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Findings
What does this study add?
- Both axonal and demyelinating nerve affections were observed.
- Significant mean CSA enlargement was found at several sites, including the ulnar nerve at the Guyon’s canal and mid-humerus, tibial nerve at the distal leg and proximal to the tarsal tunnel, and the peroneal nerve at the popliteal fossa.
- The mean CSA of the tibial nerve at the distal leg in the patient group was significantly smaller in SLE than controls, which may be supported by the ‘dying back’ theory of long-standing immune-mediated nerve injury occurring in lupus that eventually leads to axon loss.2-4
- Among SLE patients with abnormal NCS, the mean CSA was significantly larger in axonal tibial neuropathy and demyelinating peroneal neuropath (both at the popliteal fossa).
- The mean CSA showed high specificity compared with NCS.
