Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 8, 2025
Nerve Ultrasound Protocol to Detect Dysimmune Neuropathies
Published on: October 7, 2021
Ultra-high-frequency ultrasound imaging of sural nerve: A comparative study with nerve biopsy in progressive
Angela Puma1,2, Nicolae Grecu1, Luisa Villa1,3
1Peripheral Nervous System and Muscle Department, CHU Nice, Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France.
Introduction:
Nerve ultrasound has been used increasingly in clinical practice as a complementary test for diagnostic assessment of neuropathies, but nerve biopsy remains invaluable in certain cases. The aim of this study was to compare ultra-high-frequency ultrasound (UHF-US) to histologic findings in progressive polyneuropathies.
Methods:
Ten patients with severe, progressive neuropathies underwent ultrasound evaluation of the sural nerve before nerve biopsy. Ultrasound data were compared with histologic results in a retrospective manner.
Results:
Sural nerves were easily identified on UHF-US. Nerve hyperechogenicity correlated with inflammatory infiltrates on biopsy. Nerve fascicles could be identified and measured on ultrasound in the majority of patients.
Discussion:
Hyperechogenicity on UHF-US may be a marker of nerve inflammation in neuropathies. Furthermore, the UHF-US probe allows for evaluation of sensory nerves in spite of their small size, providing valuable information on their size and on their internal structure.
