Diagnostic accuracy and certainty from sequential evaluations in peripheral neuropathy

Neurology. 2001 Sep 25;57(6):1118-20. doi: 10.1212/wnl.57.6.1118.

Abstract

Three masked neuromuscular experts analyzed the contribution of the data from sequential evaluations in predicting specific varieties of peripheral neuropathy in 72 patients. The largest improvement (16%) in diagnostic accuracy resulted from presentation of neurologic history. By contrast, diagnostic confidence increased gradually with presentation of additional medical information. Therefore, the authors conclude that for diagnostic accuracy and certainty, expert neuromuscular judgment and extensive characterizing or discriminative testing are needed.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Cohort Studies
  • Electrodiagnosis*
  • Humans
  • Neurologic Examination*
  • Neuromuscular Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Neuromuscular Diseases / etiology
  • Observer Variation
  • Patient Care Team*
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / etiology
  • Predictive Value of Tests