Correlation between specific histological and electromyographic findings in neuromuscular disorders.

An attempt was made to find a correlation between specific electromyography (EMG) abnormalities with histological findings in muscle biopsies (MB) in 100 patients with neuromuscular disorders. Quantified EMG and MB with histochemistry was made in the same muscle, but on the opposite side, within a period of 3 weeks. The isolated findings of EMG and MB were analysed with a computer through a chi-square test. A statistical relation (p less than 0.01) was found between the isolated findings of MB and EMG in only 6.99% (39 in 558 attempts) of the abnormalities expected to occur in myopathy and denervation. Also was found 2.51% (14 in 558 attempts) of inconsistences with the current literature.