Nerve ultrasound follow-up in a child with Guillain-Barré syndrome

Muscle Nerve. 2012 Aug;46(2):270-5. doi: 10.1002/mus.23325.

Abstract

Introduction: Nerve ultrasound has been used increasingly in neurophysiology laboratories, but data on Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) are still limited, and no follow-up studies are available.

Case report: An 8-year-old boy was admitted with severe demyelinating GBS. Serial neurophysiological evaluations were performed initially and in follow-up. Ultrasound studies showed diffuse and heterogeneous nerve swelling and focal enlargement of single fascicles inside the nerve. Together with clinical and electrophysiological improvement, progressive normalization of ultrasound changes was seen.

Conclusions: Ultrasound demonstrated structural nerve abnormalities in GBS. These changes normalized as the patient improved clinically and electrophysiologically. Further studies are needed to elucidate the diagnostic and prognostic value of ultrasound in GBS.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Axons / physiology
  • Child
  • Guillain-Barre Syndrome / diagnostic imaging*
  • Guillain-Barre Syndrome / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Median Nerve / diagnostic imaging*
  • Median Nerve / physiopathology
  • Neural Conduction / physiology*
  • Sciatic Nerve / diagnostic imaging*
  • Sciatic Nerve / physiopathology
  • Ultrasonography