Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42026331›Full record

Observational studyEuropean radiology2026

High-resolution ultrasound vs. MR neurography in upper extremity neuropathies: exploratory analysis of perceived additional diagnostic value in routine clinical practice.

Merle Brunnée, Olivia Foesleitner, Marietta Kirchner, Fabian Preisner, Moritz Kronlage, Tim Godel, Johann M E Jende, Tim Hilgenfeld, Sabine Heiland, Markus Weiler and 2 more

Abstract readObservational StudyComparative Study
In one paragraph

Observational study in European radiology, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
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1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

12 authors.

Merle Brunnée *Department of Neuroradiology, Medical Faculty, Heidelberg University and Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.
Olivia Foesleitner *Department of Neuroradiology, Medical Faculty, Heidelberg University and Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.
Marietta KirchnerInstitute of Medical Biometry, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
Fabian PreisnerDepartment of Neuroradiology, Medical Faculty, Heidelberg University and Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.
Moritz KronlageDepartment of Neuroradiology, Medical Faculty, Heidelberg University and Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.
Tim GodelDepartment of Neuroradiology, Medical Faculty, Heidelberg University and Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.
Johann M E JendeDepartment of Neuroradiology, Medical Faculty, Heidelberg University and Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.
Tim HilgenfeldDepartment of Neuroradiology, Medical Faculty, Heidelberg University and Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.
Sabine HeilandDepartment of Neuroradiology, Medical Faculty, Heidelberg University and Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.
Markus WeilerDepartment of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Heidelberg University and University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.
Martin BendszusDepartment of Neuroradiology, Medical Faculty, Heidelberg University and Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.
Daniel SchwarzDepartment of Neuroradiology, Medical Faculty, Heidelberg University and Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany. Daniel.schwarz@med.uni-heidelberg.de.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0002-9017-8245

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

objectivesHigh-resolution nerve ultrasound (HRUS) and magnetic resonance neurography (MRN) are the imaging modalities of choice for evaluating peripheral neuropathies. This study aimed to identify predictors and practice-patterns of perceived additional diagnostic value in clinical routine for the two modalities in patients with suspected upper extremity neuropathies. MATERIALS AND

methodsThis retrospective exploratory subanalysis was conducted within a prospective, observational, single-center study of 800 patients referred for HRUS and MRN between November 2015 and February 2022 for suspected upper extremity neuropathy. Patients were included where one modality demonstrated perceived additional diagnostic value over the other, defined as the detection of clinically relevant lesions missed by the other or by providing additional significant diagnostic information. Predictors of perceived additional diagnostic value were assessed using uni- and multivariable logistic regression and a classification regression tree (CART) model.

resultsOf the entire cohort (800 patients), 275 (34.4%) demonstrated perceived additional diagnostic value of one modality. MRN provided additional diagnostic value in 261 cases (94.9%) and HRUS in 14 (5.1%). Additional diagnostic value of MRN was predicted by proximal nerve lesions (proximal only: OR 5.72, 95% CI: 3.42-9.56; proximal-peripheral combined: OR 4.59, 95% CI: 2.31-9.09), multi-anatomical region-involvement (OR 1.81, 95% CI: 1.14-2.87), and multi-nerve involvement (OR 1.65, 95% CI: 1.03-2.63). HRUS added value mainly when MRN was limited by metal artifacts.

conclusionProximal nerve lesion location, multi-regional involvement and multi-nerve pathology were found to favor MRN. On the other hand, HRUS proved particularly beneficial in the presence of metal implants. KEY POINTS: Question Which predictors can be identified to guide the choice of preferred imaging modality-high-resolution ultrasound or MR neurography-in suspected upper extremity peripheral neuropathies? Findings Proximal nerve lesion location, multi-regional involvement and multi-nerve pathology were found to favor MR neurography, while HRUS proved beneficial in the presence of metal implants. Clinical relevance Our results provide an exploratory imaging rationale for patient-tailored diagnostic strategies in peripheral neuropathy care.

Indexed as

Magnetic Resonance ImagingNeuroimagingPeripheral Nervous System DiseasesUpper ExtremityAdultAgedFemaleHumansMaleMiddle AgedProspective StudiesRetrospective StudiesUltrasonographyComparative imaging studyDiagnostic imagingHigh-resolution ultrasoundMR neurographyPeripheral neuropathy

Identifiers

PMID42026331
PMCPMC13451437

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.