Evaluation of the median nerve using ultrasoundelastography in patients with Behçet's disease

Objective: The aim of this study is to non-invasively demonstrate potential alterations in the median nerve in patients diagnosed with Behçet's disease using the SWE technique. Materials and Methods: The patient group consisted of 41 individuals aged between 18 and 65 years who were diagnosed with Behçet's disease, had no neurological symptoms or findings, were not being followed for neuro-Behçet, and had a disease duration ranging from 1 to 28 years. The control group included 41 age- and sex-matched healthy individuals. Median nerve measurements were performed at the level of the pisiform bone in both wrists using ultrasonography, and the elasticity values of the median nerve were assessed using the SWE method. Results: In the control group, the mean elasticity values of the right median nerve were 3.06 ± 0.22 m/s and 9.65 ± 1.48 kPa, while in the patient group, these values were 4.54 ± 1.22 m/s and 22.91 ± 12.72 kPa. For the left median nerve, these values were 3.15 ± 0.29 m/s and 10.31 ± 2.00 kPa in the control group and 4.78 ± 1.41 m/s and 24.65 ± 13.84 kPa in the patient group. Median nerve elasticity values in both wrists were significantly higher in the patient group compared to the control group (p<0.001). The mean cross-sectional area (CSA) of the median nerve was 0.13 ± 0.03 cm² in the control group and 0.12±0.03 cm² in the patient group, with the latter being significantly lower (p<0.05). Conclusion: These findings suggest that the median nerve, as a peripheral nerve, is affected in Behçet's disease. Compared to healthy individuals, patients with Behçet's disease exhibited increased elasticity values and reduced cross-sectional area of the median nerve. Keywords: Behçet's disease, median nerve, shear wave elastography, crosssectional area