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Muhammad Wazir Ali Khan and Hafiz Muhammad Zeeshan

ABSTRACT

Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic potential of ultrasound taking nerve conduction study as the gold standard in patients with clinical and electro diagnostic evidence of CTS.

Study Design: Analytical Validation Study

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the department of Neurology Sh Zayed Medical College/Hospital, Rahim Yar Khan for a period of six months from March to August 2021.

Materials and Methods: 80 patients were enrolled after fulfilling the selection criteria. A total of 160 hands were tested. USG and NCS studies were performed.  Cross sectional area of the carpal tunnel was calculated and the results were analyzed for sensitivity and specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive values and diagnostic accuracy.

Results: Of the 80 patients and 160 hands tested, 8 patients were male and 72 were females. On NCS, 142 hands (89%) were tested positive for CTS and 18 hands (11%) were tested negative. On ultrasonography, 128 hands (80%) had CSA of more than 8.5mm², and 32 hands (20%) less than 8.5mm². Sensitivity of USG was 91% with 90% specificity. Diagnostic accuracy was 88% for USG to diagnose CTS. The results were significant with a p-value 0.0005 (.05).

Conclusion: Ultrasound is comparable to NCS in diagnosing CTS. It is cheap, readily available and does not require much technical expertise and equipment.

Key Words: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS), Nerve conduction studies (NCS), Cross sectional area (CSA), Ultrasonography (USG)

Citation of article: Khan MWA, Zeeshan HM. Diagnostic Accuracy of Ultrasonography (USG) in Diagnosing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) Taking Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS) as Gold Standard. Med Forum 2021;32(12):51-54.