Cantrell Christopher, Rilinger Ryan, Stallkamp Tidd Samantha J, Wilson Robert
Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, USA.
Neurology, University of Rochester, Strong Memorial Hospital, Rochester, USA.
Cureus. 2025 Apr 22;17(4):e82781. doi: 10.7759/cureus.82781. eCollection 2025 Apr.
OBJECTIVE: Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is a debilitating condition characterized by autonomic dysregulation. Patients with this disorder may experience orthostatic intolerance, palpitations, fatigue, and a wide variety of other symptoms. The neuropathic symptoms of POTS may be caused by small fiber neuropathy (SFN), which is currently diagnosed using skin nerve biopsy. Corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) is an imaging modality that allows visualization of the corneal nerve layer. Our study aimed to determine whether CCM could detect differences in small nerve fiber parameters between POTS patients with and without signs or symptoms of SFN. MATERIALS AND METHODS: CCM was performed on nine patients, along with a neurological examination. Participants were also asked about neuropathic symptoms by a researcher. Based on examination findings and/or reported symptoms, patients were categorized into SFN+ and SFN- groups for comparison. A chart review was conducted to gather demographic data, medications, autonomic testing results, and medical history, including common POTS comorbidities. RESULTS: Comparison of nerve fiber parameters using CCM did not reveal a statistically significant difference between the groups. However, valuable insights were gained regarding the logistics of conducting this type of study in POTS patients, including adapting to challenges and improving coordination between the neurology and ophthalmology departments. CONCLUSIONS: CCM may one day replace skin nerve biopsy as a diagnostic tool for SFN in POTS patients. Although this preliminary analysis did not demonstrate significant findings, likely due to the small sample size, we believe CCM may still have a role in POTS research and could eventually become a diagnostic tool used in autonomic clinics.
目的:体位性直立性心动过速综合征(POTS)是一种以自主神经调节异常为特征的使人衰弱的病症。患有这种疾病的患者可能会出现直立不耐受、心悸、疲劳以及各种各样的其他症状。POTS的神经病变症状可能由小纤维神经病变(SFN)引起,目前通过皮肤神经活检进行诊断。角膜共焦显微镜检查(CCM)是一种能够可视化角膜神经层的成像方式。我们的研究旨在确定CCM是否能够检测出有和没有SFN体征或症状的POTS患者之间小神经纤维参数的差异。 材料与方法:对9名患者进行了CCM检查以及神经学检查。研究人员还询问了参与者有关神经病变症状的情况。根据检查结果和/或报告的症状,将患者分为SFN+组和SFN-组进行比较。进行了图表回顾以收集人口统计学数据、药物治疗、自主神经测试结果以及病史,包括常见的POTS合并症。 结果:使用CCM对神经纤维参数进行比较,两组之间未发现统计学上的显著差异。然而,对于在POTS患者中开展此类研究的后勤保障,包括应对挑战和改善神经科与眼科之间的协调,我们获得了宝贵的见解。 结论:CCM也许有一天会取代皮肤神经活检,成为POTS患者SFN的诊断工具。尽管这项初步分析没有显示出显著结果,可能是由于样本量较小,但我们认为CCM在POTS研究中仍可能发挥作用,并最终可能成为自主神经诊所使用的诊断工具。
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