Ultrasonography of MADSAM neuropathy: focal nerve enlargements at sites of existing and resolved conduction blocks

Abstract

Using the emerging technique of peripheral nerve ultrasonography, multiple focal nerve swellings corresponding to sites of existing conduction blocks have been described in demyelinating polyneuropathies. We report two cases of multifocal acquired demyelinating sensory and motor neuropathy (MADSAM). In the first, multiple focal nerve enlargements were detected by ultrasound at sites of previous conduction blocks, well after complete clinical and electrophysiological resolution. In the second case, existing proximal conduction blocks could be localized by ultrasound. Our cases highlight the importance of nerve ultrasound in identifying conduction blocks and demonstrate that ultrasonographic morphological changes may outlast functional recovery in demyelinating neuropathies.