Usefulness of Ultrasound for Detecting Suspected Peripheral Nerve Lesions in Diagnosis of Peripheral Neuropathy : Case Report and Brief Review of the Literature
A 48-year-old female presented with intermittent weakness of the left hand that had manifested as dropping of spoon or cup while eating. On physical examination, there was no gross atrophy or skin change noted on the affected hand. There was a mild decrease in sensation over the left ulnar nerve territory, but the motor power of the hand was relatively intact. Tinel's sign over the left ulnar nerve at the elbow and wrist was negative. CT of the cervical spine was negative with regard to the corresponding physical findings. EMG and NCV studies indicated a left ulnar neuropathy below the elbow level, and ultrasound scanning of the left ulnar nerve along its expected course from the elbow level distally was performed, revealing a mass lesion surrounding the left ulnar nerve at the mid-forearm level (). A subsequent MRI showed a 3.7×0.5×0.5 cm tubular enhancing mass along the left ulnar nerve (), consistent with neurogenic tumor (neurofibroma or schwannoma).