To Establish the Role of Shear Wave Elastography of Median Nerve in Diagnosis of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (Code-T0106)
Keywords:
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Shear Wave Elastography, Median Nerve, Ultrasound Elastography, Cross-Sectional Area, Diagnostic Imaging.Synopsis
Introduction: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a prevalent condition caused by the compression of the median nerve at the wrist, leading to sensory and motor impairments. Standard diagnostic methods, such as nerve conduction studies (NCS), may be uncomfortable for patients and lack sensitivity in certain cases. Shear Wave Elastography (SWE) offers a non-invasive alternative to quantify tissue stiffness, potentially enhancing diagnostic accuracy for CTS.
Aim and Objectives
Aim:
To Establish The Role Of Shear Wave Elastography Of Median Nerve In Diagnosis Of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
Objectives:
- To establish a cut-off value for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome based on stiffness of Median Nerve on Shear wave Elastography technique.
- To grade the severity of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome on Shear Wave Elastography in proven cases of CTS.
Methods: This prospective study included 50 participants, divided equally into cases and controls. SWE and cross-sectional area (CSA) measurements of the median nerve were obtained using an 18 Hz linear probe at three wrist locations. Diagnostic performance was assessed using ROC curve analysis. NCS was performed for CTS cases to validate findings.
Results: SWE demonstrated significant differences between CTS cases and controls at all measured sites. SWE inside the carpal tunnel showed the highest diagnostic accuracy (94%) with a stiffness cut-off of ≥63.5 kPa, achieving 88% sensitivity and 100% specificity. CSA measurements also yielded high diagnostic performance, with a proximal CSA cut-off of ≥0.08 cm² providing 96% sensitivity and 84% specificity.
Conclusion: SWE is a reliable, non-invasive diagnostic tool for CTS, with excellent diagnostic accuracy and potential for grading disease severity. It may complement or replace NCS in clinical practice.
Keywords: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Shear Wave Elastography, Median Nerve, Ultrasound Elastography, Cross-Sectional Area, Diagnostic Imaging.
