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Choline acetyltransferase activity and evoked spinal cord potentials for diagnosis of brachial plexus injury

Ogori Daiichi General Hospital, Shimogo, 862-3 Ogori, Yamaguchi 754-0002, Japan.

K. Kaneko, MD, Orthopaedic Surgeon; and R. Ohi, MD, Orthopaedic Surgeon

Yamaguchi University School of Medicine, Ube, Yamaguchi, Japan.

Correspondence should be sent to Dr Y. Hattori.

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.