Function and strength declines in a client with radiation-induced brachial plexopathy: a case report.

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Oncology
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Radiation-induced brachial plexopathy (RIBP) is a debilitating complication of radiotherapy.
• It can significantly impair upper extremity function and quality of life.
• Late-onset RIBP can present years after cancer treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To document the progressive decline in upper extremity function in a patient with very late-onset RIBP.
• To quantify functional deficits using standardized assessments.
• To highlight the lack of effective interventions for muscle strength recovery in RIBP.

Main Methods:

• A case report detailing a breast cancer survivor diagnosed with stage IIIA breast cancer.
• Radiotherapy included bilateral mastectomy, chemotherapy, and 25 sessions of radiation to the right chest wall, supraclavicular, and axillary lymph nodes.
• Standardized neurological examinations, nerve conduction tests, grip/pinch strength measurements, and functional dexterity assessments were performed over time.

Main Results:

• Significant decreases in grip strength (28.1%), lateral pinch strength (67%), and key/three-point pinch strength (95%) were observed.
• Functional dexterity declined, with astereognosis noted.
• These deficits worsened over a three-year period, indicating progressive functional loss.

Conclusions:

• This is the first report to document progressive functional decline in RIBP using standardized measures.
• RIBP leads to irreversible muscle strength loss and functional impairment.
• Further research is needed to explore potential management strategies for progressive RIBP.