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Detection of fibrillations using muscle ultrasound: Diagnostic accuracy and identification of pitfalls by Nens Van Alfen; Mark Nienhuis; Machiel J. Zwarts; Sigrid Pillen is a Medicine article available to read on EtoBox.

What is Detection of fibrillations using muscle ultrasound: Diagnostic accuracy and identification of pitfalls about?

## Abstract We prospectively investigated the diagnostic accuracy and potential pitfalls of dynamic muscle ultrasound in the detection of fibrillations. The presence of fibrillations on both electromyography (EMG) and ultrasound was evaluated in 102 muscles of 38 patients with suspected fibrillation potentials, based on history and physical examination. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated. False‐positive and false‐negative results are described to identify pitfalls. Ultrasound detected fibrillations with a sensitivity of 45% and a specificity of 66%. Specificity improved to 85% when measurements were evaluated online. Proximal muscles showed higher sensitivities (63%) than distal muscles (33%). Ultrasound currently has a poor sensitivity and moderate specificity for detecting fibrillations. Several pitfalls were identified that, when avoided, could help improve diagnostic accuracy. Ensuring a distal limb temperature of at least 34°C and identifying external movement artifacts as well as voluntary contractions can improve efficacy and open the way for diagnostic application of this technique. Muscle Nerve 43: 178–182, 2011

Who reads Detection of fibrillations using muscle ultrasound: Diagnostic accuracy and identification of pitfalls?

Author

Nens Van Alfen; Mark Nienhuis; Machiel J. Zwarts; Sigrid Pillen

Publisher

John Wiley and Sons; Wiley (John Wiley & Sons); John Wiley & Sons Inc.; Wiley (ISSN 0148-639X)

Published

2011

Language

EN

Field

Medicine (Health Sciences)