High resolution ultrasonography of peripheral nerves in diabetic patients to evaluate nerve cross sectional area with clinical profile.

Objectives: The aim of this observational study was ultrasound evaluation of peripheral nerves cross-sectional area (CSA) in subjects with probable diabetic peripheral sensorimotor neuropathy (DPN). CSA was analyzed with reference to clinical and nerve conduction study's (NCS) parameters for early diagnosis and pattern of involvement.

Methods: A total of 50 patients with probable DPN due to Type 2 diabetes and 50 age-matched healthy controls underwent sonographic examinations of ulnar nerve at the lower arm, median nerve proximal to carpal tunnel, the common peroneal nerve proximal to fibular head, tibial nerve proximal to the tarsal tunnel, and sural nerve at lower third leg.

Results: CSA was increased in cases of DPN as compared to healthy controls. Area changes were more marked with demyelinating pattern. Probable DPN cases with normal NCS had significantly higher number of peripheral nerves showing increased CSA as compared to healthy control. A cut-off of 4 nerve thickening showed a sensitivity of 86 %, and specificity of 56%. The neuropathy pattern in the lower limb was axonal, whereas in the upper limb, it was demyelinating with the majority showing sonographic feature of associated compressive neuropathy.

Conclusion: There is an increase in CSA of peripheral nerve in diabetic patients. It can be used as a morphological marker for classifying DPN with changes being picked up earlier to NCS abnormality. Clinical neurological presentation in probable DPN can also be due to compressive neuropathy in early phases, and ultrasound can be a useful tool.

Advances In Knowledge: Early pick up of DPN cases shall be useful for early therapy and motivating the patients to actively participate in the treatment. Morphological changes on ultrasonography precedes the electrodiagnostic change in DPN. Symptoms of DPN is not only due to metabolic changes but also compressive neuropathy.