MRI and cervicobrachial neuralgia

Recent improvements in magnetic resonance imaging techniques have altered our choices in the exploration of cervicobrachial neuralgia (CBN). The use of high-field machines, new acquisition sequences and paramagnetic contrast media has increased the sensitivity and specificity of the MRI method in the detection of degenerative lesions responsible for CBN. These new techniques are essentially based on gradient-echo sequences can be acquired in two or three dimensions, and each of them has its own advantages and drawbacks, but their performance is sufficient for MRI to be now considered a reliable and non-traumatic exploratory method for CBN. Performed after standard radiography, MRI tends to be the first-choice examination in the preoperative evaluation of cervical radiculopathies and myelopathies.