Advanced Imaging of the Peripheral Nerves, From the AJR "How We Do It" Special Series.

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  • Additional Information
    • Source:
      Publisher: American Roentgen Ray Society Country of Publication: United States NLM ID: 7708173 Publication Model: Print-Electronic Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 1546-3141 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 0361803X NLM ISO Abbreviation: AJR Am J Roentgenol Subsets: MEDLINE
    • Publication Information:
      Publication: <2004-> : Leesburg, VA : American Roentgen Ray Society
      Original Publication: Springfield, Ill., Thomas.
    • Subject Terms:
      Peripheral Nervous System Diseases*/diagnostic imaging ; Peripheral Nerves*/diagnostic imaging; Humans ; Ultrasonography/methods ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods
    • Abstract:
      Advanced imaging of peripheral nerves is occupying an increasingly important role in the diagnostic workup of peripheral nerve disorders. Advances in MR neurography (MRN) and high-resolution ultrasound have addressed historical challenges in peripheral nerve imaging related to nerves' small size and nonlinear course and difficult differentiation from surrounding tissues. Modern MRN depicts neuromuscular anatomy with exquisite contrast resolution, and MRN has become the workhorse imaging modality for peripheral nerve evaluation. MRN protocols vary across institutions and are adjusted in individual patients, although they commonly include nerve-selective sequences and diffusion-tensor imaging tractography. Ultrasound offers a dynamic real-time high-resolution assessment of peripheral nerves and is widely accessible and less costly than MRN. Ultrasound has greater ability to examine peripheral nerves at the fascicular level and provides complementary information to MRN. However, ultrasound of peripheral nerves requires substantial skill and experience and is operator-dependent. The two modalities have distinct advantages and disadvantages, and the selection between these depends on the clinical context. This article provides an overview of advanced imaging techniques used for evaluation of peripheral nerves, with attention to MRN and high-resolution ultrasound. We draw on our institutional experience in performing both modalities to highlight technical considerations for optimizing examinations.
    • Contributed Indexing:
      Keywords: MR neurography; peripheral nerves; ultrasound
    • Publication Date:
      Date Created: 20240214 Date Completed: 20241212 Latest Revision: 20241212
    • Publication Date:
      20241213
    • Accession Number:
      10.2214/AJR.24.30826
    • Accession Number:
      38353448