Comparative study between physical examination, electroneuromyography and ultrasonography in diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome

ABSTRACT

Objective: To evaluate the sensitivity of electromyography and ultrasonography in diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), in comparison with physical examination, which is considered to be the gold standard. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the medical files of 56 patients with 70 hands affected by CTS who were attended between March 2010 and June 2012 were reviewed. The study included patients with a clinical diagnosis of CTS. The sensitivity of the complementary examinations was analyzed and compared with physical examination. Results: Nocturnal symptoms were found in 96.4%, thenar atrophy in 62.5% and abnormal sense of touch in 50%. The sensitivities found were ultrasonography, 67.1% (95% CI 55.7%–78.6%); an association of physical examination tests, 95.7% (95% CI 90.0%–100%); and electromyography, 98.6% (95% CI 95.7%–100%). The presence of atrophy, abnormalities of the sense of touch and longer-duration symptoms increased the sensitivity of ultrasonography and physical examination. Conclusion: The sensitivity of ultrasonography for CTS was lower than that of electromyography and physical examination...

RESUMO

Objetivo: Avaliar a sensibilidade da eletroneuromiografia (ENMG) e da ultrassonografia (USN) no diagnóstico de síndrome do túnel do carpo (STC) comparada com a do exame físico, considerado padrão-ouro. Métodos: Estudo seccional pela análise de prontuários de 56 pacientes com 70 mãos acometidas com STC entre março de 2010 e junho de 2012. A sensibilidade dos exames complementares foi analisada e comparada com a do exame físico. Resultados: Constataram-se sintomas noturnos em 96,4%, hipotrofia tenar em 62,5% e alteracão do tato em 50%. A sensibilidade da USG foi de 67,1% (95% IC, 55,7%-78,6%); a da associacão dos testes do exame físico, de 95,7 (95% IC, 90,0%-100%); e a da ENMG, de 98,6% (95% IC, 95,7%-100%). A presenca de hipotrofia, de alteracões no tato e o maior tempo dos sintomas aumentaram a sensibilidade da USG e do exame físico. Conclusão: A sensibilidade da USG para a STC foi inferior à da ENMG e à do exame físico...