Application of a nerve stereoscopic reconstruction technique based on ultrasonic images in the diagnosis of neuralgic amyotrophy.

Objective

To propose a nerve stereoscopic reconstruction technique based on ultrasound imaging for site diagnosis, intuitive reflection of disease severity, and classification of neuralgic amyotrophy (NA).

Methods

We enrolled 44 patients with NA who underwent high-frequency ultrasonography examination. Multiple sites on the normal side and the affected side were scanned to calculate the ratio of the cross-section area (CSA) of the affected side to the normal side at each location measured, i.e., the cross-section area swelling ratio (CSASR). The CSASR of 44 patients and 30 normal controls was analyzed to determine their threshold value for the diagnosis of NA. Then, ultrasound images of the cross-section were used to reconstruct the stereoscopic model of the nerve on the affected side and the normal side. Using the CSASR values in each measurement location, a CSASR stereoscopic model was developed.

Results

The threshold value of CSASR for ultrasound diagnosis of NA was 1.55. The average diseased segments per patient was 2.49 ± 1.97, with an average overall length of 10.03 ± 7.95 cm. Nerve stereoscopic reconstruction could be conducted for swelling, torsion, incomplete constriction, and complete constriction.

Conclusion

The ultrasound image reconstruction method proposed in this study can accurately determine the site, range, and type of neuropathies in patients with NA, and simultaneously provide complete and accurate data information and intuitive morphological information.