Walker FO, Cartwright MS, Hunt CH. Managing uncommon and unexpected findings during neuromuscular ultrasound.
Muscle Nerve 2020;
63:793-806. [PMID:
33325071 DOI:
10.1002/mus.27128]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
One barrier to widespread adoption of neuromuscular ultrasound by clinical neurophysiologists is concern over how to identify and manage non-neuromuscular findings. This review addresses this concern by describing the sonographic appearance of a variety of commonly observed pathologies and anatomic variants in dermal, subcutaneous, bony, glandular, lymphatic, vascular, and other superficial tissues. Additionally, it outlines techniques to ensure proper clinical and ultrasound evaluation of unexpected or uncommon findings. Finally, it highlights strategies to manage unexpected findings, including how to best communicate findings to patients and referring clinicians to avoid unnecessary testing and ensure appropriate follow-up. Ultrasound extends the ability of the neuromuscular sonographer-clinician to contribute to patient care.
Collapse