Ultrasonographic Evaluation of Diabetic Neuropathy

Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy: Correlation Between Ultrasound Findings and Clinical Features

The current study aimed to evaluate the cross-sectional area (CSA) of peripheral nerves in people with diabetic peripheral neuropathy using ultrasonography and correlate the CSA with clinical and demographic data.

Patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (n=53) and a matched healthy control group (n=53) underwent blinded ultrasonography imaging of the sciatic, tibial and median nerves. Matching was performed according to patient body mass index (BMI), sex and age. CSAs of the nerves were recorded, and the associations between pain intensity (measured with a visual analog scale [VAS]), the Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs (LANSS) pain scale, diabetes mellitus duration, BMI, HbA1c and blood glucose levels were evaluated.

Inclusion Criteria:

• type 2 diabetes mellitus
• Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs (LANSS) scores ≥ 12
• probable diabetic peripheral neuropathy according to the diabetic peripheral neuropathy criteria.

Exclusion Criteria

• type 1 diabetes mellitus
• hypothyroidism
• LANSS pain scale scores < 12
• body mass index (BMI) > 35
• current pregnancy
• histories of hereditary neuropathy, inflammatory neuropathy, nerve trauma, or other known causes of polyneuropathy; and the use of anti-neuropathic drugs.