Learning objectives
To discuss MR findings of peripheral nerve disease and to present characteristic cases of peripheral nerve pathology.
Background
MRI of peripheral nerves,
also known as MR neurography is a relative new technique.
It has increasingly been used in clinical practice in the diagnostic workout of peripheral nerve disease.
It supplements clinical evaluation and electrodiagnostic testing,
depicting anatomy and pathology of the peripheral nerves.
It is a reproducible and objective technique and it is superior to Color Doppler ultrasound due to the better evaluation of deep structures.
Most common pathology of peripheral nerves is due to compression,
trauma,
tumor,
or inflammation.
Imaging findings OR Procedure Details
MR neurography allows the localization of the nerve abnormality,
as well as the evaluation of the extent,
the character and the possible causes of the pathology.
Occasionally It may exclude the possibility of neuropathy and it may indicate a different diagnosis mimicking peripheral nerve abnormality.
Furthermore it provides anatomic information,
which is valuable,
especially in pre-operative cases,
or in planning therapeutic injections.
Thus,
knowledge of the anatomy of the peripheral nerve system is of paramount importance.
The anatomy of the peripheral nerves is complex.
Peripheral...
Conclusion
MR neurography is a valuable tool in depicting peripheral nerve disease.
Knowledge of the anatomy as well as of the usual appearance of peripheral nerves is very important in the diagnostic management of these patients.
References
References
1. Soldatos T,
Andreisek G,
Thawait GK,
Guggenberger R,
Williams EH,
Belzberg AJ,
Carrino JA,
Chhabra A.
Andreisek G.
High-resolution 3T MR Neurography of the lumbosacral plexus.
Radiographics.
2013 Jul-Aug;33(4):967-87
2. Chhabra A,
Thawait GK,
Soldatos T,
Thakkar R,
Del Grande F,
Chalian M,
Carrino JA.
High-Resolution 3T MR Neurography of the brachial plexus and Its branches,
with emphasis on 3D Imaging.
Am J Neuroradiol.
2012 Sep 13
3. Chhabra A., Williams E.H.
, Wang K.C.
, Dellon A.L.
, Carrino J.A.
MR Neurography...
Personal Information
Georgios Velonakis
Consultant Radiologist
Research Unit of Radiology,
2nd Dpt of Radiology
National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (GR)
[email protected]