AbstractBackground: Ultrasound (US) elastography is an innovative imaging technique designed to assess the stiffness of the tissues. Sonoelastography is an US-based technique that quantifies the elasticity of the tissues. The objective of this work was to assess grey scale and elastography US-imaging results in individuals with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) relative to nerve conduction investigations and clinical assessments.
Methods: This prospective had been conducted on 30 patients aging from 20 to 60 years old, both sexes, with symptoms of CTS, electromyography reveals changes in the median nerve sensory conduction velocities and a distal motor latency prolongation. Each participant underwent elastography ultrasound.
Results: Cross-sectional area (CSA), strain ratio, slightly reduced or decreased echogenicity relative to surrounding tissue and mobility had been significantly greater in CTS wrists than normal wrists (p<0.001). Carotid artery stenting and strain ratio was significantly reduced in mild CTS wrists than moderate and severe CTS wrists (p<0.05). Strain ratio was significantly lower in moderate CTS wrists contrasted to severe CTS wrists (p<0.001). CSA and strain ratio is a significant predictor of CTS respectively (area under the curve: 0.882 and 0.928, p<0.001). At a cutoff value of >11 and >1.7, it can predict CTS with a sensitivity of 74% and 86% specificity of 88% and 94%.
Conclusions: Alongside electrophysiological studies, grey scale ultrasound and elastography ultrasound significantly enhanced diagnostic accuracy in the evaluation of CTS. They are essential instruments for the diagnosis and categorization of CTS.
