HSS Ultrasound of the Month Case 156

Clinical History 26 year old male with suprascapular neuropathy after acute onset of shoulder pain.

Ultrasound of the Month – Case 156

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Ultrasound of the Month – Case 156

Diagnosis: Parsonage-Turner syndrome (Neuralgic amyotrophy) Parsonage-Turner syndrome is a neurological disorder classically presenting with denervation in the upper extremity after an acute onset of intense pain.

The pathophysiology of Parsonage-Turner syndrome is considered multifactorial and probably immune-mediated, although the exact cause or trigger is still uncertain.

The clinical history is important for diagnosis.

On MRI and ultrasound, diffuse enlargement of the affected nerve with hourglass-like constrictions is highly suggestive of Parsonage-Turner syndrome.

If the patient has residual symptoms after conservative therapy, surgical neurolysis at the sites of hourglass-like constrictions may be of benefit.

Ultrasound of the Month – Case 156

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