Abstract
Objective: The few published ultrasound (US) studies on chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy
(CIDP) report diffusely increased cross-sectional area (CSA) of nerves. The data are, however,
heterogeneous and correlations with clinical history or disease severity are lacking.
Methods: Thirty-four patients with CIDP underwent US nerve evaluation by two neurologists blinded to
clinical data. US nerve pattern for each patient was defined by a third neurologist blinded to clinical data.
Three US classes were identified based on CSA and echogenicity: large nerves with hypoechoic nerves/
fascicles (class 1); large nerves with heterogeneous hypo- and hyperechoic fascicles (class 2); normal size
nerve but abnormal hyperechoic array (class 3).
Results: In all patients, US nerve changes were observed: in most of the cases, enlarged nerves or nerve
segments were observed. The three ‘classes’ of US nerve changes significantly correlated (R: 0.68,
p < 0.001) with disease duration, but not with age or Inflammatory Neuropathy Cause and Treatment
(INCAT) disability score.
Conclusions: US may be of adjunctive diagnostic value in CIDP assessment. Nerve morphological changes
may mirror the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms and seem to correlate with disease duration.
Significance: These results offer the possibility of exploring the use of US to assess CIDP disease activity
and treatment.
Lingua originale | English |
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pagine (da-a) | 160-165 |
Numero di pagine | 6 |
Rivista | Clinical Neurophysiology |
Volume | 125 |
DOI | |
Stato di pubblicazione | Pubblicato - 2013 |
Keywords
- Autoimmune diseases
- Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polineuropathy
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Ultrasound