Farivar A Lahiji, MD; Hamidreza Aslani, MD; Amir Bisadi, MD; Seyed Mahdi Hosseini Khameneh, MD; Elham Rahimian, MD; Ali Fotouhi Maleki, MD; Seyyed Rouhollah Mousavi, MD; Farshad Safdari, MSc
Abstract
Background: Some authors suggested using ultrasound
in diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), however the efficacy of
ultrasound in determining the severity of disease is unclear. In current study,
we aimed to investigate the diagnostic efficacy of ultrasound in determining
the severity of ...
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Background: Some authors suggested using ultrasound
in diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), however the efficacy of
ultrasound in determining the severity of disease is unclear. In current study,
we aimed to investigate the diagnostic efficacy of ultrasound in determining
the severity of CTS in comparison with NCV using measurement of cross-sectional
area of median nerve. Methods: In
a prospective study, 181 CTS suspected wrists (94 patients) were investigated.
The cross-sectional area of the median nerve was measured using ultrasound and
the severity of disease was determined based on criteria of El Miedany et al. Based on the NCV,
the patients were divided into four groups of normal, mild, moderate or severe
CTS. Finally, the mean cross-sectional area was compared between the groups and
the kappa agreement coefficient for determining the severity of disease by the two
methods was calculated. Results: The mean cross-sectional area increased
significantly with increase in disease severity (p < /i>>.001). Conclusions: Determination of cross-sectional area of
median nerve with ultrasound can be a useful tool in decision-making about
surgical intervention in carpal tunnel syndrome. However, the clinical
correlation is mandatory.
