Neuralgic amyotrophy manifested by severe axillary mononeuropathy limited only to the anterior branch

Axillary and musculocutaneous neuropathies

This chapter covers axillary and musculocutaneous neuropathies, with a focus on clinically relevant anatomy, electrodiagnostic approaches, etiologic considerations, and management principles. Disorders of the lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve, a derivative of the musculocutaneous nerve, are also reviewed. We emphasize the importance of objective findings, including the physical examination and electrodiagnostic evaluation in confirming the isolated involvement of each nerve which, along with the clinical history, informs etiologic considerations. Axillary and musculocutaneous neuropathies are both rare in isolation and most frequently occur in the setting of trauma. Less commonly encountered etiologies include external compression or entrapment, neoplastic involvement, or immune-mediated disorders including neuralgic amyotrophy, postsurgical inflammatory neuropathy, multifocal motor neuropathy, vasculitic neuropathy, and multifocal chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy.

Atypical Pectoralis Major Muscle Wasting in a Recreational Weight Lifter

Pectoralis major injuries are relatively uncommon and can pose a diagnostic challenge. Deformity and weakness of this muscle in weight lifters is typically due to traumatic tendon rupture and often requires surgical repair. However, there are other less common etiologies that can mimic the clinical presentation of pectoralis major wasting and weakness that require different treatment approaches. This article describes a case of a 48-year-old recreational weight lifter who presented with severe pectoralis major wasting and weakness secondary to isolated mononeuropathy of the lateral pectoral nerve possibly due to Parsonage Turner syndrome. The patient was treated nonoperatively and achieved full recovery 18 months after onset. Parsonage Turner syndrome should be included in the differential diagnosis of patients with atraumatic weakness and wasting of the pectoralis major muscle and dysfunction. [Orthopedics. 2016; 39(4):e756-e759.].