104. [PMID: 35609571 DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1742753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Imaging evaluation of peripheral nerves (PNs) is challenging. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasonography are the modalities of choice in the imaging assessment of PNs. Both conventional MRI pulse sequences and advanced techniques have important roles. Routine MR sequences are the workhorse, with the main goal to provide superb anatomical definition and identify focal or diffuse nerve T2 signal abnormalities. Selective techniques, such as three-dimensional (3D) cranial nerve imaging (CRANI) or 3D NerveVIEW, allow for a more detailed evaluation of normal and pathologic states. These conventional pulse sequences have a limited role in the comprehensive assessment of pathophysiologic and ultrastructural abnormalities of PNs. Advanced functional MR neurography sequences, such as diffusion tensor imaging tractography or T2 mapping, provide useful and robust quantitative parameters that can be useful in the assessment of PNs on a microscopic level. This article offers an overview of various technical parameters, pulse sequences, and protocols available in the imaging of PNs and provides tips on avoiding potential pitfalls.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Alvand Hassankhani
- Department of Radiology, Division of Neuroradiology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | | | - Rafael Barousse
- Peripheral Nerve and Plexus Department, Centro Rossi, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Antonio Luna
- MRI Unit, Radiology Department, HT Médica, Jaén, Spain
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Rojoa D, Raheman F, Rassam J, Wade RG. Meta-analysis of the normal diffusion tensor imaging values of the median nerve and how they change in carpal tunnel syndrome. Sci Rep 2021; 11:20935. [PMID: 34686721 PMCID: PMC8536657 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-00353-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) leads to distortion of axonal architecture, demyelination and fibrosis within the median nerve. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) characterises tissue microstructure and generates reproducible proxy measures of nerve 'health' which are sensitive to myelination, axon diameter, fiber density and organisation. This meta-analysis summarises the normal DTI values of the median nerve, and how they change in CTS. This systematic review included studies reporting DTI of the median nerve at the level of the wrist in adults. The primary outcome was to determine the normal fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) of the median nerve. Secondarily, we show how the FA and MD differ between asymptomatic adults and patients with CTS, and how these differences are independent of the acquisition methods. We included 32 studies of 2643 wrists, belonging to 1575 asymptomatic adults and 1068 patients with CTS. The normal FA was 0.58 (95% CI 0.56, 0.59) and the normal MD was 1.138 × 10-3 mm2/s (95% CI 1.101, 1.174). Patients with CTS had a significantly lower FA than controls (mean difference 0.12 [95% CI 0.09, 0.16]). Similarly, the median nerve of patients with CTS had a significantly higher mean diffusivity (mean difference 0.16 × 10-3 mm2/s [95% CI 0.05, 0.27]). The differences were independent of experimental factors. We provide summary estimates of the normal FA and MD of the median nerve in asymptomatic adults. Furthermore, we show that diffusion throughout the length of the median nerve becomes more isotropic in patients with CTS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Djamila Rojoa
- grid.419248.20000 0004 0400 6485Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester, UK
| | - Firas Raheman
- grid.419248.20000 0004 0400 6485Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester, UK
| | - Joseph Rassam
- grid.419248.20000 0004 0400 6485Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester, UK
| | - Ryckie G. Wade
- grid.415967.80000 0000 9965 1030Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust, Leeds, UK ,grid.9909.90000 0004 1936 8403Leeds Institute for Medical Research, Advanced Imaging Centre, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS1 3EX UK
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Braga Silva J, Chammas M, Chammas PE, Andrade R, Hochhegger B, Leal BLM. Evaluation of peripheral nerve injury by magnetic resonance neurography: A systematic review. HAND SURGERY & REHABILITATION 2021; 41:7-13. [PMID: 34543765 DOI: 10.1016/j.hansur.2021.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 08/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
In view of the limitations of current methods for assessing peripheral nerve injury, there is a need for technical innovations to improve diagnosis, surgical approach and postoperative monitoring. The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review to analyze the applicability of magnetic resonance neurography in peripheral nerve injuries. The present systematic review focused on the use of magnetic resonance neurography. The literature was searched in the PUBMED, Cochrane Library and Virtual Health Library databases using the PICO method. One hundred sixty-two articles were retrieved with the terms "magnetic resonance imaging" and "peripheral nerve injury", with a filter for the last 10 years (2010-2020). Nineteen were eligible for the review. Most were reviews, with few systematic reviews of randomized controlled trials. Although not included in the recommended protocol, MRI is increasingly used due to its numerous advantages: it is non-invasive, providing objective visualization of neural and perineural tissues, fascicular representation as a result of high resolution, and objective visualization of serial interval images of successful treatment. This is one of the first systematic reviews of the literature regarding the use of magnetic resonance imaging neurography to assess peripheral nerve injury, highlighting the need to implement new imaging techniques in this field of medical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jefferson Braga Silva
- School of Medicine, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Av. Ipiranga 6681, Partenon, Porto Alegre RS, 90619-900, Brazil; Service of Hand Surgery and Reconstructive Microsurgery, São Lucas Hospital, Centro Clinico PUCRS, Av. Ipiranga 6690, Suite 216, Porto Alegre, RS, 90610-000, Brazil.
| | - Michel Chammas
- Service of hand surgery and peripheral nerve surgery, SOS Main, Hospital Lapeyronie, CHU Montpellier, 371 Avenue du Doyen Gaston Giraud, 34090, Montpellier, France
| | - Pierre-Emmanuel Chammas
- Service of hand surgery and peripheral nerve surgery, SOS Main, Hospital Lapeyronie, CHU Montpellier, 371 Avenue du Doyen Gaston Giraud, 34090, Montpellier, France
| | - Rubens Andrade
- Radiology Service, São Lucas Hospital, Brain Institute, São Lucas Hospital, Centro Clinico PUCRS, Av. Ipiranga 6690, Porto Alegre, RS, 90610-000, Brazil
| | - Bruno Hochhegger
- Radiology Service, São Lucas Hospital, Brain Institute, São Lucas Hospital, Centro Clinico PUCRS, Av. Ipiranga 6690, Porto Alegre, RS, 90610-000, Brazil
| | - Bruna Leiria Meréje Leal
- School of Medicine, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Av. Ipiranga 6681, Partenon, Porto Alegre RS, 90619-900, Brazil
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