MR Imaging of the Brachial Plexus: A Practical Review
Maria L Brun-Vergara1, Azza Reda2, Paulo Puac-Polanco1
1Department of Radiology, Radiation Oncology and Medical Physics, The Ottawa Hospital, University of Ottawa, 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON K1H8L6, Canada.
Abstract:
The brachial plexus is a network of nerves responsible for the motor and sensory innervation of the upper extremity and upper chest. Pathologies affecting this structure can lead to significant morbidity, ranging from pain and sensory deficits to profound motor impairment. MR imaging is the modality of choice for imaging the brachial plexus. This review provides an overview of brachial plexus imaging, emphasizing practical aspects, anatomic landmarks, and imaging protocols, as well as a wide range of pathologies ranging from traumatic injury to inflammatory, idiopathic, hypertrophic, and neoplastic conditions.
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