Document Detail


Brachial neuritis masquerading as acute coronary syndrome.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  20838916     Owner:  NLM     Status:  In-Data-Review    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
BACKGROUND: Brachial neuritis is a frequently misdiagnosed condition which can present to many medical or surgical specialties.
OBJECTIVE: To report a case of brachial neuritis with bilateral phrenic nerve involvement and diaphragmatic weakness.
CASE DESCRIPTION: A 63-year-old man presented with acute-onset proximal upper extremity pain and weakness. He also developed severe orthopnoea. Examination revealed proximal upper limb wasting and dramatic paradoxical breathing. Cardiac investigations were unremarkable. Electromyographic studies were consistent with a C5 radiculopathy. Phrenic nerve studies were abnormal bilaterally and Sniff test was positive. A diagnosis of brachial neuritis with predominant C5 and bilateral phrenic nerve involvement was made. His symptoms resolved spontaneously over 3 months.
CONCLUSIONS: Brachial neuritis can mimic an acute coronary syndrome and is a rare cause of bilateral phrenic neuropathy. Phrenic nerve palsy should be considered in patients presenting with shortness of breath without any underlying respiratory or cardiovascular illness.
Authors:
J Dineen; S Saidha; B McNamara; B Plant; A M Ryan
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Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article     Date:  2010-09-14
Journal Detail:
Title:  Irish journal of medical science     Volume:  180     ISSN:  1863-4362     ISO Abbreviation:  Ir J Med Sci     Publication Date:  2011 Mar 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2011-01-21     Completed Date:  -     Revised Date:  -    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  7806864     Medline TA:  Ir J Med Sci     Country:  Ireland    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  291-4     Citation Subset:  IM    
Affiliation:
Department of Neurology, National Neuroscience Centre, Cork University Hospital, Cork, Ireland.
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