The yield of sural nerve biopsy in the evaluation of peripheral neuropathies.
The diagnostic yield of sural nerve biopsy was evaluated in 120 peripheral neuropathy patients. In 58 (48%) a final diagnosis was reached without biopsy, while 14 (11.5%) remained undiagnosed. Nerve biopsy contributed to the final diagnosis in 20 of the 53 biopsies (38%). In patients with motor conduction velocity below 30 m/s, sural nerve histology was helpful in 65% of biopsies. In patients with milder reduction in conduction biopsy contributed in only 11%. It is concluded that in general neurological population, nerve biopsy is of limited value as a routine diagnostic procedure. However, in patients with marked slowing of conduction velocity, in whom the diagnosis is not immediately apparent, sural nerve biopsy is indicated.
Argov
Z
Z
Department of Neurology, Haddasah University Hospitals, Jerusalem, Israel.
Steiner
I
I
Soffer
D
D
D001706:Biopsy; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D009410:Nerve Degeneration; D010523:Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / Q000473:pathology*; D013127:Spinal Nerves / Q000473:pathology*; D013497:Sural Nerve / Q000473:pathology*