Journal of Neurological Sciences, cilt.33, sa.4, ss.585-593, 2016 (SCI-Expanded)
© 2016, Ege University Press. All rights reserved.Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the effects of the arm and leg muscle mass together with demographic factors, on peripheral nerve cross sectional area. Methods: Median and ulnar nerve cross sectional area’s were measured at mid-point of forearm and peroneal nerve cross sectional area’s above fibular head with ultrasonography in 233 volunteers. Muscle mass was evaluated by the bioelectrical impedance analysis. Results: Ulnar and peroneal nerve cross sectional area’s increased with advancing age. BMI was only correlated with ulnar nerve cross sectional area and height with peroneal nerve cross sectional area. Arm muscle mass was significantly correlated with ulnar and median nerve cross sectional area’s (p < 0.05); however, leg muscle mass did not correlate with peroneal nerve cross sectional area. Conclusion: The nerve thickness may be influenced by various factors. Muscle mass is one of these factors in healthy nerves. This situation should be taken into account during setting reference values for healthy nerves and assessment of neuropathies by ultrasonography.