01619nas a2200145   4500000000100000008004100001100001400042700001400056700001500070700001100085245010900096856008600205490000600291520117600297       2024                            d1 aSuvirya S1 aParihar A1 aMalhotra K1 aJain P00aRole of Ultrasound-Guided Trucut Nerve Biopsy in the Diagnosis of Pure Neuritic Leprosy: The Way Forward  uhttps://www.thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/abstract/10.1055/s-0044-17859510 v83 a<p><strong>Case Presentation Background and Objective:</strong>&nbsp;The invasive open nerve biopsy, a prerequisite for diagnosis of pure neuritic leprosy(PNL), carries a risk for further compromising the nerve function. The objective of this study was to assess the role of ultrasound-guided trucut (core needle) biopsy of peripheral nerves in clinically suspected cases of PNL.</p>

<p><strong>Methods:</strong>&nbsp;In this case series, six cases of PNL were subjected to ultrasound-guided trucut nerve biopsy during December 2020 to December 2022 period. One specimen was sent in formalin for histopathological examination and the other in ethanol for PCR of M. leprae.</p>

<p><strong>Results:&nbsp;</strong>Epithelioid cells, epithelioid cell granuloma and foamy macrophages were found in the histopathology sections with the presence of acid-fast bacilli (M. leprae) in two cases. PCR was positive from the nerve tissue in all cases.</p>

<p><strong>Conclusion:</strong>&nbsp;Trucut nerve biopsy may serve as an alternative to open nerve biopsies with the advantages of being minimally invasive, few patient complications and higher patient acceptance.</p>