Does use of imaging influence diagnostic accuracy and patient outcome in patients with suspected CIDP?

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 ...

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...