Possibilities and limitations of nerve ultrasound in polyneuropathies
D.R. SAFINA¹, F.I. DEVLIKAMOVA²
¹Kazan (Volga region) Federal University, Kazan
²Kazan State Medical Academy, Kazan
Contact details:
Safina D.R. — Ph. D. (Medicine), Аssociate Professor of the Department of Neurology with courses in Psychiatry, Clinical Psychology and Medical Genetics
Address: 18 Kremlevskaya St., Kazan, Russian Federation, 420008, tel.: +7 (843) 236-78-92, e-mail: safina_neuro@mail.ru
Polyneuropathies are among the most common and heterogeneous diseases of the nervous system. Clinical examination and electromyography data classically used in the diagnosis of polyneuropathies may not be sufficient to reduce the range of possible diseases and determine the specific nosology. Ultrasound examination is a universal and accessible method that can be considered as an additional tool for differential diagnosis. The review describes the features of nerve ultrasound changes in demyelinating polyneuropathies of various etiologies, including autoimmune, dysmetabolic and hereditary subtypes. A group of polyneuropathies with specific ultrasound pattern is outlined, as well as the limitations of ultrasound examinations and possible difficulties in differential diagnosis. Algorithms for differential diagnosis of polyneuropathies using a combination of clinical examination, electromyography and nerve ultrasound are outlined.
Key words: polyneuropathy, nerve ultrasound, Charcot — Marie —Tutte disease, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy.
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