Neuromuscular ultrasound.
High-resolution ultrasound now is capable of imaging muscle and nerve in fine detail. It is sensitive in detecting chronic myopathies and neurogenic atrophy and may be able to detect subtle changes associated with acute denervation. It is particularly well suited to the study of fasciculations and kinesiology. Recent studies show that ultrasound also is capable of imaging most peripheral nerves,including small branches, and of sensitively measuring the swelling that follows chronic compression. This noninvasive technology holds considerable promise for providing anatomic information to complement other tests of nerve and muscle function.
Walker
Francis O
FO
Department of Neurology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA. fwalker@wfubmc.edu
D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000294:innervation; D009408:Nerve Compression Syndromes / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D009468:Neuromuscular Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D010525:Peripheral Nerves / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000379:methods*; D018615:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color