title: Choline acetyltransferase activity and evoked spinal cord potentials for diagnosis of brachial plexus injury.
abstract: The purpose of this study is to investigate the diagnostic value of evoked spinal cord potentials (ESCPs) and choline acetyltransferase (CAT) activity during exploration of injuries to the brachial plexus. We assessed 25 spinal roots in 19 patients. The results of the two investigations were consistent in all except two roots. Although assessment of ESCPs is easy and quick, it mainly records the nerve potentials along the sensory pathway. Although measurement of CAT activity needs a specimen of the nerve and the availability of a radioisotope laboratory, it gives direct information regarding the motor function of ventral spinal roots. These two techniques should be complementary to each other in order to achieve a more accurate diagnosis.
authors.affiliation: Ogori Daiichi General Hospital, Yamaguchi University School of Medicine, Yamaguchi, Japan.
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Hattori
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Doi
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Dhawan
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Ikeda
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kaneko
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Ohi
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001917:Brachial Plexus / Q000201:enzymology / Q000293:injuries*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002795:Choline O-Acetyltransferase / Q000378:metabolism*; D005071:Evoked Potentials; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
chemical_list: D002795:Choline O-Acetyltransferase