title: Fasciculation potentials in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and the diagnostic yield of the Awaji algorithm.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The role of fasciculation potentials (FPs) in the diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) has been underrated. The Awaji algorithm has restored the value of FPs. Our aim was to test the diagnostic yield of the Awaji algorithm, with consideration of FPs.
  
  
  METHODS
  Subjects consisted of 139 consecutive ALS patients retrospectively enrolled over 5 years. At presentation we evaluated the diagnostic categories using the revised El Escorial Criteria (R-EEC) and the Awaji algorithm.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The percentage of patients classified as confirmed ALS, clinically probable (laboratory-supported), or higher was 43% using the R-EEC and 37% using the Awaji algorithm. Thirteen patients with upper motor neuron signs only in one body region showed a decrease in their category using the Awaji algorithm. FPs were observed in 89% of ALS patients and were frequent in proximal muscles.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The sensitivity of the Awaji algorithm is lower than that of the R-EEC.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
authors.forename: Mana
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Higashihara
authors.forename: Masahiro
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sonoo
authors.forename: Ichiro
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Imafuku
authors.forename: Toshio
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Fukutake
authors.forename: Keiko
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kamakura
authors.forename: Kiyoharu
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Inoue
authors.forename: Yuki
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Hatanaka
authors.forename: Teruo
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Shimizu
authors.forename: Shoji
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Tsuji
authors.forename: Yoshikazu
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Ugawa
mesh_terms: D000200:Action Potentials / Q000502:physiology*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000465:Algorithms; D000690:Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis / Q000150:complications*; D004576:Electromyography; D005207:Fasciculation / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity