Possibilities of ultrasound in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a literature review

Abstract

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a neurodegenerative disease with a steady and rapid progression, manifested, in addition to the loss of strength of the muscles of the limbs and trunk, the development of fatal bulbar and respiratory disorders. Due to the need for early detection of this pathology, a large number of diagnostic tests have been proposed, which make it possible to suspect a motor neuron disease in a patient with a high probability. However, due to the polymorphic clinical picture of the disease, currently there are diagnostic situations in which existing methods do not allow to establish a reliable diagnosis or it becomes possible only at the later stages of the disease. This review examines the modern possibilities of ultrasound examination of peripheral nerves and muscles in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Keywords

• ultrasound examination
• amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
• fasciculations
• bulbar syndrome