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MRI features of peripheral traumatic neuromas
Shivani Ahlawat1, Allan J Belzberg2, Elizabeth A Montgomery3
1Musculoskeletal Radiology Section, The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 601 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA. sahlawa1@jhmi.edu.
European Radiology
|July 20, 2015
Summary
Traumatic neuromas show enhancement and lack a target sign on MRI, distinguishing them from peripheral nerve sheath tumors. Clinical history of trauma is crucial for diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Neurology
- Pathology
Background:
- Traumatic neuromas result from nerve injury.
- Distinguishing neuromas from neoplasms can be challenging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the MRI characteristics of traumatic neuromas.
- To identify imaging features that differentiate neuromas from other nerve lesions.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 13 subjects with 20 neuromas on MRI.
- Two observers assessed imaging features including size, margins, signal intensity, and enhancement.
- Correlation analysis between neuroma size and parent nerve size.
Main Results:
- Neuromas commonly presented as neuromas-in-continuity (13/20) or end-bulb neuromas (7/20).
- All neuromas exhibited indistinct margins and the 'tail sign'; none showed a 'target sign'.
- Enhancement was observed in 88% (7/8), and distal nerve segment enlargement was noted.
Conclusions:
- MRI features like enhancement and lack of a target sign are key for diagnosing traumatic neuromas.
- Contrast enhancement does not differentiate neuromas from peripheral nerve sheath tumors (PNSTs).
- Clinical history of trauma is vital, as neuromas can mimic peripheral nerve neoplasms on imaging.
