title: Distinction between neoplastic and radiation-induced brachial plexopathy, with emphasis on the role of EMG.
abstract: The results of clinical, radiologic, and electrophysiologic studies are retrospectively reviewed for 55 patients with neoplastic and 35 patients with radiation-induced brachial plexopathy. The presence or absence of pain as the presenting symptom, temporal profile of the illness, presence of a discrete mass on CT of the plexus, and presence of myokymic discharges on EMG contributed significantly to the prediction of the underlying cause of the brachial plexopathy. The distribution of weakness and the results of nerve conduction studies were of no help in distinguishing neoplastic from radiation-induced brachial plexopathy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic Foundation, Rochester, MN 55905.
authors.forename: C M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Harper
authors.forename: J E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Thomas
authors.forename: T L
authors.initials: TL
authors.lastname: Cascino
authors.forename: W J
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Litchy
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001917:Brachial Plexus / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000528:radiation effects; D004576:Electromyography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009046:Motor Neurons / Q000502:physiology; D009132:Muscles / Q000294:innervation / Q000503:physiopathology*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000532:radiotherapy; D009431:Neural Conduction; D010525:Peripheral Nerves / Q000503:physiopathology; D010523:Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects*