Utility of Sensory Nerve Conduction Study in Radiologically Positive Lumbosacral Plexopathy.

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Radiology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Lumbosacral plexopathy (LSP) diagnosis can be challenging.
• Nerve conduction studies (NCS) are often used but may require complementary imaging.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) offers detailed visualization of the lumbosacral plexus.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the utility of MRI in diagnosing LSP.
• To compare MRI findings with electrophysiological data (NCS).
• To identify specific nerve abnormalities indicative of LSP on MRI.

Main Methods:

• Prospective recruitment of eight patients with suspected LSP.
• Clinical evaluation, electrophysiological testing (NCS), and lumbosacral plexus MRI.
• Analysis of MRI findings including signal intensity and structural abnormalities.

Main Results:

• MRI is the preferred imaging modality for LSP evaluation.
• Saphenous nerve (SN) abnormalities were found in 88% of patients with MRI-positive LSP.
• Other nerves like superficial fibular and sural nerves showed abnormalities in 38% of cases.
• MRI revealed causes such as tumors, hematomas, abscesses, and contrast enhancement.

Conclusions:

• The saphenous nerve is the most frequently affected nerve in MRI-positive LSP.
• MRI of the lumbosacral plexus is a valuable tool for LSP diagnosis.
• MRI findings, particularly SN abnormalities, can significantly aid electrophysiological evaluation of LSP.