Nerve ultrasound in Guillain–Barré syndrome: what the recent literature says

Excerpt

We have read with interest the letter by Scorrano and colleagues about a case of pediatric Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) [1]. The authors described the clinical presentation and the use of magnetic resonance (MR) to solve some limits in the diagnostic process. In particular, the parents decided not to permit the lumbar puncture and the child did not undergo the electrophysiological evaluation because of agitation. Although its relevant role in the definition of nerve involvement (demyelinating, axonal, focal, etc.), sometimes electrophysiology is effectively not applicable. This case is an emblematic situation. Brilliantly, the authors decided to complete the diagnosis with imaging. In this case, the comprehension of the type of nerve impairment allowed prompt and effective treatment, although the initial difficulties were expressed by Scorrano and colleagues. Indeed, the precise diagnosis is fundamental for the therapy decision and the application of a multidimensional approach may unravel the skein. All these elements acquire further importance if we consider how some potentially severe diseases live moments of expansion. In fact, an increased number of GBS cases have been recorded in the last years and have been related to SARS-CoV-2 infection or vaccine administration [2]. These recent events corroborate Scorrano’s thoughts on the associations between immunologic involvements and the development of GBS and sustain the necessity of painstaking research to guarantee proper patient care. …