Diagnostic usefulness and limitations of the sural nerve biopsy.

Author: Sin J OH ¹
Author Information

1. Department of Neurology, University of Alabama, Birmingham, U.S.A.
Publication Type:Review
Keywords: Nerve biopsy; sural nerve biopsy; peripheral neuropathy; diagnosis of neuropathy
MeSH: Biopsy/methods/standards; Evaluation Studies; Histological Techniques; Human; Peripheral Nervous System Diseases/classification/*diagnosis; Spinal Nerves/*pathology; Sural Nerve/*pathology
From:Yonsei Medical Journal 1990;31(1):1-26
CountryRepublic of Korea
Language:English
Abstract: In recent years, the sural nerve biopsy has become a commonly performed procedure in the diagnostic work-up of patients with peripheral neuropathy. This paper reviews the diagnostic usefulness and limitations of this procedure. Based on 385 sural nerve biopsies, we found clinically helpful or relevant information in 45% of cases. In 24% of cases, specific diagnoses were obtained, among which vasculitic neuropathy was most common.