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Neto T, Johannsson J, Andrade RJ. Using ultrasound shear wave elastography to characterize peripheral nerve mechanics: a systematic review on the normative reference values in healthy individuals. Ultrasonography 2024; 43:169-178. [PMID: 38544459 PMCID: PMC11079506 DOI: 10.14366/usg.23211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Ultrasound shear wave elastography (SWE) is an emerging non-invasive imaging technique for peripheral nerve evaluation. Shear wave velocity (SWV), a surrogate measure of stiffness, holds promise as a biomarker for various peripheral nerve disorders. However, to maximize its clinical and biomechanical value, it is important to fully understand the factors that influence nerve SWV measurements. This systematic review aimed to identify the normal range of SWV for healthy sciatic and tibial nerves and to reveal the factors potentially affecting nerve SWV. An electronic search yielded 17 studies eligible for inclusion, involving 548 healthy individuals (age range, 17 to 72 years). Despite very good reliability metrics, the reported SWV values differed considerably across studies for the sciatic (1.9-9.9 m/s) and tibial (2.3-9.1 m/s) nerves. Factors such as measurement proximity to joint regions, limb postures inducing nerve axial stretching, and transducer alignment with nerve fiber orientation were associated with increased SWV. These findings suggest regional-specific nerve mechanical properties, non-linear elastic behaviour, and marked mechanical anisotropy. The impact of age and sex remains unclear and warrants further investigation. These results emphasize the importance of considering these factors when assessing and interpreting nerve SWE. While increased SWV has been linked to pathological changes affecting nerve tissue mechanics, the significant variability observed in healthy nerves highlights the need for standardized SWE assessment protocols. Developing guidelines for enhanced clinical utility and achieving a comprehensive understanding of the factors that influence nerve SWE assessments are critical in advancing the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiago Neto
- Luxembourg Institute of Research in Orthopedics, Sports Medicine and Science, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Johanna Johannsson
- Department of Physiotherapy, LUNEX International University of Health, Exercise and Sports, Differdange, Luxembourg
| | - Ricardo J. Andrade
- Nantes University, Movement - Interactions - Performance, MIP, UR 4334, 44000, Nantes, France
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Brisbane and Gold Coast, Australia
- School of Health Sciences and Social Work, Griffith University, Brisbane and Gold Coast, Australia
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Pradhan DR, Saxena S, Kant R, Kumar M, Saran S. Shear wave elastography of tibial nerve in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy-A cross-sectional study. Skeletal Radiol 2024; 53:547-554. [PMID: 37698625 DOI: 10.1007/s00256-023-04448-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the role of shear wave elastography of the tibial nerve as a potential ultrasonographic method for the diagnosis of tibial neuropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes. MATERIALS AND METHODS This cross-sectional study included 50 subjects each in case (patients with diabetic tibial neuropathy diagnosed on the basis of clinical features and nerve conduction study) and control groups (non-diabetic non-neuropathic healthy volunteers). The exclusion criteria included the presence of type 1 diabetes, a known history of neuropathy from other causes except for type 2 diabetes, or a history of leg or ankle fracture. Cross-sectional area and shear wave velocity values of the tibial nerve were measured in both groups. Demographic details and body mass index were obtained in both groups and additionally, the duration of type 2 diabetes and HbA1c values in the case group were also noted. Wilcoxon Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare these variables in study groups. ROC curve analysis provided additional findings. RESULTS Tibial nerve stiffness was significantly higher in the case group (p-value < 0.001). The study groups did not significantly differ in the Cross-sectional area of the tibial nerve (p-value 0.57). The case group exhibited a higher frequency of loss of the fascicular pattern of the tibial nerve (40% vs 18%, p-value 0.027). Duration of diabetes mellitus and HbA1c values did not significantly affect Shear wave velocity values in the case group. At the cut-off value of Shear wave velocity of 3.13 m/s, sensitivity and specificity to diagnose diabetic peripheral neuropathy were 94% and 88% respectively. CONCLUSION Increased nerve stiffness is seen in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Shear wave elastography might prove as a novel noninvasive technology for screening/early diagnosis of diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhiri Ranjan Pradhan
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, AIIMS Rishikesh, Rishikesh, India
| | - Sudhir Saxena
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, AIIMS Rishikesh, Rishikesh, India
| | - Ravi Kant
- Department of Internal Medicine, AIIMS Rishikesh, Rishikesh, India
| | | | - Sonal Saran
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, AIIMS Rishikesh, Rishikesh, India.
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Wu J, Yang X, Liu Y, Xi F, Lei P. Application value of real-time shear wave elastography in the diagnosis and efficacy evaluation of venous thrombosis. Technol Health Care 2024; 32:3513-3523. [PMID: 39031410 DOI: 10.3233/thc-240386] [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] [Indexed: 07/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) of the lower limbs is a venous reflux disorder caused by abnormal coagulation of blood components, primarily characterised by swelling and pain in the lower limbs. Key risk factors include prolonged immobility due to bed rest, pregnancy, postpartum or postoperative states, traumas, malignant tumours and long-term contraceptive use. OBJECTIVE To investigate the application of real-time shear wave elastography (SWE) in diagnosing lower-limb deep vein thrombosis (DVT). METHODS A total of 91 patients with DVT were selected and divided into three groups: acute phase (n= 29), subacute phase (n= 30) and chronic phase (n= 32). The Young's modulus of the patients was measured using real-time SWE. The diagnostic efficacy of Young's modulus was evaluated by ROC curves. The hardness differences in Young's modulus across different parts of the same thrombus (head, body and tail) were measured using SWE. RESULTS Before treatment, significant differences were observed in Young's modulus among patients with DVT (P< 0.001). Following anticoagulant therapy, catheter-directed thrombolysis and systemic thrombolysis, significant differences were noted in Young's modulus among patients at the same stage but receiving different treatments (acute phase: P= 0.003; subacute phase: P= 0.014; chronic phase: P= 0.004). Catheter-directed thrombolysis had greater efficacy than anticoagulant therapy. The area under the curve for SWE in staging patients was 0.917, with a sensitivity of 92.36% and specificity of 93.81%. Significant differences in Young's modulus were found between the thrombus head and thrombus body and tail but not between the thrombus body and thrombus tail. CONCLUSION Measurement of Young's modulus using SWE can serve as an auxiliary means of evaluating staging, predicting pulmonary embolism and selecting treatment in patients with DVT.
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Kaymaz S, Yiğit M, Ufuk F, Sarılar B, Karasu U, Çobankara V, Sabir N, Alkan H. The evaluation of tibial nerve using shear-wave elastography and ultrasound in patients with systemic sclerosis: A cross-sectional study. Arch Rheumatol 2023; 38:556-565. [PMID: 38125066 PMCID: PMC10728736 DOI: 10.46497/archrheumatol.2023.9835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives The study aimed to evaluate stiffness and the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the tibial nerve (TN) using shear wave elastography (SWE) and ultrasound (US) and investigate the relationship of these with disease activity, quality of life, and severity of neuropathic pain in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). Patients and methods This cross-sectional study included 28 SSc patients (1 male, 27 females; mean age: 50±11 years; range, 28 to 67 years) and 22 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (4 males, 18 females; mean age: 48±6 years; range, 37 to 66 years) between March and April 2022. US and SWE were performed on the TN, and CSA and nerve stiffness were measured. The TN was examined by a radiologist, 4 cm proximal to the medial malleolus. A few days later, an evaluation was performed in the second session by a second observer to investigate inter-and intraobserver agreement. Interobserver agreement was evaluated using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The Scleroderma Health Assessment Questionnaire, European League Against Rheumatism European Scleroderma Trial and Research (EUSTAR) group activity index, and Douleur-Neuropathique 4 scores of the patients were evaluated. Correlations between the questionnaires and measurements of nerve stiffness and CSA were assessed. Results Patients with SSc had significantly higher stiffness and CSA values of the right TN compared to healthy controls (p<0.001 and p=0.015, respectively). The nerve stiffness values of the right TN were positively correlated with the EUSTAR activity index (p=0.004, r=0.552). The CSA of the left TN was larger in patients with SSc (21.3±4.9 mm2 ) than in controls (12.8±3.4 mm2 ), and the nerve elasticity was positively correlated with the EUSTAR activity index (p=0.001, r=0.618). The interobserver agreement was moderate to good for measuring stiffness and CSA of the TN (ICC were 0.660 and 0.818, respectively). There was a good to excellent intraobserver agreement for measuring stiffness and CSA of TN (ICC were 0.843 and 0.940, respectively). Conclusion The increased disease activity in patients with SSc is associated with TN involvement, which can be demonstrated by US and SWE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serdar Kaymaz
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Pamukkale University Faculty of Medicine, Denizli, Türkiye
| | - Murat Yiğit
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Pamukkale University Faculty of Medicine, Denizli, Türkiye
| | - Furkan Ufuk
- Department of Radiology, Pamukkale University Faculty of Medicine, Denizli, Türkiye
| | - Burak Sarılar
- Department of Radiology, Pamukkale University Faculty of Medicine, Denizli, Türkiye
| | - Uğur Karasu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Pamukkale University Faculty of Medicine, Denizli, Türkiye
| | - Veli Çobankara
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Pamukkale University Faculty of Medicine, Denizli, Türkiye
| | - Nuran Sabir
- Department of Radiology, Pamukkale University Faculty of Medicine, Denizli, Türkiye
| | - Hakan Alkan
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Pamukkale University Faculty of Medicine, Denizli, Türkiye
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Senarai T, Suwannakhan A, Pratipanawatr T, Yammine K, Yurasakpong L, Sathapornsermsuk T, Janta S, Kittiboonya A. Normative Reference Values of the Tibial Nerve in Healthy Individuals Using Ultrasonography: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Clin Med 2023; 12:6186. [PMID: 37834829 PMCID: PMC10573196 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12196186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2023] [Revised: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND High-resolution ultrasound of the tibial nerve has been used for screening of several neurologic disorders, but normative reference values of tibial nerve cross-sectional areas (CSA) have not been well established. Thus, the present meta-analysis was performed to generate normative estimates of tibial nerve CSA at various sites of the lower limb based on ultrasonography. METHODS Google Scholar, Scopus and PubMed were searched for potential studies. Studies were required to report tibial nerve CSA in healthy individuals to be included. A random-effect meta-analysis was performed to calculate tibial nerve CSA values. Subgroup and statistical analyses were performed to study covariates. RESULTS Forty-eight eligible articles consisting of 2695 limbs were included. The average tibial nerve CSA was found to be 10.9 mm2 at the ankle (95% CI: 9.9-11.8) and should not exceed 11.8 mm2 in healthy adults. At the popliteal fossa, the overall CSA was 21.7 mm2 (95% CI: 17.5-25.8) in healthy adults. At both sites, the average tibial nerve CSA was significantly larger in adults than in children, and the differences by geographical region were not statistically significant. At the ankle, tibial nerve CSA increased with age and body mass index, while at the popliteal fossa it increased with age and weight. CONCLUSIONS our findings indicate that the tibial nerve varied not only along its course but also among sub-variables. Establishing normal references values of tibial nerve CSA is helpful to differentiate healthy from diseased tibial nerves such as in diabetic peripheral neuropathy or tarsal tunnel syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thanyaporn Senarai
- Microscopy Unit, Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand;
| | - Athikhun Suwannakhan
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand;
- In Silico and Clinical Anatomy Research Group (iSCAN), Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Thongchai Pratipanawatr
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand;
| | - Kaissar Yammine
- Department of Orthopedic and Trauma Surgery, Lebanese American University Medical Center—Rizk Hospital, Beirut 11-3288, Lebanon;
- The Center for Evidence-Based Anatomy, Sports and Orthopedic Research, Lebanese American University, Byblos 1102-2801, Lebanon
| | - Laphatrada Yurasakpong
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand;
- In Silico and Clinical Anatomy Research Group (iSCAN), Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | | | - Sirorat Janta
- Anatomy Unit, Department of Medical Science, Faculty of Science, Rangsit University, Pathumthani 12000, Thailand;
| | - Achiraya Kittiboonya
- Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification (CAHID), School of Science and Engineering, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 4HN, UK;
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Rossetto G, Lopomo NF, Shaikh SZ. Longitudinal Movements and Stiffness of Lower Extremity Nerves Measured by Ultrasonography and Ultrasound Elastography in Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Populations: A Systematic Review With Meta-analysis. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2023:S0301-5629(23)00140-0. [PMID: 37331920 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2023.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
This study was aimed at analyzing the effectiveness of ultrasonography (US) and ultrasound elastography (UE) in evaluating longitudinal sliding and stiffness of nerves. In line with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) statement, we analyzed 1112 publications (range: 2010-2021) extracted from MEDLINE, Scopus and Web of Science focusing on specific outcomes, including shear wave velocity (m/s), shear modulus (kPa), strain ratio (SR) and excursion (mm). Thirty-three papers were included and evaluated for overall quality and risk of bias. From the analysis of data concerning 1435 participants, mean shear wave velocity (SWV) in the sciatic nerve was 6.70 ± 1.26 m/s in controls and 7.51 ± 1.73 m/s in participants presenting with leg pain; in the tibial nerve, mean SWV was 3.83 ± 0.33 m/s in controls and 3.42 ± 3.53 m/s in participants presenting with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). The mean shear modulus (SM) was 20.9 ± 9.33 kPa for sciatic nerve, whereas it was an average of 23.3 ± 7.20 kPa for the tibial nerve. Considering 146 subjects (78 experimental, 68 controls) no significant difference was observed in SWV when comparing participants with DPN with controls (standard mean difference [SMD]: 1.26, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.54, 1.97), whereas a significant difference was observed in the SM (SMD: 1.78, 95% CI: 1.32, 2.25); furthermore, we found significant differences between left and right extremity nerves (SMD:1.14. 95% CI: 0.45, 1.83) among 458 participants (270 with DPN and 188 controls). No descriptive statistics are available for excursion because of the variability in participants and limb positions, whereas SR is considered only a semiquantitative outcome and therefore not comparable among different studies. Despite the presence of some limitations in study designs and methodological biases, on the basis of our findings, we can conclude that US and UE are effective methods in assessing longitudinal sliding and stiffness of lower extremity nerves in both symptomatic and asymptomatic subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianluca Rossetto
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | | | - Summaiva Zareen Shaikh
- Department of Neuro-physiotherapy, SIA College of Health Sciences, College of Physiotherapy, Thane, India.
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Karakaya MA, Ince I, Kucukerdem OB, Bas A, Gurkan Y. Assessment of sciatic nerve block success with elastography: new perspective for the nerve blocks. Minerva Anestesiol 2021; 87:1380-1381. [PMID: 34874137 DOI: 10.23736/s0375-9393.21.15819-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Muhammet A Karakaya
- Department of Anesthesiology and Reanimation, Koc University Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ilker Ince
- Department of Anesthesiology and Reanimation, Ataturk University Hospital, Erzurum, Turkey - .,Anesthesiology Clinical Research Office, Ataturk University, Erzurum, Turkey.,Outcomes Research Consortium, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.,Morphological Madrid Research Center (MoMaRC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Osman B Kucukerdem
- Department of Anesthesiology and Reanimation, Koc University Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ali Bas
- Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Koç University Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Yavuz Gurkan
- Department of Anesthesiology and Reanimation, Koc University Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
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