Peripheral nerve enlargement and hyperechogenicity in patients with X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy using high-resolution ultrasound.

BACKGROUND

Peripheral neuropathy is observed in patients with X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (x-ALD). High-resolution ultrasound (HRUS) can provide valuable insights into peripheral nerve pathology.

METHODS

Patients and controls in a 1:3 ratio underwent HRUS of peripheral nerves in the arms and legs. Cross-sectional area (CSA), Ultrasound Pattern Sum Score (UPSS), nerve echogenicity, and nerve homogeneity were measured. Additionally, all patients underwent clinical examinations as well as nerve conduction studies.

RESULTS

The study included 51 patients (34 male, 17 female) and 18 age- and sex-matched controls with female patients being significantly older. 43 patients presented with clinical signs of polyneuropathy. 47 patients presented with abnormalities on nerve conductions studies with changes consistent with a mixture of axonal as well as demyelinating patterns. On HRUS, most peripheral nerves exhibited significantly larger mean CSA-values. The UPSS was notably greater in X-ALD patients than in controls (3.7 points vs 1.8 points, p = 0.026). A higher UPSS was significantly associated with a more hyperechoic nerve structure (r = -0.482, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

This study reveals significantly enlarged peripheral nerves in X-ALD patients. Moreover, a correlation between enlargement and increasing hyperechogenicity was observed.

SIGNIFICANCE: This study provides an approach to enhance the understanding of polyneuropathic changes in patients with X-ALD.