1
|
Bennett OM, Sears ED. The Impact of Reference Standard on Diagnostic Testing Characteristics for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Systematic Review. PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY-GLOBAL OPEN 2023; 11:e5067. [PMID: 37404780 PMCID: PMC10317486 DOI: 10.1097/gox.0000000000005067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023]
Abstract
Lack of a reliable reference standard for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) diagnosis could impact the diagnostic test characteristics. This systematic review sought to evaluate differences in the accuracy of CTS diagnostic modalities based on the reference standard used. Methods A systematic review was performed following PRISMA guidelines to investigate diagnostic modalities used in CTS. A literature search of Embase, PubMed, and Cochrane Reviews was conducted for the years of 2010-2021 for primary data, and 113 studies met final inclusion criteria. Studies were stratified based on the reference standard utilized and diagnostic modality assessed, and the weighted means of the sensitivities and specificities were calculated. Results Thirty-five studies used clinical diagnosis alone as a reference standard, and 78 studies used electrodiagnostic study (EDS). The specificity for MRI and ultrasound (US) were substantially lower when EDS was used as the reference standard. MRI was the test most affected by the reference standard used, showing increased sensitivity when using EDS as the reference compared to clinical diagnosis (77.1% versus 60.9%) and decreased specificity (87.6% versus 99.2%). Regardless of the reference standard used, all tests had anticipated false-positive and/or false-negative rates of at least 10%. Conclusions Testing characteristics vary greatly based on the choice of reference standard, with the sensitivity of MRI most affected. Regardless of reference standard used, EDS, US, and MRI each had false-positive and/or false-negative rates too great to be appropriate for use as a screening examination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Erika D Sears
- From the University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Mich
- Department of Surgery, Section of Plastic Surgery, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, Mich
- Veterans Affairs Center for Clinical Management Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, Mich
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Moschovos C, Tsivgoulis G, Ghika A, Bakola E, Papadopoulou M, Zis P, Zouvelou V, Salakou S, Papagiannopoulou G, Kotsali-Peteinelli V, Chroni E, Kyrozis A. Image analysis can reliably quantify median nerve echogenicity and texture changes in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. Clin Neurophysiol 2023; 149:61-69. [PMID: 36907099 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2023.02.171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study the ability of image analysis measures to quantify echotexture changes of median nerve in order to provide a complementary diagnostic tool in CTS. METHODS Image analysis measures (gray level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM), brightness, hypoechoic area percentage using max entropy and mean threshold) were calculated in normalized images of 39 (19 younger and 20 older than 65y) healthy controls and 95 CTS patients (37 younger and 58 older than 65y). RESULTS Image analysis measures were equivalent or superior (older patients) to subjective visual analysis. In younger patients, GLCM measures showed equivalent diagnostic accuracy with cross sectional area (CSA) (Area Under Curve (AUC for inverse different moment = 0.97). In older patients all image analysis measures showed similar diagnostic accuracy to CSA (AUC for brightness = 0.88). Moreover, they had abnormal values in many older patients with normal CSA values. CONCLUSIONS Image analysis reliably quantifies median nerve echotexture alterations in CTS and offers similar diagnostic accuracy to CSA measurement. SIGNIFICANCE Image analysis may offer added value to existing measures in the evaluation of CTS, especially in older patients. Its clinical implementation would require incorporation of mathematically simple software code for online nerve image analysis in ultrasound machines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christos Moschovos
- Second Department of Neurology, "Attikon" Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Chaidari 12462, Athens, Greece.
| | - Georgios Tsivgoulis
- Second Department of Neurology, "Attikon" Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Chaidari 12462, Athens, Greece; First Department of Neurology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Apostolia Ghika
- First Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Eleni Bakola
- Second Department of Neurology, "Attikon" Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Chaidari 12462, Athens, Greece
| | - Marianna Papadopoulou
- Second Department of Neurology, "Attikon" Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Chaidari 12462, Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Zis
- Second Department of Neurology, "Attikon" Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Chaidari 12462, Athens, Greece
| | - Vasiliki Zouvelou
- First Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Stavroula Salakou
- First Department of Neurology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Georgia Papagiannopoulou
- Second Department of Neurology, "Attikon" Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Chaidari 12462, Athens, Greece
| | - Vassiliki Kotsali-Peteinelli
- Second Department of Neurology, "Attikon" Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Chaidari 12462, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Andreas Kyrozis
- First Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Jerban S, Barrère V, Andre M, Chang EY, Shah SB. Quantitative Ultrasound Techniques Used for Peripheral Nerve Assessment. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:956. [PMID: 36900101 PMCID: PMC10000911 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13050956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM This review article describes quantitative ultrasound (QUS) techniques and summarizes their strengths and limitations when applied to peripheral nerves. METHODS A systematic review was conducted on publications after 1990 in Google Scholar, Scopus, and PubMed databases. The search terms "peripheral nerve", "quantitative ultrasound", and "elastography ultrasound" were used to identify studies related to this investigation. RESULTS Based on this literature review, QUS investigations performed on peripheral nerves can be categorized into three main groups: (1) B-mode echogenicity measurements, which are affected by a variety of post-processing algorithms applied during image formation and in subsequent B-mode images; (2) ultrasound (US) elastography, which examines tissue stiffness or elasticity through modalities such as strain ultrasonography or shear wave elastography (SWE). With strain ultrasonography, induced tissue strain, caused by internal or external compression stimuli that distort the tissue, is measured by tracking detectable speckles in the B-mode images. In SWE, the propagation speed of shear waves, generated by externally applied mechanical vibrations or internal US "push pulse" stimuli, is measured to estimate tissue elasticity; (3) the characterization of raw backscattered ultrasound radiofrequency (RF) signals, which provide fundamental ultrasonic tissue parameters, such as the acoustic attenuation and backscattered coefficients, that reflect tissue composition and microstructural properties. CONCLUSIONS QUS techniques allow the objective evaluation of peripheral nerves and reduce operator- or system-associated biases that can influence qualitative B-mode imaging. The application of QUS techniques to peripheral nerves, including their strengths and limitations, were described and discussed in this review to enhance clinical translation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saeed Jerban
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
- Research Service, Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA 92161, USA
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
| | - Victor Barrère
- Research Service, Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA 92161, USA
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
| | - Michael Andre
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
- Research Service, Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA 92161, USA
| | - Eric Y. Chang
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
- Research Service, Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA 92161, USA
| | - Sameer B. Shah
- Research Service, Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA 92161, USA
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Lyu S, Zhang Y, Zhang M, Jiang M, Yu J, Zhu J, Zhang B. Ultrasound-based radiomics in the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome: The influence of regions of interest delineation method on mode. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ULTRASOUND : JCU 2023; 51:498-506. [PMID: 36341718 DOI: 10.1002/jcu.23387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms have been used to accurately diagnose musculoskeletal diseases. However, it is not known whether the particular regions of interest (ROI) delineation method would affect the performance of the AI algorithm. PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of ROI delineation methods on model performance and observer consistency. METHODS In this retrospective analysis, ultrasound (US) measures of median nerves affected with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) were compared to median nerves in a control group without CTS. Two methods were used for delineation of the ROI: (1) the ROI along the hyperechoic medial edge of the median nerve but not including the epineurium (MN) (ROI1); and (2) the ROI including the hyperechoic epineurium (ROI2), respectively. The intra group correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to compare the observer consistency of ROI features (i.e. the corresponding radiomics parameters). Parameters α1 and α2 were obtained based on the ICC of ROI1 features and ROI2 features. The ROC analysis was used to determine the area under the curve (AUC) and evaluate the performance of the radiologists and network. In addition, four indices, namely sensitivity, specificity, positive prediction and negative prediction were analyzed too. RESULTS A total of 136 wrists of 77 CTS group and 136 wrists of 74 control group were included in the study. Control group was matched to CTS group according to the age and sex. The observer consistency of ROI features delineated by the two schemes was different, and the consistency of ROI1 features was higher (α1 ˃ α2). The intra-observer consistency was higher than the inter-observer consistency regardless of the scheme, and the intra-observer consistency was higher when chose scheme one. The performances of models based on the two ROI features were different, although the AUC of each model was greater than 0.8.The model performed better when the MN epineurium was included in the ROI. Among five artificial intelligence algorithms, the Forest models (model1 achieved an AUC of 0.921 in training datasets and 0.830 in testing datasets; model2 achieved an AUC of 0.967 in training datasets and 0.872 in testing datasets.) obtained the highest performance, followed by the support vector machine (SVM) models and the Logistic models. The performances of the models were significantly better than the inexperienced radiologist (Dr. B. Z. achieved an AUC of 0.702). CONCLUSION Different ROI delineation methods may affect the performance of the model and the consistency of observers. Model performance was better when the ROI contained the MN epineurium, and observer consistency was higher when the ROI was delineated along the hyperechoic medial border of the MN.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuyi Lyu
- Department of Interventional Therapy, Hwa Mei Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, People's Republic of China
- Ningbo Clinical Research Center for Medical Imaging, Ningbo, China
- Provinicial and Municipal Co-construction Key Discipline for Medical Imaging, Ningbo, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Interventional Therapy, Hwa Mei Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, People's Republic of China
- Ningbo Clinical Research Center for Medical Imaging, Ningbo, China
- Provinicial and Municipal Co-construction Key Discipline for Medical Imaging, Ningbo, China
| | - Meiwu Zhang
- Department of Interventional Therapy, Hwa Mei Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, People's Republic of China
- Ningbo Clinical Research Center for Medical Imaging, Ningbo, China
- Provinicial and Municipal Co-construction Key Discipline for Medical Imaging, Ningbo, China
| | - Maoqing Jiang
- Ningbo Clinical Research Center for Medical Imaging, Ningbo, China
- Provinicial and Municipal Co-construction Key Discipline for Medical Imaging, Ningbo, China
- Department of PET-CT and Nuclear Medicine, Hwa Mei Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianjun Yu
- Department of Neuroelectrophysiology, Hwa Mei Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiazhen Zhu
- Ningbo Clinical Research Center for Medical Imaging, Ningbo, China
- Provinicial and Municipal Co-construction Key Discipline for Medical Imaging, Ningbo, China
- Multi-disciplinary diagnosis and treatment department, Hwa Mei Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, People's Republic of China
| | - Baisong Zhang
- Department of Interventional Therapy, Hwa Mei Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, People's Republic of China
- Ningbo Clinical Research Center for Medical Imaging, Ningbo, China
- Provinicial and Municipal Co-construction Key Discipline for Medical Imaging, Ningbo, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Wu H, Zhao HJ, Xue WL, Wang YC, Zhang WY, Wang XL. Ultrasound and elastography role in pre- and post-operative evaluation of median neuropathy in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. Front Neurol 2022; 13:1079737. [PMID: 36588903 PMCID: PMC9800593 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.1079737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common compression neuropathy of the median nerve in the wrist. Early diagnosis of CTS is essential for selecting treatment options and assessing prognosis. The current diagnosis of CTS is based on the patient's clinical symptoms, signs, and an electromyography (EMG) test. However, they have some limitations. Recently, ultrasound has been adopted as an adjunct diagnostic tool for electromyography (EMG). Ultrasound is a non-invasive and cost-effective technique. It provides a dynamic display of morphological changes in the median nerve and an assessment of CTS etiology such as tenosynovitis, mass compression, and tendon disease. This study aimed to investigate the value of conventional ultrasound and real-time shear wave elastography (SWE) in evaluation of median neuropathy in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) before and after surgery. Methods First, the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ) was administered to patients with CTS. All subjects were measured at three levels: the distal 1/3 of the forearm, the carpal tunnel inlet, and the distal carpal tunnel using conventional ultrasound and SWE. Median nerve parameters were examined in patients with CTS 1 week after surgery. Results The cross-sectional area (CSA) and stiffness of the median nerve at the carpal tunnel inlet and distal carpal tunnel were significantly higher in patients with CTS than in healthy controls (p < 0.001). The CSA and stiffness of the median nerve at the carpal tunnel inlet were statistically significantly significantly between pre- and postoperative patients with CTS (p < 0.001). The CSA and stiffness of the nerve in patients with CTS had a positive correlation with electrophysiology severity. Conclusions and discussion Conventional ultrasound and elastography are valuable in the diagnosis of CTS and are useful in the clinical assessment of patient's nerve recovery after operation.
Collapse
|
6
|
Kudo T, Yoshii Y, Hara Y, Ogawa T, Ishii T. Clinical Relevance of Ultrasonographic and Electrophysiological Findings of the Median Nerve in Unilateral Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Patients. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12112799. [PMID: 36428858 PMCID: PMC9689393 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12112799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Few studies have compared the unaffected and affected sides in the same carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) patients using ultrasonography and electrophysiological tests. We focused on unilateral idiopathic CTS patients to investigate whether clinical test results differ between the unaffected and affected sides. The bilateral wrist joints of 61 unilateral idiopathic CTS patients were evaluated. The median nerve cross-sectional area of ultrasound image, and latencies of the compound muscle action potential (CMAP) and sensory nerve action potential (SNAP) were measured. The values obtained were compared between the affected and unaffected sides. The diagnostic accuracies of each parameter were assessed, and cut-off values were defined. Significant differences were observed in all parameters between the affected and unaffected sides (p < 0.01). Area under the curve (AUC) values were 0.74, 0.88, and 0.73 for the cross-sectional area, CMAP distal latency, and SNAP distal latency, respectively. Cut-off values were 11.9 mm2, 5.1 ms, and 3.1 ms for the cross-sectional area, CMAP distal latency, and SNAP distal latency, respectively. The most reliable parameter that reflected clinical symptoms was the distal latency of CMAP. Cut-off values for each parameter are considered to be an index for the onset of the clinical symptoms of CTS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takamasa Kudo
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Tokyo Medical University Ibaraki Medical Center, Ami 300-0395, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Yuichi Yoshii
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Tokyo Medical University Ibaraki Medical Center, Ami 300-0395, Ibaraki, Japan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-29-887-1161
| | - Yuki Hara
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Tsukuba Hospital, Tsukuba 305-8577, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Takeshi Ogawa
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Mito Medical Center, Mito 311-3193, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Tomoo Ishii
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Tokyo Medical University Ibaraki Medical Center, Ami 300-0395, Ibaraki, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Obuchowicz R, Kruszyńska J, Strzelecki M. Classifying median nerves in carpal tunnel syndrome: Ultrasound image analysis. Biocybern Biomed Eng 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbe.2021.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
|