[Lesions of the peripheral nerves: MR neurography as an innovative supplement to electrodiagnostics]

The diagnostic work-up of peripheral neuropathies largely depends on neurophysiological investigations. Recently, progress in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has lead to new perspectives in the diagnostics of disorders of the peripheral nervous system (PNS). Experimental data show how MR neurography visualises axonal and demyelinating lesions of the PNS. In clinical use, difficult cases of focal nerve compression, traumatic or inflammatory lesions can be solved by the combination of MR neurography and neurophysiology. In particular, the localisation of nerve lesions can be improved by MR techniques. Furthermore, MR neurography enables new insights in the pathophysiology of neuropathies which will be shown for diabetic polyneuropathy.