Muscle biopsy and EMG study

J Korean Assoc EMG Electrodiagn Med 1999;1(1):1-12.
Published online January 1, 1999.

Abstract

Muscle biopsy and EMG studies are the most important procedures for the differential diagnosis of neuro muscular diseases. Both studies have the commen purpose of observing the changes of motor units. In comparison with the EMG study in which we can see the eletrophysiological changes of motor units, muscle biopsy has the advantage of observing the pathological changes of muscle fibers directly. However, the muscle biopsy can not only be meaningless but can also be the cause of a misdiagnosis if there is not a full understanding of the technical problems and limitations of the procedure. the selection of adequate muscle is important and a histochemical stain after rapid freezing is also imperative in the muscle biopsy. Because the findings of muscle biopsy are frequently nonspecific and variable, clinical correlation is essential rather than depending on the pathological change itself as a clinician or an EMGist.

Key Words: Muscle pathology, EMG, Histochemical stain, Myopathy, Neuropathy

TOOLS