Neuromuscular ultrasound standardized scanning techniques and protocols: Expert panel recommendations

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Medical Imaging
• Ultrasound Technology

Background:

• Neuromuscular ultrasound is crucial for diagnosing neuromuscular disorders.
• Lack of standardized scanning techniques leads to inconsistent study results and varying expert opinions.
• Standardization is essential for advancing the field and ensuring reliable clinical and research practices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish consensus-based, standardized neuromuscular ultrasound scanning techniques and protocols for common neuromuscular disorders.
• To address the heterogeneity in current scanning approaches and expert methodologies.
• To provide reference protocols for clinicians and researchers.

Main Methods:

• A Delphi approach involving three rounds of electronic surveys with 17 neuromuscular ultrasound experts.
• Experts voted on general scanning techniques and protocols for specific neuromuscular disorder categories.
• Protocols were refined based on expert feedback and areas of non-agreement.

Main Results:

• High consensus was achieved on general scanning techniques and protocols for focal mononeuropathies, brachial plexopathies, polyneuropathies, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and muscle diseases.
• Six consensus-based neuromuscular ultrasound scanning protocols were developed.
• The developed protocols aim to serve as references for clinical and research applications.

Conclusions:

• Consensus-based protocols for neuromuscular ultrasound have been successfully developed.
• These standardized protocols can enhance the quality and uniformity of neuromuscular ultrasound practices.
• The established guidelines will support the development of the subspecialty in both clinical and research settings.