Ultrasound-guided muscle biopsy: a practical alternative for investigation of myopathy.

Objective: We propose the use of ultrasound-guided muscle biopsy as a viable method of obtaining muscle specimen to aid the diagnosis of myopathy. We retrospectively review the diagnostic accuracy and patient feedback of ultrasound-guided muscle biopsies in our neuromuscular service.

Method: Multidisciplinary team meeting reviewed select patients and agreed on those suitable for ultrasound-guided muscle biopsy.

Parkinson's Disease, Diabetes and Cognitive Impairment.

Background: Parkinson's disease is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder characterized by a progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons. The pathophysiological mechanisms underlying Parkinson's are still unknown. Mitochondrial dysfunction, abnormal protein aggregation, increased neuroinflammation and impairment of brain glucose metabolism are shared processes among insulinresistance, diabetes and neurodegeneration and have been suggested as key mechanisms in development of Parkinson's and cognitive impairment.