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Updated: Feb 27, 2026
Nerve Ultrasound Protocol to Detect Dysimmune Neuropathies
Published on: October 7, 2021
Nerve ultrasound shows subclinical peripheral nerve involvement in neurofibromatosis type 2
Johan A Telleman1, Menno D Stellingwerff1, Geert J Brekelmans1
1Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology, Elisabeth-Tweesteden Hospital, Hilvarenbeekseweg 60, 5022 GC, Tilburg, The Netherlands.
Introduction:
Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) is mainly associated with central nervous system (CNS) tumors. Peripheral nerve involvement is described in symptomatic patients, but evidence of subclinical peripheral nerve involvement is scarce.
Methods:
We conducted a cross-sectional pilot study in 2 asymptomatic and 3 minimally symptomatic patients with NF2 to detect subclinical peripheral nerve involvement. Patients underwent clinical examination, nerve conduction studies (NCS), and high-resolution ultrasonography (HRUS).
Results:
A total of 30 schwannomas were found, divided over 20 nerve segments (33.9% of all investigated nerve segments). All patients had at least 1 schwannoma. Schwannomas were identified with HRUS in 37% of clinically unaffected nerve segments and 50% of nerve segments with normal NCS findings.
Discussion:
HRUS shows frequent subclinical peripheral nerve involvement in NF2. Clinicians should consider peripheral nerve involvement as a cause of weakness and sensory loss in the extremities in patients with this disease. Muscle Nerve 57: 312-316, 2018.
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