Metodologia i zastosowania kliniczne wysokorozdzielczej ultrasonografii nerwów

Abstract

Imaging-techniques of the peripheral nervous system such as high-resolution ultrasonography (hRUs) and mR-neurography are increasingly utilized worldwide for the investigation of peripheral nerve disorders. Both methods provide important informations about the morphology of the peripheral nerves, nerve-roots and the brachial plexus. The low cost in comparison with mR-neurography, possibility of a dynamic examination, assessing long nerves segments in a short time, bedside-availability, non-invasivity and the possibility of Us-guided nerves blocks and therapies make hRUs the ideal imaging tool in peripheral nerve diseases. hRUs allows the detection of alterations even in single fascicles and the perineurium and provides important additional information on morphological aspects and etiology of peripheral nerve pathology. It allows a precise localisation of the nerve lesion and provides information about the underlying etiology. hRUs is especially useful in detecting structural abnormalities of the nerves caused by compression, trauma, tumor, inflammation and a variety of non-neoplastic conditions, including nerve torsion. hRUs can be helpful in operation planning, intraoperative management and in detecting the causes of failed operations. This review presents an overview about the most relevant neurological applications of hRUs taking into account the personal experiences of the author.