Neurophysiological and Ultrasound Correlations in Guillain Barré Syndrome and CIDP-Case Series

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) are inflammatory polyneuropathies with an autoimmune etiology. These diseases differ mainly in the timing of their course but also in certain clinical differences. Electroneurography and electromyography are crucial for fulfilling the primary (for CIDP) and secondary (for GBS) diagnostic criteria. High-resolution ultrasound (HRUS) is recognized as a complementary method in the diagnosis of CIDP and GBS.

The aim of this study was to present the neurophysiological and ultrasound findings of patients with clinically diagnosed inflammatory neuropathies (GBS and CIDP).

We collected data from clinically confirmed patients with GBS (3 persons) and CIDP (6 persons). The neurography and high-resolution ultrasound examinations according to the UPSS scale were performed.

The neurography tests of GBS and CIDP patients showed mainly demyelinating lesions of the examined nerves, often with abnormal F-wave recordings. Examination using HRUS in GBS patients showed mild and regional nerve swelling with hypoechoic bundles with a predilection for proximal segments and cervical spinal nerve roots. In contrast, CIDP patients had diffused nerve swelling with hypoechoic bundles of greater severity and extent than those with GBS.

Neurophysiological tests and HRUS of peripheral nerves, plexi, and roots performed together can be very valuable, complementary diagnostic methods for the early diagnosis and effective treatment of inflammatory polyneuropathies.