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Updated: Mar 26, 2026

Diffusion Tensor Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Chronic Spinal Cord Compression
Published on: May 7, 2019
MRI findings of spinal accessory neuropathy
A E Li1, H G Greditzer1, D P Melisaratos1
1Department of Radiology and Imaging, Hospital for Special Surgery, 535 E 70(th) St., New York, NY 10021, USA; Weill Cornell Medical College, 1300 York Ave, New York, NY 10021, USA.
Aim:
To characterise the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) appearance of patients with spinal accessory nerve (SAN) denervation.
Material And Methods:
Twelve patients who had SAN denervation on electromyography (EMG) were included. The sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles and the SAN were assessed using MRI.
Results:
Trapezius muscle atrophy was seen in 11 (92%), and of those patients, T2/short tau inversion recovery (STIR) signal hyperintensity was also demonstrated in seven (58%). All three patients with prior neck surgery had scarring around the SAN, and one of these patients demonstrated a neuroma, which was confirmed surgically.
Conclusion:
Features of SAN neuropathy on MRI include atrophy and T2/STIR signal hyperintensity of the trapezius, and in patients who have had posterior triangle neck surgery, scarring may be seen around the nerve.
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