Ultrasonography in Neuromuscular Disorder

J Korean Neurol Assoc > Volume 29(2); 2011 > Article

Journal of the Korean Neurological Association 2011;29(2): 73-80.

신경근육질환 초음파촬영

장재홍, 유재국 김병조

고려대학교 의과대학 신경과학교실

Ultrasonography in Neuromuscular Disorder

Jae Hong Chang

Department of Neurology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea

Abstract

High-resolution (HR) ultrasound, which has been progressing continuously in technology, has improved in aspect of spatial and contrast resolution. The HR ultrasonography is a noninvasive, readily applicable imaging technique, which could get static and dynamic image in real-time for various neuromuscular disorders, especially in entrapment neuropathy. It is also a reliable tool to detect dynamic muscle movements such as fasciculation as well as muscle atrophy in chronic myopathies or neuropathies. Although reliability of the HR ultrasonography has not been investigated in large series of patients, different neuromuscular disorders tend to show specific changes on the ultrasound, which can be helpful in differential diagnosis. The HR ultrasonography is an ideal tool for the clinical and research investigation of neuromuscular system complementary to electrodiagnostic studies. This review briefly describes applicability for various neuromuscular disorders with previous study results and the technical aspects of ultrasound and its physical principles. Key Words: Ultrasonography, Nerve, Muscle, Neuromuscular disorder