Nerve Ultrasound in Acquired and Genetic Sensory Neuronopathies
For patients and families
In plain language
An automatic summary of structured registry data. It is an orientation aid, not a substitute for the official protocol or a physician assessment.
- What is being studied
- This is an observational study: the protocol does not assign a study treatment.
- Who it may be relevant to
- Registry conditions: Sensory Neuronopathy. Basic parameters: from 18 years · All.
- What needs checking
- Age, condition and sex are only basic indicators. Prior treatment, laboratory values and other mandatory requirements appear in the eligibility criteria below.
- Where it takes place
- Center list to be confirmed — check the primary protocol.
- Next step
- Save the trial, show it to the treating physician, and confirm current recruitment with the study center. Costs, documents and travel →
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Official title
The Role of Nerve Ultrasound in Distinguishing Acquired and Genetic Sensory Neuronopathies (Ganglionopathy): A Multicenter Retrospective Study
Overview
Sensory neuronopathies (also called sensory ganglionopathies) are rare and heterogeneous disorders of genetic or acquired origin, caused by degeneration of the dorsal root ganglia. Their diagnosis currently relies on a combination of clinical evaluation and electrophysiological testing, as no specific biomarker is available. Early diagnosis is particularly important in acquired forms, where early treatment can significantly influence prognosis. Recent studies have reported a characteristic ultrasound pattern in several genetic sensory neuronopathies, showing abnormally small-caliber peripheral nerves in the upper limbs. However, these findings have only been described in genetic conditions. It is therefore unknown whether this ultrasound pattern is specific to genetic causes or may also occur in acquired sensory neuronopathies, especially those with long-standing evolution. This retrospective multicenter study will analyze data already collected as part of routine care in approximately 50 patients with sensory neuronopathy. The objective is to compare nerve ultrasound findings between genetic and acquired forms, and to evaluate their association with clinical severity and electrophysiological parameters. Determining whether nerve atrophy observed on ultrasound is specific to genetic etiologies could help integrate ultrasound into the diagnostic workup, guiding the choice of complementary tests such as genetic analyses or early treatment initiation in acquired cases.
Detailed description
Sensory neuronopathies (also known as sensory ganglionopathies) constitute a rare and heterogeneous group of acquired and genetic disorders related to degeneration of the dorsal root ganglia. Diagnosis relies on clinical and electrophysiological features demonstrating a pure, non-length-dependent sensory involvement. At present, no specific biomarker exists, and diagnosis is based on a combination of clinical and electrophysiological criteria. Because sensory neuronopathies are disabling conditions, early diagnosis is crucial, particularly in acquired forms for which early treatment is an important prognostic factor.
Recently, several studies have reported a unique nerve ultrasound pattern in genetic sensory neuronopathies, showing reduced caliber of mixed peripheral nerves in the upper limbs. A recent literature review suggested that sufficient evidence exists to consider ultrasound as a potential marker of genetic sensory neuronopathies. However, these studies included only patients with genetic etiologies, and no data are currently available regarding ultrasound findings in acquired sensory neuronopathies. Distinguishing between acquired and genetic causes is nevertheless essential, as the prognoses are very different and treatment must be initiated rapidly in acquired forms. Clinical evaluation alone is often insufficient to differentiate these etiologies due to substantial overlap between presentations.
The objective of this study is to compare nerve ultrasound findings in a retrospective, multicenter cohort of patients with sensory neuronopathies of either genetic or acquired origin. The study also aims to analyze correlations between nerve caliber, clinical severity, disease duration, and electrophysiological parameters. Ultimately, this research seeks to determine whether the pattern of nerve atrophy observed on ultrasound is specific to genetic causes or may also be present in acquired forms.
Primary outcome measures
- Cross-sectional area of peripheral nerves according to ganglionopathy etiology (genetic vs acquired) [Time frame: Baseline]
Secondary outcome measures (2)
- Correlation between nerve cross-sectional area and clinical severity [Time frame: Baseline]
- Correlation between nerve cross-sectional area and electrophysiological severity [Time frame: Baseline]
Eligibility criteria
Inclusion criteria
- Sensory ganglionopathy diagnosed according to the criteria of Camdessanché et al.
- Nerve ultrasound performed as part of routine clinical care.
- Age > 18 years.
Exclusion criteria
- Comorbid conditions that may interfere with the interpretation of sensory ganglionopathy.
- Lack of consent (patient opposition to the use of clinical data for research).
Criteria are shown verbatim from the registry (in English). Final eligibility is always assessed by the study center.
Healthy volunteers: No
Study design
- Observational model
- Cohort
Study locations
Center list to be confirmed — check the primary protocol.
Identifiers
NCT: NCT07365631 · APHP251638