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Nasr-Eldin YK, Cartwright MS, Hamed A, Ali LH, Abdel-Nasser AM. Neuromuscular Ultrasound in Polyneuropathies. JOURNAL OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE 2024; 43:1181-1198. [PMID: 38504399 DOI: 10.1002/jum.16447] [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: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael S Cartwright
- Neurology Department, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Ahmed Hamed
- Rheumatology and Rehabilitation Department, Minia University, Minia, Egypt
| | - Lamia Hamdy Ali
- Clinical Pathology Department, Minia University, Minia, Egypt
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2
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Coraci D, Tognolo L, Ronconi G, Ferrara PE, Masiero S. Nerve ultrasound in Guillain-Barré syndrome: what the recent literature says. Acta Neurol Belg 2024; 124:665-667. [PMID: 37526900 DOI: 10.1007/s13760-023-02349-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Coraci
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation Unit, University of Padova, Via Nicolò Giustiniani 2, 35128, Padua, Italy.
| | - Lucrezia Tognolo
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation Unit, University of Padova, Via Nicolò Giustiniani 2, 35128, Padua, Italy
| | - Gianpaolo Ronconi
- Department of Ageing, Neurosciences, Head-Neck and Orthopaedics Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Emilia Ferrara
- Department of Ageing, Neurosciences, Head-Neck and Orthopaedics Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Masiero
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation Unit, University of Padova, Via Nicolò Giustiniani 2, 35128, Padua, Italy
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Breville G, Sukockiene E, Vargas MI, Lascano AM. Emerging biomarkers to predict clinical outcomes in Guillain-Barré syndrome. Expert Rev Neurother 2023; 23:1201-1215. [PMID: 37902064 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2023.2273386] [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: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is an immune-mediated poly(radiculo)neuropathy with a variable clinical outcome. Identifying patients who are at risk of suffering from long-term disabilities is a great challenge. Biomarkers are useful to confirm diagnosis, monitor disease progression, and predict outcome. AREAS COVERED The authors provide an overview of the diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for GBS, which are useful for establishing early treatment strategies and follow-up care plans. EXPERT OPINION Detecting patients at risk of developing a severe outcome may improve management of disease progression and limit potential complications. Several clinical factors are associated with poor prognosis: higher age, presence of diarrhea within 4 weeks of symptom onset, rapid and severe weakness progression, dysautonomia, decreased vital capacity and facial, bulbar, and neck weakness. Biological, neurophysiological and imaging measures of unfavorable outcome include multiple anti-ganglioside antibodies elevation, increased serum and CSF neurofilaments light (NfL) and heavy chain, decreased NfL CSF/serum ratio, hypoalbuminemia, nerve conduction study with early signs of demyelination or axonal loss and enlargement of nerve cross-sectional area on ultrasound. Depicting prognostic biomarkers aims at predicting short-term mortality and need for cardio-pulmonary support, long-term patient functional outcome, guiding treatment decisions and monitoring therapeutic responses in future clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gautier Breville
- Neurology Division, Neuroscience Department, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Egle Sukockiene
- Neurology Division, Neuroscience Department, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Maria Isabel Vargas
- Neuroradiology Division, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Agustina M Lascano
- Neurology Division, Neuroscience Department, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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Fisse AL, Pitarokoili K, Schreiber S. Moderner Ultraschall in der Diagnostik Neuromuskulärer
Erkrankungen. KLIN NEUROPHYSIOL 2022. [DOI: 10.1055/a-1740-0649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
ZusammenfassungDer neuromuskuläre Ultraschall hat sich in den letzten Jahren zu einem
festen Bestandteil in der neurologischen Diagnostik entwickelt. Dazu tragen auch
die fortwährende technische Weiterentwicklung der Methode und ihr
unkomplizierter und nebenwirkungsfreier Einsatz direkt am Patienten bei. Im
klinischen Alltag wird der Ultraschall in der Diagnostik und
Differentialdiagnostik sowie in der Verlaufskontrolle traumatischer
Nervenläsionen, sekundärer und dynamischer nervaler
Kompressionssyndrome, hereditärer und akuter sowie chronisch autoimmuner
Polyneuropathien, Motoneuron- und Muskelerkrankungen verwendet. Dabei spielt die
Ultraschalldiagnostik auch zunehmend eine Rolle für
Therapieentscheidungen, v.a. im Hinblick auf die operative Versorgung und den
Einsatz oder die Fortführung immunmodulatorischer Medikamente. In den
nächsten Jahren ist eine weitere interdisziplinäre Verbreitung
und fortwährend zunehmende Standardisierung der Methode zu erwarten.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Lena Fisse
- Klinik für Neurologie, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, St.
Josef Hospital, Bochum
| | | | - Stefanie Schreiber
- Universitätsklinik für Neurologie, Otto-von-Guericke
Universität, Magdeburg
- Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen,
Magdeburg
- Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences (CBBS), Otto-von-Guericke
Universität, Magdeburg
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Liu L, Ye Y, Wang L, Song X, Cao J, Qi Y, Xing Y. Nerve ultrasound evaluation of Guillain-Barré syndrome subtypes in northern China. Muscle Nerve 2021; 64:560-566. [PMID: 34355400 DOI: 10.1002/mus.27386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2020] [Revised: 08/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION/AIMS Ultrasound (US) studies have demonstrated patchy enlargement of spinal and peripheral nerves in Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). However, whether ultrasound yields useful information for early classification of GBS has not been established. We aimed to evaluate nerve ultrasound in patients with GBS in northern China and compare the sonographic characteristics between demyelinating and axonal subtypes. METHODS Between November 2018 and October 2019, 38 hospitalized GBS patients within 3 wk of disease onset and 40 healthy controls were enrolled. Ultrasonographic cross-sectional areas (CSA) of the peripheral nerves, vagus nerve, and cervical nerve roots were prospectively recorded in GBS subtypes and controls. RESULTS Ultrasonographic CSA exhibited significant enlargement in most patients' nerves compared with healthy controls, most prominent in cervical nerves. The CSA tended to be larger in acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (AIDP) than in acute motor axonal neuropathy (AMAN)/acute motor and sensory axonal neuropathy (AMSAN), especially in cervical nerves (C5: 5.9 ± 1.6 mm2 vs. 7.0 ± 1.7 mm2 , p = .042; C6: 10.5 ± 1.8 mm2 vs. 12.0 ± 2.1 mm2 , p = .033). The chi-squared test revealed significant differences in nerve enlargement in C5 (p < .001), C6 (p < .001), the proximal median nerve (p < .001), and the vagus nerve (p = .003) between GBS and controls. The vagus nerve was larger in patients with autonomic dysfunction than in patients without it (2.3 ± 1.0 mm2 vs. 1.4 ± 0.5 mm2 , p = .003). DISCUSSION The demyelinating subtype presented with more significant cervical nerve enlargement in GBS. Vagus nerve enlargement may be a useful marker for autonomic dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Liu
- Department of Vascular Ultrasonography, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Center of Vascular Ultrasonography, Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Department of Neurology, Changchun City People's hospital, Changchun, China
| | - Yuqin Ye
- Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Lijuan Wang
- Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xiaonan Song
- Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jie Cao
- Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yajie Qi
- Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yingqi Xing
- Department of Vascular Ultrasonography, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Center of Vascular Ultrasonography, Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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Nerve Ultrasound as Helpful Tool in Polyneuropathies. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:diagnostics11020211. [PMID: 33572591 PMCID: PMC7910962 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11020211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Polyneuropathies (PNP) are a broad field of diseases affecting millions of people. While the symptoms presented are mostly similar, underlying causes are abundant. Thus, early identification of treatable causes is often difficult. Besides clinical data and basic laboratory findings, nerve conduction studies are crucial for etiological classification, yet limited. Besides Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), high-resolution nerve ultrasound (HRUS) has become a noninvasive, fast, economic and available tool to help distinguish different types of nerve alterations in neuropathies. Methods: We aim to describe typical ultrasound findings in PNP and patterns of morphological changes in hereditary, immune-mediated, diabetic, metabolic and neurodegenerative PNP. Literature research was performed in PubMed using the terms ‘nerve ultrasound’, neuromuscular ultrasound, high-resolution nerve ultrasound, peripheral nerves, nerve enlargement, demyelinating, hereditary, polyneuropathies, hypertrophy’. Results: Plenty of studies over the past 20 years investigated the value of nerve ultrasound in different neuropathies. Next to nerve enlargement, patterns of nerve enlargement, echointensity, vascularization and elastography have been evaluated for diagnostic terms. Furthermore, different scores have been developed to distinguish different etiologies of PNP. Conclusions: Where morphological alterations of the nerves reflect underlying pathologies, early nerve ultrasound might enable a timely start of available treatment and also facilitate follow up of therapy success.
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Carroll AS, Simon NG. Current and future applications of ultrasound imaging in peripheral nerve disorders. World J Radiol 2020; 12:101-129. [PMID: 32742576 PMCID: PMC7364285 DOI: 10.4329/wjr.v12.i6.101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 05/10/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia S Carroll
- Brain and Mind Research Centre, University of Sydney, Camperdown 2050, NSW, Australia
- Department of Neurology, Westmead Hospital, University of Sydney, Westmead 2145, NSW, Australia
- Department of Neurology, St Vincent’s Hospital, Sydney, Darlinghurst 2010, NSW, Australia
| | - Neil G Simon
- Northern Clinical School, University of Sydney, Frenchs Forest 2086, NSW, Australia
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8
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Fisse AL, Pitarokoili K, Trampe N, Motte J, Kerasnoudis A, Gold R, Yoon MS. Clinical, Sonographic, and Electrophysiologic Longitudinal Features of Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy. J Neuroimaging 2018; 29:223-232. [PMID: 30407676 DOI: 10.1111/jon.12579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2018] [Revised: 10/30/2018] [Accepted: 10/30/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Several studies have aimed to find potential biomarkers to simplify the diagnosis of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) and to monitor and predict the disease course. However, reliable markers are still lacking. We aimed to investigate whether high-resolution nerve ultrasound (HRUS) is suitable for monitoring the long-term clinical course of CIDP. METHODS Twenty patients fulfilling the definite diagnostic criteria of CIDP received clinical examination, evaluation of the INCAT (inflammatory neuropathy cause and treatment) overall disability sum score (ODSS) as well as nerve conduction studies, and HRUS every 6 months over a median follow-up time of 34 months. Patients were divided into clinically stable/regressive disease course or progressive disease course according to the development of the ODSS. RESULTS The intranerve cross-sectional-area (CSA) variability of the nerves of the lower extremity increased with disease progression, whereas it remained unchanged in patients with a stable or remitting disease course. CONCLUSION Nerve ultrasound can be used as a method to objectify the long-term disease course in CIDP patients. The intranerve CSA variability is suitable for monitoring the clinical course of patients with CIDP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Lena Fisse
- Department of Neurology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | | | - Nadine Trampe
- Department of Neurology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Jeremias Motte
- Department of Neurology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | | | - Ralf Gold
- Department of Neurology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Min-Suk Yoon
- Department of Neurology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
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Yoon MS, Pitarokoili K, Sturm D, Haghikia A, Gold R, Fisse AL. Treatment of an acute motor and sensory axonal neuropathy with propionate in a 33-year-old male. Ther Adv Neurol Disord 2018; 11:1756286418809580. [PMID: 30542375 PMCID: PMC6236647 DOI: 10.1177/1756286418809580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2018] [Accepted: 09/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The aim of this work was to report a case of an acute motor and sensory axonal neuropathy (AMSAN) treated with propionate to evaluate its therapeutic potential in AMSAN. Materials and methods The patient was investigated by clinical examination, electroneurography, high-resolution nerve ultrasound and confocal corneal microscopy at baseline and the 2 month follow up. We compared the outcome with those of five other patients with acute motor axonal neuropathy (AMAN) and AMSAN of who were referred to our neurology department in the past 5 years. Results Considering the poor prognosis of patients with acute axonal neuropathies and in comparison with the previously treated patients with AMAN or AMSAN in our clinic, the regression of our patient's symptoms and the improvement in the additional examinations under propionate seemed exceptionally good. Conclusion Propionate may have an additional therapeutic effect in autoimmune inflammatory neuropathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Suk Yoon
- Department of Neurology, Ruhr University Bochum, St. Josef-Hospital, Bochum, Germany
| | - Kalliopi Pitarokoili
- Department of Neurology, Ruhr University Bochum, St. Josef-Hospital, Bochum, Germany
| | - Dietrich Sturm
- Department of Neurology, Bergmannsheil University Hospital, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Aiden Haghikia
- Department of Neurology, Ruhr University Bochum, St. Josef-Hospital, Bochum, Germany
| | - Ralf Gold
- Department of Neurology, Ruhr University Bochum, St. Josef-Hospital, Bochum, Germany
| | - Anna Lena Fisse
- Department of Neurology, Ruhr University Bochum, St. Josef-Hospital, Gudrunstrasse 56, Bochum 44791, Germany
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Telleman JA, Grimm A, Goedee S, Visser LH, Zaidman CM. Nerve ultrasound in polyneuropathies. Muscle Nerve 2018; 57:716-728. [PMID: 29205398 DOI: 10.1002/mus.26029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2017] [Revised: 11/30/2017] [Accepted: 11/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Ultrasound can be used to visualize pathology in the peripheral nerves of patients with polyneuropathy. Nerve enlargement is the most frequent pathology, but other abnormalities, including abnormal nerve echogenicity and vascularity, are also encountered. This monograph presents an overview of the role of nerve ultrasound in the evaluation and management of both inherited and acquired polyneuropathies. A description of the sonographic techniques and common abnormalities is provided, followed by a presentation of typical findings in different neuropathies. Scoring systems for characterizing the presence and pattern of nerve abnormalities as they relate to different polyneuropathies are presented. Muscle Nerve 57: 716-728, 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johan A Telleman
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology, Elisabeth-Tweesteden Hospital, Tilburg, The Netherlands.,Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Alexander Grimm
- Department Neurology, University Hospital Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Stephan Goedee
- Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Leo H Visser
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology, Elisabeth-Tweesteden Hospital, Tilburg, The Netherlands
| | - Craig M Zaidman
- Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics, Washington University St. Louis, Missouri, 660 South Euclid, Box 8111, St. Louis, Missouri, 63110-1093, USA
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Neuromuscular Ultrasound in the Assessment of Polyneuropathies and Motor Neuron Disease. J Clin Neurophysiol 2017; 33:86-93. [PMID: 27035248 DOI: 10.1097/wnp.0000000000000241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuromuscular ultrasound is an emerging technology for the evaluation of conditions affecting nerve and muscle, with most of the research focusing on focal neuropathies. Despite this focus, researchers have also investigated the ultrasonographic changes that occur in the nerves and muscles of those with more diffuse polyneuropathies and motor neuron diseases, and this review will detail the findings in these conditions. Specific findings are discussed in this article, but general themes will also be presented and include the following: hereditary polyneuropathies show diffuse nerve enlargement, whereas immune-mediated polyneuropathies show more patchy involvement; nerve enlargement is more profound in demyelinating than axonal polyneuropathies; and muscle changes in motor neuron diseases include heterogeneous increases in echogenicity, atrophy, readily detectable fasciculations, and increased subcutaneous tissue thickness.
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12
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Hiew FL, Douis H, Rajabally YA. Testing nerves: an overview of investigations for neuropathy. Br J Hosp Med (Lond) 2016; 77:508-15. [PMID: 27640653 DOI: 10.12968/hmed.2016.77.9.508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
This article reviews the main investigations available to assess and diagnose patients with neuropathy. It details the most commonly used as well as investigations now becoming routine in neuromuscular centres, and those which are less widely available. Current practice and recent developments are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fu Liong Hiew
- Overseas Neuromuscular Fellow in the Department of Neurology, University Hospitals of Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham
| | - Hassan Douis
- Consultant Radiologist and Honorary Senior Lecturer in the School of Life and Health Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham
| | - Yusuf A Rajabally
- Consultant Neurologist and Honorary Professor of Neurology in the School of Life and Health Sciences, Aston Brain Centre, Aston University, Birmingham B4 7ET
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Mori A, Nodera H, Takamatsu N, Maruyama-Saladini K, Osaki Y, Shimatani Y, Kaji R. Sonographic evaluation of peripheral nerves in subtypes of Guillain-Barré syndrome. J Neurol Sci 2016; 364:154-9. [PMID: 27084237 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2016.03.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2015] [Revised: 02/25/2016] [Accepted: 03/22/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sonography of peripheral nerves can depict alteration of nerve sizes that could reflect inflammation and edema in inflammatory and demyelinating neuropathies. Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). Information on sonographic comparison of an axonal subtype (acute motor [and sensory] axonal neuropathy [AMAN and AMSAN]) and a demyelinating subtype (acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy [AIDP]) has been sparse. MATERIAL AND METHODS Sonography of peripheral nerves and cervical nerve roots were prospectively recorded in patients with GBS who were within three weeks of disease onset. RESULTS Five patients with AIDP and nine with AMAN (n=6)/AMSAN (n=3) were enrolled. The patients with AIDP showed evidence of greater degrees of demyelination (e.g., slower conduction velocities and increased distal latencies) than those with AMAN/AMSAN. The patients with AIDP tended to show enlarged nerves in the proximal segments and in the cervical roots, whereas the patients with AMAN/AMSAN had greater enlargement in the distal neve segment, especially in the median nerve (P = 0.03; Wrist-axilla cross-sectional ratio). CONCLUSION In this small study, two subtypes of GBS showed different patterns of involvement that might reflect different pathomechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsuko Mori
- Department of Neurology, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Nodera
- Department of Neurology, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan.
| | - Naoko Takamatsu
- Department of Neurology, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan
| | | | - Yusuke Osaki
- Department of Neurology, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan
| | | | - Ryuji Kaji
- Department of Neurology, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan
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14
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Grimm A, Décard BF, Axer H. Ultrasonography of the peripheral nervous system in the early stage of Guillain-Barré syndrome. J Peripher Nerv Syst 2015; 19:234-41. [PMID: 25418824 DOI: 10.1111/jns.12091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2014] [Revised: 06/22/2014] [Accepted: 07/31/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Ultrasonography can be used to visualize peripheral nerve abnormalities in immune-mediated neuropathies. The objective of this study was to prove the role of ultrasonography (US) in acute phase of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). Systematic ultrasonic measurements of several peripheral nerves including the vagal nerve as well as the sixth cervical nerve root were performed in 18 patients with GBS at days 1-3 after symptom onset and compared to 21 healthy controls. Nerve conduction studies (NCS) of corresponding nerves were undertaken. Consequently, significant differences between the groups were found in compound muscle action potential amplitudes, F-wave latency, and persistency. Ultrasonic cross-sectional areas (CSAs) showed significant enlargement in all nerves except of the ulnar nerve (upper arm) and the sural nerve compared to healthy controls, most prominent in proximal and middle median nerve (p < 0.01). The vagal nerve also showed enlargement compared to controls (p < 0.05), which was most pronounced in patients with autonomic dysfunction compared to patients without (p < 0.05). C6 root diameter showed a significant correlation to the amount of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)-protein (Pearson correlation, p < 0.05). US shows nerve enlargement in several peripheral nerves including vagal nerve and C6 root in acute phase of GBS and could be an additional diagnostic tool for example, in GBS of atypical onset and autonomic dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Grimm
- Department of Neurology, Basel University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland
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16
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Gallardo E, Noto YI, Simon NG. Ultrasound in the diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy: structure meets function in the neuromuscular clinic. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2015; 86:1066-74. [PMID: 25653385 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2014-309599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2014] [Accepted: 01/08/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Peripheral nerve ultrasound (US) has emerged as a promising technique for the diagnosis of peripheral nerve disorders. While most experience with US has been reported in the context of nerve entrapment syndromes, the role of US in the diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy (PN) has recently been explored. Distinctive US findings have been reported in patients with hereditary, immune-mediated, infectious and axonal PN; US may add complementary information to neurophysiological studies in the diagnostic work-up of PN. This review describes the characteristic US findings in PN reported to date and a classification of abnormal nerve US patterns in PN is proposed. Closer scrutiny of nerve abnormalities beyond assessment of nerve calibre may allow for more accurate diagnostic classification of PN, as well as contribute to the understanding of the intersection of structure and function in PN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Gallardo
- Service of Radiology, University Hospital Marqués de Valdecilla; Instituto de Investigación Marqués de Valdecilla (IDIVAL), Santander, Spain University of Cantabria (UC); and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Santander, Spain
| | - Yu-Ichi Noto
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Japan
| | - Neil G Simon
- Prince of Wales Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Australia Central Clinical School, The University of Sydney, Australia
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Décard BF, Fladt J, Axer H, Fischer D, Grimm A. Nerve ultrasound in Miller Fisher variant of Guillain-Barré syndrome. Muscle Nerve 2015; 52:1106-10. [PMID: 26123539 DOI: 10.1002/mus.24753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Focal enlargement of the peripheral and spinal nerves, visualized using high-resolution ultrasound (HRUS), has been reported in early Guillain-Barré syndrome, but not in the Miller Fisher variant. We report the use of HRUS in 2 patients who presented with acute ataxic neuropathy, areflexia, and ophthalmoparesis. METHODS Ultrasound and/or nerve conduction studies (NCS) of peripheral nerves, the vagus, and spinal nerves C5/6 were performed at onset and 2 weeks after immunoglobulin therapy. RESULTS Both patients fulfilled criteria for diagnosis of Miller Fisher syndrome (MFS). Laboratory findings revealed elevated ganglioside Q1b antibodies in both and an albuminolocytologic dissociation in 1 patient. In addition, 1 patient had NCS evidence for demyelinating neuropathy. However, ultrasound showed focal enlargement in the vagus, the spinal nerves, and/or in the peripheral nerves in both patients. After therapy, nerve enlargement decreased in parallel with clinical improvement. CONCLUSION Spinal and/or peripheral nerve enlargement supports the diagnosis of MFS in early phases of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernhard F Décard
- Department of Neurology, Basel University Hospital, Petersgraben 4, CH-4031, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Joachim Fladt
- Department of Neurology, Basel University Hospital, Petersgraben 4, CH-4031, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Hubertus Axer
- Hans Berger Department of Neurology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Dirk Fischer
- Department of Neurology, Basel University Hospital, Petersgraben 4, CH-4031, Basel, Switzerland.,Division of Neuropaediatrics, University Children's Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,University Clinic of Internal Medicine, Kantonsspital Baselland, Bruderholz, Switzerland
| | - Alexander Grimm
- Department of Neurology, Basel University Hospital, Petersgraben 4, CH-4031, Basel, Switzerland.,Department of Neurology and Epileptology, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
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Ultrasound and electrophysiologic findings in patients with Guillain-Barré syndrome at disease onset and over a period of six months. Clin Neurophysiol 2015. [PMID: 26220732 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2015.06.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate cross-sectional areas (CSAs) of several peripheral nerves including the vagus nerve and the diameter of spinal nerves as measured by nerve ultrasound (NUS) and nerve conduction studies (NCS) in Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) patients over at least six months compared to healthy controls. METHODS NUS and/or NCS of several nerves, the vagus nerve, and the 5th/6th cervical spinal nerves were performed in patients with GBS at days 2-3 after symptom onset, at days 10-14 after immunoglobulin therapy and after six months compared to healthy controls. RESULTS 27 GBS-patients and 31 controls were included. Using NUS significant enlargement was found in all measured nerves (P<0.001), except the sural nerve (P=0.086) compared to the controls at onset. The vagus (median 3.0 mm(2) vs. 2.0 mm(2), P<0.0001) and the cervical spinal nerves were significantly enlarged (median 3.5/4.0 mm vs. 2.6/3.2 mm, p<0.0001), the vagus most obviously in patients with autonomic dysregulation (AD, 4.0 mm(2)). Six months later, NCS showed persisting pathology in CMAP-amplitudes with amelioration of F-wave pathology. NUS showed restitution in the spinal nerves (median 2.6/3.2 mm) and the vagus (median 2.0 mm(2)) in all patients excluding the vagus in those with persistent AD (median 4.0 mm(2)). The peripheral nerves did not change significantly (P>0.05). CONCLUSION Ultrasonographic detection of cervical spinal nerve enlargement supports the diagnosis of GBS in the early phase. Its regression may be a good parameter for the clinical restitution over time. Vagus enlargement may be a risk marker for development of AD. SIGNIFICANCE Ultrasound is a reliable diagnostic follow-up tool in early GBS.
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Wong AHY, Yuki N. Guillain-Barré syndrome: advances in pathogenic understanding and diagnostic improvements. Expert Opin Orphan Drugs 2015. [DOI: 10.1517/21678707.2015.1043266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Pitarokoili K, Gold R, Yoon MS. Nerve ultrasound in a case of multifocal motor neuropathy without conduction block. Muscle Nerve 2015; 52:294-9. [DOI: 10.1002/mus.24583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kalliopi Pitarokoili
- Department of Neurology; St. Josef Hospital, Ruhr-University of Bochum; Gudrunstr. 56 44791 Bochum Germany
| | - Ralf Gold
- Department of Neurology; St. Josef Hospital, Ruhr-University of Bochum; Gudrunstr. 56 44791 Bochum Germany
| | - Min-Suk Yoon
- Department of Neurology; St. Josef Hospital, Ruhr-University of Bochum; Gudrunstr. 56 44791 Bochum Germany
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Kerasnoudis A, Pitarokoili K, Behrendt V, Gold R, Yoon MS. Multifocal motor neuropathy: correlation of nerve ultrasound, electrophysiological, and clinical findings. J Peripher Nerv Syst 2015; 19:165-74. [PMID: 24862982 DOI: 10.1111/jns5.12067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2014] [Revised: 03/07/2014] [Accepted: 03/19/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
We present nerve ultrasound findings in multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN) and examine their correlation with electrophysiology and functional disability. Eighty healthy controls and 12 MMN patients underwent clinical, sonographic, and electrophysiological evaluation a mean of 3.5 years (standard deviation [SD] ± 2.1) after disease onset. Nerve ultrasound revealed significantly higher cross-sectional area (CSA) values of the median (forearm, p < 0.001), ulnar (p < 0.001), and tibial nerve (ankle, p < 0.001) when compared with controls. Electroneurography documented signs of significantly lower values of the motor conduction velocity and compound muscle action potentials (cMAPs) in the upper arm nerves (median, ulnar, radial, p < 0.001). A significant correlation between sonographic and electrophysiological findings in the MMN group was found only between cMAP and CSA of the median nerve at the upper arm (r = 0.851, p < 0.001). Neither nerve sonography nor electrophysiology correlated with functional disability. MMN seems to show inhomogeneous CSA enlargement in various peripheral nerves, with weak correlation to electrophysiological findings. Neither nerve sonography nor electrophysiology correlated with functional disability. Multicentre, prospective studies are required to prove the applicability and diagnostic values of these findings.
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Kerasnoudis A, Tsivgoulis G. Nerve Ultrasound in Peripheral Neuropathies: A Review. J Neuroimaging 2015; 25:528-38. [PMID: 25996962 DOI: 10.1111/jon.12261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2015] [Accepted: 04/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Peripheral neuropathies are one of the most common reasons for seeking neurological care in everyday practice. Electrophysiological studies remain fundamental for the diagnosis and etiological classification of peripheral nerve impairment. The recent technological development though of high resolution ultrasound has allowed the clinician to obtain detailed structural images of peripheral nerves. Nerve ultrasound mainly focuses on the evaluation of the cross sectional area, cross sectional area variability along the anatomical course, echogenity, vascularity and mobility of the peripheral nerves. An increase of the cross sectional area, hypervascularity, disturbed fascicular echostructure and reduced nerve mobility are some of the most common findings of entrapments neuropathies, such as the carpal or cubital tunnel syndrome. Both the cross-sectional area increase and the hypervascularity detected with the Doppler technique seem to correlate significantly with the clinical and electrophysiological severity of the later mononeuropathies. Significantly greater cross sectional area values of the clinically affected cervical nerve root are often detected in cases of cervical radiculopathy. In such cases, the ultrasound findings seem also to correlate significantly with disease duration. On the other hand, multifocal cross sectional area enlargement of cervical roots and/or peripheral nerves is often documented in cases of immune-mediated neuropathies. None of the later pathological ultrasound findings seem to correlate significantly with the electrophysiological parameters or the functional disability. The aim of this review is to provide a timely update on the role of neuromuscular ultrasound in the diagnostic of the most common entrapment and immune-mediated peripheral neuropathies in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Georgios Tsivgoulis
- Second Department of Neurology, University of Athens, School of Medicine, "Attikon" University Hospital, Athens, Greece.,International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital in Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
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Kerasnoudis A, Pitarokoili K, Behrendt V, Gold R, Yoon MS. Bochum ultrasound score versus clinical and electrophysiological parameters in distinguishing acute-onset chronic from acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy. Muscle Nerve 2015; 51:846-52. [PMID: 25297575 DOI: 10.1002/mus.24484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/01/2014] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The aim of this study was to evaluate whether a nerve ultrasound score (Bochum ultrasound score, BUS), clinical, and electrophysiological parameters could distinguish subacute chronic (CIDP) from acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (AIDP). METHODS Phase 1: The charts of 35 patients with polyradiculoneuropathy were evaluated retrospectively regarding BUS, clinical, and electrophysiological parameters (A-waves, sural nerve sparing pattern, sensory ratio>1). Phase 2: All parameters were evaluated prospectively in 10 patients with subacute polyradiculoneuropathy. RESULTS Phase 1: A sum score of ≥2 points in BUS and the presence of sensory symptoms were significantly more frequent in the subacute CIDP group than in the AIDP group (P<0.001).The electrophysiological parameters showed no significant changes between the 2 groups. Phase 2: BUS (83.3%; 100%;), sensory symptoms (100%; 75%), absence of autonomic nervous system dysfunction (83.3%; 75%), or bulbar palsy (83.3%; 50%) showed the best sensitivity and specificity in distinguishing subacute CIDP from AIDP. CONCLUSIONS BUS is a useful diagnostic tool for distinguishing subacute CIDP from AIDP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonios Kerasnoudis
- Department of Neurology, St. Josef Hospital, Ruhr-University of Bochum, Gudrunstr. 56, 44791, Bochum, Germany
| | - Kallia Pitarokoili
- Department of Neurology, St. Josef Hospital, Ruhr-University of Bochum, Gudrunstr. 56, 44791, Bochum, Germany
| | - Volker Behrendt
- Department of Neurology, St. Josef Hospital, Ruhr-University of Bochum, Gudrunstr. 56, 44791, Bochum, Germany
| | - Ralf Gold
- Department of Neurology, St. Josef Hospital, Ruhr-University of Bochum, Gudrunstr. 56, 44791, Bochum, Germany
| | - Min-Suk Yoon
- Department of Neurology, St. Josef Hospital, Ruhr-University of Bochum, Gudrunstr. 56, 44791, Bochum, Germany
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Recording and assessment of evoked potentials with electrode arrays. Med Biol Eng Comput 2015; 53:857-67. [PMID: 25863691 DOI: 10.1007/s11517-015-1292-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2013] [Accepted: 03/26/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
In order to optimize procedure for the assessment of evoked potentials and to provide visualization of the flow of action potentials along the motor systems, we introduced array electrodes for stimulation and recording and developed software for the analysis of the recordings. The system uses a stimulator connected to an electrode array for the generation of evoked potentials, an electrode array connected to the amplifier, A/D converter and computer for the recording of evoked potentials, and a dedicated software application. The method has been tested for the assessment of the H-reflex on the triceps surae muscle in six healthy humans. The electrode array with 16 pads was positioned over the posterior aspect of the thigh, while the recording electrode array with 16 pads was positioned over the triceps surae muscle. The stimulator activated all the pads of the stimulation electrode array asynchronously, while the signals were recorded continuously at all the recording sites. The results are topography maps (spatial distribution of evoked potentials) and matrices (spatial visualization of nerve excitability). The software allows the automatic selection of the lowest stimulation intensity to achieve maximal H-reflex amplitude and selection of the recording/stimulation pads according to predefined criteria. The analysis of results shows that the method provides rich information compared with the conventional recording of the H-reflex with regard the spatial distribution.
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Grimm A, Décard BF, Axer H, Fuhr P. The Ultrasound pattern sum score - UPSS. A new method to differentiate acute and subacute neuropathies using ultrasound of the peripheral nerves. Clin Neurophysiol 2015; 126:2216-25. [PMID: 25691156 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2015.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2014] [Revised: 12/21/2014] [Accepted: 01/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Ultrasound differentiation of neuropathies is a great challenge. We, therefore, suggest a standardized score to operationalize differentiation between several acute and subacute onset neuropathies. METHOD We retrospectively analyzed the ultrasound data of 61 patients with acute or subacute neuropathies, e.g. chronic immune-mediated neuropathies, Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), and axonal/vasculitic neuropathies. We compared these data to 28 healthy controls. Based on these results an ultrasound pattern sum score (UPSS) with three sub-scores (UPS-A for the sensorimotor nerves, UPS-B for the cervical roots and the vagal nerve and UPS-C for the sural nerve) was developed. Afterwards, the applicability of the score was prospectively validated in 10 patients with chronic neuropathies and in 14 patients with unknown acute and subacute PNP before performing additional tests. RESULTS UPS-A and UPSS were significantly higher in CIDP than in other neuropathies and controls (p<0.001). UPS-B was significantly more often pathologic in GBS than in CIDP and other neuropathies (p<0.001). Using receiver operation characteristics curve analysis boundary values for each score were defined. Positive predictive value (PPV) of these scores for CIDP and GBS was >85%. Vasculitic neuropathies showed an intermediate type of UPSS compared to other axonal neuropathies (p<0.001). In the prospective application the pattern score could be used with good accuracy in several types of neuropathy. CONCLUSION UPS-A and UPSS operationalize to diagnose acute and subacute-onset CIDP and its variants with high sensitivity, specificity, and PPV. An increased UPS-B with normal UPSS and other sub scores may point to the diagnosis of GBS with high PPV and enables the differentiation from CIDP. SIGNIFICANCE Using the UPSS and its sub-scores gives a new diagnostic power to the method of the peripheral nerve ultrasound.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Grimm
- Department of Neurology, Basel University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Bernhard F Décard
- Department of Neurology, Basel University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Hubertus Axer
- Hans Berger Department of Neurology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Peter Fuhr
- Department of Neurology, Basel University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland
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Grimm A, Décard BF, Athanasopoulou I, Schweikert K, Sinnreich M, Axer H. Nerve ultrasound for differentiation between amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and multifocal motor neuropathy. J Neurol 2015; 262:870-80. [PMID: 25626722 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-015-7648-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2014] [Revised: 01/12/2015] [Accepted: 01/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Ultrasound is useful for non-invasive visualization of focal nerve pathologies probably resulting from demyelination, remyelination, edema or inflammation. In patients with progressive muscle weakness, differentiation between multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is essential regarding therapy and prognosis. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate whether nerve ultrasound can differentiate between ALS and MMN. Systematic ultrasound measurements of peripheral nerves and the 6th cervical nerve root (C6) were performed in 17 patients with ALS, in 8 patients with MMN and in 28 healthy controls. Nerve conduction studies of corresponding nerves were undertaken in MMN and ALS patients. Electromyography was performed in ALS patients according to revised El-Escorial criteria. ANOVA and unpaired t test with Bonferroni correction revealed significant differences in cross-sectional areas (CSA) of different nerves and C6 diameter between the groups. Nerve enlargement was found significantly more frequently in MMN than in other groups (p < 0.001). Receiver operating characteristics analysis revealed detection of enlarged nerves/roots in at least four measurement points to serve as a good marker to differentiate MMN from ALS with a sensitivity of 87.5% and a specificity of 94.1%. Ultrasonic focal nerve enlargement in MMN was often not colocalized with areas of conduction blocks found in nerve conduction studies. Systematic ultrasound measurements in different nerves and nerve roots are valuable for detecting focal nerve enlargement in MMN, generally not found in ALS and thus could serve as a diagnostic marker to differentiate between both entities in addition to electrodiagnostic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Grimm
- Department of Neurology, Neuromuscular Center, Basel University Hospital, University Basel, Petersgraben 4, 4000, Basel, Switzerland,
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Kerasnoudis A, Woitalla D, Gold R, Pitarokoili K, Yoon MS. Sarcoid neuropathy: Correlation of nerve ultrasound, electrophysiological and clinical findings. J Neurol Sci 2014; 347:129-36. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2014.09.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2014] [Revised: 09/15/2014] [Accepted: 09/19/2014] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
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Grimm A, Heiling B, Schumacher U, Witte OW, Axer H. Ultrasound differentiation of axonal and demyelinating neuropathies. Muscle Nerve 2014; 50:976-83. [PMID: 24634226 DOI: 10.1002/mus.24238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Ultrasound can be used to visualize peripheral nerve abnormality. Our objective in this study was to prove whether nerve ultrasound can differentiate between axonal and demyelinating polyneuropathies (PNPs). METHODS Systematic ultrasound measurements of peripheral nerves were performed in 53 patients (25 with demyelinating, 20 with axonal, 8 with mixed neuropathy) and 8 healthy controls. Nerve conduction studies of corresponding nerves were undertaken. RESULTS Analysis of variance revealed significant differences between the groups with regard to motor conduction velocity, compound muscle action potential amplitude, and cross-sectional area (CSA) of different nerves at different locations. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed CSA measurements to be well suited for detection of demyelinating neuropathies, and boundary values of peripheral nerve CSA could be defined. CONCLUSIONS Systematic ultrasound CSA measurement in different nerves helped detect demyelination, which is an additional cue in the etiological diagnosis of PNP, along with nerve conduction studies and nerve biopsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Grimm
- Hans Berger Department of Neurology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany; Department of Neurology, Basel University Hospital, Petersgraben 4 CH-4000, Basel, Switzerland; Center for Sepsis Control and Care, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
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Grimm A, Décard BF, Bischof A, Axer H. Ultrasound of the peripheral nerves in systemic vasculitic neuropathies. J Neurol Sci 2014; 347:44-9. [PMID: 25262016 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2014.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2014] [Revised: 09/05/2014] [Accepted: 09/12/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Ultrasound of the peripheral nerves (PNUS) can be used to visualize nerve pathologies in polyneuropathies (PNP). The aim of this study was to investigate, whether PNUS provides additional information in patients with proven systemic vasculitic neuropathies (VN). MATERIAL AND METHODS Systematic ultrasound measurements of several peripheral nerves, the vagal nerve and the 6th cervical nerve root were performed in 14 patients and 22 healthy controls. Nerve conduction studies of the corresponding nerves were undertaken. Finally, the measured results were compared to a study population of demyelinating immune-mediated and axonal neuropathies. RESULTS Patients with VN displayed significant smaller amplitudes of compound muscle action potentials (CMAP) (p<0.05) and sensory nerve action potentials (SNAP) compared to healthy controls, while conduction velocity did not differ between groups. The mean nerve cross-sectional areas (CSA) were increased in several peripheral nerves compared to the controls, most prominent in tibial and fibular nerve (p<0.01). PNUS revealed nerve enlargement in most of the clinically and electrophysiologically affected nerves (22 out of 31) in VN. Nerve enlargement was more often seen in vasculitic neuropathies than in other axonal neuropathies, but significantly rarer than in demyelinating neuropathies. CONCLUSION Focal CSA enlargement in one or more nerves in electrophysiologically axonal neuropathies can be a hint for VN and thus facilitate diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Grimm
- Department of Neurology, Basel University Hospital, Switzerland; Hans Berger Department of Neurology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany.
| | | | - Antje Bischof
- Department of Neurology, Basel University Hospital, Switzerland; Clinical Immunology, Basel University Hospital Basel, Switzerland
| | - Hubertus Axer
- Hans Berger Department of Neurology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany; Center for Sepsis Control and Care (CSCC), Jena University Hospital, Germany
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Zaidman CM, Pestronk A. Nerve size in chronic inflammatory demyelinating neuropathy varies with disease activity and therapy response over time: a retrospective ultrasound study. Muscle Nerve 2014; 50:733-8. [PMID: 24615614 DOI: 10.1002/mus.24227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2013] [Revised: 02/19/2014] [Accepted: 02/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Nerves are often enlarged in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). In this investigation we studied changes with treatment over time. METHODS We retrospectively compared serial ultrasound measurements of median and ulnar nerve size with clinical and electrodiagnostic evaluations in 23 CIDP subjects. We defined remission as stable clinical improvement on low or decreasing amounts of medication. RESULTS Nerves were normal at last follow-up more often in subjects who achieved remission than in those who did not (10 of 13 vs. 0 of 10, P = 0.0001). Nerves were normal or smaller (>30% reduction) more often in subjects whose grip strength improved or remained strong compared those whose grip strength weakened (12 of 16 vs. 0 of 3, P = 0.04), and in subjects whose demyelinating electrodiagnostic features resolved compared with those whose demyelination persisted (7 of 7 vs. 6 of 12, P = 0.04). Over time, nerve size decreased more in subjects with baseline nerve enlargement who achieved remission than in those who did not (-41% vs. 7%, P = 0.04). CONCLUSION In CIDP, enlarged nerves normalized or decreased with remission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig M Zaidman
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, Box 8111, St. Louis, Missouri, 63110, USA
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Kerasnoudis A, Pitarokoili K, Behrendt V, Gold R, Yoon MS. Increased cerebrospinal fluid protein and motor conduction studies as prognostic markers of outcome and nerve ultrasound changes in Guillain–Barré syndrome. J Neurol Sci 2014; 340:37-43. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2014.02.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2013] [Revised: 01/30/2014] [Accepted: 02/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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