Peripheral nerve and muscle ultrasound in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Ultra High-Frequency Ultrasound of Median Nerve Fascicles at the Wrist in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: An Exploratory Study

PURPOSE

High-frequency ultrasound (HFUS) of muscle and nerve has the potential to be a reliable, responsive, and informative biomarker of disease progression for individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). High-frequency ultrasound is not able to visualize median nerve fascicles to the same extent as ultra-high-frequency ultrasound (UHFUS). Evaluating the number and size of fascicles within a nerve may facilitate a better understanding of nerve diseases. This exploratory study aims to image median nerve fascicles at the wrist in individuals with ALS using UHFUS and compare these findings with those from previously observed controls.

METHODS

Fifteen individuals with ALS underwent sonographic examination of the median nerves on each upper limb using UHFUS with a 48-MHz linear array transducer. Fascicle count and density in each examined nerve were determined by a single rater. Demographic and sonographic data from 20 previously studied controls were compared.

RESULTS

In individuals with ALS, the average fascicle number was 22.4 (SD 5.2) and average fascicle density 1.7 (SD 0.5). There was no significant difference in fascicle counts between individuals with ALS and controls.

CONCLUSIONS

Fascicular quantification using UHFUS is possible in individuals with ALS. Given the lack of appreciable difference between fascicle counts in individuals with ALS and controls, UHFUS of the median nerve at the wrist may not be a responsive biomarker for ALS disease progression.

Nerve ultrasound in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND/ AIM

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease affecting upper and lower motor neurons, causing progressive atrophy of muscles, hypertonia, and paralysis. This study aimed to evaluate the current evidence and effectiveness of ultrasound in investigating nerve cross-sectional area (CSA) of peripheral nerves, vagus and cervical roots in those with ALS compared with healthy controls and to pool the CSA measurements.

METHODS

A systematic search was conducted on Cochrane, Clarivate Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Embase for the mesh terms nerve, ultrasonography, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. A quality assessment was performed using the New-Ottawa scale. In addition, a double-arm meta-analysis using Review Manager 5 software version 5.4 was performed.

RESULTS

From the seventeen studies included in this review, the overall mean difference showed that individuals with ALS had a significantly smaller CSA in comparison to healthy controls for median, ulnar, C6 root, and phrenic nerves. However, no significant difference in the CSA was found in radial, vagal, sural, and tibial nerves.

DISCUSSION

This study confirmed results of some of the included studies regards the anatomic sites, where nerve atrophy in ALS could be detected to potentially support the diagnosis of ALS. However, we recommend further large, prospective studies to assess the diagnostic value of these anatomical sites for the diagnosis of ALS.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings confirmed specific anatomic sites to differentiate ALS patients from healthy controls through ultrasound. However, these findings cannot be used to confirm the ALS diagnosis, but rather assist in differentiating it from other diagnoses.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Retrospectively registered on July 30th 2024 in PROSPERO (PROSPERO (york.ac.uk)) with ID574702.

The cross-sectional area of the median nerve: An independent prognostic biomarker in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

INTRODUCTION

Ultrasound changes in the cross-sectional area of the median nerve (CSAmn) could be of interest as biomarkers in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

METHODS

Eighty-four ALS patients (51 men [60.7%]; mean 62.0 [SD 11.46] years old) and forty-six controls (27 men [58.7%]; mean 59.9 [SD 8.08] years old) of two different cohorts were recruited between September 2013 and February 2018. The CSAmn was measured bilaterally in each cohort, by two different examiners with two different ultrasound machines (one in each cohort). Its association with clinical variables (disease duration, muscle strength, disability, progression rate and tracheostomy-free survival) was assessed.

RESULTS

The CSAmn was smaller in patients than in controls, and the study cohort did not influence its values. A mild correlation between the strength of the wrist flexor and the CSAmn was found. In the multivariable analysis, the probability of this association being true was 90%. In the cox regression, both a faster progression rate and a larger CSAmn independently predicted poor survival (HR=4.29, [Cr.I95%: 2.71-6.80], p<0.001; and HR=1.14, [Cr.I95%: 1.03-1.25], p=0.01), after adjusting by age, body mass index, bulbar onset, and diagnostic delay.

CONCLUSIONS

The CSAmn is an easy to assess biomarker that seems reliable and reproducible. Our data also suggest that it could act as a progression and prognostic biomarker in ALS patients. Longitudinal studies with repeated measures are warranted to confirm its usefulness in the clinical practice.

Dynamic analysis of muscles and the internal structure of the peripheral nerve as biomarkers of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: A pilot study with ultrasound imaging

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to determine the behaviour of ultrasound biomarkers of fascicle density and muscle strength in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

METHODS

We conducted an observational, cross-sectional pilot study of 14 patients with ALS (28.6% women) and 14 controls. Bilateral cross-sectional ultrasound scans were performed in the abductor pollicis brevis (APB) and tibialis anterior (TA) muscles, with recording of muscle thickness (MT) at rest and in contraction, and the difference in thickness. In the median, sciatic, and common peroneal nerves, we analysed the cross-sectional area (CSA), number of fascicles (NF) and fascicle density (FD). Analyses were nested by laterality.

RESULTS

Intra- and interrater agreement regarding NF was very good, with a minimum detectable error of < 0.7%. In patients with ALS, MT was lower in the APB both at rest (P = .003; g-Hedges = 1.03) and in contraction (P = .017; g-Hedges = 0.78) and in TA at rest (P = .002; g-Hedges = 0.15) and in contraction (P = .001; g-Hedges = 0.46), with lower thickening capacity. In the nerves, patients displayed lower CSA, with lower NF and higher FD. Significant correlations were found between MT of the ABP and Medical Research Council (MRC) scores for muscle strength (r = 0.34; r2 = 12%; P = .011) and with revised ALS Functional Rating Scale scores (r = 0.44; r2 = 19%; P < .001). The difference in TA thickening correlated with MRC scores (r = 0.30; r2 = 15%; P = .003) and with revised ALS Functional Rating Scale scores (r = 0.26; r2 = 7%; P = .049). NF in the sciatic nerve showed a significant correlation with MRC scores (r = 0.35; r2 = 12%; P = .008).

CONCLUSION

MT measurements derived from dynamic testing together with NF and FD may be useful biomarkers for monitoring patients with ALS and establishing a prognosis.

Neuromuscular Ultrasound in Polyneuropathies

Neuromuscular ultrasound is a painless, radiation-free, high-resolution imaging technique for assessing the peripheral nervous system. It can accurately depict changes in the nerves and muscles of individuals with neuromuscular conditions, and it is therefore a robust diagnostic tool for the assessment of individuals with polyneuropathies. This review will outline the typical ultrasonographic changes found in a wide variety of polyneuropathies. In general, demyelinating conditions result in greater nerve enlargement than axonal conditions, and acquired conditions result in more patchy nerve enlargement compared to diffuse nerve enlargement in hereditary conditions. This review is data-driven, but more nuanced anecdotal findings are also described. The overall goal of this paper is to provide clinicians with an accessible review of the ultrasonographic approaches and findings in a wide variety of polyneuropathies.

Neurophysiological and imaging biomarkers of lower motor neuron dysfunction in motor neuron diseases/amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: IFCN handbook chapter

This chapter discusses comprehensive neurophysiological biomarkers utilised in motor neuron disease (MND) and, in particular, its commonest form, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). These encompass the conventional techniques including nerve conduction studies (NCS), needle and high-density surface electromyography (EMG) and H-reflex studies as well as novel techniques. In the last two decades, new methods of assessing the loss of motor units in a muscle have been developed, that are more convenient than earlier methods of motor unit number estimation (MUNE),and may use either electrical stimulation (e.g. MScanFit MUNE) or voluntary activation (MUNIX). Electrical impedance myography (EIM) is another novel approach for the evaluation that relies upon the application and measurement of high-frequency, low-intensity electrical current. Nerve excitability techniques (NET) also provide insights into the function of an axon and reflect the changes in resting membrane potential, ion channel dysfunction and the structural integrity of the axon and myelin sheath. Furthermore, imaging ultrasound techniques as well as magnetic resonance imaging are capable of detecting the constituents of morphological changes in the nerve and muscle. The chapter provides a critical description of the ability of each technique to provide neurophysiological insight into the complex pathophysiology of MND/ALS. However, it is important to recognise the strengths and limitations of each approach in order to clarify utility. These neurophysiological biomarkers have demonstrated reliability, specificity and provide additional information to validate and assess lower motor neuron dysfunction. Their use has expanded the knowledge about MND/ALS and enhanced our understanding of the relationship between motor units, axons, reflexes and other neural circuits in relation to clinical features of patients with MND/ALS at different stages of the disease. Taken together, the ultimate goal is to aid early diagnosis, distinguish potential disease mimics, monitor and stage disease progression, quantify response to treatment and develop potential therapeutic interventions.

Unraveling the Heterogeneity of ALS-A Call to Redefine Patient Stratification for Better Outcomes in Clinical Trials

Despite tremendous efforts in basic research and a growing number of clinical trials aiming to find effective treatments, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) remains an incurable disease. One possible reason for the lack of effective causative treatment options is that ALS may not be a single disease entity but rather may represent a clinical syndrome, with diverse genetic and molecular causes, histopathological alterations, and subsequent clinical presentations contributing to its complexity and variability among individuals. Defining a way to subcluster ALS patients is becoming a central endeavor in the field. Identifying specific clusters and applying them in clinical trials could enable the development of more effective treatments. This review aims to summarize the available data on heterogeneity in ALS with regard to various aspects, e.g., clinical, genetic, and molecular.

Ultrasonic detection of vagus, accessory, and phrenic nerve atrophy in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: Relation to impairment and mortality

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

In amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), phrenic nerve (PN) atrophy has been found, whereas there is controversy regarding vagus nerve (VN) atrophy. Here, we aimed to find out whether PN atrophy is related to respiratory function and 12-month survival. Moreover, we investigated the relevance of VN and spinal accessory nerve (AN) atrophy in ALS.

METHODS

This prospective observational monocentric study included 80 adult participants (40 ALS patients, 40 age- and sex-matched controls). The cross-sectional area (CSA) of bilateral cervical VN, AN, and PN was measured on high-resolution ultrasonography. Clinical assessments included the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale-Revised (ALSFRS-R), the Non-Motor Symptoms Questionnaire, and handheld spirometry of forced vital capacity (FVC). One-year survival was documented.

RESULTS

The CSA of each nerve, VN, AN, and PN, was smaller in ALS patients compared to controls. VN atrophy was unrelated to nonmotor symptom scores. PN CSA correlated with the respiratory subscore of the ALSFRS-R (Spearman test, r = 0.59, p < 0.001), the supine FVC (r = 0.71, p < 0.001), and the relative change of sitting-supine FVC (r = -0.64, p = 0.001). Respiratory impairment was predicted by bilateral mean PN CSA (p = 0.046, optimum cutoff value of ≤0.37 mm2 , sensitivity = 92%, specificity = 56%) and by the sum of PN and AN CSA (p = 0.036). The combination of ALSFRS-R score with PN and AN CSA measures predicted 1-year survival with similar accuracy as the combination of ALSFRS-R score and FVC.

CONCLUSIONS

Ultrasonography detects degeneration of cranial nerve motor fibers. PN and AN calibers are tightly related to respiratory function and 1-year survival in ALS.

Neuromuscular ultrasound as a marker for inherited sensory neuronopathy

A review and detailed analysis of the literature over the past two decades has revealed a unique ultrasound feature of pathologically "small" nerves in inherited sensory neuronopathies. Although sample sizes were limited, due to the rarity of these diseases, this characteristic ultrasound finding has been consistently reported across a variety of inherited diseases that affect the dorsal root ganglia. Direct comparisons with both acquired and inherited diseases that primarily affect the axons in the peripheral nerves showed that the ultrasound finding of abnormally "small" cross-sectional areas (CSAs) in mixed nerves of the upper limbs has a high diagnostic accuracy for inherited sensory neuronopathy. Based on this review, ultrasound CSA of the mixed upper limb nerves can be proposed as a marker for inherited sensory neuronopathy.

Nerve ultrasound for the diagnosis and follow-up of peripheral neuropathies

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The purpose if this review is to provide an overview of the available data on the use of nerve ultrasound for the diagnosis and follow-up of peripheral neuropathies.

RECENT FINDINGS

During the last decade, nerve ultrasound has been established as a complementary tool for the evaluation of morphological changes mostly for immune-mediated polyneuropathies. Through the development of ultrasound protocols for evaluation of disease-specific sites, nerve ultrasound has proven to be a practical, widely available, reproducible diagnostic tool with no relevant contraindications.

SUMMARY

Cross-sectional area, echogenicity, morphology of the individual nerve fascicles, thickness of the epineurium, vascularization and mobility of the nerve are the main parameters evaluated with nerve ultrasound in polyneuropathies. Patients with typical chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy show multifocal nerve enlargements easily visible on the upper extremities and the brachial plexus, whereas its variants show focal nerve enlargements. On the other hand, axonal neuropathies including diabetic neuropathy present with isolated nerve enlargement mostly in compression sites.

Sonographic reference values for median nerve cross-sectional area: A meta-analysis of data from healthy individuals

Objective

Establish median nerve CSA reference values and identify patient-level factors impacting diagnostic thresholds.

Methods

Studies were identified through a robust search of multiple databases, and quality assessment was conducted using a modified version of the National Institute of Health Study Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-Sectional Studies. A meta-analysis was performed to identify normative values stratified by anatomic location. A meta-regression was conducted to examine heterogeneity effects of age, sex, and laterality.

Results

The meta-analysis included 73 studies; 41 (56.2%) were high quality. The median nerve CSA [95% CI] was 6.46mm2 [6.09-6.84], 8.68mm2 [8.22-9.13], and 8.60mm2 [8.23-8.97] at the proximal forearm, the carpal tunnel inlet, and the proximal carpal tunnel, respectively. Age was positively associated with CSA at the level of proximal carpal tunnel (β=0.03mm2, p=0.047). Men (9.42mm2, [8.06-10.78]) had statistically larger proximal tunnel CSA (p = 0.03) as compared to women (7.71mm2, [7.01-8.42]). No difference was noted in laterality.

Conclusion

A reference value for median nerve CSA in the carpal tunnel is 8.60mm2. Adjustments may be required in pediatrics or older adults. The diagnostic threshold of 10.0mm2 for male patients should be cautiously applied as the upper limit of normative averages surpasses this threshold.

Peripheral Nerve Ultrasound for the Differentiation between ALS, Inflammatory, and Hereditary Polyneuropathies

Background and Objectives: Ultrasound (US) is a non-invasive tool for the in vivo detection of peripheral nerve alterations. Materials and Methods: In this study, we applied nerve US to assist the discrimination between the spectrum of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, n = 11), chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP, n = 5), and genetically confirmed Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT, n = 5). All participants and n = 15 controls without neurological diseases underwent high-resolution US of the bilateral tibial nerve. The nerve cross-sectional area (CSA) and nerve microvascular blood flow were compared between the groups and related to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) measures, clinical symptoms, and nerve conduction studies. The analyses are part of a larger multimodal study on the comparison between US and 7 Tesla (7T) magnetic resonance neurography (MRN). Results: The patients and controls were matched with respect to their demographical data. CMT had the longest disease duration, followed by CIDP and ALS. CSA was related to age, weight, and disease duration. CSA was larger in CMT and CIDP compared to ALS and controls. The blood flow was greatest in CIDP, and higher than in CMT, ALS, and controls. In ALS, greater CSA was correlated with greater CSF total protein and higher albumin quotient. The US measures did not correlate with clinical scores or nerve conduction studies in any of the subgroups. Conclusion: Our results point towards the feasibility of CSA and blood flow to discriminate between ALS, CIDP, and CMT, even in groups of small sample size. In ALS, larger CSA could indicate an inflammatory disease subtype characterized by reduced blood-nerve barrier integrity. Our upcoming analysis will focus on the additive value of 7T MRN in combination with US to disentangle the spectrum between more inflammatory or more degenerative disease variants among the disease groups.

The cross-sectional area of peripheral nerve in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: A case-control study

OBJECTIVE

A growing body of literature recognises the importance of peripheral nerve ultrasound in neuromuscular disorders. Several attempts have been made to differentiate amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) from multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN) using peripheral nerve ultrasound. A much-debated question is whether the cross-sectional area (CSA) of peripheral nerve in ALS patients is significantly smaller compared to healthy controls. This study aims to determine the CSA of peripheral nerves in patients with ALS.

METHODS

One hundred and thirty-nine patients with ALS and 75 healthy controls were recruited. Ultrasound of the median, ulnar, and trunks of the brachial plexus and cervical nerve roots was undertaken in ALS patients and controls.

RESULTS

Compared to controls, ALS patients had mild reductions of the median nerve, most sites of the ulnar nerve, trunks of the brachial plexus and cervical nerve roots. Another important finding of this study is that the median nerve tends to have a more significant reduction than the ulnar nerve in ALS patients, especially at the proximal.

CONCLUSIONS

Ultrasound could be sensitive to nerve motor fibre loss in patients with ALS. CSA at the proximal Median nerve may be a promising biomarker in patients with ALS.

Moderne Diagnosestellung der Amyotrophen Lateralsklerose – ein Update der Diagnosekriterien

Die Diagnose der Amyotrophen Lateralsklerose ist weiterhin eine Herausforderung. Sowohl die revidierten El-Escorial-Kriterien als auch die Awaji-Kriterien werden zum Teil in der klinischen Praxis genutzt, sind jedoch komplex und wenig sensitiv. Die neu vorgeschlagenen Gold-Coast-Kriterien stellen eine Erleichterung im klinischen Alltag dar. Eine Veranschaulichung der Diagnosefindung nach den verschiedenen Kriterien findet sich in dem Fallbeispiel.

Nerve ultrasound detects abnormally small nerves in patients with Spinal and Bulbar Muscular Atrophy

Nerve ultrasound detects abnormally small nerves in patients with Spinal and Bulbar Muscular Atrophy.

Role of neuro-sonography of peripheral nerves as a diagnostic and a differentiation tool of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Background

Motor neuron disease is a heterogeneous group of progressive neurodegenerative disorders, most common of which is amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). There are many clinical and radiological criteria to diagnose amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and to differentiate it from other motor neuron disease and neurodegenerative disorders. Neuro-sonography is one of the easily applied tools to diagnose and differentiate ALS. ALS diagnosis is delayed up to 3 years according to some authors due to the wide differential diagnosis, with cervical degeneration being a common misdiagnosis. The objective of this study was to evaluate the role of neuro-sonography in diagnosis and differentiation of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis from other causes of progressive mixed upper and lower motor neuron lesion.

Results

A total neuro-sonography score at a cut-off point (≤ 127) predicted patients with ALS, with good (85%) accuracy, sensitivity = 73% and specificity = 83% (p < 0.01) and Lt median arm score at a cut-off point (≤ 6) predicted patients with ALS, with good (88%) accuracy, sensitivity = 86% and specificity = 86% (p < 0.01) and the median nerve at the arm level was the most sensitive and specific nerve to predict patients with ALS.

Conclusion

Neuro-sonography of peripheral nerves is a recent, noninvasive, accessible technique that can be used in early diagnosis of ALS.

Review Article "Spotlight on Ultrasonography in the Diagnosis of Peripheral Nerve Disease: The Evidence to Date"

Neuromuscular ultrasound is rapidly becoming incorporated into clinical practice as a standard tool in the assessment of peripheral nerve diseases. Ultrasound complements clinical phenotyping and electrodiagnostic evaluation, providing critical structural anatomical information to enhance diagnosis and identify structural pathology. This review article examines the evidence supporting neuromuscular ultrasound in the diagnosis of compressive mononeuropathies, traumatic nerve injury, generalised peripheral neuropathy and motor neuron disease. Extending the sonographic evaluation of nerves beyond simple morphological measurements has the potential to improve diagnostics in peripheral neuropathy, as well as advancing the understanding of pathological mechanisms, which in turn will promote precise therapies and improve therapeutic outcomes.

A model incorporating ultrasound to predict the probability of fast disease progression in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to develop a model to predict amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) disease progression based on clinical and neuromuscular ultrasound (NMUS) parameters.

METHODS

ALS patients were prospectively recruited. Muscle fasciculation (≥2 over 30-seconds, examined in biceps brachii-brachialis (BB), brachioradialis, tibialis anterior and vastus medialis) and nerve cross-sectional area (CSA) (median, ulnar, tibial, fibular nerve) were evaluated through NMUS. Ultrasound parameters were correlated with clinical data, including revised ALS Functional Rating Scale (ALSFRS-R) progression at one year. A predictive model was constructed to differentiate fast progressors (ALSFRS-R decline ≥ 1/month) from non-fast progressors.

RESULTS

40 ALS patients were recruited. Three parameters emerged as strong predictors of fast progressors: (i) ALSFRS-R slope at time of NMUS (p = 0.041), (ii) BB fasciculation count (p = 0.027) and (iii) proximal to distal median nerve CSA ratio < 1.22 (p = 0.026). A predictive model (scores 0-5) was built with excellent discrimination (area under curve: 0.915). Using a score of ≥ 3, the model demonstrated good sensitivity (81.3%) and specificity (91.0%) in differentiating fast from non-fast progressors.

CONCLUSION

The current model is simple and can predict the probability of fast disease progression.

SIGNIFICANCE

This model has potential as a surrogate biomarker of ALS disease progression.

Impact of anatomical variations on ultrasonographic reference values of lower extremity peripheral nerves

INTRODUCTION/AIMS

Cross-sectional area (CSA) reference values using ultrasonography vary widely for lower extremity peripheral nerves. In addition, there is a lack of data on the muscular branches of the tibial nerve and the anatomical variations of the sural nerve. We aimed to evaluate the ultrasonographic reference values for lower extremity peripheral nerves considering different anatomical variations and physical factors.

METHODS

The CSA of the lower extremity nerve was measured at 10 sites. In addition to establishing reference values, differences in the CSA owing to anatomical variations were verified. The relationship between CSA and physical factors, such as age, height, weight, body mass index, and ankle circumference, was also examined.

RESULTS

A total of 100 healthy Japanese volunteers were recruited. The mean CSA of the sural nerve significantly differed depending on its formation pattern (1.4-1.8 mm² ). The mean decreases in CSAs from the proximal to distal tibial and fibular nerves within the popliteal region significantly differed based on the fine branching pattern. The maximum value of the mean decreases in CSAs in the tibial and fibular nerves reached 7.2 and 2.5 mm² , respectively. With respect to physical factors, age and ankle circumferences were associated with CSA at several measurement sites.

DISCUSSION

Fine branching from the tibial and fibular nerves and sural nerve formation may affect CSA measurements. The establishment of accurate CSA reference values requires consideration of anatomical variations in the peripheral nerves of the lower extremity.

One nerve suffices: A clinically guided nerve ultrasound protocol for the differentiation of multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

OBJECTIVE

To investigate diagnostic accuracy of a nerve ultrasound (US) protocol that is individualized to a patient's clinical deficits for the differentiation of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis with predominant lower motoneuron disease (ALS/LMND) and multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN).

METHODS

Single-center, prospective, examiner-blinded, diagnostic study in two cohorts. Cohort I (model development): Convenience sample of subjects with ALS/LMND or MMN according to revised El-Escorial or EFNS guidelines. Cohort II (model validation): Consecutively recruited treatment-naïve subjects with suspected diagnosis of ALS/LMND or MMN. Cutoffs for 28 different US values were determined by Receiver Operating Curve (ROC) in cohort I. Area Under The Curve (AUC) of US was compared to nerve conduction studies (NCS). Diagnostic accuracy of US protocols, individualized according to clinical deficits, was compared to former rigid non-individualized protocols and to random examination site selection in cohort II.

RESULTS

48 patients were recruited. In cohort I (28 patients), US had higher ROC AUCs than NCS, US 0.82 (0.12) (mean (standard deviation)), NCS (compound muscle action potential (CMAP) 0.60 (0.09), p < .001; two-sided t-test). US models based on the nerve innervating the clinically most affected muscles had higher correct classification rates (CCRs, 93%) in cohort II than former rigid protocols (85% and 80%), or models with random measurement site selection (66% and 80%).

CONCLUSIONS

Clinically guided US protocols for differentiation of ALS/LMND from MMN increase diagnostic accuracy when compared to clinically unguided protocols. They also require less measurements sites to achieve this accuracy.

Utility of phrenic nerve ultrasound in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disorder affecting the upper and lower motor neurons causing progressive weakness. It eventually involves the diaphragm which leads to respiratory paralysis and subsequently death. Phrenic nerve (PN) conduction studies and diaphragm ultrasound has been studied and correlated with pulmonary function tests in ALS patients. However, PN ultrasonography has not been employed in ALS. This study aims to sonographically evaluate the morphologic appearance of the PN of ALS patients. Thirty-eight ALS patients and 28 normal controls referred to the neurophysiology laboratory of two institutions were retrospectively included in the study. Baseline demographic and clinical variables such as disease duration, ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised score, and ALS region of onset were collected. Ultrasound was used to evaluate the PN cross-sectional area (CSA) of ALS and control subjects. The mean PN CSA of ALS patients were 1.08 ± 0.39 mm on the right and 1.02 ± 0.34 mm on the left. The PN CSA of ALS patients were significantly decreased compared to controls (p value < 0.00001). The PN CSA of ALS patients was not correlated to any of the demographic and clinical parameters tested. This study demonstrates that ALS patients have a smaller PN size compared to controls using ultrasonography.

Textural markers of ultrasonographic nerve alterations in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Ultrasound has revealed cross-sectional nerve area (CSA) reduction in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), but little is known about the sonographic nerve texture beyond CSA alterations. In a large cohort of 177 ALS patients and 57 control subjects, we investigated the covariance and disease-specific signature of several sonographic texture features of the median and ulnar nerves and their relationship to the patients' clinical characteristics. ALS patients showed atrophic nerves, a loss of the intranerve structures' echoic contrast, elevated coarseness, and a trend toward lower cluster shading compared with controls. A reduction in intranerve echoic contrast was related to longer disease duration and poorer functional status in ALS. Sonographic texture markers point toward a significant reorganization of the deep nerve microstructure in ALS. Future studies will be needed to further substantiate the markers' potential to assess peripheral nerve alterations in ALS.

Application of muscle ultrasound for the evaluation of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: An observational cross-sectional study

INTRODUCTION

We evaluated the association between muscle ultrasound, number of motor units, and clinical parameters, and assessed their utility for distinguishing amyotrophic lateral scleorisis (ALS) patients from healthy individuals.

METHODS

Three muscle pairs (abductor pollicis brevis, abductor digiti minimi, and tibialis anterior) of 18 ALS patients and 18 controls underwent muscle ultrasound (echointensity and thickness) and assessment of motor unit number index (MUNIX). The clinical and functional status of participants were also assessed.

RESULTS

Mean age of the patients was 53.8 ± 12.1 years, and score on the ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised was 38.9 ± 4.1. Echointensity of all tested muscles of ALS participants was significantly higher than that of controls, but there was no significant difference in muscle thickness. Muscle echointensity correlated significantly with clinical and electrophysiological parameters.

CONCLUSION

Echointensity of muscles was highly associated with clinical scales and MUNIX, confirming its relevance as an ancillary diagnostic test in ALS patients.

Quantitative ultrasound of the tongue: Echo intensity is a potential biomarker of bulbar dysfunction in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

OBJECTIVES

To learn if quantitative ultrasound (QUS) distinguishes the tongues of healthy participants and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients by echo intensity (EI) and to evaluate if EI correlates with measures of bulbar function.

METHODS

Ultrasound was performed along the midline of the anterior tongue surface in 16 ALS patients and 16 age-matched controls using a linear hockey stick 16-7 MHz transducer. A region of interest was manually drawn and then EI was determined for the upper 1/3 of the muscle. For patients, the ALS functional rating scale - revised (ALSFRS-R) was used to calculate bulbar sub-scores and the Iowa Oral Performance Instrument (IOPI) was used to measure tongue strength.

RESULTS

EI was significantly higher in ALS patients than in healthy participants (49.8 versus 37.8 arbitrary units, p < 0.01). In the patient group, EI was negatively correlated with ALSFRS-R bulbar sub-score (R_S = -0.65, p < 0.01). An inverse correlation between EI and tongue strength did not reach significance (R_S = -0.34, p = 0.28).

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that EI can differentiate healthy from diseased tongue muscle, and correlates with a standard functional measure in ALS patients.

SIGNIFICANCE

Tongue EI may represent a novel biomarker for bulbar dysfunction in ALS.

Current and future applications of ultrasound imaging in peripheral nerve disorders

Neuromuscular ultrasound (NMUS) is a rapidly evolving technique used in neuromuscular medicine to provide complimentary information to standard electrodiagnostic studies. NMUS provides a dynamic, real time assessment of anatomy which can alter both diagnostic and management pathways in peripheral nerve disorders. This review describes the current and future techniques used in NMUS and details the applications and developments in the diagnosis and monitoring of compressive, hereditary, immune-mediated and axonal peripheral nerve disorders, and motor neuron diseases. Technological advances have allowed the increased utilisation of ultrasound for management of peripheral nerve disorders; however, several practical considerations need to be taken into account to facilitate the widespread uptake of this technique.

Split-hand phenomenon in motor neuron diseases: Sonographic assesment of muscle thickness

OBJECTIVE

To explore the diagnostic accuracy of the split-hand index (SHI) for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) using sonographic assessment of muscle thickness.

METHODS

We performed a prospective sonographic assessment of hand muscle thickness in 59 controls, 87 patients with ALS, and 33 patients with SMA. We determined the diagnostic accuracy of SHI for differentiating patients with ALS and SMA from controls.

RESULTS

Patients with ALS and SMA had significantly lower muscle thickness and SHI values compared with controls. SHI showed excellent diagnostic accuracy for differentiating ALS from controls, and good diagnostic accuracy for differentiating SMA from controls.

CONCLUSIONS

SHI determined by sonographic measurement of hand muscle thickness seems to be a promising tool for the diagnosis of ALS and may be added easily when performing neuromuscular ultrasound.

SIGNIFICANCE

SHI determined by sonographic measurement of hand muscle thickness can differentiate between healthy subjects and patients with ALS and SMA.

Neuromuscular ultrasound for taxane peripheral neuropathy in breast cancer

BACKGROUND

Our study aim was to evaluate neuromuscular ultrasound (NMUS) for the assessment of taxane chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), the dose-limiting toxicity of this agent.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study of breast cancer patients with taxane CIPN measured nerve cross-sectional area (CSA) by NMUS and compared with healthy historical controls. Correlations were determined between CSA and symptom scale, nerve conduction studies, and intraepidermal nerve fiber density (IENFD).

RESULTS

A total of 20 participants reported moderate CIPN symptoms at a median of 3.8 months following the last taxane dose. Sural nerve CSA was 1.2 mm² smaller than healthy controls (P ≤ .01). Older age and time since taxane were associated with smaller sural nerve CSA. For each 1 mm² decrease in sural nerve CSA, distal IENFD decreased by 2.1 nerve/mm (R² 0.30; P = .04).

CONCLUSIONS

These data support a sensory predominant taxane neuropathy or neuronopathy and warrant future research on longitudinal NMUS assessment of CIPN.

Clinical and research applications of neuromuscular ultrasound in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder characterized by dysfunction at multiple levels of the neuraxis. It remains a clinical diagnosis without a definitive diagnostic investigation. Electrodiagnostic testing provides supportive information and, along with imaging and biochemical markers, can help exclude mimicking conditions. Neuromuscular ultrasound has a valuable role in the diagnosis and monitoring of ALS and provides complementary information to clinical assessment and electrodiagnostic testing as well as insights into the underlying pathophysiology of this disease. This review highlights the evidence for ultrasound in the evaluation of bulbar, limb and respiratory musculature and peripheral nerves in ALS. Further research in this evolving area is required.

Neuromuscular ultrasound in clinical practice: A review

Neuromuscular ultrasound (NMUS) is becoming a standard element in the evaluation of peripheral nerve and muscle disease. When obtained simultaneously to electrodiagnostic studies, it provides dynamic, structural information that can refine a diagnosis or identify a structural etiology. NMUS can improve patient care for those with mononeuropathies, polyneuropathy, motor neuron disease and muscle disorders. In this article, we present a practical guide to the basics of NMUS and its clinical application. Basic ultrasound physics, scanning techniques and clinical applications are reviewed, along with current challenges.

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 2-neuronopathy or neuropathy?

INTRODUCTION

Use of peripheral nerve ultrasound alongside standard electrodiagnostic tests may help to gain insight into the pathophysiology of peripheral nerve involvement in type 2 spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA2).

METHODS

Twenty-seven patients with SCA2 underwent ultrasound cross-sectional area (CSA) measurement of median, ulnar, sural and tibial nerves, and motor (median, ulnar, tibial) and sensory (median, ulnar, radial, sural) nerve conduction studies.

RESULTS

Twenty patients had pathologically small-nerve CSAs, suggestive of sensory neuronopathy. In these patients, electrophysiology showed non-length-dependent sensory neuropathy (14 of 20), "possible sensory neuropathy" (1 of 20), or normal findings (5 of 20). Four different patients had length-dependent sensory neuropathy on electrophysiology, and 1 had enlarged nerve CSAs. Regression analysis showed an inverse relationship between ataxia scores and upper limb nerve CSA (P < 0.03).

DISCUSSION

Our findings suggest that a majority of patients with SCA2 (74%) have a sensory neuronopathy and this correlates with disability. A minority of patients have findings consistent with axonal neuropathy (18%). Muscle Nerve, 2019.

Ultrasound in Multifocal Motor Neuropathy: Clinical and Electrophysiological Correlations

OBJECTIVES

Multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN) is a treatable autoimmune polyneuropathy, which may prove challenging diagnostically in the setting of absent conduction blocks or advanced axonal loss. Relatively few studies have examined the role of ultrasound (US) in MMN.

METHODS

Retrospective, cross-sectional study of patients with MMN who underwent peripheral nerve US. Charts were reviewed to extract clinical, sonographic, and electrophysiological data.

RESULTS

Eleven patients with MMN underwent US between 2013 and 2015; of these 11 patients, 7 had ≥3 abnormal nerve segments, and 6 had ≥5 sites of increased cross-sectional area (CSA). There was moderate correlation between the degree of amplitude drop observed in the median and ulnar motor nerves, and CSA. Significant correlation between CSA and limb strength was only observed for the median nerve.

CONCLUSIONS

Peripheral nerve US shows promise as a diagnostic tool in MMN and may be helpful to distinguish MMN from motor neuron disease.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis versus Multifocal Motor Neuropathy: Utility of MR Neurography

Background Differential diagnosis between amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN) relies on clinical examination and electrophysiological criteria. Peripheral nerve imaging might assist this differential diagnosis. Purpose To assess diagnostic accuracy of MR neurography in the differential diagnosis of ALS and MMN. Materials and Methods This prospective study was conducted between December 2015 and April 2017. Study participants with ALS or MMN underwent MR neurography of the lumbosacral plexus, midthigh, proximal calf, and midupper arm of the clinically more affected side using high-resolution T2-weighted sequences. Matched healthy study participants who underwent MR neurography served as a control group. Two blinded readers independently rated fascicular lesions and muscle denervation signs on a five-point scale and made an image-only diagnosis, which was compared with the clinical diagnosis to assess diagnostic accuracy (reported for ALS vs non-ALS and MMN vs non-MMN). The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare readers' scoring results. Results Twenty-two participants with ALS (12 men and 10 women; mean age ± standard deviation, 62.3 years ± 9.0), eight participants with MMN (seven men and one woman; mean age, 57.6 years ± 18.6), and 15 healthy participants (seven men and eight women; mean age, 59.1 years ± 10.9) were enrolled in this study. Nerves of participants with ALS either appeared normal or showed T2-weighted hyperintensities without fascicular enlargement (reader 1, 22 of 22 participants; reader 2, 21 of 22 participants). In contrast, nerves in MMN were characterized by fascicular swellings (reader 1, six of eight participants; reader 2, seven of eight participants). Muscle denervation signs were more prominent in ALS than in MMN. Inter-rater reliability for blinded diagnosis was κ of 0.82. By consensus, the sensitivity to diagnose ALS (vs MMN and healthy control participants) was 19 of 22 (86% [95% confidence interval {CI}: 67%, 95%]). The corresponding specificity was 23 of 23 (100% [95% CI: 86%, 100%]). The sensitivity to diagnose MMN (vs ALS and healthy control participants) was seven of eight (88% [95% CI: 53%, 99%]). The corresponding specificity was 37 of 37 (100% [95% CI: 91%, 100%]). Conclusion MR neurography is an accurate method for assisting in the differential diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and multifocal motor neuropathy. © RSNA, 2019 Online supplemental material is available for this article. See also the editorial by Andreisek in this issue.

ULTRASOUND IN THE DIAGNOSIS AND MONITORING OF AMYOTROPHIC LATERAL SCLEROSIS: A REVIEW

Neuromuscular ultrasound is complementary to electrodiagnostic (EDx) testing and is useful in enhancing the diagnosis of mononeuropathies, peripheral nerve trauma, and demyelinating polyneuropathies. There is increasing interest in using ultrasound both to aid in the diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and to monitor its progression. In this article we review the relevant literature on ultrasound in ALS. Ultrasound is more sensitive than EDx in identifying fasciculations in patients with ALS. It can detect decreased muscle thickness, increased muscle echointensity and echovariance, and reduced peripheral nerve size in these patients. Ultrasound is also a helpful tool in assessment of diaphragm function. Although additional studies are required to define the exact role of ultrasound in the evaluation and monitoring of ALS, it can improve the diagnostic yield in patients when ALS is suspected, but insufficiently supported, by clinical and EDx examinations. Muscle Nerve 60: 114-123, 2019.

Quantitative neuromuscular ultrasound analysis as biomarkers in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

OBJECTIVES

To assess the differences in morphological and texture parameters of median nerve (MN) and abductor pollicis brevis (APB) between amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients and controls.

METHODS

The cross-sectional area (CSA) of the MN and the muscle thickness (MTh) of APB were measured bilaterally in 59 recently diagnosed ALS patients and 20 matched healthy controls. Echointensity (EI), echovariation (EV) and grey-level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) texture features of both structures were also analysed. Correlations between these parameters and clinical variables (muscle strength and disability) were analysed.

RESULTS

The CSA of MN was significantly lower in ALS patients (MD = - 1.83 mm² [95% CI = 2.89; - 0.77 mm²]; p = 0.01). ALS patients showed significantly lower MTh (- 2.23 mm [3.16; - 1.30 mm]; p < 0.001) and EV (- 7.40 [11.5; - 3.33]; p = 0.004) and higher EI (21.2 [11.9; 30.6]; p < 0.001) in the APB muscle. No relevant differences were detected in GLCM features for this muscle. The model including all parameters (CSA for MN and MTh, EI and EV for APB) showed an AUC of 82% (sensitivity 87%; specificity 42%). Muscle strength and disability correlated with APB muscle ultrasound parameters but not with those of the MN.

CONCLUSIONS

APB muscle ultrasound biomarkers (especially MTh and EI) showed better discrimination capacity and correlation with clinical variables than MN biomarkers. However, the combination of both biomarkers increased their ability to detect LMN impairment, suggesting that both biomarkers could be used in a complementary manner for the diagnosis and progression monitoring in ALS.

KEY POINTS

• Abductor pollicis brevis muscle and median nerve impairment is detectable by ultrasound in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients, even in those without clinical impairment. • Muscle ultrasound biomarkers show better discrimination capacity than nerve biomarkers in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. • Quantitative neuromuscular ultrasound biomarkers could be useful in a general amyotrophic lateral sclerosis population early on the disease.

Nerve ultrasound as a diagnostic tool for sensory neuronopathy in spinocerebellar ataxia syndrome

OBJECTIVE

The objective was to assess if nerve ultrasound has a role in diagnosing sensory neuronopathy in spinocerebellar ataxia syndrome (SCA) by examining if proposed diagnostic cut-off criteria of ultrasound in sensory neuronopathy caused by cerebellar ataxia neuropathy vestibular areflexia syndrome (CANVAS) were also discriminatory for SCA-related sensory neuronopathy.

METHODS

Optimal diagnostic cut-off criteria for nerve size measured by diagnostic ultrasound were developed in 14 patients with CANVAS and 42 healthy controls using six peripheral nerve sites; and logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. These proposed cut-off values were tested in seven patients with spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2) patients with sensory neuronopathy.

RESULTS

Ultrasound of upper limb nerves was highly accurate in differentiating between CANVAS and healthy controls with areas under the ROC curves between 0.97 and 0.99. Optimal cut-off measurements from the CANVAS patients also accurately diagnosed sensory neuronopathy in all patients with SCA2.

CONCLUSIONS

Upper limb ultrasound is a sensitive tool for detecting sensory neuronopathy in established cases of CANVAS and SCA2.

SIGNIFICANCE

Ultrasound could aid the diagnosis of sensory neuronopathy in spinocerebellar ataxias.

A pilot study of neuromuscular ultrasound as a biomarker for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

INTRODUCTION

This study explores the reliability and responsiveness of neuromuscular ultrasound in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

METHODS

Investigations were conducted with 10 healthy controls, 10 patients with ALS (single point in time), and 10 different patients with ALS (followed over 6 months; 4 completed follow-up). Ultrasound was used to measure the thickness of the geniohyoid, bilateral biceps/brachialis, bilateral tibialis anterior, and bilateral hemidiaphragms (at inspiration and expiration). Interrater and intrarater reliability and change in muscle thickness over 6 months were measured.

RESULTS

Interrater correlation coefficients ranged between 0.80 and 0.99 in healthy controls and between 0.78 and 0.97 in patients with ALS. Intrarater correlation coefficients ranged between 0.83 and 0.98 in healthy controls. The mean percentage decline in muscle thickness over 6 months was 20.25%.

DISCUSSION

Muscle ultrasound appears to be a reliable technique for measuring important muscles in patients with ALS. Larger studies with age-matched controls should be conducted to assess further the responsiveness of this biomarker in ALS. Muscle Nerve 59:181-186, 2019.

Comparison of cross-sectional areas and distal-proximal nerve ratios in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

INTRODUCTION

This study explored potential diagnostic markers of nerve ultrasound in differentiating amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) from mimic disorders.

METHODS

Ultrasound of the median, ulnar, and tibial nerves was conducted in 53 patients with ALS, 32 patients with ALS-mimic disorders, and 30 controls. Nerve cross-sectional area (CSA) and distal-proximal ratios were calculated.

RESULTS

The median nerve CSA in the upper arm was decreased (7.9 ± 1.3 mm² vs. 9.0 ± 1.4 mm² , P < 0.05), and the median nerve wrist-upper arm ratio was increased in ALS patients compared with controls (1.3 ± 0.4 vs. 1.1 ± 0.2; P < 0.01). In differentiating ALS from mimic presentations, assessment of median nerve CSA in the upper arm and comparison of a median and ulnar nerve CSA distal-proximal ratio provide diagnostic potential.

DISCUSSION

Assessment of nerve CSA combined with calculation of nerve CSA distal-proximal ratio provides a useful marker to aid in the diagnosis of ALS. Muscle Nerve 58:777-783, 2018.

Electrodiagnostic Testing for the Diagnosis and Management of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Electrodiagnostic testing provides insight into subclinical aspects of disease in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and helps to diagnose and exclude other diagnoses. It may also help to manage or track disease progression. Mapping the extent of subclinical disease may guide the clinician to supportive interventions. There is considerable interest in establishing electrodiagnostic biomarkers to monitor disease progression. This article details the usefulness of electrodiagnostic testing across the disease spectrum. A review of clinical presentations and differential diagnoses, diagnostic evaluation, and emerging applications of electrodiagnostic studies to guide management and assess response to treatment interventions are presented with considerations for clinical practice.

Indications for neuromuscular ultrasound: Expert opinion and review of the literature

Over the last two decades, dozens of applications have emerged for ultrasonography in neuromuscular disorders. We wanted to measure its impact on practice in laboratories where the technique is in frequent use. After identifying experts in neuromuscular ultrasound and electrodiagnosis, we assessed their use of ultrasonography for different indications and their expectations for its future evolution. We then identified the earliest papers to provide convincing evidence of the utility of ultrasound for particular indications and analyzed the relationship of their date of publication with expert usage. We found that experts use ultrasonography often for inflammatory, hereditary, traumatic, compressive and neoplastic neuropathies, and somewhat less often for neuronopathies and myopathies. Usage significantly correlated with the timing of key publications in the field. We review these findings and the extensive evidence supporting the value of neuromuscular ultrasound. Advancement of the field of clinical neurophysiology depends on widespread translation of these findings.

Investigation of the Effect of Cervical Radiculopathy on Peripheral Nerves of the Upper Extremity With High-Resolution Ultrasonography

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective, cross-sectional observational study.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to investigate the effects of chronic cervical radiculopathy (CR) on the cross-sectional area (CSA) values of the cervical nerve roots (CNRs), median, ulnar, and radial nerves with high-resolution ultrasonography.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Symptomatic nerve roots are wider than asymptomatic nerve roots due to the presence of edema. Peripheral nerves have also been shown to develop edema, fibrosis, and changes distal to the affected nerve as a result of mechanical compression. In addition according to "double-crush syndrome" hypothesis, the peripheral nerves are more sensitive to pressure, and a proximal nerve lesion makes the distal segment of the nerve more susceptible to anatomic deterioration by causing interruption in the axoplasmic conduction due to compression.

METHODS

Forty patients with chronic CR were included to the study. Both affected CNRs and the contralateral nerve roots (control group) were evaluated with high-resolution ultrasonography. Ulnar and median nerve CSA measurements were performed at four measurement points and radial nerve measurements at a single measurement point.

RESULTS

CSA measurements were statistically significantly higher at the CNR of the affected side compared to the unaffected side. There was no statistically significant difference when affected and unaffected sides were compared in terms of measurements performed from median, ulnar, and radial nerves at all measurement points.

CONCLUSION

The results of the present study indicate that the changes in the CNR caused by CR do not have any effect on the peripheral nerves. We did not find any affection in peripheral nerve CSA that might have been suggestive of double-crush syndrome in CR.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

2.