MRI findings of 26 patients with Parsonage-Turner syndrome
Richard E Scalf1, Doris E Wenger, Matthew A Frick
1Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St., SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
Objective:
The objective of our study was to describe the MRI features of patients with Parsonage-Turner syndrome. Familiarity with the MRI features associated with this entity is important because radiologists may be the first to suggest the diagnosis. Twenty-six patients with Parsonage-Turner syndrome were treated at our institution between 1997 and 2005. We retrospectively reviewed the MR images of patients with clinical or electromyographic evidence (or both) of acute brachial neuritis without a definable cause.
Conclusion:
MRI of the brachial plexus and shoulder in patients with Parsonage-Turner syndrome showed intramuscular denervation changes involving one or more muscle groups of the shoulder girdle. The supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles were the most commonly involved. MRI is sensitive for detecting signal abnormalities in the muscles of the shoulder girdle of patients with Parsonage-Turner syndrome. MRI may be instrumental in accurately diagnosing the syndrome.
Insights
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the brachial plexus reveals intramuscular denervation in Parsonage-Turner syndrome. This imaging technique is sensitive for detecting shoulder girdle muscle abnormalities, aiding in diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Neurology
- Musculoskeletal Imaging
Background:
- Parsonage-Turner syndrome, also known as acute brachial neuritis, presents with sudden onset shoulder pain and weakness.
- Radiologists play a crucial role in early diagnosis, often being the first to identify potential cases.
- Understanding characteristic MRI findings is essential for accurate diagnosis and patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To delineate the specific MRI features observed in patients diagnosed with Parsonage-Turner syndrome.
- To enhance radiologists' familiarity with MRI findings associated with acute brachial neuritis.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of MR images from 26 patients diagnosed with Parsonage-Turner syndrome.
- Inclusion criteria: clinical or electromyographic evidence of acute brachial neuritis without a clear cause.
- Focus on MRI of the brachial plexus and shoulder girdle.
Main Results:
- MRI demonstrated intramuscular denervation changes in shoulder girdle muscles in all affected patients.
- The supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles were most frequently involved.
- MRI effectively detected signal abnormalities within these muscles.
Conclusions:
- MRI of the brachial plexus and shoulder is highly sensitive for identifying denervation changes in Parsonage-Turner syndrome.
- Characteristic MRI findings can be instrumental in the accurate diagnosis of this condition.
- Familiarity with these MRI features aids radiologists in suggesting the diagnosis earlier.
