title: Detection of fasciculations in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: The optimal ultrasound scan time.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This study seeks to elucidate the optimal scan time to detect fasciculations by using ultrasound in the diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
  
  
  METHODS
  The intervals between fasciculations were recorded from tongue, abdominal, and limb muscles in ALS patients, incorporating assessment of the cumulative probability of 2 fasciculations occurring.
  
  
  RESULTS
  From prospective studies of 228 muscles from 19 ALS patients, fasciculations were detectable in 68% of patients. The longest interfasciculation interval recorded was 81.4 s in the hand muscle. The cumulative probability of 2 fasciculations occurring was calculated as ≥0.9 in all muscles during a period of 60 s.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A definition of 2 or more fasciculations occurring during a scan time of 60 s reliably allowed detection of fasciculations in ALS. Muscle Nerve, 2017.
authors.affiliation: Brain and Mind Centre, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, 94 Mallett Street, Camperdown, Sydney, New South Wales, 2040, Australia.
authors.forename: Yu-Ichi
authors.initials: YI
authors.lastname: Noto
authors.affiliation: Brain and Mind Centre, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, 94 Mallett Street, Camperdown, Sydney, New South Wales, 2040, Australia.
authors.forename: Kazumoto
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Shibuya
authors.affiliation: Brain and Mind Centre, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, 94 Mallett Street, Camperdown, Sydney, New South Wales, 2040, Australia.
authors.forename: Nortina
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Shahrizaila
authors.affiliation: Brain and Mind Centre, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, 94 Mallett Street, Camperdown, Sydney, New South Wales, 2040, Australia.
authors.forename: William
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Huynh
authors.affiliation: Brain and Mind Centre, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, 94 Mallett Street, Camperdown, Sydney, New South Wales, 2040, Australia.
authors.forename: José M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Matamala
authors.affiliation: Brain and Mind Centre, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, 94 Mallett Street, Camperdown, Sydney, New South Wales, 2040, Australia.
authors.forename: Thanuja
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Dharmadasa
authors.affiliation: Brain and Mind Centre, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, 94 Mallett Street, Camperdown, Sydney, New South Wales, 2040, Australia.
authors.forename: Matthew C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Kiernan
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000690:Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005207:Fasciculation / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000592:standards; D014741:Video Recording / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*
keywords: amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; diagnosis; fasciculation; muscle; time; ultrasound