Markus Kraemer1, Melanie Buerger, Peter Berlit. 1. Department of Neurology, Alfried Krupp von Bohlen und Halbach Hospital, Essen, Germany. markus.kraemer1977@gmx.de
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Initial symptoms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) mimic several neurological syndromes that may decelerate a correct diagnosis. The aim of our study was to investigate if diagnostic and therapeutic parameters have influence on the time of diagnosis. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 100 consecutive ALS patients focusing on clinical and diagnostic data, the timing of diagnosis and treatments attributed to the onset of symptoms of ALS. RESULTS: Among 100 consecutive patients with ALS, 12% underwent surgery due to symptoms retrospectively attributable to ALS. The comparison of duration from first symptoms to correct diagnosis showed a significant difference between operated and non-operated patients. 35% of all ALS patients had bulbar onset symptoms. The mean time from first symptoms to diagnosis was 9 months in this group. In patients without bulbar onset it was 16.4 months which also represents a significant difference. In 44% of patients other diagnoses were considered and medically treated previous to correct diagnosis, but there was no significant delay of diagnosis. CONCLUSION: Our study confirms that diagnosis of ALS is still a common clinical problem and shows the need of sensitive and specific diagnostic tests. 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
OBJECTIVE: Initial symptoms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) mimic several neurological syndromes that may decelerate a correct diagnosis. The aim of our study was to investigate if diagnostic and therapeutic parameters have influence on the time of diagnosis. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 100 consecutive ALSpatients focusing on clinical and diagnostic data, the timing of diagnosis and treatments attributed to the onset of symptoms of ALS. RESULTS: Among 100 consecutive patients with ALS, 12% underwent surgery due to symptoms retrospectively attributable to ALS. The comparison of duration from first symptoms to correct diagnosis showed a significant difference between operated and non-operated patients. 35% of all ALSpatients had bulbar onset symptoms. The mean time from first symptoms to diagnosis was 9 months in this group. In patients without bulbar onset it was 16.4 months which also represents a significant difference. In 44% of patients other diagnoses were considered and medically treated previous to correct diagnosis, but there was no significant delay of diagnosis. CONCLUSION: Our study confirms that diagnosis of ALS is still a common clinical problem and shows the need of sensitive and specific diagnostic tests. 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Authors: Hélène Blasco; Philippe Corcia; Caroline Moreau; Ségolène Veau; Clémentine Fournier; Patrick Vourc'h; Patrick Emond; Paul Gordon; Pierre-François Pradat; Julien Praline; David Devos; Lydie Nadal-Desbarats; Christian R Andres Journal: PLoS One Date: 2010-10-08 Impact factor: 3.240
Authors: Melissa M Haulcomb; Nichole A Mesnard; Richard J Batka; Thomas D Alexander; Virginia M Sanders; Kathryn J Jones Journal: J Comp Neurol Date: 2014-07-01 Impact factor: 3.215
Authors: Bradley R Foerster; Ben A Dwamena; Myria Petrou; Ruth C Carlos; Brian C Callaghan; Cristina L Churchill; Mona A Mohamed; Claudia Bartels; Michael Benatar; Laura Bonzano; Olga Ciccarelli; Mirco Cosottini; Cathy M Ellis; Hannelore Ehrenreich; Nicola Filippini; Mizuki Ito; Sanjay Kalra; Elias R Melhem; Timothy Pyra; Luca Roccatagliata; Joe Senda; Gen Sobue; Martin R Turner; Eva L Feldman; Martin G Pomper Journal: Acad Radiol Date: 2013-09 Impact factor: 3.173