Morphological and functional changes in the diabetic peripheral nerve: using diagnostic ultrasound and neurosensory testing to select candidates for nerve decompression.

It has been hypothesized that in individuals with diabetes mellitus the peripheral nerve is swollen owing to increased water content related to increased aldose reductase conversion of glucose to sorbitol. It has further been hypothesized that the tibial nerve in the tarsal tunnel is at risk for chronic nerve compression related to this swelling. We used diagnostic ultrasound to evaluate this hypothesis. Cross-sectional areas of the tibial nerve were measured in diabetic patients with neuropathy and compared with previously reported measurements in nondiabetic patients and diabetic patients without neuropathy. We used the Pressure-Specified Sensory Device (Sensory Management Services LLC, Baltimore, Maryland) to document the presence of neuropathy in 24 diabetic patients (48 limbs). Previous studies have found that the cross-sectional area of the tibial nerve in nondiabetic patients and in diabetic patients without neuropathy is not significantly different. We found that the mean cross-sectional area of the tibial nerve in diabetic patients with neuropathy is significantly greater than that in diabetic patients without neuropathy (24.0 versus 12.0 mm(2)). Our study highlights the value of newer ultrasound imaging techniques in identifying morphological change in the tibial nerve and confirms that the tibial nerve in the tarsal tunnel is swollen, consistent with chronic compression, in diabetic patients with neuropathy.

Evaluation of shoulder integrity in space: first report of musculoskeletal US on the International Space Station.

Investigative procedures were approved by Henry Ford Human Investigation Committee and NASA Johnson Space Center Committee for Protection of Human Subjects. Informed consent was obtained. Authors evaluated ability of nonphysician crewmember to obtain diagnostic-quality musculoskeletal ultrasonographic (US) data of the shoulder by following a just-in-time training algorithm and using real-time remote guidance aboard the International Space Station (ISS). ISS Expedition-9 crewmembers attended a 2.5-hour didactic and hands-on US training session 4 months before launch. Aboard the ISS, they completed a 1-hour computer-based Onboard Proficiency Enhancement program 7 days before examination. Crewmembers did not receive specific training in shoulder anatomy or shoulder US techniques. Evaluation of astronaut shoulder integrity was done by using a Human Research Facility US system. Crew used special positioning techniques for subject and operator to facilitate US in microgravity environment. Common anatomic reference points aided initial probe placement. Real-time US video of shoulder was transmitted to remote experienced sonologists in Telescience Center at Johnson Space Center. Probe manipulation and equipment adjustments were guided with verbal commands from remote sonologists to astronaut operators to complete rotator cuff evaluation. Comprehensive US of crewmember's shoulder included transverse and longitudinal images of biceps and supraspinatus tendons and articular cartilage surface. Total examination time required to guide astronaut operator to acquire necessary images was approximately 15 minutes. Multiple arm and probe positions were used to acquire dynamic video images that were of excellent quality to allow evaluation of shoulder integrity. Postsession download and analysis of high-fidelity US images collected onboard demonstrated additional anatomic detail that could be used to exclude subtle injury. Musculoskeletal US can be performed in space by minimally trained operators by using remote guidance. This technique can be used to evaluate shoulder integrity in symptomatic crewmembers after strenuous extravehicular activities or to monitor microgravity-associated changes in musculoskeletal anatomy. Just-in-time training, combined with remote experienced physician guidance, may provide a useful approach to complex medical tasks performed by nonexperienced personnel in a variety of remote settings, including current and future space programs.

Color Doppler ultrasound of the hand: observations on clinical utility in rheumatoid arthritis.

The use of ultrasound with color Doppler in the evaluation of rheumatoid arthritis was followed in 25 patients with joint complaints. Small joint ultrasound of the metacarpophalangeal joints (MCPs) as well as the wrists was performed with supplementation by color Doppler. In addition, 6 patients were followed for at least 3 months after start of treatment of rheumatoid arthritis using the same technique. In patients with what appeared to be definite rheumatoid arthritis, ultrasound supported this diagnosis as evidenced by the finding of cortical defects, extensor tendon sheath thickening, and synovial proliferation. Increased activity by color Doppler ultrasonography was the most common finding. Significant decrease in color Doppler activity was noted in the 6 patients who were followed up after 3 months of therapy with disease-modifying agents. Therefore, the use of ultrasound with color Doppler could aid in the diagnosis and follow up of patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Sonography of the Wrist and Hand.

With the advent of new technical improvements and innovations, sonography is gaining ground in use and acceptance as a highly useful modality to diagnose a variety of diseases involving the wrist and the hand. Common ailments such as tendinitis and tenosynovitis can be diagnosed easily, and the diagnosis of small soft tissue masses such as ganglia has become almost routine. Sonography holds great promise in the evaluation of disease involving the median and the ulnar nerves, the ligaments of the wrist, and the triangular fibrocartilage. It is the ideal modality in the diagnosis of intra-articular loose bodies.