Bochum ultrasound score versus clinical and electrophysiological parameters in distinguishing acute‐onset chronic from acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether a nerve ultrasound score (Bochum ultrasound score, BUS), clinical, and electrophysiological parameters could distinguish subacute chronic (CIDP) from acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (AIDP). Methods Phase 1: The charts of 35 patients with polyradiculoneuropathy were evaluated retrospectively regarding BUS, clinical, and electrophysiological parameters (A‐waves, sural nerve sparing pattern, sensory ratio > 1). Phase 2: All parameters were evaluated prospectively in 10 patients with subacute polyradiculoneuropathy. Results Phase 1: A sum score of ≥2 points in BUS and the presence of sensory symptoms were significantly more frequent in the subacute CIDP group than in the AIDP group ( P  < 0.001).The electrophysiological parameters showed no significant changes between the 2 groups. Phase 2: BUS (83.3%; 100%;), sensory symptoms (100%; 75%), absence of autonomic nervous system dysfunction (83.3%; 75%), or bulbar palsy (83.3%; 50%) showed the best sensitivity and specificity in distinguishing subacute CIDP from AIDP. Conclusions BUS is a useful diagnostic tool for distinguishing subacute CIDP from AIDP. Muscle Nerve 51 : 846–852, 2015