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Comparison of MRI and motor evoked potential with triple stimulation technique for the detection of brachial plexus abnormalities in multifocal motor neuropathy
Author(s) -
Corazza Giovanni,
Le Corroller Thomas,
Grapperon AudeMarie,
SalortCampana Emmanuelle,
Verschueren Annie,
Attarian Shahram,
Delmont Emilien
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
muscle and nerve
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.025
H-Index - 145
eISSN - 1097-4598
pISSN - 0148-639X
DOI - 10.1002/mus.26773
Subject(s) - multifocal motor neuropathy , medicine , mismatch negativity , brachial plexus , hyperintensity , magnetic resonance imaging , fluid attenuated inversion recovery , stimulation , radiology , anesthesia , nuclear medicine , electroencephalography , psychiatry
Background Conduction blocks (CB) are the diagnostic hallmark of multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN). Conventional nerve conduction studies cannot detect CB above Erb's point. Our purpose was to compare the performance of the motor evoked potential with triple stimulation technique (MEP‐TST) and MRI in the detection of abnormalities of the brachial plexus. Methods Examinations were performed on 26 patients with MMN (11 definite, 6 probable, 9 possible), of whom 7 had no CB. Results MEP‐TST detected proximal CB in 19/26 patients. Plexus MRI showed T2 hyperintensity in 18/26 patients, with nerve enlargement in 14/18. A combination of both techniques increased the detection rate of brachial plexus abnormalities to 96% of patients (25/26). Conclusions MEP‐TST and MRI have high sensitivities for detecting brachial plexus abnormalities. A combination of the two techniques increases the detection rate of supportive criteria for the diagnosis of MMN.