Premium
Ultrasound Applications in Electrodiagnosis
Author(s) -
Boon Andrea J.,
Smith Jay,
Harper C. Michel
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
pmandr
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.617
H-Index - 66
eISSN - 1934-1563
pISSN - 1934-1482
DOI - 10.1016/j.pmrj.2011.07.004
Subject(s) - medicine , credentialing , ultrasound , electrodiagnosis , electromyography , diagnostic accuracy , entrapment neuropathy , diagnostic ultrasound , modality (human–computer interaction) , nerve conduction , nerve conduction study , neuromuscular disease , medical physics , radiology , physical medicine and rehabilitation , carpal tunnel syndrome , surgery , pathology , disease , computer science , artificial intelligence , medical education
This review article discusses the current scope of high‐resolution diagnostic ultrasound in the diagnosis of neuromuscular disease, both as a complementary tool to electrodiagnosis and in some cases as a stand‐alone imaging modality. Indications, limitations, potential for research, and training and credentialing are discussed. Indications include needle guidance for nerve conduction studies and needle electromyography, diagnosis of nerve entrapment, diagnostic muscle imaging via grayscale analysis, and dynamic real‐time imaging, including sonopalpation, to provide additional diagnostic information. The role of neuromuscular ultrasound in research is discussed, including the need to evaluate the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value, and cost‐effectiveness of these techniques when they are used alone or in combination. Training and credentialing are reviewed, specifically noting the challenge of the lack of formal training programs and the relatively long, flat learning curve of diagnostic ultrasound.