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Updated: May 9, 2026
09:52
Imaging and Analysis of Neurofilament Transport in Excised Mouse Tibial Nerve
Published on: August 31, 2020
Imaging of the peripheral nervous system
Guido Stoll1, Einar Wilder-Smith, Martin Bendszus
1Department of Neurology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.
Handbook of Clinical Neurology
|August 13, 2013
Summary
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and nerve ultrasound (US) are advanced imaging techniques for evaluating peripheral nerve (PN) disorders. These methods offer detailed insights into nerve injuries, aiding diagnosis and treatment planning.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Peripheral nerve (PN) disorders require accurate diagnostic tools for effective management.
- Computed-tomography (CT) has limited utility in PN evaluation due to radiation exposure and poor soft tissue contrast.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the advancements in imaging techniques for peripheral nerve lesions and disorders.
- To compare the complementary roles of MRI and nerve ultrasound (US) in diagnosing PN conditions.
Main Methods:
- Review of current imaging modalities, focusing on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and nerve ultrasound (US).
- Discussion of MRI's ability to detect intrinsic signal alterations in nerve degeneration and muscle denervation.
- Explanation of US's role in identifying echotexture changes indicative of tumors, entrapment, or inflammation.
Main Results:
- MRI and US provide complementary morphological information on the site and extent of nerve injury.
- US offers high spatial resolution and accessibility, while MRI excels in soft tissue contrast and imaging deep nerves.
- Recent technological advances have significantly improved the spatial resolution of both MRI and US.
Conclusions:
- Advanced MRI and US are indispensable for diagnosing nerve compression, tumors, and inflammatory conditions.
- Imaging can identify treatable conditions even with normal electrophysiological findings, highlighting its clinical importance.
- Novel contrast agents in MRI and US show potential for in-vivo monitoring of nerve regeneration, neuroinflammation, and perfusion.
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