Technological Advancements in Magnetic Resonance Neurography

Magnetic resonance neurography (MRN) is being increasingly used as a problem-solving tool for diagnosis and management of peripheral neuropathies. This review is aimed at summarizing important technological advances, including MR pulse sequence and surface coil developments, which have facilitated MRN's use in clinical practice.

The most recent research in MRN focuses on its clinical applications, with concomitant development of three-dimensional, parallel imaging and vascular suppression techniques that facilitate higher spatial resolution and depiction of small nerve branches arising from the brachial and lumbosacral plexi as well as fascicular abnormalities of more distal extremity nerves. Quantitative diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) has been studied as a tool to detect microstructural abnormalities of peripheral nerves and more precisely define grades of nerve injury but will require additional investigation to determine its role in daily clinical practice. MRN continues to evolve due to technological improvements and awareness by the medical community of its capabilities. Additional technological developments related to surface coil designs and vascular suppression techniques will be needed to move the field forward.