Diabetic thoracic radiculopathy: electrodiagnostic study

We investigated the diagnostic value of electromyographic (EMG) examination of the anterior abdominal wall muscles (AWMS) in thoracic radiculopathy and compared it with examination of thoracic paraspinal muscles (TPSM). Technically, examination of AWMS was much easier compared to TPSM. In eight patients with thoracic diabetic radiculopathy at the level of T7-T12, AWMS was abnormal in all and was considered to be diagnostic, whereas AWMS was normal in diabetic lumbar radiculopathy, patients with diabetes mellitus without radiculopathy, patients with unspecified gastrointestinal pain, and patients with musculoskeletal-type back pain. We conclude that EMG evaluation for possible thoracic radiculopathy should include examination of AWMS, and if abnormal, would be of great diagnostic help in patients with unspecified gastrointestinal symptoms.