Bochum ultrasound score allows distinction of chronic inflammatory from multifocal acquired demyelinating polyneuropathies.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this observational study was to evaluate the applicability of a recently introduced ultrasound score (Bochum ultrasound score; BUS) in distinguishing the chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) from the multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN) or the multifocal acquired demyelinating sensory and motor neuropathy (MADSAM).

METHODS: The BUS underwent prospective evaluation of its applicability in a group of 13 patients (mean age 47.2, SD ± 13.7, 9 women), who were referred to our department between January 2012 and August 2013 with the clinical picture of a chronic symmetrical or asymmetrical sensory/sensorimotor neuropathy.

RESULTS: The cut-off value of ≥ 2 points in the "Bochum ultrasound score" showed a sensitivity of 80% and specificity of 87.5% (PPV=80%, NPV=87.5%) in distinguishing CIDP from MMN or MADSAM.

CONCLUSIONS: The BUS seems to allow a reliable distinction of CIDP from multifocal acquired demyelinating polyneuropathies causing predominantly motor nerve dysfunction, such as MMN or MADSAM. Our ultrasound findings indicate a stronger relationship of MADSAM to MMN, than to CIDP.