The current role of diagnostic imaging in the preoperative workup for refractory neonatal brachial plexus palsy.

Introduction: Despite recent improvements in perinatal care, the incidence of neonatal brachial plexus palsy (NBPP) remains relatively common. CT myelography is currently considered to be the optimal imaging modality for evaluating nerve root integrity. Recent improvements in MRI techniques have made it an attractive alternative to evaluate nerve root avulsions (preganglionic injuries).

Utility of ultrasound in noninvasive preoperative workup of neonatal brachial plexus palsy.

Background: Ultrasound has been utilized in the evaluation of compressive and traumatic peripheral nerve pathology.

Objective: To determine whether US can provide comprehensive evaluation of the post-ganglionic brachial plexus in the setting of neonatal brachial plexus palsy and whether this information can be used to guide preoperative nerve reconstruction strategies.

Materials And Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, preoperative brachial plexus ultrasonography was performed in 52 children with neonatal brachial plexus palsy who were being considered for surgery.

Ultrasonography for neonatal brachial plexus palsy.

Ultrasonography has previously been reported for use in the evaluation of compressive or traumatic peripheral nerve pathology and for its utility in preoperative mapping. However, these studies were not performed in infants, and they were not focused on the brachial plexus. The authors report a case in which ultrasonography was used to improve operative management of neonatal brachial plexus palsy (NBPP).

Repeatability of diagnostic features and scoring systems for hepatocellular carcinoma by using MR imaging.

Purpose: To determine for expert and novice radiologists repeatability of major diagnostic features and scoring systems (ie, Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System [LI-RADS], Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network [OPTN], and American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases [AASLD]) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by using magnetic resonance (MR) imaging.

Materials And Methods: Institutional review board approval was obtained and patient consent was waived for this HIPAA-compliant, retrospective study. The LI-RADS discussed in this article refers to version 2013.

Effect of intravenous low-osmolality iodinated contrast media on patients with myasthenia gravis.

Purpose: To determine whether the intravenous administration of low-osmolality contrast material is associated with exacerbation of disease-related symptoms in patients with myasthenia gravis.

Materials And Methods: This HIPAA-compliant, retrospective cohort study was approved by the institutional review board. The requirement to obtain patient consent was waived.

Shorter sleep duration is associated with increased risk for being overweight at ages 9 to 12 years.

Objective: The potential association between short sleep duration or sleep problems and childhood overweight has not been well described. The objective of this study was to test the independent associations of sleep duration and problems with overweight risk in children.

Methods: Data from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development were analyzed.