Visualization of denervated muscle by gadolinium-enhanced MRI

Thirty patients presenting with foot drop due to lesions of the peroneal nerve or L5 spinal root were investigated with gadolinium (Gd)-enhanced MRI of the lower leg. Significant enhancement was only seen in the denervated muscles in a pattern appropriate for the distribution of the nerve or root. In a rat model, identical changes in the denervated muscle were reproduced and seen as early as 24 hours after sciatic nerve transection. Thus, Gd-enhanced MRI is a new and sensitive technique to visualize denervated muscle.