High resolution Ultrasonography of nerves. A new screening tool in suspected cases of Pure Neuritic Leprosy

OBJECTIVES: To assess high resolution Ultrasound examination of peripheral nerves by analyzing and compå with Ultrasound guided Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology & nerve conduction studies in suspected cases of Pure Neuritic Leprosy. MATERIAL&METHODS: From Jan 2005 to June 2015, 1172 suspected cases of Pure Neuritic Leprosy were screened by High Resolution Ultrasonography. All the cases underwent Nerve conduction studies. USG guided FNAC was done on all Ultrasonographically hypoechoic nerves. RESULTS: 71%cases showed diffuse hypoechogenicity of nerves. 89% hypoechoic nerves showed Neuritis & 37.5% showed AFB in USG guided FNAC evaluation. The nerve conduction studies showed 100%positive tracing in all hypoechoic nerves. CONCLUSION: High Resolution Ultasonography of nerves proves an effective new screening tool in picking Pure Neuritic Leprosy cases. Thus a new step forward in elimination of Leprosy.