[Nerve and muscle imaging in peripheral neuropathy associated to electroneuromyography: the ideal couple?]

Abstract

Electroneuromyography (ENMG) is the gold standard tool in evaluating peripheral neuropathies, and it is essential to the diagnosis and the location of the involvement, as well as the assessment of the severity and the prognosis of the lesion. However, it has also limitations. It is highly examiner dependant and because it is unpleasant, the assessment of some nerves and muscles is limited. The evaluation of proximal nerve and deep muscles is difficult to perform. Magnetic resonance imaging and echography represent a fast growing field in demyelinating and motor neuropathy assessment, while these imaging procedures are now well validated in myopathies. In this article, we discuss sensitivity, specificity and prognostic data brought up by these new imaging tools compared to ENMG and the significant future prospects they offer.