Median nerve ultrasonography in Parkinson’s disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Background The cross-sectional area (CSA) of the median nerve in Parkinson’s disease remains unclear. Objectives This meta-analysis assesses median nerve CSA changes in Parkinson’s using ultrasonography. Methods PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and EBSCO were selectively searched for literature on Parkinson’s disease, Median nerve, and ultrasonography. Following full-text screening, three studies were included in this meta-analysis with 144 Parkinson’s disease patients and 127 controls. The primary outcome was the cross-sectional area of the median nerve; other motor parameters were also evaluated. Results The cross-sectional area of the median nerve was significantly increased in Parkinson’s patients compared to controls (p = 0.007); the standardized mean difference was 0.79 [95% CI (0.21 − 1.37)]. The standardized mean difference of the motor parameters of the median nerve, amplitude, and latency was −0.04 [95% CI (−0.85 to 0.77)] and 0.30 [95% CI (−0.04 to 0.64)], respectively, with statistically insignificant (All p > 0.05). Conclusion This meta-analysis concluded that the cross-sectional area of the median nerve is increased in Parkinson’s disease patients. The increase in the CSA of the median nerve might explain the higher prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome in Parkinson’s disease. Further studies are needed to quantify carpal tunnel syndrome prevalence accurately in Parkinson’s. Limitations Heterogeneity exists due to non-standardized CSA calculation methods and varied disease stages. Finger movement during ultrasound may introduce artifacts, compromising CSA measurement accuracy. Establishing a definitive CSA cut-off for carpal tunnel syndrome in Parkinson’s requires further investigation.