Comparison of the diagnostic accuracy of the 2010 European Federation of Neurological Societies/Peripheral Nerve Society and American Association of Electrodiagnostic Medicine diagnostic criteria for multifocal motor neuropathy

Abstract

Background and Purpose

This study was undertaken to compare the sensitivity and specificity of the 2010 European Federation of Neurological Societies/Peripheral Nerve Society (EFNS/PNS) diagnostic criteria for multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN) with those of the American Association of Electrodiagnostic Medicine (AAEM).

Methods

Sensitivity and specificity of the two sets of criteria were retrospectively evaluated in 53 patients with MMN and 280 controls with axonal peripheral neuropathy, inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Comparison of the utility of nerve conduction studies with different numbers of nerves examined was also assessed.

Results

The 2010 EFNS/PNS criteria had a sensitivity of 47% for definite MMN and 57% for probable/definite MMN, whereas the AAEM criteria had a sensitivity of 28% for definite MMN and 53% for probable/definite MMN. The sensitivity of the AAEM criteria was higher when utilizing area compared to amplitude reduction to define conduction block. Using supportive criteria, the sensitivity of the 2010 EFNS/PNS criteria for probable/definite MMN increased to 64%, and an additional 36% patients fulfilled the criteria (possible MMN). Specificity values for definite and probable/definite MMN were slightly higher with the AAEM criteria (100%) compared to the EFNS/PNS criteria (98.5% and 97%). Extended nerve conduction studies yielded slightly increased diagnostic sensitivity for both sets of criteria without significantly affecting specificity.

Conclusions

In our patient populations, the 2010 EFNS/PNS criteria demonstrated higher sensitivity but slightly lower specificity compared to the AAEM criteria. Extended nerve conduction studies are advised to achieve slightly higher sensitivity while maintaining very high specificity.