MR imaging of the brachial plexus

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Neurology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Brachial plexus (BP) pathology presents diagnostic challenges due to complex anatomy and diverse clinical presentations.
• Accurate localization of BP lesions is often difficult, complicating diagnosis and treatment planning.
• Invasive diagnostic methods like biopsy carry risks of neurological deficits and pain.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a clear review of brachial plexus pathology using conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
• To highlight the utility of noninvasive MRI in diagnosing and managing brachial plexus conditions.
• To assist radiologists in interpreting complex BP imaging findings.

Main Methods:

• Review of conventional magnetic resonance imaging techniques for brachial plexus evaluation.
• Illustration of characteristic imaging findings for various BP pathologies.
• Correlation of imaging findings with clinical presentation and management strategies.

Main Results:

• Conventional MRI effectively visualizes brachial plexus anatomy and pathology.
• MRI can differentiate between various benign and malignant conditions affecting the BP.
• Imaging findings correlate with the extent and level of disease, aiding in localization.

Conclusions:

• Magnetic resonance imaging is a valuable noninvasive tool for characterizing brachial plexus pathology.
• MRI findings guide clinical management decisions, potentially avoiding invasive procedures.
• This review aims to enhance radiologists' confidence in diagnosing BP conditions via MRI.