Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Nerve Roots in the Diagnosis of Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP) - A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

What was studied

This review looked at MRI scans of nerve roots in CIDP. CIDP is chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy. It is a nerve disease with treatment options. Current guidelines see MRI as of limited use. The authors searched several databases, including PubMed and Scopus. They included case-control and cohort studies. The scans covered nerve roots in the neck and lower back. They compared people with CIDP with people without it.

What they found

11 studies used descriptive outcomes and 15 used measured outcomes. Nerve roots looked enlarged and brighter in CIDP. They also showed gadolinium enhancement. Measured diameters were larger. They averaged about 5 mm in the neck and 7 mm in the lower back. Few studies measured cross-section area and volume. They also found larger values in CIDP.

What it means for patients

The authors say nerve imaging gives valuable added support for diagnosis. They say it showed more diagnostic value for lower back nerve roots. They say it must be read with care. They say imaging must be combined with clinical and nerve tests.

Why it is not certain yet

Data differed between studies. Other conditions can mimic CIDP on MRI. The authors say better imaging methods and measures are needed. Few studies measured size and volume.

Source

Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Nerve Roots in the Diagnosis of Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP) - A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

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