Volume 56, Issue 6 pp. 1054-1062
Clinical Research

Ultrasonography in neuralgic amyotrophy: Sensitivity, spectrum of findings, and clinical correlations

Zsuzsanna ArÁnyi MD, PhD

Corresponding Author

Zsuzsanna ArÁnyi MD, PhD

MTA-SE NAP B Peripheral Nervous System Research Group, Department of Neurology, Semmelweis University, Balassa u. 6, Budapest, 1083 Hungary

Correspondence to: Z. Arányi; e-mail: [email protected]Search for more papers by this author
Anita Csillik MD

Anita Csillik MD

MTA-SE NAP B Peripheral Nervous System Research Group, Department of Neurology, Semmelweis University, Balassa u. 6, Budapest, 1083 Hungary

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Katalin DéVay MD

Katalin DéVay MD

Department of Traumatology, Szt. István and László Hospital, Budapest, Hungary

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Maja Rosero MD

Maja Rosero MD

Department of Traumatology, Szt. István and László Hospital, Budapest, Hungary

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PéTer Barsi MD, PhD

PéTer Barsi MD, PhD

MRI Research Center, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary

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Josef BÖhm MD, PhD

Josef BÖhm MD, PhD

Neurologische Praxis, Dr. Friedrich Behse/Dr. Josef Böhm, Berlin, Germany

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Thomas Schelle MD

Thomas Schelle MD

Department of Neurology, Städtisches Klinikum Dessau, Dessau, Germany

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First published: 26 May 2017
Citations: 96

Funding: Supported by the National Brain Research Program of the Hungarian Government (KTIA_NAP_13-2-2014-0012 to Z.A. and C.A.).

ABSTRACT

Introduction

The aim of this study was to assess the value of ultrasonography in neuralgic amyotrophy.

Methods

Fifty-three patients with 70 affected nerves were examined with high-resolution ultrasound.

Results

The most commonly affected nerve was the anterior interosseous (23%). Ultrasonographic abnormalities in the affected nerves, rather than in the brachial plexus, were observed, with an overall sensitivity of 74%. Findings included the swelling of the nerve/fascicle with or without incomplete/complete constriction and rotational phenomena (nerve torsion and fascicular entwinement). A significant difference was found among the categories of ultrasonographic findings with respect to clinical outcome (P = 0.01). In nerves with complete constriction and rotational phenomena, reinnervation was absent or negligible, indicating surgery was warranted.

Discussion

Ultrasonography may be used as a diagnostic aid in neuralgic amyotrophy, which was hitherto a clinical and electrophysiological diagnosis, and may also help in identifying potential surgical candidates. Muscle Nerve 56: 1054–1062, 2017

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