Imaging in myology: a neurologist's perspective

A bewildering array of neuromuscular diseases exist, but the number of tools to test for these is relatively small. Fortunately, much of the information that is needed for day-to-day diagnosis and management is readily obtained using conventional techniques. It is indisputable, however, that the information that is gained from imaging tests advances a physician's comprehensive understanding of the patient's condition, its severity, and the prognosis. In many ways, ultrasound is an adequate provider of this information. In key uses, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides information that is otherwise unobtainable. This article summarizes some of the issues that a myologist is confronted with and how imaging aids in the situation.