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A comparison of magnetic resonance imaging with electrodiagnostic findings in the evaluation of clinical radiculopathy: a cross-sectional study

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Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the agreement of magnetic resonance imaging and electrodiagnostic studies by comparing their findings in patients with clinically suspected radiculopathy. The agreements between these two procedures and clinical findings were also examined.

Methods

In a 2-year cross-sectional study, a total of 114 patients with clinically suspected cervical or lumbosacral radiculopathy were included.

Results

The total agreements between clinical with MRI and EDX findings were 72 and 52 %, respectively while their agreements were similar in group definite (89 vs. 82 %). The agreement between EDX and MRI was 59.6 in total and 49 % with respect to clinical findings.

Conclusion

This study further supports that these two methods are complementary in general. It is reasonable to add EDX when there is discrepancy between MRI and clinical findings or when MRI neurologic findings are not visible.

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Acknowledgments

The authors wish to thank the staff of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation department of Imam Reza hospital for valuable assistance.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, Islamic Republic of Iran Army University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran

    Zahra Reza Soltani & Behrooz Tavana

  2. Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Burn Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Yasemi Ave, Valieasr Street, 1996714353, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran

    Simin Sajadi

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  1. Zahra Reza Soltani
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Correspondence to Simin Sajadi.

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Reza Soltani, Z., Sajadi, S. & Tavana, B. A comparison of magnetic resonance imaging with electrodiagnostic findings in the evaluation of clinical radiculopathy: a cross-sectional study. Eur Spine J 23, 916–921 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-013-3164-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-013-3164-z

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