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Updated: Jun 27, 2026

Nerve Ultrasound Protocol to Detect Dysimmune Neuropathies
Published on: October 7, 2021
A rational diagnostic approach to peripheral neuropathy.
A Gordon Smith1, Mark B Bromberg
1Salt Lake City, UT From the Departments of *Neurology and daggerPathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah.
This review presents a diagnostic algorithm for peripheral neuropathies, aiding specialists in characterizing these common nerve disorders. Applying this approach successfully diagnosed two-thirds of patients with symmetric, distal, sensory-predominant neuropathy.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Clinical Neuroscience
Background:
- Peripheral neuropathies are common and challenging to diagnose.
- Effective evaluation requires a systematic approach.
Purpose of the Study:
- To apply a previously outlined diagnostic algorithm for peripheral neuropathies.
- To emphasize atypical features and focused differential diagnoses to reduce unnecessary testing.
Main Methods:
- Utilized an algorithm based on anatomy, pathology, electrodiagnosis, and clinical localization.
- Reviewed evidence for routine laboratory tests.
- Recommended a specific panel for symmetric, distal, sensory-predominant neuropathies.
Main Results:
- The diagnostic approach facilitated full characterization of peripheral neuropathies.
- A diagnosis was achieved in two-thirds of patients evaluated with this method.
Conclusions:
- A structured diagnostic algorithm improves the characterization of peripheral neuropathies.
- Focused testing based on clinical presentation is effective in diagnosing these conditions.
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