Ultrasound in Muscle Biopsy

Outcomes of Ultrasound-guided Versus Blind Core Muscle Biopsy

The objective of the proposed study is to evaluate the clinical utility of muscle ultrasonography for improving the diagnostic yield and safety of core muscle biopsy. Our facility currently uses core (needle) biopsy to obtain muscle samples in patients 18 years old or older. Currently, there is no imaging tool used to guide the actual biopsy. As muscle biopsy is an invasive and potentially painful procedure, improving the diagnostic yield of this test is important.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Consecutive subjects scheduled for a biopsy at our EMG laboratory will be asked if they would like to participate until a total of 40 participants are obtained.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Age under 18 years.
• Inability to provide consent for participation.