Quantitative assessment of size and echo-texture of nerves in leprosy using high-resolution ultrasound (HRUS) and colour Doppler (CD)

Abstract

Usually, clinical examination is enough to detect nerve thickness and tenderness in leprosy, but inter-observer variations may be significant. High-resolution ultrasound scanning is a good non-invasive modality in this respect. Using this tool, a cross-sectional study was carried out to measure mean cross-sectional area (thickness), echo-texture of peripheral nerves and the presence of hypervascularity in leprosy patients, as well as to establish a clinico-radiological correlation.