Quantitative neuromuscular ultrasound analysis as biomarkers in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

ConclusionsAPB muscle ultrasound biomarkers (especially MTh and EI) showed better discrimination capacity and correlation with clinical variables than MN biomarkers. However, the combination of both biomarkers increased their ability to detect LMN impairment, suggesting that both biomarkers could be used in a complementary manner for the diagnosis and progression monitoring in ALS.Key Points•Abductor pollicis brevis muscle and median nerve impairment is detectable by ultrasound in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients, even in those without clinical impairment.•Muscle ultrasound biomarkers show better discrimination capacity than nerve biomarkers in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.•Quantitative neuromuscular ultrasound biomarkers could be useful in a general amyotrophic lateral sclerosis population early on the disease.

Source: European Radiology - July 3, 2019 Category: Radiology Source Type: research