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The brachial plexus: normal anatomy, pathology, and MR imaging
Brian C Bowen1, Pradip M Pattany, Efrat Saraf-Lavi
1Department of Radiology, Jackson Memorial Medical Center, 1611 NW 12th Avenue, Miami, FL 33136, USA. bbowen@med.miami.edu
Neuroimaging Clinics of North America
|June 5, 2004
Summary
Advanced MRI techniques improve imaging of the brachial plexus, a complex neural network. Despite challenges like artifacts, newer methods enhance visualization for diagnosing conditions like injuries and entrapment syndromes.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- The brachial plexus presents significant diagnostic imaging challenges due to its complex anatomy.
- Conventional imaging methods often struggle with adequate resolution and contrast for detailed plexus visualization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review advancements in Magnetic Resonance (MR) imaging for the brachial plexus.
- To discuss factors limiting MR image quality and explore potential solutions and alternatives.
- To correlate MR findings with clinical indications for brachial plexus imaging.
Main Methods:
- Utilized phased-array technology and novel MR pulse sequences for improved spatial and contrast resolution.
- Presented case material demonstrating these technological enhancements.
- Reviewed brachial plexus anatomy and multiplanar MR imaging appearance.
Main Results:
- Newer MR techniques significantly enhance image quality of the brachial plexus.
- Identified persistent limitations including inhomogeneous fat suppression, motion artifacts, and mimicry by small vessels.
- Established morphologic and signal characteristics for differentiating normal from abnormal plexus components.
Conclusions:
- Advanced MR imaging offers marked improvements for brachial plexus evaluation.
- Addressing artifacts and understanding anatomical variations are crucial for accurate diagnosis.
- MR imaging is vital for diagnosing masses, traumatic injuries, entrapment syndromes, and other plexus pathologies.