Mani Kumar Sharma
Sharma Skin Foundation
India
Title: Ultrasonographic evaluation of nerves in clinically suspected cases of pure neuritic leprosy-a study of 450 cases.
Biography
Biography: Mani Kumar Sharma
Abstract
Objective: To study the role of ultrasonography (USG) of nerves as a screening and follow up imaging modality in clinically suspected cases of Pure Neuritic Leprosy (PNL). Materials and Methods: Peripheral nerves of 450 clinically suspected cases of Pure Neuritic Leprosy were evaluated by high resolution ultrasonography and compared with histologic findings. The cases were categorized according to the USG criterias-echogenicity of nerves-echogenic, hypoechoic and hyperechoic, thickness of nerves-normal and suspected nerves were compared. Results: The analysis showed that 88% of hyphoechoic and thickened nerves showed AFB in histology. 38% of hypoechoic nerves without thickening showed AFB in histology. Nerve abscess was seen in 3% of cases. 40% of after treatment showed misted echogenicity. Conclusion: Ultrasonography (USG) can be used as a screening and follow up imaging modality in suspected cases of Pure Neuritic Leprosy (PNL) in endemic areas as it is a non-invasive, easy to use, cheap, sensitive and highly reliable tool. References: High resolution sonography of the peripheral nervous system, a review of literature; European journal of neurology 11 (5) 305-314; Echotexture of peripheral nerves correlation between Ultrasonography and histologic findings; Radiology, 1995 vol. 197 pp 291-296.
