Does use of imaging influence diagnostic accuracy and patient outcome in patients with suspected CIDP?
In patients with suspected CIDP, does the use of imaging—MRI (thickening or abnormal enhancement of cervical/lumbar nerve roots or brachial/lumbar plexus) or nerve ultrasound (increased cross-sectional area of peripheral nerves or roots compared with normal values), compared to no imaging, influence diagnostic accuracy and patient outcome (treatment response and clinical course)?
2 Answers
Mednet MemberInvited Expert
Neurology · University of Minnesota
Answered on
YES, it does. MRI and/or ultrasound abnormalities are supportive of the diagnosis of CIDP in the appropriate context and this has been acknowledged in the most recent version of EAN/ENS consensus guidelines for CIDP in 2021 (Van den Bergh et al., PMID 34085743).
In practice, imaging is most valuable ...
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Mednet Member
Neurology · Piedmont HealthCare
Answered on
I do not usually order imaging to "rule in" CIDP. To me, a good history and exam along with a well-done NCS/EMG should be sufficient. I may order imaging to rule out other existing conditions that may make it worse somehow. As mentioned in the question above; distal weakness, areflexia, distal senso...
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