HEAD AND NECK RADIOLOGY / REVIEW PAPER
The role of ultrasonography of the brachial plexus in differentiating between Parsonage-Turner syndrome and neuroborreliosis. A pictorial review
1
Department of Neurology with Stroke Subdivision, John Paul II Regional Hospital in Belchatow, Poland
2
Medical Simulation Centre, Medical University of Gdansk, Poland
3
Copernicus Hospital in Gdansk, Poland
Submission date: 2025-08-30
Final revision date: 2025-10-23
Acceptance date: 2025-10-24
Publication date: 2025-11-21
Corresponding author
Paweł Stanisław Walkowiak
Department of Neurology with Stroke Subdivision of the John Paul II Regional Hospital in Belchatow, Poland
Department of Neurology with Stroke Subdivision of the John Paul II Regional Hospital in Belchatow, Poland
Pol J Radiol, 2025; 90: 561-570
KEYWORDS
neuroborreliosishigh-resolution ultrasoundParsonage-Turner syndromebrachial plexitishourglass-like constrictionBanwarth syndrome
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
Parsonage-Turner syndrome (PTS), also known as neuralgic amyotrophy (NA), is an idiopathic inflammatory neuropathy of the brachial plexus presenting with neuropathic pain and motor deficits of the shoulder girdle. Routinely, PTS must be differentiated from infectious variants of brachial plexitis, especially early manifestations of neuroborreliosis. Both conditions can quickly lead to significant disability, so early, targeted therapy based on a correct diagnosis is essential for a favourable clinical outcome. High-resolution ultrasound (HRUS) can quickly and non-invasively differentiate PTS from infectious forms of brachial plexitis by detecting nerve twisting and swelling with the so-called “hourglass-like” constriction sign. The following article presents the authors’ proposal for an HRUS protocol for the brachial plexus and shows typical ultrasound findings in PTS and brachial plexitis with Banwarth’s syndrome due to Borrelia infection.
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| ISSN: | 1899-0967 |
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