J Electrodiagn Neuromuscul Dis.  2022 Apr;24(1):1-6. 10.18214/jend.2022.00010.

Ultrasonographic Evaluation of Ulnar Neuropathy Around the Elbow in Diabetes Mellitus

• Kim KH
• Kim DH

• KMID: 2535374
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.18214/jend.2022.00010

Abstract

Objective
We evaluated the usefulness of ultrasonography for subclinical ulnar neuropathy at the elbow (UNE) in patients with diabetes.
Methods
Ultrasonography of the ulnar nerve was performed on 140 limbs in 73 patients with diabetes mellitus at 8 standardized sites proximal and distal to the medial epicondyle (1-cm intervals). The ulnar nerve cross-sectional area (CSA) at each site was analysed according to the presence of electrophysiological diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN) or UNE (UNE_e).
Results
Fifty-nine limbs were electrophysiologically normal, 22 limbs had UNE, 39 limbs had DPN, and 20 limbs had DPN and UNE_e. In patients without DPN, the maximal CSA, swelling ratio, and CSAs were greater in the UNE_e group than in the normal group (p < 0.01). No significant differences were noted between the DPN and DPN+UNE_e groups regarding the CSAs, maximal CSA, and swelling ratio.
Conclusion
Ultrasonography of ulnar nerve swelling is helpful for diagnosing subclinical UNE in patients with diabetes.

Keyword

Ulnar neuropathies; Diabetes mellitus; Ultrasonography; Electrodiagnosis; Polyneuropathies