Ultrasound imaging of nerves in the neck: Correlation with MRI, EMG, and clinical findings

We evaluated the performance of ultrasound in the detection of neuropathy of the suprascapular nerve (SSN), long thoracic nerve (LTN), spinal accessory nerve (SAN), and phrenic nerve and compared this performance with MRI.

A retrospective review of 56 patients who had undergone ultrasound imaging of the SSN, LTN, SAN, and phrenic nerve was performed. Diagnoses made by ultrasound, MRI, EMG reports, and clinical and operative notes were recorded.

Ultrasound was successful in visualizing nerves in the neck in the overwhelming majority of cases. Sonographic findings were typically in agreement with MRI and clinical findings.

Ultrasound is effective in the visualization and diagnostic evaluation of the SSN, LTN, SAN, and phrenic nerve.

This study provides Class IV evidence that ultrasound can effectively visualize and diagnose neuropathy of the SSN, LTN, SAN, and phrenic nerve in the neck.