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Multiparametric Quantitative MRI of Peripheral Nerves in the Leg: A Reliability Study
Yongsheng Chen1, Jacob Baraz1, Stephanie Yan Xuan1
1Department of Neurology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA.
Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging : JMRI
|May 16, 2023
Summary
This study developed a reliable multiparametric quantitative MRI (qMRI) method for peripheral nerves. This technique provides crucial data for developing new imaging biomarkers to monitor polyneuropathies.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Biomarker Development
- Peripheral Nerve Imaging
Background:
- Polyneuropathies involve peripheral nerve demyelination and/or axonal degeneration.
- Current imaging lacks biomarkers to track these pathological changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a multiparametric quantitative MRI (qMRI) method for peripheral nerves.
- Assess the reliability of this qMRI technique for peripheral nerve imaging.
Main Methods:
- Established a qMRI protocol at 3T using 3D gradient echo and diffusion tensor imaging.
- Quantified nerve parameters sensitive to myelin/axonal pathology (MTR, MTsat, T2*, T1, PD, FA, MD, AD, RD) and muscle fat fraction (FF).
- Assessed test-retest reproducibility and inter-rater reliability using Bland-Altman and ICC.
Main Results:
- The qMRI method demonstrated good-to-excellent test-retest agreement (ICC 0.78-0.99) and inter-rater reliability (ICC > 0.80).
- Identified distal-to-proximal variations in nerve parameters (e.g., increased MTsat, FA; decreased T1, PD, MD, RD) and muscle FF.
- The developed qMRI protocol is highly reproducible.
Conclusions:
- The proposed multiparametric qMRI method for peripheral nerves is reliable and reproducible.
- Generated normative data for healthy nerves, essential for future biomarker development in polyneuropathy patients.
