Neuromuscular Ultrasound: Current Challenges, Advances, and Future Applications

Dear Colleagues,

Diagnostic ultrasound represents an irreplaceable tool in physicians’ hands able to provide mainly (but not exclusively) morphological information about the tissues. In neuromuscular disorders, since the first applications, the ability of ultrasound to depict the characteristics of nerves and muscles has been continuously shown. It completes the electrophysiological evaluation, adding information not otherwise obtainable, like the distinction between axonotmesis and neurotmesis, the precise localization of the lesion, the presence of anatomical variants, and the relationships between structures. For these reasons, ultrasound is now a component of neurophysiological labs.

The importance of ultrasound is not only limited to the diagnostic field. In fact, it directly delivers data fundamental for the surgical plan, when required. Furthermore, ultrasound is essential for specific interventions; for example, the use of ultrasound in drug administration allows avoiding side effects due to blind injections. Additionally, even rehabilitation can be assisted by ultrasound, obtaining specific outcomes about nerves and structure, like the dimension and the echogenicity.

Nevertheless, ultrasound recently showed its potential capability to assess the organs from different points of view. In particular, the application of postprocessing image analysis and the use of elastography has opened new doors for the use of ultrasound in medicine. In a few words, ultrasound is a technique in constant expansion. New developments are ongoing and new facets of this fascinating technique probably wait to be explored.

This Special Issue is focused on the following topics:

• Ultrasound in neuropathies;
• Ultrasound in myopathies;
• Neuromuscular ultrasound in central nervous system diseases;
• Elastography for neuromuscular evaluation;
• Recent developments in neuromuscular ultrasound (with particular attention to postprocessing analysis of imaging);
• Ultrasound-guided intervention;
• Ultrasound evaluation of nerves and muscles to plan the rehabilitation;
• History of neuromuscular ultrasound;
• Economic impact of neuromuscular ultrasound;
• Comparison of neuromuscular ultrasound with electrodiagnostic tools and magnetic resonance;
• Future applications and challenges of neuromuscular ultrasound.

Dr. Daniele Coraci
Guest Editor

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• Ultrasound
• Sonography
• Nerve
• Muscle
• Technology
• Diagnostic tool
• Neuropathies
• Myopathies