MR Imaging of the Brachial Plexus

The characterization of brachial plexus (BP) pathology can be perplexing for the radiologist, especially due to varying combination of sensory and motor symptoms depending on the extent of disease and the level of disease process. Localization can be difficult due to inherently complex anatomy of th...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Clinical neuroradiology (Munich) 2014-09, Vol.24 (3), p.207-216
Main Authors: Rehman, I., Chokshi, F. H., Khosa, F.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Aged
Brachial plexus
Brachial Plexus - injuries
Brachial Plexus - pathology
Brachial Plexus Neuropathies - pathology
Female
Humans
Image Enhancement - methods
Magnetic resonance imaging
Magnetic Resonance Imaging - methods
Male
Medicine
Medicine & Public Health
Middle Aged
Neurology
Neuroradiology
Neurosurgery
Peripheral Nerve Injuries - pathology
Review Article
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Description
Summary:The characterization of brachial plexus (BP) pathology can be perplexing for the radiologist, especially due to varying combination of sensory and motor symptoms depending on the extent of disease and the level of disease process. Localization can be difficult due to inherently complex anatomy of the BP complicated by a variety of benign and malignant disease processes. Infrequently requested imaging of the BP, can be a challenge to both the novice and experienced reader. Invasive methods of diagnosis, such as biopsy, yield variable results and carry the risk of causing permanent sensory and/or motor deficit and may also cause long-term neuralgic pain. The purpose of this article is to provide a straightforward review of BP pathology as seen by conventional magnetic resonance imaging and to illustrate the value of this noninvasive technique in guiding management.
ISSN:1869-1439
1869-1447
DOI:10.1007/s00062-014-0297-3