Sonographic Features of the Lateral Femoral Cutaneous Nerve in Meralgia Paresthetica

Overview

Journal Quant Imaging Med Surg

Specialty Radiology

Date 2021 Oct 4

PMID 34603982

Citations 3

Authors

Xiaochen Shi

Feifei Liu

Fang Liu

Zheng Chen

Jiaan Zhu

Affiliations

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Abstract

Background: The diagnosis of meralgia paresthetica (MP) is usually based on clinical symptoms and physical examination. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN) sonographic features in MP patients.

Methods: A total of 86 clinically suspected MP patients and 40 asymptomatic volunteers were prospectively recruited in the study. The sonographic features of the LFCN were observed by 18 MHz high-frequency ultrasound. At the level of the anterior superior iliac spine, the cross-sectional area of the LFCN was measured.

Results: Of the 86 clinically suspected MP patients, 82 (95.3%) had sonographic findings positive for MP. There were 54, 63, and 44 cases of abrupt caliber change, indistinct perineurium, and abnormal intraneural vascularity. The average value of the cross-sectional area of the LFCN at the level of the anterior superior iliac spine was 4.47±2.64 mm, and the cut-off value was 2.65 mm.

Conclusions: The sonographic diagnosis of MP may be achieved based on the following signs: nerve abrupt caliber change, indistinct perineurium of the nerve, intraneural vascularity, or increased cross-sectional area.

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