Alon Abraham1,2, Vivian E Drory1,2, Yaara Fainmesser1, Avi A Algom1, Leif E Lovblom3, Vera Bril4,5. 1. Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Department of Neurology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel. 2. Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel. 3. Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Sinai Health System, and Lunenfeld Tanenbaum Research Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada. 4. Ellen and Martin Prosserman Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases, Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada. 5. Department for Research and Medical Consultations, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Nerve imaging has a limited role in axonal and muscle fiber loss. In this study, we sought to explore the utility of standardized muscle ultrasound (US) assessment in these clinical scenarios. METHODS: We performed a prospective study from March to August 2018 of patients attending the neuromuscular clinic. All patients underwent clinical evaluation and standardized muscle thickness measurement by US in seven muscles. RESULTS: The study cohort consisted of 114 participants, including patients with polyneuropathy, motor neuron disease, and myopathy. The smallest distal muscle thickness was found in patients with polyneuropathy, while the smallest proximal muscle thickness was found in patients with myopathy. Muscle thickness was strongly correlated with muscle strength (r 2 = 0.62), electrophysiological findings (r 2 : 0.44-0.55), and disability score (r 2 = 0.53). DISCUSSION: Standardized muscle thickness measured by US shows diagnostic usefulness in a spectrum of neuromuscular disorders and correlates with clinical and electrophysiological findings.
INTRODUCTION: Nerve imaging has a limited role in axonal and muscle fiber loss. In this study, we sought to explore the utility of standardized muscle ultrasound (US) assessment in these clinical scenarios. METHODS: We performed a prospective study from March to August 2018 of patients attending the neuromuscular clinic. All patients underwent clinical evaluation and standardized muscle thickness measurement by US in seven muscles. RESULTS: The study cohort consisted of 114 participants, including patients with polyneuropathy, motor neuron disease, and myopathy. The smallest distal muscle thickness was found in patients with polyneuropathy, while the smallest proximal muscle thickness was found in patients with myopathy. Muscle thickness was strongly correlated with muscle strength (r 2 = 0.62), electrophysiological findings (r 2 : 0.44-0.55), and disability score (r 2 = 0.53). DISCUSSION: Standardized muscle thickness measured by US shows diagnostic usefulness in a spectrum of neuromuscular disorders and correlates with clinical and electrophysiological findings.