Walker, Francis O.

ABSTRACTIntroduction/AimsPacinian corpuscles are end organs of the sensory nervous system. The size and superficial location of Pacinian corpuscles allows them to be visualized with high‐resolution ultrasound. This pilot study sought to assess the reliability of Pacinian corpuscle counting in the hand using ultrasound.MethodsTwo healthy participants underwent ultrasound evaluation by three ultrasonographers using a scanning protocol developed for this study. The ultrasound protocol used anatomic landmarks to identify and trace digital nerves in the palms and the adjacent Pacinian corpuscles. The ultrasonographers used morphologic features to identify and count Pacinian corpuscles at two sites in each hand for each participant using a 10–22 MHz linear‐array transducer. The procedure was repeated at 2 time points. Inter‐rater and intrarater reliabilities were determined using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs).ResultsPacinian corpuscles were identified in the second–third and fourth–fifth intermetacarpal spaces. The ultrasound appearance of Pacinian corpuscles is of a hypoechoic, rounded structure without a hyperechoic rim. A clustered appearance and septate internal structure are distinct features of Pacinian corpuscles, but these features are not always present. The mean number at each site was between 10.71 and 11.71. Inter‐rater and intrarater reliability both resulted in ICC values over 0.8, indicating “good” inter‐rater and intrarater reliabilities.DiscussionPacinian corpuscles can be reliably counted in the hand using high‐resolution ultrasound. The reliability data from this pilot study may facilitate further ultrasound studies of Pacinian corpuscles, which may be decreased in number or undergo other changes in polyneuropathies.

AbstractThe classification of peripheral neuropathies has traditionally been based on etiology, electrodiagnostic findings, or histopathologic features. With the advent of modern imaging, they now can also be characterized based on their varied distribution of imaging findings. We describe the major morphologic patterns of these changes, which include homogeneous enlargement; homogeneous thinning; focal, multifocal, and segmental enlargement; and focal thinning and beading (multifocal thinning). Representative disorders in each of these categories are discussed, along with examples of the more complex imaging manifestations of neuralgic amyotrophy, nerve transection, and hereditary amyloidosis. An appreciation of the diverse morphologic manifestations of neuropathy can help neuromuscular clinicians conduct appropriate imaging studies with ultrasound and, when needed, order suitable investigations with magnetic resonance neurography.

AbstractNeuromuscular ultrasound has become an integral part of the diagnostic workup of neuromuscular disorders at many centers. Despite its growing utility, uniform standard scanning techniques do not currently exist. Scanning approaches for similar diseases vary in the literature creating heterogeneity in the studies as reported in several meta‐analysis. Moreover, neuromuscular ultrasound experts including the group in this study have different views with regards to technical aspects, scanning protocols, and the parameters that should be assessed. Establishing standardized neuromuscular scanning protocols is essential for the development of the subspeciality to ensure uniform clinical and research practices. Therefore, we aimed to recommend consensus‐based standardized scanning techniques and protocols for common neuromuscular disorders using the Delphi approach. A panel of 17 experts participated in the study, which consisted of three consecutive electronic surveys. The first survey included voting on six scanning protocols addressing the general scanning technique and five common categories of suspected neuromuscular disorders. The subsequent surveys focused on refining the protocols and voting on new steps, rephrased statements, or areas of non‐agreement. A high degree of consensus was achieved on the general neuromuscular ultrasound scanning technique and the scanning protocols for focal mononeuropathies, brachial plexopathies, polyneuropathies, amyotophic lateral sclerosis, and muscle diseases. In this study, a group of neuromuscular ultrasound experts developed six consensus‐based neuromuscular ultrasound scanning protocols that may serve as references for clinicians and researchers. The standardized protocols could also aid in achieving high‐quality uniform neuromuscular ultrasound practices.

AbstractNeuromuscular ultrasound is a rapidly evolving specialty with direct application for patient care. Competency assessment is an essential standard needed to ensure quality for practitioners, particularly for those newly acquiring skills with the technique. Our aim was to survey experts' opinions regarding physician competency assessment of neuromuscular ultrasound and to identify minimal competency of knowledge and skills. The opinions of 18 experts were obtained through the Delphi method using two consecutive electronic surveys. A high degree of consensus was achieved on items regarding framework and the conduct of neuromuscular ultrasound assessment and the knowledge and skills that a candidate needs to attain minimal competency in neuromuscular ultrasound. In this study, a group of neuromuscular ultrasound experts developed a general framework for neuromuscular ultrasound competency assessment and recommended testable areas of knowledge and skills suitable for establishing minimal competency.

AbstractOne barrier to widespread adoption of neuromuscular ultrasound by clinical neurophysiologists is concern over how to identify and manage non‐neuromuscular findings. This review addresses this concern by describing the sonographic appearance of a variety of commonly observed pathologies and anatomic variants in dermal, subcutaneous, bony, glandular, lymphatic, vascular, and other superficial tissues. Additionally, it outlines techniques to ensure proper clinical and ultrasound evaluation of unexpected or uncommon findings. Finally, it highlights strategies to manage unexpected findings, including how to best communicate findings to patients and referring clinicians to avoid unnecessary testing and ensure appropriate follow‐up. Ultrasound extends the ability of the neuromuscular sonographer‐clinician to contribute to patient care.

AbstractNeuromuscular ultrasound has become an essential tool in the diagnostic evaluation of various neuromuscular disorders, and, as such, there is growing interest in neuromuscular ultrasound training. Effective training is critical in mastering this modality. Our aim was to develop consensus‐based guidelines for neuromuscular ultrasound training courses. A total of 18 experts participated. Expert opinion was sought through the Delphi method using 4 consecutive electronic surveys. A high degree of consensus was achieved with regard to the general structure of neuromuscular ultrasound training; the categorization of training into basic, intermediate, and advanced levels; the learning objectives; and the curriculum for each level. In this study, a group of neuromuscular ultrasound experts established consensus‐based guidelines for neuromuscular ultrasound training. These guidelines can be used in the development of the specialty and the standardization of neuromuscular ultrasound training courses and workshops.